Self-Reliance

Farm Pond Maintenance to Prevent Winterkill
December 8, 2022 · · Self-Reliance

Ponds and lakes in the northern United States have in the past experienced what I will term a “fish kill” related to lack of dissolved oxygen present in the water. Oxygen is essential to the metabolism of all aerobic (air breathing) organisms.

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A Guide to Natural Cold Remedies

As cold and flu season comes upon us, more and more people are looking for natural cold and flu remedies. My family has used and benefited from these home remedies for cold and cough for many years.

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How to Save Electricity at Home During the Holidays
December 7, 2022 · · Holiday, Self-Reliance

As beautiful as the holidays can be with lights and displays, it can also get pricey. Here’s some tips on how to save electricity through the holiday season.

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Surviving a Weather-Related Power Outage
October 4, 2022 · · Self-Reliance

It’s all fun and games until it’s lights out. But a little preparation can help you survive a power cut or outage.

Losing power during summer is hot, sweaty, and miserable. You hold glasses of milk against your perspiring forehead then drink before the milk goes bad.

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Facts about Floods and Surviving Them
October 4, 2022 · · Self-Reliance

Tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes come on fast and strong. But floods can be just as devastating.

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Safely Limbing and Bucking Trees

Bucking trees isn’t as easy as it looks. Learn how to limb a tree and buck wood safely.

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Know Your Firewood Moisture Content

Knowing firewood moisture content can make the difference between creating steam or heat. Most folks agree that water doesn’t burn, not unless you break H2O down into H and O, both of which are highly flammable, and that doesn’t happen in your stove or furnace.

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What is the Best Way to Store Firewood?
September 28, 2022 · · Self-Reliance

You’ve put in all the hard work of chopping the tree, splitting the wood, and now you’re ready to stack it for storage. But what is the best way to store firewood?

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A Guide to the Best Trees for Firewood
September 28, 2022 · · Self-Reliance

Whether you’re cooking or heating the house, not all wood is created equal. So, what are the best trees for firewood?

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The Underutilized American Acorn
September 21, 2022 · · Self-Reliance

For those with an eye to see, the acorn is very likely the most underutilized food source in the United States.

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Survival Essentials for Safe Adventures
September 1, 2022 · · Self-Reliance

Giving 10 “essentials” for survival and emergencies is Royce Jones, Wilderness Patroller I of the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness which is located on the mountain that overlooks Palm Springs, California.

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Tornado Safety Tips to Keep You Ahead of the Storm

Safety tips to help you and your family during and after a tornado strikes.

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Ideas for National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month. Here are a few suggestions on ways you can observe National Preparedness Month.

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Tips To Help Homeowners Prepare for a Natural Disaster

Knowing beforehand what to do when a natural disaster hits is pivotal.

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Fire Evacuation Procedures for Your Livestock

The year 2013 was an informative and challenging year for Half Creek Farm in Bickleton, Washington. In late July and early August, we got our first “opportunity” to give farm fire evacuation procedures a try.

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