Berkey Approved info about Algae Bloom

ALGAE BLOOM – FAQ

Below is some information that might be helpful, with respect to the recent Algae

Bloom and resulting contamination of the water supply to Toledo, Ohio:

“...Cyanobacterial cells range in size from 0.5-1 μm to 40 μm in diameter...”

In other words, it's a long skinny bacteria.

http://huey.colorado.edu/cyanobacteria/about/cyanobacteria.php


Internet research seems to indicate that cyanobacteria are even larger, typically

on the scale of 150 micrometers in size.

While we have not tested the specific microbes associated with Algae Blooms, we

have tested other pathogenic bacteria and two viruses, which are a small fraction

of the size of these microbes.

To understand the difference between the size of pathogenic bacteria and

viruses, we suggest the following web link as it will give you a great visual of the

The University of Utah Cell Size and Scale Chart:

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/cells/scale/

Slide the scale at the bottom to see the size of virus vs bacteria vs other potential

contaminates and magnify to greater levels.


Black BerkeyTM purification elements have been tested to remove both

pathogenic bacteria and viruses to greater than the EPA purification standards.

This suggests that larger bacteria, such as cyanobacteria, should also be

effectively removed. Without test data on that specific microbe however, NMCL

does not make that specific claim.

The MS-2 virus is 24-26 nm in size.

The Fr Coliphage virus is 25nm in size.


In other words, they are over 1,000 times smaller than Cyanobateria.

Additionally Microcystins, which are the chemical contaminates resulting from

cyanobacteria are an organic chemical. Testing of Black BerkeyTM elements has

demonstrated they are extremely efficient at removing organic chemicals.

The EPA defines Microcystins as: “...toxins produced by cyanobacteria.


Cyanobacteria are also known as blue-green algae and are ubiquitous in surface water

when conditions are favorable for growth and formation of algal blooms. Cyanobacteria

release toxins upon cell death or lysis. When released, toxins may persist for weeks to

months. Toxins of most concern are microcystins. Microcystins take their name from the

genera Microcystis. Most microcystins are hepatotoxins (liver toxins). Hepatotoxins are

produced by species of the genera Microcystis, Anabena, Nodularia, Oscillatoria among

others. Most microcystins are associated with Microcystis aeruginosa. While the liver is

the primary target of microcystins, it is also a skin, eye and throat irritant...”

http://iaspub.epa.gov/tdb/pages/contaminant/contaminantOverview.do


Further, the EPA states that: “...The following processes are considered effective for

the removal/oxidation of microcystin:.... powdered activated carbon (up to 100% for

some microcystins but less so for others), granular activated carbon (time-dependent

from 100% near start up to 38 to 73% at 3.5 months...”

http://iaspub.epa.gov/tdb/pages/contaminant/treatmentSummary.do


Finally, the EPA states that: “...Removal of total microcystins, M-LR, and M-LA, in

water by granular activated carbon (GAC) can be very effective where the effectiveness

is based on the empty bed contact time, the carbon's age, and possible biodegradation

of the toxin. Time-dependent monitoring in a full-scale plant ranged 43 to 60 percent

removal for M-LR. Time-dependent monitoring in pilot-scale studies ranged from greater

than 99 percent at one month to 73 percent at 3.5 months for M-LR, and from greater

than 99 percent at one month to 38 percent at 3.5 months for M-LA...”

http://iaspub.epa.gov/tdb/pages/contaminantProcess/contaminantProcessOverview.do


Based upon the above Internet research, Black BerkeyTM element microbe and

organic chemical removal test data and the information provided by the EPA in

their reference material cited above; these all suggest that Berkey® water

purification systems should be extremely effective at removing and reducing

contaminates resulting from the current algae bloom. NMCL also highly

recommends that whenever possible, the cleanest source water available should always be utilized.

