Is ACORN behind violent unrest in Ferguson?

By Matthew Vadum

ACORN’s old Missouri chapter is playing at least a supporting role in the violent unrest and crime wave that has plagued Ferguson and St. Louis, Missouri since the Aug. 9 death of Michael Brown.

With all the pathologies on parade right now in and around Ferguson, really, how could the loyalists of ACORN, which once claimed a membership of 400,000, have stayed away from the opportunity to lynch a white police officer for doing his job?  The recruiting and fundraising opportunities for the cop-hating progressive movement are virtually unlimited.

What’s going on in Ferguson is mobocracy at its ugliest.

Activists are blackmailing the grand jury that is now hearing evidence against police officer Darren Wilson, who shot Brown in August reportedly in self-defense.  If the grand jurors refuse to indict Wilson, radical activists are promising even more mayhem.

The message is unmistakable: indict the cop, and there will be peace.  Don’t, and Ferguson will burn.

One of the groups deeply involved in causing chaos in Ferguson is Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment (MORE), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit.

MORE is the rebranded Missouri branch of the former Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), which filed for bankruptcy in late 2010.  That ACORN state chapter reconstituted itself in December 2009 as MORE under orders from ACORN’s national headquarters.  President Obama used to work for ACORN, and he represented it in court as a lawyer.

MORE has been active in the protests and in efforts to free jailed demonstrators so they can continue vandalizing businesses, intimidating perceived adversaries, setting fires, throwing projectiles and urine at cops, and engaging in the left’s usual modes of so-called nonviolent protest.  MORE believes that protesters should be given a blank check to inflict whatever harm they wish on the community in pursuit of social justice.

MORE is also a recipient of taxpayer funding – and to no one’s surprise, it is not a good steward of those dollars.  MORE received $21,000 for its “foreclosure prevention” efforts but “did not fully comply” with the rules, according to the St. Louis city comptroller’s “fiscal monitoring review” released a few days before Brown was shot.

MORE is one of the now defunct ACORN network’s most active renamed state chapters.  In 2010, MORE activists did their best to cause a near-riot at a Chase bank office in a St. Louis suburb.  Activists screamed, “Predatory lender, criminal offender!” and demanded that banks not foreclose on defaulted mortgages.  MORE also was trying to shake down Chase, whose philanthropic arm contributed millions of dollars to ACORN, for some more money.

MORE’s executive director is longtime ACORN organizer Jeff Ordower.  Ordower, an outspoken vote fraud apologist, previously ran Missouri ACORN and oversaw ACORN’s Midwest operations.  He was also an SEIU organizer in Texas.

In his online biography, Ordower boasts that he was “one of a group of founders of the Chicago based organization Gender Just, which merged queer, class and racial justice.”  The bio states that he “is welcoming co-conspirators in attempts to scale up numbers of radical organizers who can financially support themselves in the work.”

Under Ordower’s leadership, MORE is a magnet for the community organizers, lowlifes, and lawbreakers now waging war in the streets nightly against beleaguered Ferguson police and businesses.

Following longstanding ACORN practice, MORE has been throwing out the welcome mat for criminals.  On its Facebook page the group offers fugitives an opportunity to stay one step ahead of the authorities.  It recently hosted an event that allowed possible absconders to verify if warrants were pending for their arrest.  The Facebook post asks  would-be attendees:

“Don’t know if you have any outstanding bench warrants?  Join MORE and ArchCity Defenders for a free warrant search.  This is an opportunity to find out if you have any warrants without having to worry about being arrested in the process.”

Criminals are, of course, natural community organizers.

Community organizing guru Saul Alinsky openly admitted his ties to the Al Capone gang in 1930s Chicago.  Alinsky befriended hit man “Big Ed” Stash and Frank Nitti, who took over the gang after Capone went to prison in 1931.

In Alinsky’s own words, Nitti “took me under his wing” as he explored the inner workings of the criminal underground.  “I called him Professor and I became his student,” Alinsky said.

Attacking the structure of society is what criminals and community organizers do.  As Alinsky wrote in Rules for Radicals, a community organizer must foment unrest and anarchy.

The organizer’s first job is “community disorganization” by manufacturing crises in order to inflame the community.  The organizer must “create the issues or problems.”  He must “rub raw the resentments of the people of the community” and “fan the latent hostilities of many of the people to the point of overt expression.”

The organizer must “agitate to the point of conflict” because without friction and controversy, “people are not concerned enough to act.”  Having harangued the community out of its feelings of complacency, the organizer then directs its rage at specific targets and scapegoats, providing “a channel into which the people can angrily pour their frustrations.”

Officer Darren Wilson makes a perfect target for the highly active remnants of the ACORN activist empire.

Chicago Activists Unchained, Destroy Black Leadership

Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot, 27 Oct, 2014

Prayer Breakfast

0700 at BJ’s Restaurant

Hamilton, Montana

O Father, send your transforming power into my life as I seek to serve you this day. Grant unto me wisdom, courage, grace, and strength to faithfully fulfill the ministry to which you have called me. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers

2. Breakfast is served

3. Morning Psalm: 19

4. Breakfast Reading: Ephesians 5:1-20

5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:

          News around the valley

          Community Aid through Christian Churches; we must to teach our community to fish and to provide mutual aid to local governments.

                   Action Plan

                             1) Work on Mission Statement:

Who: Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot

What: Showing the public how to construct a 72 hour kit in corrdination with the churches of Ravalli County

When: Starting in 2015

Where: Ravalli County

Why: Matthew 24:7  ⁷ For nation shall rise against nation, and realm against realm, and there shall be famine, and pestilence, and earthquakes in ^[a]divers places.

Footnotes: [a] Matthew 24:7 Everywhere. 

1 Thessalonians 5:3

 ³ For when they shall say, Peace and safety, then shall come upon them sudden destruction, as the travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape.

1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)

                             2) Newspaper Announcement

Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot (Headline)

Every Monday morning at 7 am, veterans in the Bitterroot Valley “push back” with a prayer breakfast at Hamilton’s BJ’s Family Restaurant, to pray, talk about religion, and current events. All are welcome to attend.

 “Live today in Jesus Christ’s presence, remembering he is near and will sustain you as you serve in his name. Amen”

                             3) Contact “March for Jesus Christ” churches

                             4) Pick first venues:

                                      a) Darby Foursquare Church

                                      b) Corvallis United Methodist Church

                                      c) Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene

                             5) Pick topics and speakers

                                      a) Communications

                                      b) Medical

                                      c) Psychological

                                      d) Buying in bulk

                                      e) Local Law Enforcement

                                      f) Food Preservation

                                      g) Security

                                      h) Important Papers

                                      i) Emergency Planning

                                      j) Pandemic Planning

                                      k) Kits and Sets

                             6) Always finish with “Breaking Bread”

52 Weeks to Preparedness by Tess Pennington

                             1) Week 41 of 52: Self-Reliant Skills

6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

Upcoming Events:

          3 Nov 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          10 Nov 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          11 Nov 2014 – 1100 – Veterans Day Parade in Corvallis

          11 Nov 2014 – 1700 – Bitterroot Valley Dining Out

          17 Nov 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          24 Nov 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          27 Nov 2014 – Thanksgiving

          4 Apr 2015 – 0645 – March for Jesus Christ

         

Follow the Fellowship of Christian Veterans:

On the Web: http://cvbitterroot.blogspot.com/

On Twitter: @Walk_April_4_15

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/military.bitterroot

Week 41 of 52: Self-Reliant Skills

I have often emphasized how important it is to understand that preparedness isn’t about how many items you have stored away – it’s really about learning the skills necessary to survive. Ultimately, we want to be self-reliant and able to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In order to adapt and transition more fluidly into self-reliant living, our efforts must lie in our learned skills, abilities and knowledge.

I realize the time constraints of our daily schedules can put a dent in our availability; but it is vital that you find the time to learn. When making the decision on what skills you should learn, think sustainability.

This is a basic list of skills you should learn in order to survive in a longer-term disaster.

1. Medical Training

Medical training should be a priority for those preparing for extended emergencies.  Due to the increased use of sharp tools (and weapons for that matter), there will be more medical emergencies involving deep lacerated cuts and infections from open wounds. Additionally, there will be an increase in burns from being in closer contact to fires.  These injuries can become infected very quickly, and knowing how to treat them will keep your family healthy.

There are online courses offered for basic CPR/First Aid, however, learning some advanced medical skills will give you more of the fundamental training needed to thrive during a long-term emergency. Find an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class that is offered for paramedics to better equip you to handle emergency medical situations.

Further, invest in medical handbooks such as The Doom and Bloom Survival Medical Handbook by Joseph Alton, M.D. and Amy Alton, A.R.N.P. or When There Is No Doctor by Gerard S. Boyle, M.D. Both resources are will help you learn what needs to be done in an emergency medical situation. Practice these techniques now in order to perform better under pressure.

2. Disaster Training

Learning how to plan and prepare for a disaster, as well as understanding how your community plans to respond to emergencies (and the after effects of a disaster), will help us adapt to the situation more quickly in such an event.  Disaster training is typically offered by FEMA, the American Red Cross and other disaster organizations.  The American Red Cross offers extensive courses in disaster safety and training, as well as basic First Aid/CPR courses.  Thanks to the Information Age, information is at the click of a mouse. Online disaster courses are now offered through a variety of websites.

3. Gardening Skills

It’s time to get your hands dirty and get back in touch with nature. In a long term survival situation, seeds will mean the difference between life and death. When a disaster occurs, start some sprouting seeds to ensure that you have a natural source of vitamins and nutrients until your seeds bear their fruits.

Learn necessary gardening skills such as companion plants, crop rotations, beneficial insects, natural ways to replenish soil with compost and earthworms, and which gardening tools will be beneficial in an extended emergency.

4. Medicinal Plants

Another relevant knowledge source is understanding the medicinal value of plants and herbs.  It is amazing how many uses there are for plants besides spicing up our entrees.  Researching natural medicines is another major need in a survival situation, especially if a person in your group has a pre-existing condition.

Click here to read about the Top 10 Medicinal Herbs.

5. Firearm Certification and Training

There are dozens of firearm courses offered through the National Rifle Association as well as at self defense businesses and at some local colleges. This skill is easily lost if you do not practice regularly. Also, practicing gun safety, especially around children will help them learn how important it is to be mindful around weapons.

6. Canning and Food Preparation

As Carla Emery, a homesteading author once said of our pioneer ancestors, “If people’s labors were fruitful, they put away a long-term food supply as a matter of common sense; their food was wholesome, hearty, and healthy.” Knowing how to can and preserve foods to eat during the long winter months is essential.

Canning and food preservation measures will be extremely useful in a longer-term disaster. Having food preservation tools such as jars, lids, pressure cookers, and supplies to preserve foods can help you keep your harvest edible for a year or more! Check www.craigslist.com, garage sales and even at second hand stores for these essential items. Canning jars would also make an excellent bartering item.

Further, having knowledge on how long foods last will help you preserve foods when they are at their best. This convenient food storage chart is a great tool to have in your kitchen to ensure your pantry foods are within expiration.

7. Amateur Radio Classes

Each of us have read enough survival books to know that the “comm down” scenario is a very real threat, and happens more often than not. Experts from the private and public sector warn that we are just one major catastrophic event away from an incident that could take down the grid. The best way to prepare for this serious situation is to equip yourself with the knowledge and with the tools for emergency communication. Having a radio is encouraged by many disaster relief organizations.  And having knowledge on how to work and maneuver a HAMM radio will provide a person with an emergency communication source during a time when most communication is down.  The National Association of Amateur Radio provides information based on a person’s location and course information on their website.

8. Sewing Classes

Everyone has heard stories of how their great grandmothers would sew quilts out of material harvested from worn-out clothing.  Not many of us have this skill anymore.  Typically fabric stores offer sewing classes and sewing events for their customers.  Sewing classes will not only teach a necessary skill, but it will also help you get the survival mindset in place.  Instead of buying something, make something new out of what you have available. For instance, rather than throwing away torn jeans, salvage the non-worn areas and turn them into patches for clothing.  Use other sections for pieces for a quilt, and make rags from what is left over.

9. Outdoor Survival Skills Courses

Learning necessary outdoor skills will provide a person with fundamental knowledge on how to better survive.  The Boy Scouts offer adult classes, and you can also find relevant courses at some community colleges.  Get creative and search around the internet.  There are some survival courses offered online (some are even free survival courses) that a person can take from the comfort of his or her home.  Look for courses on how to forage for food in the wild, essential survival skills, and wilderness medical courses. Some of these courses are  offered at local colleges, the YMCA, community park and recreation facilities, etc.  Additionally, finding books, and  e-books on survival skills is another way to gather information on this topic and practice what you learn later.

10. Homesteading Skills

There is a range of preparations and skills that are absolutely necessary for running a successful farm or homestead. That is why our forefathers often screwed up and starved to death. If all the pieces are not there then the potential exists for failure. Now is the time to get these skills in order. Learning about livestock care, how to fix essential machines, how to use non-electric or turn of the century tools,  how to render lard, and how to make soap and candles. These are all lost art forms, in my opinion and need to be learned in order to sustain your family or group for long-term scenarios. YouTube and online websites can do wonders for helping you learn the basics of these skills.

11. Hunting Skills

If you plan to hunt wild game for a food source, you will need to learn how to gut the carcass, skin the fur or remove feathers and properly cut the meat. The “hunter-in-training” will also have to have a proficient knowledge on the different types of hunting tools used to prepare animal carcasses (and these tools come in different sizes based on the animal). TheNational Hunting Association is a portal that can take a person to their local area hunting association in order to get more information for their specific area. Also, this website offers the hunting guides for all of the states within the USA.

I’d like to conclude by offering a few pieces of advice on learning new skills – practice any chance you get and give yourself time to learn it. Like any new thing you try to do, there is a learning curve involved. Give yourself time to make the necessary mistakes and learn from them. Process of elimination is usually the way we learn best. Finding others in your area who can help guide you through these new skills can be such a blessing, and can open the door to some new mentors.

Preps to Buy:

• Written books on skills you want to learn
• Tools or accessories needed to learn these skills
• Extra printer paper to print out any information you find online
• Binders for organizing your information (To help you organize this binder, click here for tips)

Action Items:

Start looking online for any online courses you can take.

Make a goal to start learning a new skill set.

Purchase written resources for your survival library.

Equip yourself with essential knowledge.

Get and stay current in any certifications.

Continue to educate yourself on skills you feel are pertinent to your survival.

Islam : Most important video I have ever seen on Islam.

Pelayo and the Dawn of the Reconquista, 715-722

Second Arab Siege of Constantinople, 717-718

Arab Conquest of Spain, 711-715

The Madness of Justinian II and the Final Arab Subjugation of Byzantine North Africa, 685-711

Origins of the Sunni/Shiite Divide and the Resolution of the Monothelite Controversy, 678-685

Siege of Constantinople, 674-678

Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot, 20 Oct, 2014

Prayer Breakfast

0700 at BJ’s Restaurant

Hamilton, Montana

O Father, you have sent Jesus Christ to show us how to live. Grant us the power of the Holy Spirit so that we may follow him in faithfulness all the days of our lives. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers

2. Breakfast is served

3. Morning Psalm: 139

4. Breakfast Reading: Zephaniah 3

5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:

          News around the valley

          Community Aid through Christian Churches; we must to teach our community to fish and to provide mutual aid to local governments.

                   Action Plan

                             1) Work on Mission Statement:

                       Who: Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot

                   What: Organize Preparedness and Disaster Relief Volunteers through the churches of Ravalli County

                   When: Starting in 2015

                   Where: Ravalli County

                   Why:

Possible Verses:

¹⁶ “Pay attention, now! I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as cunning as serpents and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16 (ISV)

²² You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But the person who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22 (ISV)

⁷ because nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. Matthew 24:7 (ISV)

⁸ because nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. Furthermore, there will be earthquakes and famines in various places. These things are only a beginning of agonies.” Mark 13:8 (ISV)

¹¹ In addition there will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places, as well as terrifying events, including significant signs from heaven.” Luke 21:11 (ISV)

⁵¹ Do you think that I came to bring peace on earth? Not at all, I tell you, but rather division! ⁵² From now on, five people in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. ⁵³ They will be divided father against son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Luke 12:51-53 (ISV)

³ When people^[a] say, “There is peace and security,” destruction will strike them as suddenly as labor pains come^[b] to a pregnant woman, and they will not be able to escape. 1 Thessalonians (ISV)

Footnote:

[a] 1 Thessalonians 5:3 Lit. they

[b] 1 Thessalonians 5:3 The Greek lacks come

The International Standard Version (ISV) is the first modern Bible translation in any language to provide an exclusive textual apparatus comparing the text of the famed Dead Sea Scrolls with the traditional Masoretic text of the Hebrew Tanakh (i.e., the “Old Testament”).

                             2) Newspaper Announcement

Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot (Headline)

“Live today in Jesus Christ’s presence, remembering he is near and will sustain you as you serve in his name. Amen”

Every Monday morning at 7 am, veterans in the Bitterroot Valley “push back” with a prayer breakfast at Hamilton’s BJ’s Family Restaurant, to pray, talk about religion, and current events. All are welcome to attend.

                             3) Contact “March for Jesus Christ” churches

                             4) Pick first venues:

                                      a) Darby Foursquare Church

                                      b) Corvallis United Methodist Church

                                      c) Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene

                             5) Pick topics and speakers

                                      a) Communications

                                      b) Medical

                                      c) Psychological

                                      d) Buying in bulk

                                       e) Local Law Enforcement

                                      f) Food Preservation

                                      g) Security

                                      h) Important Papers

                                      i) Emergency Planning

                                      j) Pandemic Planning

                                      k) Kits and Sets

                             6) Always finish with “Breaking Bread”

52 Weeks to Preparedness by Tess Pennington

                             1) Week 40 of 52: Cold Weather Preparedness

6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

Upcoming Events:

          27 Oct 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          3 Nov 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          10 Nov 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          11 Nov 2014 – 1100 – Veterans Day Parade in Corvallis

          11 Nov 2014 – 1700 – Bitterroot Valley Dining Out

          17 Nov 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          24 Nov 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          27 Nov 2014 – Thanksgiving

          4 Apr 2015 – 0645 – March for Jesus Christ

         

Follow the Fellowship of Christian Veterans:

On the Web: http://cvbitterroot.blogspot.com/

On Twitter: @Walk_April_4_15

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/military.bitterroot

Week 40 of 52: Cold Weather Preparedness

        By Tess Pennington

In a previous newsletters we discussed in depth the nightmare we would experience during a prolonged or long-term power disruption. Taking this a step further, what would happen if this event occurred in the dead of winter? This is a serious threat for those who see frigid cold weather temperatures during the winter? In this case, it will be up  to you to keep yourself and your family warm until the grid comes back up or until Spring arrives.

In an article written by the talented Sarah Duncan, she discusses this very issue and adds that, “Our society has become so certain that the grid is permanent that many homes built over the past 50-60 years have been designed without the vital elements of a fireplace or a wood stove for heat.” In the newer homes, most of the fireplaces are present for aesthetic reasons rather than practicality. For this reason, we must prepare accordingly in order to stay warm.

Exposure to cold for long periods of time can be caustic to the body tissues. When the cold hits the body and your core temperature drops, your body will kick into survival mode by cutting off circulation to the outer extremities first (like when a lizard detaches its tail). The fingers, toes, nose, ears, and lips are the first places your body ceases to keep alive when faced with death by freezing. These are the first parts of the body to show signs of frostbite. Keep in mind that you can develop hypothermia with temperatures above freezing. The fastest way to become hypothermic is a combination of cold temperatures with wind and rain. In this case, your body loses heat 25 times faster than it would by just being out in the cold.

Older individuals and small children are at the greatest risk of hypothermia. Diabetics and those who suffer from low thyroid levels are also more at risk. However, anyone who is subjected to the elements long enough will surely be effected. Learn about the signs of hypothermia and how to treat it.

Let’s begin discussing some solutions and practical ways to prevent this. Having some space heaters on hand will be a Godsend when temperatures start dropping rapidly. Propane heaters, such as the Little Buddy heater can provide a room with ample heat and are considered safe for indoor use in most states. There are several propane heaters on the market that do not require electricity. Kerosene/Oil heaters are also beneficial to have during cold months. These heaters burn a wick for heat, fuelled by the addition of heating oil.  An antique “Perfection” oil heater can be a charming addition to your decor that can be called into service during a grid-down situation.  Click here to read more information about the different types of kerosene heaters that are available.

Every preparedness layer makes a difference in the case of surviving the winter in a grid-down situation. We can make the most of a dire situation by insulating the body and insulating the home. Aside from the obvious ways to stay warm, consider the following:

Insulating the Body

§  A large majority of body heat is lost at the back of the neck and at the top of the head, so make sure that you use the layering principle with your clothing. Ensure you have a warm hat to wear and to make sure your chest and neck are covered with a scarf.  Lightweight gloves will also help you maintain your warmth. Wear heavy socks and shoes to protect your feet from cold floors.

§  Hand warmers and foot warmers are a great way to increase your core body temperature quickly. Click here to learn how to make a pocket for these warmers to prevent scalding to the skin.

§  Use heavy sleeping bags. Zipping into a sleeping bag will conserve your body’s warmth more than simply getting under the covers.

§  Bivvy sacks are ideal for adding an extra layer to your sleeping bags for added warmth.

§  Crumbling up newspapers and putting them in your clothing will provide some extra warmth as well.

§  Pitch a tent.  This works especially well when you have children because it adds an element of fun to an otherwise stressful situation. Inside a tent, you can combine your body heat to stay much warmer.

§  Insulating the Home

§  Light some candles. Burning candles can add some much needed warmth to a small area. And if you want to make the most of heat emitted from a candle, try making a space heater from a candle. This handy device collects, retains, concentrates, and radiates dry space heat from a candle.

§  Sealing off a room or a smaller area to heat by using a folded quilt at the bottom to better insulate the room.  You can also hang heavy quilts in the doorways of rooms with a heat source to block them off from the rest of the house. Ensure that you seal any drafts coming from windows in the room as well.

§  To prevent heat from escaping from the fireplace when it’s not in use purchase a Fireplace plug. It is an inflatable pillow that seals the fireplace damper, eliminating drafts, odors, and noise. The pillow is removed whenever the fireplace is used, then reinserted after.

§  Insulate your windows. Rubber weather sealant and/or window insulation film can also keep drafts at a minimum.
You can also use a plastic shower curtain or bubble wrap and duct tape, topped by a heavy quilt to keep the wind from whistling through your windows.  This has the added benefit of keeping the windows dark if you are concerned about OPSEC (Operational Security). Another option is to purchase a draft door dodger or make your own. (The instructions for this are in the “Stats and Facts” section of this newsletter.) Layers of curtains made of heavy fabrics can also keep a room more insulated.

§  Here’s a way to convert your windows into passive solar heater.  This passive solar heater is very simple and can be made with items already in your house. If you want to read more about designing and building a solar heater for your home, here is a great article on Mother Earth News.

§  Heat some rocks. If you have a place outdoors for a cooking fire, you can add large rocks to the fire.  Rocks retain heat for a very long time. When you are ready to go to bed, move the rocks into a cast iron Dutch oven. VERY CAREFULLY take this into the room that you are heating. The stones will emit heat for several hours. This is an excellent way to passively heat your room when you’re sleeping. With this method, you don’t have to be concerned about the potential of a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning during the night.

In your search for warmth make certain that you also maintain safety. Keep fire extinguishers handy and invest in a battery operated carbon monoxide detector.  Keep children and pets away from items that could burn them or that could tip over, causing a fire. Be sure to store all flammable materials (such as propane and kerosene) according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Did you know that snow is an excellent insulator (provided you don’t touch it)? For those of you who may find themselves outdoors and exposed to the cold elements, knowing how to make an emergency winter shelter out of snow could save your life.

  Preps to Buy:

§  Space heater (preferably propane or non-electric)

§  Door draft stopper or windows and doors

§  Sleeping bag

§  Bivvy sac

§  Wool socks

§  Thermal underwear

§  Hand and foot warmers

§  Rubber weather sealant

§  Caulk

§  Window insulation film

§  Bubble wrap or an old shower curtain set aside

§  Duct tape

§  Fireplace plug

Action Items:

Winterize your home before bad weather is expected:

Check your furnace and replace filters monthly.

Inspect the fireplace and get it ready for use. Ensure your firewood is properly seasoned, and stored away from the home.

Insulate your exterior pipes.

Inspect exterior of home  and seal any crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes.

Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.

Add insulation to your walls and attic, if necessary.

Consider purchasing insulated doors and storm windows to further protect your home from the cold. This will also help lower your heating bill.

Replace cracked glass in windows. If is necessary to replace the entire window, be sure to prime and paint exposed wood.

If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields.

Inspect roof, gutters & downspouts and clean out any debris.