Earn $25 Gift Certificates for Your Original Survival-Related Qs&As, if Chosen for Our New Online Game

We are gearing up to launch a new survival game online that we will be tying into our Safecastle buyers club. We can't say too much about it yet, but will be spilling more of the beans in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, we are offering $25 Safecastle Gift Certificates for every ORIGINAL multiple-choice survival scenario submitted by Feb. 24, that we select for use in our game. We are looking for a brief description of a dire situation, along with 4 or 5 multiple choices that folks might make in reaction to the situation. There might be more than one "right" response, but some will be better than others according to our point system.

With each submission, we ask for a brief description of a perilous situation. Propose a challenging decision and several (4 or 5) choices to choose from. We also ask for the author's viewpoint and explanation as to why they believe some choices might be better than others.

Creativity and originality are prized. Moral choices, as well as scientific, physical, and other mixes of dilemmas are welcome ... and so too is a touch of humor, if it fits. Scenarios may be taken from current events, future events, or historical events. Bottom line--we are looking at helping our game players gauge their ability to survive in tough situations.

We reserve the right to edit any Qs&As to suit our game. All submissions become the sole property of Safecastle LLC. Safecastle is released from all financial renumeration or any other subsequent obligations, and the company is free to use selected submissions in any way we choose.
Each Q&A submitter, by sending in a Q&A set, attests to the fact that they are the originator of the scenario and are alone authorized to offer the Q&As to Safecastle for consideration to be used in the upcoming game. Safecastle agrees to provide a $25 gift certificate to the author for each set of Qs&As selected for use in the game.

Author/submitters may specify that they would like to be credited (by name) in conjunction with their work if it is used in the game. If there is no such request attached to the submission, and it is chosen for inclusion in the game, it will be used without public credit by name. (The gift certificate will still be issued and awarded to the submitter.)

Email me your suggested scenarios here: vrantala@safecastle.net

Economist Williams: "This is End of the World Stuff"

Economist John Williams, CEO of ShadowStats.com, in an eye-opening interview: "This is a no-win situation ... I guarantee you, the US government is bankrupt ... Have a back-up of at least several months of supplies ... Buying canned food is a better investment than buying a treasury bill."

Stunning Video Representation of the Thousands of Major Quakes in 2011

The explosion of quakes in and around Japan in March is outrageous.

Hot New Product: "Stove in a Can"

I am sold on this:



Get it here.

My Favorite Superbowl Commercial

The return of Ferris Bueller was cool, but you can't argue with the end of the world approach to sell trucks ...

"The Last Day"

A timely, well-produced video from Israel:

Premier 7.5-month Storage Food Package on Sale at $1800; Plus We Welcome Back Some Old Favorites

We just put together our latest version of the good old USS FoodBundle. This one we call the Comfort-Essentials Edition and it is good to sustain a survivor for 7-1/2 months (at 2000 calories a day).

This may be the very best value package we've ever offered, based on the discounted price, variety range, and premier quality of foods in this 18-case bundle. It is an outstanding mix of foods and beverages that provide the full range of sustence that will not only keep you alive, but content and satisfied as well.

Our sale price is less than $1800! Plus this package qualifies for our Members Mountain House Buyer Rewards program ($150 gift certificate back in the program's current installment). Sale price and rewards offer subject to change in the near future.

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Some other "new-again" listings at Safecastle: Yoders bacon (our all-time most popular product), Organic Green Coffee Beans in cans (the only way to effectively store coffee long-term), and a new favorite, our unique Mega-Protein Meat & Dairy Pack.

Safecastle Now Matches Mountain House Sale Pricing from Other Dealers

Safecastle can now match Mountain House prices at any time. So, bottom line for you--you find any dealer running a MH sale and we will give you that price, PLUS you will of course also get your free shipping AND any Mountain House Member Rewards in effect. (Right now--that is $75 gift certificates for every three MH can cases!!)

Here are our Mountain House cans listings. If you find a sale price out there that you want us to match on a purchase, just email me with a link to that sale and I will get you a coupon code to use in our store for that purchase.

Background detail:  Most of our customers are familiar with the way Mountain House regulates its dealers with regard to sale pricing and practices. However, I'll explain for those who are not aware ...

Mountain House dealer regulations for the last several years have required that dealers sell MH cans at full list price except during limited approved sale periods. MH cans are also precluded from being discounted for our buyers club members due to those manufacturer restrictions--they must be sold at the same price for members and non-members. (MH cans are the only exception in our store to the members' standard 20% discount minimum.) That's why we offer the significant member incentive gift certificates for MH cans.

