Author Archives: Guest Writer

5 Reasons You Should Replace Your Social Security Card Right Away If It Is Lost or Stolen

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Financial Survival, Protect Your SSN

If you lose your social security card or have a feeling that it has been stolen, take necessary actions to replace it immediately. Your social security number is probably one of the most important form of identification you have from the government.

When stolen, someone can use your social security number to purchase property or even transact your financial accounts. In addition, criminals can use your social security card to commit crimes or even sell it to an illegal immigrant. A social security card has a number of benefits to the card holder.

Replace your card to be able to open a bank account. If your social security card is stolen, you wouldn’t be able to memorize that number for a long time. Getting a card replacement is safer especially if you want to open a bank account. Some banks require you give them your number while others ask for the card.

On average, $15 billion is stolen from Americans every year. Most, if not all, fraudulent transactions have been linked to lost or misplaced cards that weren’t replaced or reported immediately. Therefore, banks ask for other documents such as your social security card or number to help minimize identity theft.

  1. Prevent Fraud

Your social security card has both your social security number and your full names. The two pieces of information are enough for a fraudster to steal money from your bank account or engage in identity theft. With the information on your social security card, a criminal can easily access your finances.

Criminals can also open accounts, get healthcare, file fraudulent tax returns and a lot more, using your lost or stolen card. If you discover that your card has been stolen, the first thing you should do is take immediate action to protect yourself and finances from theft and fraud.

  1. Get a Passport

A passport is an important travel document. Many times you want to get out of the country for vacations or even a business meeting. When applying for a passport, you need to prove your identity. One document that can help you prove you are the person applying for a passport is the social security card.

A social security card makes it easier for your application to be approved to get a passport. So, in case you lose your card, replace it immediately.

  1. Health Insurance

Insurers need your social security number to provide you with a health insurance cover. In certain cases, insurance companies need your social security card for security reasons. You cannot afford to miss health insurance because you don’t have a social security card.

You are aware of the benefits of having health insurance cover, especially when you or your family member becomes ill and cannot afford to pay medical bills.

  1. A New Job

New employers definitely ask for social security cards for the purposes of identity and tax compliance. If your card is lost or stolen, it’s better to replace it immediately, especially if you are expecting a new job. You wouldn’t want to slow the process of starting your job.

  1. Credit Card Application

Financial institutions might also ask for your card including a copy of it to prevent fraudulent actions. Moreover, they use your social security number to verify if you are creditworthy.

Whether your card is lost, stolen or you’ve simply never applied for one, you need the card for various reasons. Make sure your card is always kept in a safe place and if possible, only walk around with a copy to help you access your number if need be.

You won’t just reduce the risk of losing your card, but also get to bring it with you only when you know you intend to use it.

Do you want to replace social security card? Contact us to find out how we can help you get replacement card ASAP.

 

 

5 Survival Tips For Camping Novices

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Camping is a fun, relaxing and memorable outdoor adventure. Connecting with Mother Nature, hiking and watching the stars at night while sitting by the campfire, is simply therapeutic. For inexperienced campers, however, leaving the comfort of your house to sleep outside in a sleeping bag can seem scary and intimidating. With adequate preparation and a few expert tips, you can achieve the perfect camping experience and enjoy your outdoor break to the fullest.

Survival Tips For First Time Campiers

Let’s look at 5 survival tips for camping novices.

  1. Choose Your Campsite Wisely

If you are new to camping, it is important to choose your campsite wisely. Your campsite will greatly determine how much you will enjoy your camping experience. Identify a location that is safe, warm and dry. Nothing feels worse than discovering that the campsite you chose flooded due to heavy rain and the facilities available are wanting. Ask for recommendations from family and friends on sites that are novice friendly.

  1. Make A Checklist

Before you set off on your camping expedition, it is important to make a camping essentials checklist to help you gather everything and stay organized. Use your checklist to pack and tick off everything that gets into your bag. A checklist will ensure that nothing gets left behind. Start packing early in advance and update your checklist if needed to ensure you carry everything.

