Scorpio64 5,147 Posted January 28, 2020 In a SHTF situation, there is a very good chance that computers and electronics will be bricked. The only thing you can truly count on is actual printed books. Please, this is not a thread about Faraday cages, so don't go there, thank you. Let's say, as part of your prepper plan you rationed a box, a strong copy paper or file storage size box, for essential books and documents. What books would you put in the bug-out/bug-in box, four or five books that you believe are essential for a long term survival situation? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mrs. Peel 7,157 Posted January 28, 2020 I too will be interested to see the replies. I've thought the same thing - that sources such as YouTube could be rendered worthless in many scenarios. Can't beat paper sometimes! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sniper 6,372 Posted January 28, 2020 1 hour ago, Scorpio64 said: In a SHTF situation, there is a very good chance that computers and electronics will be bricked. The only thing you can truly count on is actual printed books. I agree, the Internet can go away with a click of a mouse, but as another option, what about having the books in PDF format on a flash drive? Besides a direct hit by a EMP on your computer or tablet, you should still be able to boot up these devices and read the PDFs locally, right? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scorpio64 5,147 Posted January 28, 2020 1 minute ago, Sniper said: but as another option, what about having the books in PDF format on a flash drive? For the purpose of this exercise, we will assume that electronics are not available. The computer died, just because it's a computer and they do that, or little Betty dropped the tablet in a toilet to wash it off, the dog ate your iphone, the solar charger fried itself.... Anything electronic is plan A, it has failed, and now we are going to plan B. Hard copy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Underdog 1,593 Posted January 28, 2020 Sniper, that would be a good idea, but two is one and one is none. Those PDFs should be stored in multiple locations and shared amongst friends, but print copies should exist as well (and maybe a well-placed broken microwave. A library of knowledge on medicine, engineering, food, etc. would be invaluable to long term, but the OP is focusing on just (5) or so that you might actually be able to carry/transport with you and keep intact. Just off hand, here are a few of my contenders. Keep in mind that some of the books overlap and there are redundanies. It would also depend on your particular skill set. haven't really found any good books on surviving in an urban setting and a good book on engineering information might be a good choice as well. These books aren't in any particular order. The Survival Medicine Handbook by the Altons SAS Survival Handbook by Wiseman The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Emery Surviving Doomsday - Duarte The Backyard Homestead by Madigan Bushcraft Box Set by Dave Canterbury The Lost Art of Reading Nature's Signs by Gooley Survival Theory by Hollerman A Year without the Grocery Store by Morris Cookin with Home Storage by Layton The Good Living Guide to Country Skills by Gehring Prepper's Longterm Survival Guide by Cobb The Foxfire Book by Wigginton Surviving the Economic Collape by Aquirre How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It by Rawles Peterson's Guide to Edible Plants Facing Violence by Miller Defense Handgun II by James US Constitution Useful Knots by Fury When Violence is the Answer by Larkin The Bible An Assortment of Maps Please share your thougths an opinions. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sniper 6,372 Posted January 28, 2020 1 hour ago, Scorpio64 said: For the purpose of this exercise, we will assume that electronics are not available. The computer died, just because it's a computer and they do that, or little Betty dropped the tablet in a toilet to wash it off, the dog ate your iphone, the solar charger fried itself.... Anything electronic is plan A, it has failed, and now we are going to plan B. Hard copy. OK fair enough, so let's take that a step further. Having printed books and print-outs in a box, ready for review in a emergency is a GREAT idea, but when that time happens, do you want to be digging around in a box, in the dark, trying to figure out what to do? So, here is PRE Plan A: In reality, everyone needs to read those books/print-outs NOW, and make a plan and prepare on what they are going to do. Pulling them out, after the fact, might be difficult playing catchup. Here's an exercise to do RIGHT NOW. Go to your electrical panel box, turn off the main breaker, and live that way for a WEEK. You'll quickly learn where the holes are in your plan. Only then, will you truly know, and can backfill where necessary. Then go back and read the books/print-outs to see what you're missing. 