Now, our ability to match prices allow us to give the best prices out there all the time AND give our loyal customers the incentive packages they have come to count on as they build up their preparedness enterprise.

__________________

Additional FYI ... a brand new program is in the works that will provide our buyers club members with cumulative purchase rewards this year (retroactive to the first of the year), applicable to all purchases at Safecastle in 2012.

Last year, we had the Cache-Back program. This year will be quite different and a lot more fun and rewarding. It's taking a while to get it all put together--we've had to hire a software engineer to get it done, but when it's ready, it should be awesome (and it may even go viral).

So again--stay safe.

2011 Safecastle Freedom Award Winners!

Thank you to all of you who put together an article or video regarding crisis preparedness in 2011 for our Freedom Awards contest. The collective effort and overall results are encouraging. We are hopeful that more and more will become publicly proactive and vocal about issues that are important to all of us in this arena.

Clearly, the time is now for preparedness. We are seeing strong growth in this field, as well as a good deal of passion revolving around readiness, self-sufficiency, and freedom. Remember--each one of us is a torch-bearer. Carry the flame high.

The Champions

Without further ado ...

Video Category:

1st prize: "Survival and Prepping - The Basics" by Falcon15, Survivalmonkey.com - Katadyn Pocket

2nd prize: "PSK Survival Exercise" by ia woodsman, Survivalistboards.com - Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator

Article Category:

1st prize: "What is a Well-Stocked First Aid Kit" by K.M., Survivalblog.com - Katadyn Pocket

2nd prize: "Preparedness for Young People" by Maria S, Rural-Revolution.com - Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator

Each of the finalists as submitted to us from the participating blogs and websites will receive an engaved Freedom Award trophy, recognizing their achievement. Congratulations to all!

Testimonial for Safecastle: "a ministry to those trying to prepare"

I certainly appreciate all the feedback we receive from our customers. It helps to know what we are doing right and where we can improve.

I don't normally post or promote the raves we sometimes receive from our thoughtful buyers club members, but in this case, this comment is so heart-felt and on-target with what I've always felt is our mission:

From M. Brooks, Jan. 20, 2012:

I am in the military and first heard of Safecastle about 3 years ago while stationed overseas.  If memory serves me correctly I found it at Survival Blog. At that time I placed some orders and had them sent to my mother’s home back in the States.  Upon returning to the U.S., I saw the Safecastle advertisement again and the membership offer. 

I was quite skeptical to be honest because I figured the “lifetime membership” offer was too good to be true and if I paid the nominal amount for the membership, when I got ready to use it Safecastle would not be around. 

I decided to take a leap of faith and join what I hoped would not be a fly by night enterprise.  Soon I began to order products and am absolutely amazed!!!! 

The service is incredible; each time I have contacted Mr. Vic, I get an immediate response. He has always been kind and considerate and very professional and stands behind his word. Safecastle is a LEGITIMATE company. The membership perks are phenomenal. Because we are at such a critical juncture in our world, preparedness has become big business and there are a lot of folks in it just for the money and provide substandard products and services. 

I believe Safecastle is really a ministry to those trying to prepare.  I am still in the military and Safecastle continues to help me prepare for the uncertainties of the future. I am not paid by Safecastle nor have I been asked for this testimonial. I just want to reach any who are skeptics and don’t believe Safecastle’s claims. It is truly a first rate outfit, selling quality products at a reasonable price, owned and operated by a man who has a servant’s heart.

John Williams: No Way Out–Hyperinflation by 2014 The warning signs are getting worse | James J Puplava CFP | FINANCIAL SENSE

John Williams: No Way Out–Hyperinflation by 2014 The warning signs are getting worse James J Puplava CFP FINANCIAL SENSE

John Williams from Shadow Government Statistics sees no way to avoid hyperinflation, as some of the warning signs are getting worse: rising real inflation rates, massive Fed monetization, foreign nations dumping dollars, and the US losing its triple A credit rating.

"Your Wages Will Be Cut in Half"

Must read from Video Rebel's Blog: "Translating Zero Hedge: Your Wages Will Be Cut In Half"

Excerpt:  "... after the 2012 elections the Russians, the Chinese, Iran, Venezuela plus their clients states and a few other nations can and will force a devaluation of the dollar by refusing to accept Federal Reserve Notes in international trade. If Americans balk, China just has to dump a hundred billion dollars and buy commodities driving the price of food out of the reach of WalMart shoppers. Of course I realize the Chinese will just be doing what the bankers want them to do.