  1. Pack The Right Gear

The right camping gear is of utmost importance to a new camper. Pack light but ensure you bring along the most important pieces needed for your camping trip. Carry warm clothing for the night. The weather could change drastically for the worst. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the gear before you go camping. Practice how to set up your camping tent in your backyard. Check if your sleeping bag fits just right. These important steps will help you survive and enjoy your first camping trip.

  1. Buy A Big Enough Tent

If you want to be comfortable during your camping adventure then buy a bigger tent than what you actually need. Sleeping in a crowded tent with limited space will leave you cranky and drain your enthusiasm. Ideally, you should carry a head height tent that allows you to comfortably stand up inside it. Most tents are foldable and can easily fit in the trunk of your car.

  1. Carry Your Own Portable Toilet

As a camping novice, having to run to the nearby woods every time the need to use a toilet arises can be stressful. That is why it is important to purchase your own portable toilet before leaving for the camp. Portable toilets are relatively inexpensive and hygienic. The new models are exceptionally light yet they are as good as your home toilet. Having a portable toilet will also prevent hygiene and sanitation problems that could arise from contamination from human waste.

Conclusion

I do hope that these 5 survival tips for camping novices will help you make your first camping trip enjoyable and memorable. Need to purchase a camping toilet? Home Worthy List has reviewed the best portable and camping toilets for 2018 on this page . Check out this comprehensive review and find the camping toilet you are looking for.

 

What’s In Your Bag? Preppers Share How They Pack Their Bug Out Bags

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Bill 

The Prepper Journal

What's in your bugout bag? YearZeroSurvival

 

When you travel, what top 3 survival items do you bring besides the common stuff everybody brings?

I am addressing this from the point that there is no commercial airline travel involved. They make it nearly impossible to “carry” on-board anything, even bottled water, though you would be surprised what you can pack in checked baggage. Check the regulations as opposed to the rumors.

I never travel without at least a tactical knife, fire starter and a compact Mylar blanket. If I have a weapon, which I do almost always, then an extra 100 rounds of ammo, always. For the obvious reasons and for barter.

Most useless: cell phone without a solar charger – you can’t always find a working plug. additional electronic devices and, believe it or not, the “wrong” shoes.

How do you bring things with you?

I have a dedicated backpack – compartments. Duffel bags require too much time rummaging around for things. My current backpack is Swiss Army. I organize the compartments by #1 – self defense, #2 – survival, #3 – extras – since normally #3 has a laptop and a tablet and chargers, in a SHTF scenario these would be discarded for more of the basics in #’s 1 and 2.

What are your top tips for other traveling preppers?

Be situation aware. Look at people. Look at the people around you. Engage them in conversations if possible to further understand their current mindset. NEVER risk yourself by doing something stupid – do not try and sneak anything past TSA, ever. Keep your head in emergencies, people will seek out those that do.

Preppers get wrong – they do not take into consideration the Golden Horde. Every new prepper has a plan to head for the mountains, desert, etc. But if you are close to an urban area so will the thousands and millions of others. The best plan is to make preparations to hunker down in place and let events unfold – not with a tornado bearing down on you or a Cat 5 Hurricane when you live in New Orleans below sea level behind levee’s that were build 3 lifetimes ago. But it is usually the best option as a first reaction.

ALSO – more people are injured after weather events than during weather events. It is the aftermath of the situation that you also have to give equal consideration to. Downed power lines, wild animals and desperate people.

 

Thomas Xavier

More Than Just Surviving

What would you pack in your bugout bag? YearZeroSurvival

When you travel, what top 3 survival items do you bring besides the common stuff everybody brings?

I bring:

  • Imodium – Traveller’s diarrhea is a legitimately dangerous thing to have in emergency situations (diarrhea = dehydration) and also consider the fact that you can also have pretty bad bowel problems as a consequence of adrenaline, fear, or stress.
  • Medicated foot powder with piroctone olamine (because if you’re going to be walking for hours and hours in less than ideal situations, you don’t to have issues with bacterial infections – obviously cleaning would be ideal, but when you can’t, foot powder.
  • Chewing gum – The ability to trick your mind into thinking you’re getting a calorie intake and/or distract you when trekking long distances under duress seems like a solid idea relative to its size.

How do you bring things with you?