41 minutes ago, Underdog said: Sniper, that would be a good idea, but two is one and one is none. Those PDFs should be stored in multiple locations and shared amongst friends, but print copies should exist as well. True, but I operate on the one is none, two is one, and three is bare minimum where you want to be. I also believe in the Boy Scout motto; "Be Prepared". Both my sons are Eagle Scouts, so there's a mindset that's been a staple in our family. Knowing what to do BEFORE the incident happens is 9/10 of the game. I've actually wargamed and have done trial runs. Going through Hurricane Sandy without power for an extended period helped close some gaps. I believe in trials and testing, before the stress of the event gets here. I think trying to read, learn, adjust and handle daily survival DURING the incident can really test your nerves. But, maybe that's the engineer in me talking... I like to catch little problems before they become BIGGER problems.. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Underdog 1,593 Posted January 28, 2020 Absolutely, there is no substitute for training and preparation. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RUTGERS95 890 Posted January 28, 2020 arfcom has a thread where you can download pdf's etc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Underdog 1,593 Posted January 28, 2020 By the way, you can get an older workhorse laserjet printer such as an HP 5 or 6 rather cheap and cartridges (5000 pages each cartridge) can be had for about $20 each. I wish my setup could do double-sided. With that cost basis you can make copies of a lot of information, but where to store it, etc. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scorpio64 5,147 Posted January 28, 2020 1 hour ago, Sniper said: do you want to be digging around in a box, in the dark, trying to figure out what to do? So, here is PRE Plan A: In reality, everyone needs to read those books/print-outs NOW, and make a plan and prepare on what they are going to do. Pulling them out, after the fact, might be difficult playing catchup. Clearly, you do not understand the point of this post. We are not talking about what to do or read now in preparation for the future. That is for another thread. We are doing hard copy reference material that will be invaluable, in situ, when the time comes 2 hours ago, Underdog said: A library of knowledge on medicine, engineering, food, etc. would be invaluable to long term, but the OP is focusing on just (5) or so that you might actually be able to carry/transport with you and keep intact. ^^^ THIS ^^^ Listen to the astute Unterhund. I do not disagree that folks should be prepared before the SHTF cough@Mrs. Peelcough...., but one can't prepare for everything or know everything. Can someone who read a paragraph on how to amputate a gangrenous limb two years ago rely on just memory when the time comes? Anyhoo, the post is about what you would throw in a box. It's your box, your life. Put in it whatever you desire. You win. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CMJeepster 2,777 Posted January 28, 2020 BSA Fieldbook Peterson Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CAL. .30 M1 2,101 Posted January 28, 2020 https://www.amazon.com/U-S-Army-Improvised-Munitions-Handbook/dp/1684112737 A repair manual and spare parts for youre generator 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mrs. Peel 7,157 Posted January 28, 2020 I'll tell you what... I don't think anyone's disagreeing on developing both skills and useful resource materials. People can list their recommended books on this thread... and @Sniper - please feel free to open another thread on developing real-life skills to supplement a small library... (mock drills, workshops, etc.) Easy-peasy! It's called getting along, folks! 1 hour ago, Scorpio64 said: I do not disagree that folks should be prepared before the SHTF cough@Mrs. Peelcough Hey, now, @Scorpio64!!! Wow, am I being paranoid... or are you mocking my (self-admitted) deer-in-the-headlights, Kardashian-on-a-camping-trip "survival skills"? Just because I thought water bottles would freeze and burst is no reason to be mean! That really hurts. I'll have you know, Mister, the following has been accomplished at Peel Headquarters just this month: I now have the LifeStraw 2.0 water filter stashed in my kitchen drawer I have been buying 1 package of bottled water with each recent grocery shopping trip - so I can build up a little stash I stocked up on a bunch of goods at the Shop-Rite can-can sale (combined with what I inherited from my late father's pantry, I already have enough food to last me about 6-8 weeks) My bro