"An international conference will be held at which the dollar will be devalued by about 40% as predicted by Bernanke. This will complete that 50% pay cut I have been predicting.

"The Chinese will have dumped most of their dollars before the conference so that their economy will not be harmed by a dollar devaluation. If Americans can’t afford to buy Chinese products, China will just sell them to people whose currencies were revalued upwards.

"I would suggest you buy storable food, silver coins (not collectibles) and household items that will just increase in cost."

Experts Advise What to Freak Out About in 2012

The World Economic Forum's Global Risks 2012 report is out. There's plenty to set your hair on fire about. Check the interactive report here.

Some of the biggest concerns:  Chronic fiscal imbalances, water supply crises, severe income disparity, and food shortage crises.

To get the drift in one overall chart, feast your fearful eyes below. (If you are prone to laying awake at night worrying about things, you might want to skip this one.)

World Economic Forum: "Global Risks 2012," an initiative of the Risk Response Network

Why Mountain House Food is the Best Choice for Long-term Storage

Last Two Days of 25%-Off Mountain House Sale; Brand New Variety Available Today!

Last Two Days of the Maximum MH Sale ...
And cool news --

We've got the apples back in time for those who didn't get some the last time around. There are still some cases available at the factory which we will have shipped directly to you. Take your pick: diced apples or diced apples w/ cinnamon.

And just in time for the end of our sale: the brand new, delicious Mexican Style Rice & Chicken.

This Two-Week MH Sale (Shop here)

Ends January15 ...

As always with our MH sales--we are offering the maximum allowed discount on all MH can varieties: 25%.

As always--it all ships free to the continental US.

As always, we are offering buyers club members special reward gift certificates for their MH cans case purchases ($50 for every three cases).

And this time around, we are also offering an early-bird option to the rewards, while supplies last.

For those Royalty Reward details, see: http://www.safecastle.com/jan-12-mh-sale-rewards.aspx

Being Cool Always Trumps Freaking Out—To Douse the Hair, Just Prepare

Even for optimists, there’s not much to be pleased with these days. Fact is, this is clearly the time to be serious about your preparedness planning and activities.

How much would it take right now to pull down this whole teetering mess and force us to find out the hard way how cooperative, resourceful, and committed to each other Americans really are? (Or would that be committed to "what's mine"?) Clearly, what we have is a plateful of risk, served up flaming hot. But at this point, it’s still just risk. It's NOT the time to be panicking, locking up with worry, or freezing in the spectacle of the growing headlights of the oncoming tractor trailer loaded with trouble Mad Max-style.

No whining, crying or running around with your hair on fire

Right now, it’s enough to recognize that things are getting kind of dicey out there in the world. This is no longer a game of imagining what MIGHT happen IF "such and such" was to happen. Fact is, it may just be that a whole lot of "suches" are jamming up in the doorway right now, needing just the right jolt to come surging through your livingroom.

So what are you doing about it? Watch it unfold in high-def living color? ... or worse yet, maybe blog about it? ;-)
How about instead getting that last big project done that you know you really want completed before things get turned upside down? Or topping off the supplies while you can. Can you think of a better time to do it?

For those who have been quietly, systematically putting aside emergency food and supplies for a while, you're justified in momentarily embracing that twinge of vindication as more and more about economic chaos, food shortages, buyer panic, rumors of war, protests, strikes, riots, and revolutions around the world occupy the headlines.

No one enjoys seeing what is transpiring around the world. Malnutrition and starvation in various populations are still the reality … and circumstances are indicating that may multiply in numbers impacted. There’s a real risk that pain and suffering among millions of innocents is only beginning, given the trickle-down effects of economic collapse, should that come to fruition.

International tensions, political incompetence (or worse), corporate greed, natural disasters, crop diseases, short harvests, water shortages, skyrocketing energy costs, and budding public panic are now colliding in a harsh cacophony that will continue to resonate for years to come.

It’s Late, but Not Too Late

It's all beyond what any individual can impact in a positive way. You can certainly still be community-sensitive, but the important thing to do now is to try to take necessary steps to look out for you and yours. The longer you wait, it becomes exceedingly more difficult and costly.

Prepare by stocking up on good storage food that will keep for decades. Put it away and out of sight. The same with water, purification resources, guns, ammo, precious metals, cash, and whatever else your circumstances require.