Honestly, the brand and/or style of bag is irrelevant because people are difference and have different taste. Personally, I’d go for the Hazard 4 stuff, because it’s bombproof and light. I have 3 of them, my favourite being the Grayman Patrol. Super solid and discrete. Plenty of room, but if in doubt, use packing cubes.

What are your top tips for other traveling preppers?

Be mindful of legalities if you ever stray beyond borders or even States. The knife laws in the UK, for example, are bordering insane relative to what you can expect in America. Your mindset should suit your environment with regards to gear.

6 More Preppers Share Their Bugout Bag Items [source]

 

 

5 Valuable Tips for Surviving a Natural Disaster

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Have you or any of your loved ones ever been caught in a natural disaster? Natural disasters can occur in many different forms including hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, landslides, and flash floods among others. Whatever form it may take, a natural disaster has disruptive and destructive effects in any individual’s normal life. The following tips can help you and your loved ones to overcome some of the problems you may face during a natural disaster.

 

  • Make enough family preparation

Preparation is the best way to keep one at ease in the event of an emergency. Take time to discuss with your family what they wish to carry to remain calm when a natural disaster occurs. Give your children time to share what they would not like to leave behind when evacuating. Give them few ideas on how to go about in the crisis to ensure their safety. Discuss the news from the meteorological department with your family to enhance your preparedness.

 

  • Prepare a survival kit

It is difficult to tell the duration that a natural disaster may last. Some can take few hours while others may take several days to last. Equip your survival kit with enough supplies that can last you for at least three days. Include important items such as food, blankets and water. Consider the number of people who will need to use the kit to avoid depleting the supplies long before the emergency is over. Ensure that you carry a kit that can zip up when evacuating.

 

  • Give attention to medications

If you have any condition that requires medical attention, remember to take care of it. Carry your spectacles or hearing aids with you. Many people face medication problems whenever an emergency occurs. Ensure you have enough pills to last you for few days if the disaster lasts for days. Even when you think you are fine carry some painkillers and antibiotics in case need arises. The pressure and confusion that you and your loved ones may face during a natural disaster may make it necessary to take some painkillers.

 

  • Avoid using elevators

In case you get caught in a natural disaster while in the tenth floor, let the elevator be your last option. Disasters increase the chance of power failure. You can easily be trapped in an elevator once there is power failure. Staircases will take more time to reach the ground floor but they are much safer during a disaster. Don’t put yourself in more confusion by getting stuck in the elevator.

 

  • Be cautious when moving around

Natural disasters such as earthquakes bring along aftershocks. When moving to evacuation areas, be careful of any possible falling objects and debris. Watch out for unstable grounds when walking. If you have health problems such as poor vision, you are advised to stay where you are until the rescue comes. Moving around will expose you to more risks of being hit by falling objects such as broken grasses or debris from buildings. The only safe place to move to is a certified evacuation center.

 

—

Leona is part of the content and community team at Specialty Fuel Services – providers of emergency fuel continuation services, in locations affected by catastrophic events.

5 Tips To Learning About Outdoor Sports

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Outdoor sports are not everyone’s cup of tea, most people prefer other sports. Learning a sport may be a little difficult because most people do not engage in them regularly. However, there are easy and fun ways you can learn about sports;

 

  1.       Look out for outdoor sport events near your area

Nowadays, lots of outdoor sport events are held, mostly in sports clubs, ranches, etc. The easiest way to find out about such events is through the internet, mostly social media platforms. This can be a great way to learn about these kind of sports especially because you will participate and a lot of people attend these kind of events. What’s more, there are usually multiple sports taking place with competition and this makes it even more fun.

 

  1.       Try enclosed outdoor sports first

Hiking, rock climbing, skydiving and the other outdoor sports don’t sound fun to some people. So, instead of going for the actual rock climbing -or any of the outdoor sports- try indoor rock climbing first. Although it may not provide the same experience as the actual rock climbing, it may just ignite the interest you never knew you had. Also, it is a fun and easier way to learn about the actual outdoor sports.