Ultimate in water borne contamination removal | Available in CA too | Free Sports Berkey

World leader in portable water filtration

Berkey water filter systems come in several different models, all shown on this page for comparison. Each model was engineered with a specific set of guidelines in mind. The most important factor to consider is the number of people that the specific Berkey water filter model would be able to supply drinking water for. A second factor is, how would you be using the filter? Would you be using the water filter system to supply just drinking water or would the water from the Berkey also be needed for hygiene and cooking purposes? Finally would you be using the Berkey system for everyday use or only in emergencies? All models produce the same quality of water (purified). The difference between the models is the amount of water that they are able to produce per hour and the size of the storage container. 

Members who signup for our Loyalty program save even more. Members save extra

 

Berkey Water Filters Now in California Too!

 

For several years, Berkey Water Filters could not be shipped to California residents. This limitation was due to somewhat ambiguous regulations that went into effect January 1, 2010. The regulations were not only vague but the related requirements also made it very costly, if not impossible, for smaller companies to comply with the regulations that were unique to the state of California.

The systems that fall under this category and are therefore now available to California residents are:

1. Sports Berkey 
2. Travel Berkey
3. Berkey Lights (with or without LED lights

Summer Traveler's Special Buy travel berkey & get sports berkey FREE !! Berkey is offering a Summer Traveler's Special. For a limited time, with the purchase of a Travel Berkey® system, a free generic Sport Berkey® Portable Water Filter will be included.

The compact Travel Berkey® system is the perfect system for use during travel & any outdoor activities or during unexpected emergencies. The Travel Berkey® system removes pathogenic bacteria, cysts & parasites entirely & extracts harmful chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, organic solvents, radon 222 & trihalomethanes.  It also reduces nitrates, nitrites & unhealthy minerals such as lead and mercury.

Travel Berkey Filters

$246

Sports Berkey The Sport Berkey Portable Water Filter is the ideal personal protection traveling companion  - featuring the IONIC ADSORPTION FILTRATION SYSTEM.   $37.00 Crown Berkey Water Filters    The Crown Berkey is our largest purifier model and is ideal for use with very large sized groups (40-150 people) at home, churches, hospitals and orphanages. $325

Imperial Berkey This versatile purifier model is the ideal system for use with large sized groups 25-75 people, at home, churches, hospitals, and orphanages.   $310.00	Royal Berkey Water Filters Versatile purifier model ideal for home use and large-sized families (from 4 to 26 people) or during emergencies. $283

Consumer Price Index for Meats , Poultry, Fish and Eggs is a telling story.. how do you lock in these rates..

You've seen the news ... virtually all food prices are rising fast now. Food inflation is becoming a major issue. 

There's really only way to take immediate productive action to protect your household, and that is to lock-in today's prices by purchasing foods.

 

Consumer Price Index for Meat (Source: Federal Bank of St Louis..entire report here):

How do you cook food when in a storm or camping or just out there ? Rely on our Survival Stoves now at 25%

Offering our Stoves collection at 25% off 

What are your options when you are in a storm ? How would you cook food ? Would you scramble for twigs, firewood ? Would you need fuel to light a fire to cook ? We have options. No matter what the conditions are our stoves will help you out there.

Extending 25% off on our stove collections for members and non-members alike.

All American Sun-Oven (Save $91.88)



Cook, Bake, Dehydrate, or Boil with the World's
Most Universal Power Source...
Free Sunshine!
The TOTALLY NEW All American SUN OVEN® has retained the best qualities of the original Global Sun Oven and added many more user friendly features to create America's most efficient hassle free solar appliance for cooking, water pasteurization, and dehydrating.

Optimus Nova+ (Save $44.75)



Optimus has added the patent pending Powerline for precision flame control at a distance from the flame by simply twisting the fuel hose. Optimus Nova+ also offers the stability of wide pot supports that fold around the burner for packing convenience and its serrated burner arms assure that the pan stays in place.

The VitalGrill Stove is a unique stove that is ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY and specially designed for outdoor activities and survival situations.



The flame, fed by a blower fan, produces up to 20,000 BTU of heat - two to three times more energy than traditional portable stoves.

Optimus Hiker+



No matter how bad it gets out there, you'll be doing fine. It didn't earn the nickname "Himalaya Stove" for nothing.

