Month 3: Increasing Comfort and Security

by | Mar 7, 2025 | Farm Life

This is the banner for Increasing Comfort and Security. The title is at the top in black. The subtitle A Month-By-Month Plan To Go From Emergency Survival to Long-Term Self-Sufficiency is below the title. There are drawn pictures to represent the seven topics. For water, there is a crazy looking bird on a cargo bike with a basket full of water containers. There is a crazy bird standing on a large pile of boxes and buckets of food supplies to rep food. For security there is a crazy bird standing at a solid wooden door with multiple deadbolt locks and several door chain, holding a large bundle of keys. There is a tree with multiple crazy birds in it and each bird has a communication device. There is a young, crazy bird in a nest, reading a first aid booklet with pictures of equipment. There is a cool, crazy bird with sunglasses with a group of spare parts for vehicles. And there is a fluffy, bird, crazy bird with blue boxing gloves on to rep defense. The background is white with a thin purple border and mottled purple and blue trim.

Today’s talk Month 3: Increasing Comfort and Security is number three in our series A Month-By-Month Plan To Go From Emergency Survival to Long-Term Self-Sufficiency.

Disclaimer

Please note, this is general in formation. It is for information, education, and entertainment only. Whether it is gardening, farming, animal care, survival, emergency, self-sufficient lifestyle, DIY projects, or herbal preparations this is for info-sharing only. It is not meant to replace urgent medical care. As we have said, we are not doctors, vets, or professionals of any kind. This info is not meant for medical diagnosis or as treatment advice. We do not guarantee any results that we have gotten for any of the projects that we share with you. We share info that has worked for us. For more info, please see the Out Standing in the Field disclaimer page.

 

Please note, this talk may contain affiliate links. If you use one of these links and make a purchase through it, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

This is the Table of Contents for Increasing Comfort and Security. The title is at the top in black. The subtitle A Month-By-Month Plan To Go From Emergency Survival to Long-Term Self-Sufficiency is below the title in bold black. There are seven topics in black. There are drawn pictures to represent the seven topics. For water, there is a crazy looking bird on a cargo bike with a basket full of water containers. There is a crazy bird standing on a large pile of boxes and buckets of food supplies to rep food. For security there is a crazy bird standing at a solid wooden door with multiple deadbolt locks and several door chain, holding a large bundle of keys. There is a tree with multiple crazy birds in it and each bird has a communication device. There is a young, crazy bird in a nest, reading a first aid booklet with pictures of equipment. There is a cool, crazy bird with sunglasses with a group of spare parts for vehicles. And there is a fluffy, bird, crazy bird with blue boxing gloves on to rep defense. The background is white with a thin purple border and mottled purple and blue trim.

As you continue to strengthen your preparedness, it’s time to focus on increasing your comfort and security. By now, you’ve got the basics covered, but true preparedness goes beyond immediate survival—it’s about ensuring you can stay secure and comfortable in the long term.

Again this month, you’ll be building on what you’ve already started by adding more depth to each area of your preparations. As always, take it one step at a time, working within your means. Remember, the goal is not only to survive but to maintain a quality of life that keeps you mentally and physically strong, even in tough situations.

This is the cover for Water: Learning to Source Water from Local Natural Bodies. The title is in black. There is a drawn picture to represent the topic. There is a crazy looking bird on a cargo bike with a basket full of water containers. The background is white with a thin purple border and mottled purple and blue trim.

And again we start Month 3: Increasing Comfort and Security with new ways to get water.

Water: Learning to Source Water from Local Natural Bodies

If a crisis drags on and your stored water runs out, knowing how to source water from local natural bodies becomes critical. Lakes, rivers, streams, and even rainwater can provide the water you need, but you must know how to collect and purify it safely.

Scout out local water sources ahead of time—whether it’s a nearby river, lake, or even a storm drain—so you know where to go when the need arises. Keep basic water collection supplies like collapsible containers, buckets, and tarps in your emergency kit.

These will make it easier to transport water back to your home if needed. Once collected, treat the water with your purification methods (filters, boiling, or chemical treatment) before drinking or using it for cooking.

Avoid drinking directly from natural sources without treatment. Even clear, flowing water can harbor harmful bacteria, parasites, or chemical runoff. Always filter and purify the water, even if it looks clean. Practice sourcing and purifying water now so you’re confident when it’s truly needed.

This is the cover for Food: Expanding to Long-Term Food Storage. The title is in black. There is a drawn picture to represent the topic. There is a crazy bird standing on a large pile of boxes and buckets of food supplies. The background is white with a thin purple border and mottled purple and blue trim.

Of course, food is the second topic for Month 3: Increasing Comfort and Security.

Food: Expanding to Long-Term Food Storage

It’s time to expand beyond canned goods and freeze-dried meals by adding bulk staples like beans, rice, grains, and lentils to your food storage. These items are affordable, have a long shelf life, and provide the calories and nutrients needed for sustained energy during emergencies.

Bulk food storage is the foundation of long-term survival. Purchase these items in large quantities and store them in food-grade buckets or containers with airtight seals. For even longer storage, consider adding oxygen absorbers to your containers to keep food fresh by preventing the growth of bacteria and mold. Keep these stored in a cool, dry location, away from sunlight, to preserve the quality for years.

It would be a mistake to just buy bulk without thinking through how to use it.

Stock up on basic seasonings and cooking oils to add flavor to your meals, and make sure you have the tools needed to prepare them (such as a hand grinder for grains). Practice cooking with these ingredients now to avoid any surprises later.

This is the cover for First Aid: Adding First Aid Manuals and Training Videos. The title is in black. There is a drawn picture to represent the topic. There is a young, crazy bird in a nest, reading a first aid booklet with pictures of equipment. The background is white with a thin purple border and mottled purple and blue trim.

Another important step for Month 3: Increasing Comfort and Security is improving your first aid supplies and skills.

First Aid: Adding First Aid Manuals and Training Videos

Now that you’ve built up your first aid kit, the next step is to make sure you know how to use everything in it. Start by adding first aid manuals to your preparedness supplies. Books like the “American Red Cross First Aid Manual” or similar guides provide step-by-step instructions for handling various injuries and medical situations. Keep a physical copy handy in your emergency room or bug-out bag for easy reference.

In addition to manuals, gather training videos on basic first aid, trauma care, and CPR. Many of these are available for free online. Download these videos to your devices or keep them on a USB drive that you can access even if the internet is down. Better yet, take a first aid class or a CPR certification course to build hands-on experience. Have everyone in the family participate. The life you save may be your own.

Do not assume that just because you have the supplies, you know how to use them effectively. Preparing now ensures that in the heat of the moment, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to treat injuries correctly.

This is the cover for Shelter: Reinforcing Windows and Doors, Checking for Weak Point. The title is in black. There is a drawn picture to represent the topic. There is a crazy bird standing at a solid wooden door with multiple deadbolt locks and several door chain, holding a large bundle of keys. The background is white with a thin purple border and mottled purple and blue trim.

Shelter: Reinforcing Windows and Doors, Checking for Weak Points

Your home is your shelter, and now it’s time to strengthen its defenses. Take the time to inspect all windows and doors for weak points. Are there any windows that could easily be broken?

Are your doors as secure as they should be? Reinforce entry points by adding window security film, bars, or storm shutters to prevent easy access. Secure your doors by upgrading to steel-reinforced models or adding additional deadbolts.

Check for any structural weaknesses in your home. Are there areas where water leaks in during a heavy storm? Are there cracks in your foundation or gaps around windows that let in cold air or pests? Sealing up these gaps and reinforcing your home will make it more secure during both natural disasters and other emergencies.

Neglecting these small weak points would be a critical mistake, as they can become big vulnerabilities in a crisis. Strengthening your home’s defenses now will save you from unexpected surprises later.

 

This is the cover for Defense: Adding Basic Self-Defense Tools and Learning to Use Them. The title is in black. There is a drawn picture to represent the topic. There is a fluffy, bird, crazy bird with blue boxing gloves. The background is white with a thin purple border and mottled purple and blue trim.

In any emergency situation defense is at the front of every mind. Month 3: Increasing Comfort and Security is no different. Personal defense is important every day but especially when things are bad and people are at their worst.

 

Defense: Adding Basic Self-Defense Tools and Learning to Use Them

It’s time to start thinking about personal defense. While reinforcing your home is the first layer of protection, you should also consider how to defend yourself if someone gets inside.

Start by adding basic self-defense tools such as pepper spray, a tactical flashlight, or a baseball bat to your home defense kit. These tools are non-lethal but effective in deterring attackers or defending yourself if necessary.

Beyond tools, consider taking a self-defense class to learn how to protect yourself physically. Martial arts classes, such as Krav Maga, focus on practical techniques for real-life situations. Having this knowledge can give you peace of mind and confidence in your ability to defend yourself and your family.

Do not rely on weapons you are not trained to use. Without proper training, they can be more dangerous to you than to an intruder. Learn how to handle your self-defense tools and practice regularly.

This is the cover for Communication: Setting Up Communication Plans with Neighbors or Networks. The title is in black. There is a drawn picture to represent the topic. There is a tree with multiple crazy birds in it and each bird has a communication device. The background is white with a thin purple border and mottled purple and blue trim.

In Month 3: Increasing Comfort and Security you will also want to up your communications game. Being without a blanket is one thing but being blind to what is happening the in outside world could be tragic.

 

Communication: Setting Up Communication Plans with Neighbors or Networks

At this point, you should start expanding your communication circle beyond your immediate family. Setting up a communication plan with your neighbors or local networks can provide additional security and information during a crisis.

If something happens in your area, having a trusted network of neighbors can help you stay informed, share resources, or even provide assistance. Introduce yourself to your neighbors and find out if they have any emergency preparedness plans.

Work together to set up a plan for checking in during a crisis. If you have two-way radios, make sure they’re set to the same frequency, so you can communicate even if phones are down.

Avoid isolation when it comes to crisis communication. A strong community network can be a valuable asset when you need support or information.

This is the cover for Transportation: Performing Vehicle Maintenance Checks and Securing Spare Parts. The title is in black. There is a drawn picture to represent the topic. There is a cool, crazy bird with sunglasses with a group of spare parts for vehicles. The background is white with a thin purple border and mottled purple and blue trim.

And of course, transportation needs to be improved in Month 3: Increasing Comfort and Security.

 

Transportation: Performing Vehicle Maintenance Checks and Securing Spare Parts

By now, your vehicle should be stocked and ready for emergencies, but it’s essential to keep it in good working order. Perform regular vehicle maintenance checks to ensure everything is functioning properly.

Check the oil, fluids, brakes, tires, and battery. Replace anything that’s worn or close to needing repairs. A breakdown during a crisis is the last thing you want to deal with. In addition to maintenance, secure spare parts like extra tires, a car battery, and belts.

These can be lifesavers if something goes wrong while you’re on the road or in a situation where access to repairs is limited. Letting your vehicle maintenance slide is foolish in normal times but in an emergency, it could prove fatal. Keeping it in top condition ensures that when you need it most, your vehicle will be reliable and ready to go.

This is a section divider for Month 3: Increasing Comfort and Security. There is a single, thin, purple line.

This month, you’re taking significant steps toward increasing both your comfort and security during emergencies. With more advanced water sourcing, bulk food storage, better shelter defenses, and reliable communication, you are leveling up your preparedness for the long haul. Keep building, stay consistent, and you’ll continue to strengthen your overall preparedness each month.

This is a four-page Emergency Food Supply Checklist. The background is white with a thin purple border.
This is a four-page Emergency Food Supply Checklist. The background is white with a thin purple border.
This is a four-page Emergency Food Supply Checklist. The background is white with a thin purple border.
This is a four-page Emergency Food Supply Checklist. The background is white with a thin purple border.

Here is a four-page Emergency Food Supply Checklist PDF that you can download and use for yourself.

Post Checklists and Tips 2025

We do hope you will try to implement some of these ideas and steps in your journey to self-sufficiency. Remember, every little bit helps, and every small step counts. Even if you can not see a huge jump know it takes steps to make a leap.

If you are interested in other talks similar to this please check out the ones below.

13 Most Important Emergency Survival Skills

Month 2: Strengthening the Basics

Homemade DIY Silicon Desiccant Packets

Life in Balance CheckList

Drinking Water: Going Down the Rabbit Hole Part 1

Thank you for visiting and please come again for another edition of Out Standing in the Field.

Verified by MonsterInsights