Tag: Camping & Survival

Camping and Survival

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Cheaper Than Dirt! Quick Camping Tip

Camping & Survival

Quick Camping Tip: Five Essential Survival Items

Even during the most luxurious camping trip can have tragic consequences; bad weather, accidents, bears and getting lost are quite probable during even the shortest of trips. You may think you are fully prepared, but what will happen if bears rip up your tent while you are out hiking or raccoons ransack your food? Pack along these five essential life savers to put your mind at ease.

Picture shows a safety sign on the dock next to a rocky beach on the lake.

Boating and Water Sports

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer Day 30: Water Safety—Being Prepared for a Day at the Lake

There are an estimated 3 to 4 million lakes in the United States. One study even found that lake destinations were the number one spot for travel in 2012. This does not surprise me. Lakes offer plenty of recreational activities at an extremely low price. These natural bodies of water come with risks. Most drownings are due to unexpected exposure to the water. For children ages 1 to 4, drowning is the leading cause of death. Even adults who know how to swim are at risk for drowning. Most drownings are preventable. A day at the lake can be fun, safe and accident-free if you always follow these 15 safety tips.

Night sky lit up with fireworks and an American flag flying in the foreground.

Safety and Training

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer DAY 25: First Aid 101: Treating Burns

Injuries from burns increase during the summer due to outdoor cooking, campfires, candles, oil-burning lanterns and torches, and fireworks. On average, over 10,000 Americans seek medical attention for burns from fireworks a year. Additionally, in 2011, fireworks caused a reported 17,800 fires. There are four degrees of burns. This classification system is based on how bad the burn is depending on the location on the body, how big the burn and the depth. Learn how to treat them in this basic first aid guide to burns.

Picture shows a woman with her fist raised and a very angry look on her face.

Safety and Training

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer Day 21: Keep Your Cool—When it Heats Up So Does Your Temper

The terms hotheaded and blood boiling may be more literal than you think. Numerous studies have shown that higher temperatures negatively affect our mood. Heat can make us irritable, impatient, physically uncomfortable, aggressive and even violent. In fact, violent assault numbers—intent to do physical harm against another person—rise during the hotter months. The hotter it gets, the more aggressive we feel. As responsible gun owners and carriers, it is imperative we remain cool, calm and collected.

Picture shows a pitched tent and picnic table by the lake.

Camping & Survival

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer Day 10: Gearing up for Spring Camping

If you are like me, at some point it just gets too dang hot to tent camp in the summer. Spring weather in North Texas is optimal for camping—nice, warm and sunny during the day, with temperatures dropping in the night for a cool and comfortable sleeping environment. Plan your trips now before the heat turns sweltering. To get you ready, I have complied Cheaper Than Dirt’s! top six camping posts.

Picture shows a white emergency radio.

Camping & Survival

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer Day 3: NOAA-Approved Emergency Weather Alert Radios

NOAA broadcasts continuous updates on a network of radio stations around the country called NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) All Hazards. Not only does NOAA report weather, but also information on natural disasters such as avalanches and earthquakes, as well as environmental problems such as oil spills and chemical explosions, along with Amber alerts. NWR uses VHF frequencies from 162.400 to 162.550 MHz. However, you cannot hear these broadcasts on regular AM/FM radio receivers. Cheaper Than Dirt! sells four different emergency weather-alert specific radios. I have highlighted the main features of each.

White multi-layered dehydrator with a teal rimmed lid and a on a white background.

Reviews

A Prepper Gift List for the Non-Prepper

If you’re not a prepper, check this list of not-so-common gift ideas for your favorite prepper and maybe even for yourself. Whether you’re drawn to a simple shovel or a fancy food dehydrator, there’s something on this holiday gift list for every prepper you know.