Last Few Days to get Volume Discount on Dairy

Volume Discounts 

Buy 5 cases of Bega Cheese of Red Feather or Canned Ghee and you get extra $25 off. 

Bega:
http://www.safecastle.com/red-feather-canned-cheese-1.aspx

Red Feather Butter: 
www.safecastle.com/red-feather-canned-butter.aspx

Ghee: 
http://www.safecastle.com/canned-ghee-case.aspx

Discount applied on Checkout.

7 Survival Life Hacks that Could Save Your Life

Are you prepared for a storm, tornado or even a nuclear event ? Protect with Safecastle Shetlters

Safe Castle Shelters

Safecastle fallout shelters, storm shelters and safe rooms are the absolute best protective option a household, business, or community association can have in a world of uncertainty and danger. Lifetime guarantee of structural integrity; our builder's track record of decades of work is unparallelled in the industry. Qu 

ite simply, Safecastle is in the business of providing steel-plated peace of mind. Over 500 shelters have been built in the last 15 years and have literally saved lives.

 

 

Storm Shelter  Safecastle shelters are designed by a structural engineer certified in every one of the continental United States. Our Storm Shelters (and fallout shelters) meet or exceed all F.E.M.A. guidelines.   Our shelters are designed and certified to withstand an F-5 tornado and then some. Many shelters on the market are made for 250mph winds (up to a medium-range F-4 tornado). Our shelters are built to hold off any F-5 winds and beyond, up to 330mph! (Not seen on THIS planet!)

Fallout Shelters Safecastle prefabricated Fallout Shelters are made of steel up to 7/16" thick.  The primary differences between our storm shelters and our fallout shelters are found in modifications to the door, steps, and air vents to make them virtually impervious to radiological, biological, or chemical contamination. They are also referred to as NBC shelters (protecting from Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical contamination).

 

3D models of our 50-foot Military-grade Fallout This shelter can be made smaller or larger to fit any needs or wants that you may have. We can add bedrooms, more storage, gun safes, beds...the possibilities are literally endless. For more detail on our 3D Model click here

We Custom Build  Our shelters are ideal for churches, fire departments, town halls, schools, etc. We now build large shelters for businesses and communities. Our safe rooms can go inside any home or building that is going to be built, or outside existing homes or businesses. In order to place orders you need to call us and we will take it from there.  Why we don't have pricing ? Pricing on shelters depend on size, grade, location (as your order will include shipping costs), also if you would like to customize shelters with additional products (see below) therefore best way to get started on a Shelter is to call Amber at  1-877-673-2394 or email customerservice@safecastle.com.

Complete Filter Replacement Set $850.00 AC / DC Safe Cell $6,375.00 Complete NBC Filtration Package $5,300.00

Turtle Tuffe Shelter  The Turtle Tuff is not a tent, but a very strong home away from home. It can be used in an emergency (earthquake, hurricane, etc.) to relocate to a safe area and with a few hours set up, have a safe dwelling for the family in any weather.   For more details click here

 

Preparedness is a duty ... Great video, "Urban Danger"

Excellent two-hour video for anyone even slightly interested in preparedness! ...

 

Urban Danger from SusPrep on Vimeo.

Bega Cheese and Red Feather Butter is back on Sale 25% off

 

What customers are saying about Bega Cheese 

"I ordered one can of this cheese just to try it. WOW! it tastes better than any Kraft cheese (that I buy all the time). Texture was great."

What customers are saying about Red Feather Real Canned Butter 

"This is really good stuff! had some last year and got myself a case for the long haul I would recommend this to anyone"

Don't forget members who signup for our Loyalty program save even more. Members save extra

 

Bega Cheese, Red Feather Canned Butter

If you have been looking to add REAL butter, not powdered or freeze dried, to your long term food storage program, then look no further! We have found a canned butter that is imported from New Zealand that actually tastes better than any gourmet butter we had ever tried - and with an indefinite shelf life, no refrigeration is necessary!!   Red Feather Canned Butter $156.00

 

Bega Cheese 36 7 oz cans $128.00 Bega Cheese 72 single serve $97.9

 

Ghee - Clarified Butter ! What you get in each Case?  6 cans of 24 oz each.  Extremely long Shelf Life ! High Quality pure clarified butter for cooking and Flavor!!  Ghee does not need to be refrigerated. In the unopened can, the shelf life is 15 to 20 years. Once opened, it will stay fresh for 10-12 weeks at room temperature if you use the plastic lid, and 12+ months if refrigerated. The ghee will stay fresh for a longer period if you use clean, dry spoons whenever touching the ghee so you don't introduce contaminants or other flavors.  Ghee is healthier for you than almost all cooking oils. Like any clarified butter, ghee is composed almost entirely of saturated fat. Ghee actually has been shown to reduce serum cholesterol in several US case studies. Recent studies have even revealed that ghee can actually reduce cholesterol.

Pure US Canned Ghee 6 24 oz Cans per Case   $109.99

 

Disaster Risk by the Numbers: 1237 Disasters in the US Alone Since 1900

How do you visualize the risks and threats you are preparing for? One true and unbiased way is to look at researcher-tabulated data.

Since 1988, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) has been maintaining an Emergency Events Database - EM-DAT.

EM-DAT was created with the initial support of the WHO and the Belgian government.

The main objective of the database is to serve the purposes of humanitarian action at national and international levels. It is an initiative aimed at rationalizing decision-making for disaster preparedness, as well as providing an objective base for vulnerability assessment and priority setting.

 

Eye-Opening Context

I strongly recommend you spend at least a few minutes perusing the EM-DAT site. I guarantee you will take away some eye-opening morsels for consideration.

At a minimum, I'd suggest going to this page:

http://www.emdat.be/database

On that search page, you can call up lists of types of disasters and their impact for any country or region in the world for periods of time beginning as far back as 1900.

A sample search I did was for the U.S., from 2000 to present, all types of disasters. The result was a list of 1237 disasters, to include drought, earthquake, fire, disease, floods, storms, industrial and transportation accidents, and more. Those disasters resulted in 58, 539 deaths and left over half a million people homeless. Over $777-billion in total damages were amassed.

Trend-wise, global data shows that disasters are progressively getting worse.

This is quite simply a stark reminder that disaster, when it strikes, is rarely going to be the type you might envision in your ongoing program of preparedness.

One lesson to take away is that we need to NOT focus on any one type of threat as being THE danger we want to be ready for. Another lesson is that wherever we are, risk is always there on the periphery of our comfortable and secure existence.

Thankfully, a good prep program is largely applicable across a wide spectrum of disaster risks.

Biggest Sale ever on Mountain House 31-51% off | Free Shipping | Build your own Cans or Pouches Case

Mountain House Cans !!      

Biggest Sale Ever...Lowest prices..Free Shipping

 

Our summer 2014 Mountain House sale is a big one. Not only do club members and non members get maximum allowed discounts on all can cases AND free shipping in lower 48 states, fresh from the MH Factory but also incredible loyalty benefits members get with our year end rebate. Its for a limited time so Hurry. Get your orders in.  

See how Mountain house produces the high quality food.

 

Buy more, save more..31-51% off  

• Buy 1   Case  , get 31% off
• Buy 2   Cases, get 32% off 
• Buy 3   Cases, get 33% off
• Buy 4   Cases, get 34% off 
• Buy 5   Cases, get 35% off 
• Buy 10 Cases, get 40% off  

Note: Purchase has to be single transaction to get volume discounts. 

51% off .. volume discount on select products

 

 

Make your own Case of Cans !!  (pick 6 cans of your choice)  We did a survey in March where we asked you what improvements we can make in our products. One suggestion we received was to offer a custom variety case.   Now you can pick from a selection of our top 10 Mountain House products and pick any 6 cans to make a case. We will sort it and package it to ship to your door, free of course.

Make your own Case of Pouches (Pick 6 pouches of your choice)  Choose any combination of 6 Mountain House, Double Serving  Pouches, to create your own custom Mountain House Variety Case.  Over 20 different  varieties to choose from:  Rice & Chicken Spaghetti w Meat Sause Chicken A La King Beef Stroganoff  ....and more