was just here yesterday, at my request, cutting extra shelves for my former broom closet/new pantry-for-one - I just put a coat of stain on the new shelves 2 hrs ago... and ordered the necessary brackets on Amazon I have a detailed list of other things I need to stock up on (developed from reviewing a number of online sites/YouTube videos, etc.) - and will be purchasing those in the coming weeks (I'm actually using flyers/coupons for the first time in my life - because frankly, though I embrace the idea of moving towards self-reliance with relative speed, it seems stupid to get hosed on the prices) I have a decent (not abundant, but decent) amount of firewood/fatwood/matches on hand for my woodstove (which btw has a flat top for cooking)... and I'm developing the habit of cleaning it out AND having it "match ready" after each use, so I don't have to trudge down into the basement if the power goes at night to rummage for supplies - although if I did have to do that, I actually know where my primary flashlight is and can put my hands on it in the dark I put fresh batteries in my smoke detectors and at the same time stocked up on extra batteries that fit ALL critical things in my house (thermostat, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, flashlights) The next "home improvement" on my To Do List is portable generator/related electrical work... and I'll be kicking that off within a couple of weeks. So, as you can see... perhaps you don't need that survival library, after all... YOU should just call ME! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scorpio64 5,147 Posted January 28, 2020 4 minutes ago, Mrs. Peel said: perhaps you don't need that survival library, after all... YOU should just call ME! Coms will be out. Besides, is an emergency situation really the right time for us to be having one of our naughty video chats. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CAL. .30 M1 2,101 Posted January 28, 2020 15 minutes ago, Mrs. Peel said: I'll tell you what... I don't think anyone's disagreeing on developing both skills and useful resource materials. People can list their recommended books on this thread... and @Sniper - please feel free to open another thread on developing real-life skills to supplement a small library... (mock drills, workshops, etc.) Easy-peasy! It's called getting along, folks! Hey, now, @Scorpio64!!! Wow, am I being paranoid... or are you mocking my (self-admitted) deer-in-the-headlights, Kardashian-on-a-camping-trip "survival skills"? Just because I thought water bottles would freeze and burst is no reason to be mean! That really hurts. I'll have you know, Mister, the following has been accomplished at Peel Headquarters just this month: I now have the LifeStraw 2.0 water filter stashed in my kitchen drawer I have been buying 1 package of bottled water with each recent grocery shopping trip - so I can build up a little stash I stocked up on a bunch of goods at the Shop-Rite can-can sale (combined with what I inherited from my late father's pantry, I already have enough food to last me about 6-8 weeks) My bro was just here yesterday, at my request, cutting extra shelves for my former broom closet/new pantry-for-one - I just put a coat of stain on the new shelves 2 hrs ago... and ordered the necessary brackets on Amazon I have a detailed list of other things I need to stock up on (developed from reviewing a number of online sites/YouTube videos, etc.) - and will be purchasing those in the coming weeks (I'm actually using flyers/coupons for the first time in my life - because frankly, though I embrace the idea of moving towards self-reliance with relative speed, it seems stupid to get hosed on the prices) I have a decent (not abundant, but decent) amount of firewood/fatwood/matches on hand for my woodstove (which btw has a flat top for cooking)... and I'm developing the habit of cleaning it out AND having it "match ready" after each use, so I don't have to trudge down into the basement if the power goes at night to rummage for supplies - although if I did have to do that, I actually know where my primary flashlight is and can put my hands on it in the dark I put fresh batteries in my smoke detectors and at the same time stocked up on extra batteries that fit ALL critical things in my house (thermostat, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, flashlights) The next "home improvement" on my To Do List is portable generator/related electrical work... and I'll be kicking that off within a couple of weeks. So, as you can see... perhaps you don't need that survival library, after all... YOU should just call ME! Please tell me you don't store wood in your basement Also https://www.katadyn.com/us/us/470-8013618-katadyn-pocket_usa https://www.ourtinyhomestead.com/wood-stove-cooking.html