 

  1.       Visit an outdoor gear store

Most of these store owners are professionals so, this way you learn about both the sport and gear from an expert. Also, you may have wanted to get gear for an outdoor activity you are interested in, for example hunting. You learn about the gear you want in depth and specificity for instance; the best rifle for squirrel hunting or the best bow for deer hunting, etc.

  1.       Suggest outdoor sports to your friends

Instead of you and your friends going out next time, suggest that you go for a forest hike or for biking. It is even a lot more fun when with friends than strangers and the more you take part in them, the more you learn about them. Also, don’t go for the same sports every time, try different ones. As long as your friends are for it, you will actually want to engage in them as compared to when you are alone.

 

  1.       Browse the internet

When trying to learn, you can never go wrong with the internet. Even though participating may be an excellent way to learn about outdoor sports, you don’t have to go that way. You can browse the internet and get all the information you require about a particular outdoor sport. You even get to know about the best places and terrains to go for the sports and the safety measures and precautions to take. Afterward, you can engage in the sport whenever you have free time.

Outdoor sports can be hectic if not well prepared for. Preparation is not only physically, but also mentally. So, if you intent to fully engage in these kind of sports then prepare well and don’t forget to get in condition.

Top 5 Exotic Survival Honeymoon Locations In India

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Most Romantic Adventure Destinations in India for a Perfect Honeymoon

A romantic trip to a beautiful place is definitely a big dream for every newlywed couple. However, if not planned well, the most beautiful memory of your life can be the worst memory ever. This includes the right kind of place, a comfortable hotel to live in, and a great plan! A great plan is possible if you take the help of a good travel company like exoticvoyages.com. India is a country that is home for diversity that is beyond anyone’s imagination, which makes it one of the best tourist spots in the world. From deserts to waterfalls, India has them all. Different people find different places as romantic since it’s widely subjective. However, I’ve got you a list of the 5 most romantic destinations in India:

  1. Goa

Goa is one of the most famous places for quick getaways from daily life and its stress. It’s a great place to have fun if you’re newlywed because it has a lot of things that you can do like surfing, partying, and romantic moonlit walks on the beach; that sounds dreamy, right?

  1. Gokarna

Gokarna is sometimes called the “Goa of poor people” because it offers you almost everything that you will get in Goa but under very cheap prices. You and your partner can take an evening stroll on the beach while enjoying the beautiful sunset. Gokarna has always been famous for temples that contribute majorly to Gokarna’s history. The famous Mahabaleshwar Temple, which is home to a huge Shiva Linga is said to play a key role in the naming the place “Gokarna”.

  1. Andaman Islands

I know I’ve been suggesting you a lot of coastal areas but beaches are bliss and I can’t help it. You can have a candlelight dinner by the sea and lie down on the cold sand under the roof of a thousand shiny stars. What makes the Andaman Islands different is that the water surrounding the island is so crystal clear that it’s a great place for scuba diving. Even if you don’t know to swim, I think you will give it a try because the underwater is beyond beautiful in Andaman.

  1. Munnar

Munnar is located in Kerala, popularly known as “God’s own country”. Kerala is well-known for its Ayurveda Shalas where you can book for healthy spa sessions. You can sit back and relax while enjoying a freshly caught fish when you’re on a houseboat in the green-lined backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom. You can also visit the tea plantations in Wayanad and click a bunch of memorable photographs.

  1. Manali

From beaches to rivers and now to the hilly terrain; yes, I’m talking about the snow-filled paradise of India which is Manali. Manali is so beautiful that it will make you feel like you’ve spent your honeymoon in heaven. Imagine you’re with your partner sipping wine in front of a small campfire and you spend hours talking to each other under a cozy blanket. That sounds really romantic, isn’t it? You can go on a trekking trip with your partner and enjoy places like the Rohtang Pass and the Kullu Valley, which are known for their spotless beauty.

Even though I’ve picked the above five places, there are so many other honeymoon destinations in India. These are the ones that I’ve included in the honorable mentions category which are as awesome as the above five places: Kodaikanal, Ooty, Coorg, Udaipur, Pondicherry, Rishikesh, Shimla, Mangalore, and Mussoorie.

Explore all of your adventure options at Exotic Voyages

These 5 Items Should Be On Your Survival Kit List

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The average human can live up to three weeks sans food, but only three days without water. That said, the items that you include in your emergency survival kit, whether for venturing into the wilderness or for urban readiness, can spell life and death. Fortunately, you don’t have to be in a situation where you are left with no choice. You can increase your chances of surviving in almost any situation, provided that you have the right tools.

Ideally, the more items you have in your tactical survival gear, the easier it will be for you to survive. However, it also means that you add weight or bulk to your pack. While you obviously cannot carry your entire arsenal with you at all times (you’re not The Terminator), you can certainly select specific sets for different scenarios. There are also core tools that should also be present no matter the situation. Here are five of these essentials.

 

  1. Tactical knife

 

In a true survival situation, the chances of you needing to cut something are very high. Thus, you need a reliable knife that’s easy to handle, strong, and razor sharp. You will likely be using it for various purposes, so in place of getting a singular unit, you might want to have a multi-tool that also includes a knife feature.

 

  1. Firestarter

 

Fire in the wilderness or in the evenings is essential to maintaining your core body temperature (or to cook). Remember that it takes only 3 hours for the body to survive outside of its base temp. Having a trusty gadget takes the effort out of rubbing sticks together. Your kit should have three ways to start a fire. One is an automatic Firestarter, two is a regular box of matches, and three is a striker. Don’t forget to pack them in waterproof packs and separately.

 

  1. First aid kit

 

This is a critical kit that should be with you at all times. There are plenty of generic first aid kits at supermarkets, but you can expand them with pressure dressings and probably a compass, too. Study the pocket manual that came with the kit before you even head out, so you know what to do instantly and will not fumble when an actual emergency happens.

 

  1. Water or water filtration

 

No person can survive without water for more than 72 hours. Under non-threatening circumstances, an average human should also be drinking at least 1 gallon of water daily. Having a water bottle or a water filtration system ready ensures that you have access to safe drinking water at all times. It is especially helpful if you’re going on an adventure with a group because water in this setup can easily run out, and you might need to take some from an organic source.

 

  1. Flashlight or torch

 

Let there be light! Whether for venturing into an unfamiliar territory or walking at night, you will need light to navigate. Fortunately, there are many models that offer powerful illumination even with very small and lightweight bodies.

 

Of course, the most important tool you should have no matter where you are going is knowledge. Without knowing how to use any of these items, your chances of surviving are slim. Equip yourself with the ability to read weather signs, where to go and what to do in case of a natural disaster, what areas to avoid to secure your safety, and more.

 

There are plenty of online resources and books that will teach you different tactics on how to protect yourself, whether in the wild, when out in the city, or even when you’re just at home. The monthly gear from TacPack also offers the latest gadgets and innovations that can help make you feel safer everywhere you go, without being heavy on the back and on the budget.

Is It Safe To Use A Mattress Outdoors?

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The approaching season might have you considering using a mattress outdoors.  The idea to transform your outdoor living space with the comfort of a mattress sounds appealing.  However, there are some aspects of moving a mattress outside the home that need to be analyzed for safety’s sake.

Material

Mattresses are made up of varying materials.  Most mattresses aren’t made to be stored out in the elements.  Fabric, foam and other materials will absorb moisture.  If a mattress is stored outdoors exposed to rain, it could become home to bacteria, mildew, and mold.  This could make your mattress unsafe and could cause sickness.  If you want to keep a mattress out, be careful to examine if your mattress was especially made to be used and stored outside.  Latex mattresses, like those found at Rest Right Mattress, are more resistant to dust mites, bacteria and mildew.  These mattresses might be better options for use outdoors with proper storage.

 

Storage

While sunshine on your face feels great, sunshine on your mattress will take a toll.  The life of your mattress will be greatly reduced if it is continuously kept out in the sun and wind.  Between uses, try storing the mattress away in cool, dry storage.  If not possible, you could create your outdoor nirvana under a protective canopy or in a gazebo.

 

Using a mattress outside can provide a restful and relaxing environment.  Even so, you must take note of certain outdoor pests that could invade your mattress.  While storage and mattress make-up could limit the infestation, you might not want to bring a mattress back inside once it has been left out.

 

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