Publicly, the responsible approach to the situation before us as a civilization is to economize and conserve limited resources--particularly in the realms of energy and food. Nonetheless, if you have on hand the resources to satisfy and protect your loved ones—you are going to be ahead of the curve.

In wealthier societies such as in the U.S., folks who have done nothing to this point to mitigate their household risks vs. energy crises and runaway food inflation and/or shortages now are in danger of having their backs against the wall. It's a tough way to wake up and to have to just start the journey. If this is you, you likely will want to break into a sprint. Regardless, if you're in that position--do what you can before you can do nothing at all.

For those somewhere else on the preparedness path--just keep on keepin' on. Try to keep your momentum going--nothing more, nothing less.

Whoever you are, whatever you still need to do to get to a satisfactory point of equilibrium for your situation--this rule always applies: Stay Cool.

The Panic Option

Panic will increasingly become the default option. But it never is the smart choice.

Whatever the crisis that presents itself ...

• Stop.
• Take deep breaths.
• Weigh the options.
• Pray.
• Choose wisely.

These days, the smart money is investing literally in preparedness. The crisis preparedness market niche is a cousin of the insurance industry, sharing a common peace-of-mind forebear. We are there for folks to help mitigate some of the risks we all face in an uncertain world. There are never guarantees, but in spite of the ever-present doom-sayers, our world is, all-in-all, a pretty decent and safe place to call home. In a nutshell, don't sweat the little things.

How-To

My single best, always-relevant, practical suggestion for folks new to preparedness:  take decisive steps that are not sole-purpose or specialize for one specific threat, that is unless you have more money than you know what to do with and you have no one else to answer to insofar as how you are spending that superfluous cash.

Examples:

- Buy emergency storage food that is genuinely edible, that you will eat, and that you will enjoy. Make sure it is canned for long-term storage and that the brand and variety is of proven quality. Don't buy stuff that you will have to throw away at some point and replace with more inedible, cheap storage food or grocery store sale items that will spoil quickly ... and surely don't buy stuff that will you will not use before its shelf-life expires. You always will need food ... buy some to store away--stuff that will store well for many years and that you can go and eat and enjoy anytime you need or want to. Did you know that freeze-dried food such as Mountain House will remain delicious and nutritious for many decades? Very true. Mountain House is the number-one choice for those serious about preparedness. It will always be there as a resource for you whenever the need arises, whatever the scenario.

- If you are building a new home or addition and there is some part of you that feels like you ought to have a safe place in your home to go to in the face of threats, then by all means, take advantage of that best-time opportunity to build-in a dual-use safe room or shelter that will protect your family from natural or man-made disaster. Besides serving as an emergency refuge--shelters and saferooms make for ideal storage spaces and even work-spaces or spare bedrooms.

- Do you enjoy the great outdoors? Do you hike or camp? Many of those outdoor pursuits make use of equipment that can double as critically needed gear in the event of disaster. Keep that in mind when you make those recreational purchases, as you may just want to adjust your purchasing decision to cover all your needs.

- How about investing in the means to operate some of the most critical appliances and conveniences in your home in the case of blackout? Most of us have had the experience of having to do without power for some extended period of time, risking the loss of all the food in our refrigerators. A generator (propane powered or diesel or gas powered) can be had for a very reasonable amount of money. Consider also a professionally installed transfer switch in your home that allows for that generator to safely power at least parts of your home. This makes sense for not only shorter-term power outages, but is a life-saver in longer-term crises. Similarly, solar and wind solutions are becoming more economical, practical and available.

The list goes on and on. The main point here is—it’s time to approach preparedness logically, calmly. Be serious about the need, but try not to get too worked up about any particular threat of the hour as yet. The risks are many, but your opportunity to mitigate those risks is still before you.

Safecastle LLC is a leading crisis preparedness provider. Emergency storage food such as Mountain House freeze dried foods, Safecastle steel-plate shelters and saferooms, and other unique survival gear solutions are available at www.safecastle.com

Customer Finds 29-year-old Mountain House Canned Food to be in Perfect, Delicious Condition!

Submitted by Safecastle customer Ed Perry, January 7, 2012:  "While up North I opened two cans of Mountain House Freeze Dried food ... a can of freeze dried pears and a can of freeze dried chicken and noodles. Bear in mind these were almost 29 years old and I had taken no special care in storing them. We ate all of each can. They were just as good as the day they were packed ... absolutely no degrading of any kind ... color, texture, taste were perfect. What a quality product! Mountain House says their freeze dried food will store for 25 to 30 years but I am betting that they would store for much longer than that.

"I have probably 60 cans of Mountain House purchased around 1982-83. I opened these two to give me an idea as to how they had fared without any special storage. I am totally impressed with Mountain House. I bought a lot of it that we used for back country canoe trips up in northern Canada and these were just left over. Actually I had forgotten about them and ran across them just by chance."

As they say, the proof is in the pudding. Mountain House is proven again and again the best storage food money can buy ...

• Award-winning for best taste freeze-dried food
• Oregon Freeze Dry Inc., in business for 48 years, is the world's technological leader in freeze-drying technology.
• 30-year shelf life (in cans) makes this the kind of tangible, appreciating investment you can eat
• Entrees include real meat, unlike many competitors' offerings (careful about buying "long-term" food from companies cashing in on the trend today) 
•  Among the most USDA inspected food around--continuous, multiple government inspectors on-site (especially for the volumes of government contract work OFD does)
• Prompt, free shipping when purchased from authorized dealer Safecastle
• Club member bonus awards during our current 25%-off sale. 
• Safecastle has a spotless 10-year record: A+ BBB rating, 0 conmplaints; satisfaction guaranteed.

Safecastle 2011 Freedom Awards Finalist Judging - Please Help Us Decide

2011 is in the history books. Our Safecastle Freedom Awards contest is in the final stage of deciding who will receive the contest's valuable grand prizes, including two Katadyn Pocket water filters and two Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrators. 

And we want your help in making those decisions.

The best qualifying survival-related articles and videos of 2011 as submitted to our many participating contest blogs and forums have been decided by those website administrators. Every finalist below will receive an engraved Freedom Award as pictured here. (Some of the original websites did not deliver finalists to us for various reasons.)

Our best-article finalists, in random order ...

From ModernSurvivalOnline, submitted by RobNPhx:  "A Survivalist Mindset Amongst Apathy."

From Bison Survival Blog, submitted by D. Ritchey: "Threat Analysis: Bikers"

From Survivalblog, submitted by K.M.: "What is a Well-Stocked First Aid Kit?"

From Rural Revolution, submitted by Maria S.: "Preparedness for Young People"

From Survivalmonkey, submitted by Bison Forge: "Building Better Bugout Bags"

From ModernSurvivalBlog, submitted by TripodXL: "Situational Awareness and Your Personal Protection"

From SFTFblog.com, submitted by gat31: "Growing Vertical Veggies"

From SurvivalistBoards, submitted by Mtnman Mike: "Year End Report about What Happened Last Summer on my BOL"

Our best-video finalists are ...

From Survivalmonkey.com, submitted by Falcon15: "Survival and Prepping - The Basics"

From SurvivalistBoards, submitted by ia woodsman: "PSK Survival Exercise part 1" (this video has two follow-on videos, but we are only judging part 1 for this contest).

Below, we have posted all the articles and videos so you can easily scroll down and view all the entries. We are limiting images posted here to no more than one per article. Some articles have many more images that you can see in their original posts linked above.

Thank you so much to all the contributing websites and to all the good folks who submitted entries for consideration in this contest. I think we all win as the result of having been exposed to so much survival-related wisdom and insight from all of you.

Please vote for your favorite by January 20, 2012...

We wanted to post a poll for each category to allow for you to quickly select your favorites. However, for some reason, we are being limited in our blogspot gadget admin to a maximum of 4 options per poll. So plan B ...

Please let us know which of these articles and videos are your favorite by posting a positive comment under your selections. (You can vote anonymously.) Your comment will not appear immediately, so do not keep commenting trying to view your comment. We have editorial approval set-up here to protect from spamming.  We will approve all positive comments to be seen, but it might take as long as a few hours for your comment to appear.

Your comments will assist our judges in making the final prize-winning decisions.

Freedom Award Finalist: "PSK Survival Exercise part 1"

by ia woodsman, as originally posted to SurvivalistBoards



Help us determine the best survival-related article of 2011 as written for Safecastle's 2011 Freedom Awards contest. See all the finalists in the article and video categories: www.safecastle.blogspot.com

Freedom Award Finalist: "Survival and Prepping - The Basics"

by Falcon15, as originally posted to Survivalmonkey



Help us determine the best survival-related article of 2011 as written for Safecastle's 2011 Freedom Awards contest. See all the finalists in the article and video categories: www.safecastle.blogspot.com