https://www.grit.com/departments/woodstove-cooking Please have these on hand at least two.... https://www.amazon.com/Original-Chimfex-Chimney-Suppressent-3412/dp/B002RRIKT2 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mrs. Peel 7,157 Posted January 28, 2020 1 minute ago, USRifle30Cal said: Please tell me you don't store wood in your basement Yes, I do have some wood in my basement... but only the leftover lumber from my dad's woodworking (clean, no bugs/pests, was always stored indoors). It allows me to access some firewood if I lose power in the wee hours of night/morning so that I don't have to trudge out into my yard in the dark. It's also stored on the opposite side of the basement from my boiler. Were those the concerns - boring insects? fire? Seriously, I only know what I know! If there's something else... clue me in. 8 minutes ago, Scorpio64 said: Coms will be out. Besides, is an emergency situation really the right time for us to be having one of our naughty video chats. Well, so much for your discretion, Lover! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeke 5,504 Posted January 28, 2020 Medical/trauma literature. wild edibles literature I have an Sas field craft manual natural remedies books. detailed maps of your location (s) and how to crap in da woods Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sniper 6,372 Posted January 29, 2020 2 hours ago, Mrs. Peel said: and @Sniper - please feel free to open another thread on developing real-life skills to supplement a small library... ...So you delete selective posts that have important info that other members can use? Then go on to post a lengthy list of prep items that aren't a book? Strange? 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CAL. .30 M1 2,101 Posted January 29, 2020 2 hours ago, Mrs. Peel said: Yes, I do have some wood in my basement... but only the leftover lumber from my dad's woodworking (clean, no bugs/pests, was always stored indoors). It allows me to access some firewood if I lose power in the wee hours of night/morning so that I don't have to trudge out into my yard in the dark. It's also stored on the opposite side of the basement from my boiler. Were those the concerns - boring insects? fire? Seriously, I only know what I know! If there's something else... clue me in. Well, so much for your discretion, Lover! Insect but old woodworking wood is actually too dry for a woodstove unless you you perfect sealing and a way to full damper the stove - being it is already mostly dry and beyond dry it can be too combustible if that makes sense Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ESB 244 Posted January 10 On 1/28/2020 at 12:41 PM, Underdog said: Sniper, that would be a good idea, but two is one and one is none. Those PDFs should be stored in multiple locations and shared amongst friends, but print copies should exist as well (and maybe a well-placed broken microwave. A library of knowledge on medicine, engineering, food, etc. would be invaluable to long term, but the OP is focusing on just (5) or so that you might actually be able to carry/transport with you and keep intact. Just off hand, here are a few of my contenders. Keep in mind that some of the books overlap and there are redundanies. It would also depend on your particular skill set. haven't really found any good books on surviving in an urban setting and a good book on engineering information might be a good choice as well. These books aren't in any particular order. The Survival Medicine Handbook by the Altons SAS Survival Handbook by Wiseman The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Emery Surviving Doomsday - Duarte The Backyard Homestead by Madigan Bushcraft Box Set by Dave Canterbury The Lost Art of Reading Nature's Signs by Gooley Survival Theory by Hollerman A Year without the Grocery Store by Morris Cookin with Home Storage by Layton The Good Living Guide to Country Skills by Gehring Prepper's Longterm Survival Guide by Cobb The Foxfire Book by Wigginton Surviving the Economic Collape by Aquirre How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It by Rawles Peterson's Guide to Edible Plants Facing Violence by Miller Defense Handgun II by James US Constitution Useful Knots by Fury When Violence is the Answer by Larkin The Bible An Assortment of Maps Please share your thougths an opinions. If you want to download and save the PDF in a secure location and print them out here are some links to books I could find. 667 Free Survival PDFs, Manuals and Downloads [Updated 2024 ] (seasonedcitizenprepper.com) SAS. Survival. Handbook. 2nd. Edition (archive.org) 4Patriots-Ultimate-Survival-Handbook.pdf NCScout The Guerrilla's Guide To The Baofeng Radio ( 2022) (archive.org) I'll update this as I find more. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites