Radiation From Japan Reaches West Coast

Sources have confirmed that very low levels of radiation have been detected on the United States’ west coast. It is believed that the particles are from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant, which was severely damaged by the recent tsunami. 

Nuclear Crisis In Japan Raises Concerns About Radiation Exposure

Officials have ordered 140,000 people in northeastern Japan to remain indoors after it was discovered that dangerous levels of radiation had leaked from a damaged nuclear power plant. 

Building A Fire In Wet Conditions

Many people dismiss fire building as a no-brainer—just get some wood and light it with a match.

Nothing could be farther from the truth and real backwoods experts know that fire building is an art and a craft. In freezing cold conditions the ability to build a fire can save you from certain hypothermia if you are caught out in the wilds without adequate clothing or shelter to stay warm.

All fires depend on fuel in the form of combustible material and, in the woods, this usually means dry leaves, twigs, branches and other chunks of wood. If it’s raining out, how do you find dry wood? It’s easier than you think if you know where to look. 

Finding Higher Ground The Key To Surviving Tsunami

The international community has shifted its attention to Japan in the wake of last week’s historic earthquake and tsunami. As of March 14, media reports revealed that the death toll was expected to exceed 10,000 people. 

Staying Positive: Lessons From A Helicopter Pilot

My father and brother and several friends are helicopter pilots… and if you know any serious helicopter pilots who have flown more than a few hundred hours, you know that they are a different breed. For some reason, they’re willing to repeatedly go hundreds of feet in the air in a craft that has slightly better aerodynamics than a rock with sticks tied to it. 

Melting Snow Raises Prospect Of Flooding In Parts Of U.S.

The early spring months are synonymous with increased risk of flooding in many regions throughout the United States. Melting snow and heavy rainfall can contribute to these natural disasters, which can cause immense property damage and post serious health risks. 

Tornado Season Kicks Off Early In Kentucky

Police in Kentucky have reported that a tornado swept through the Bluegrass State on Feb. 28, destroying three homes and causing major flash floods. According to the National Weather Service, four tornadoes touched down in Western Kentucky late last week. 

Why The City Might Be Your Best Bet (Part 2)

Today, I’m continuing a two-part series on the Top 10 lies and half-truths about urban survival. The point isn’t to convince people living in rural areas to move into the city. It’s to get people, no matter where they live, to put a plan in place to increase their chances of surviving short-, medium- and long-term disasters right where they are. 

Preparation And Proper Course Of Action Can Save Lives During Earthquake

Following last week’s string of minor earthquakes in Arkansas, a powerful tremor rocked New Zealand on Feb. 22, killing at least 65 people and injuring dozens more. Prime Minister John Key described it as the "darkest day" in the nation’s history. 

Rising Wholesale Prices Fuel Inflation Concerns

Earlier this month, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke admitted that the United States’ economy is "overheated," "growing too quickly" and "short on resources."