AN "IGLOO" SNOW SHELTER

My Snow Home


by A. Beauchamp

When I speak of my "igloo" it means my snow shelter. I try and build it with some things in mind: what it is I am trying to accomplish, ie am I making a shelter for the short term or long term. And, safety being paramount, you must do this crafting in stages.


Learning first with a "miniature shelter" is always good. Why? Well, after you have finished it, you can collapse it and see how it actually breaks up, so when you build a big one you can understand why crafting is everything.
I have a completed shelter for the long term as I am very active in the winter months,

If one collapsed during the night, from snow or trees, I have a redundant shelter to move immediately in to (the smaller, test one)

I always build them in three stages. First, what I call my "mound" stage. For this I try to find good snow, snow that when I use my hand and make a ball with it, just holds together, but isn't too wet and sticky, as it will then be too heavy to remove from the inner side as well as adding a lot of added weight to the shelter. And wet snow isn't a great insulator either.

Then I find a good clearing and a level spot. I make my shelters about 10 feet in diameter and about 6.5 feet high.

After piling up the snow (wait for about 45 minutes) I start to remove the snow from the inside. There are many tricks here in saving time to remove the snow (but I'll outline them in another article perhaps).

I cut a good size door initially, as it is easier to remove the snow.

Then, when the snow is all cleared out from the inside, and the inner side needs to stiffen up, I work on stage "two"...My door and tunnel.

With the extra snow taken from the inside, I now just slide it in front of the door to make a "tunnel".

In 1/2 an hour I then start to remove this snow as well -- this is fairly quick.

Once this is done, I will now have removed the snow initially from the dome and used it on my "door tunnel". Now I take the door tunnel snow (the snow I removed from the mound that made the "door tunnel") and move it forward to make another smaller dome. Let it set for awhile.

Once this is done I remove this amount to my "small dome" stage as I did initially from the "first dome", and move it to my last entrance tunnel.

When this is completed you will find that the snow you used to made the first dome has went a long ways!

In summary, pile up a big pile of snow for the snow shelter. let it set. Then scoop it out and pile it into a second pile. Let that set, scoop it out, and pile it in a third pile. Let it set, then scoop it out. These three piles are plainly visible in the above photo. Pile one is on the left side, pile two forms the right side of the shelter, and pile three the door tunnel.

I like to put a 90 degree turn on my two tunnels for two reasons:

The wind is coming in at a cross draft, this is a good direction so as not to get too much flow inside

The long tunnel structure is more ridged, with the extra two posts of snow half way down.

A great idea, in case of a high windy night and a limb lets go in the bush!

That's all.

I set my igloo up in this fashion: The big dome is for sleeping only! No exceptions! The second smaller dome is for gear storage and extra supplies and I also set aside a small area for using my stove or kuddlik to heat my food! And this then keeps the best insulation (within the snow structure) in my "sleeping dome"!

These shelters don't have to be as elaborate as you see here, but I like to have many "options" especially since I'll be there all winter.

When you're traveling the bush in -45 below zero and need a sound place to rest, this is definitely it: spacious and cozy!!

My favorite!

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BLIZZARD SURVIVAL PRODUCTS

Emergency


Search and Rescue

Blizzard Survival products are now being deployed across a number of search and rescue services throughout the UK and other parts of the world. From RAF mountain rescue teams to other specialist units called upon to attend earthquake stricken areas Blizzard products are acknowledged for their ease of storage, transport and delivery, and effectiveness in the treatment & prevention of hypothermia while evacuating casualties.

Search and Rescue Flies Lighter With Blizzard

All Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter flights in the UK, Cyprus and the Falklands have replaced conventional sleeping bags with Blizzard Survival Bags to save weight and space – and provide better casualty care.

Aircraft previously carried two A Packs, each of which included four sleeping bags and weighed around 70lbs, with a volume of 100 litres each. These have been replaced by four Blizzard Survival Bags, which weigh a total of around 2 kgs (4.5lbs) with a packed size of around 4 litres. Squadron Leader Sam McDonagh of the UK SAR standards and evaluations team said: “The 132lb saving in weight and bulk has significantly increased the capability of each aircraft to carry more fuel and equipment.

Better By Design

“Blizzard Survival Bags are a big improvement on previous kit in terms of thermal/weather performance, ease of deployment and portability. Winchmen can carry them easily when they go into casualty situations - and if they both get stranded, the winchman and casualty can fit in one bag.”

Deployment

The bags are being deployed by around 30 aircraft, including six RAF UK flights, two Navy flights, four Coastguard aircraft, plus flights based in Cyprus and the Falklands. RAF SAR teams alone were called out 2600 times last year, saving hundreds of lives.

All Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter flights in the UK, Cyprus and the Falklands have replaced conventional sleeping bags with Blizzard Survival Bags to save weight and space – and provide better casualty care.

RAF Mountain Rescue’s New CASWRAP System

The RAF Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) has developed a new system to treat and prevent hypothermia while evacuating casualties. Called CASWRAP, it is now being used by all personnel in the UK. Instead of stripping wet clothes from casualties, teams are now trained to wrap them immediately in a Blizzard Survival Bag or Blanket.

More Insulation

They cover this with a conventional sleeping bag for more insulation, then add a second Blizzard Survival Bag or Blanket as an outer layer. When a conventional bag is added as an intermediate layer, even casualties who are soaked warm up rapidly and are fully protected from wind and rain.

Products

Blizzard Survival Bag

The Blizzard Survival Bag is a full-sized sleeping bag in a pack the size of a video cassette, providing total warmth and shelter - anywhere, at any time. Made with Reflexcell™, it is the new standard in thermal performance.

Blizzard Survival Blanket

Large survival blanket with self adhesive closure. Superior Reflexcell™ performance and practicality compared to conventional foil-type 'space' blankets. It provides total warmth and weather protection, can easily be re-opened.

Blizzard Survival Blanket Small

A scaled down version of the hugely-successful Survival Blanket. This simpler version is made from the same high-performing Reflexcell™ material. To reduce the packed size the width is narrower and there is no self-adhesive closure.

Blizzard Survival Jacket

The Blizzard Survival Jacket is a unique garment with a tiny packed size. This unique, life-saving Reflexcell™ jacket is a must-have for every emergency kit. This thigh-length, sleeveless body warmer with a hood also allows 100% mobility.

Blizzard Survival Tube

The Blizzard Survival Tube is a double sleeping bag, providing instant warmth for up to two people. Made of Reflexcell™ material, it has a draw cord at both ends enabling occupants to sleep side by side, or head to foot.

Blizzard Single Layer Foil Bag

The Blizzard version of the popular single film reflective bag. Handy for mild conditions, but the Blizzard Survival Bag made from Reflexcell™ will out perform it in most situations.

Blizzard Single Layer Foil Blanket

The Blizzard version of the ever-popular 'space blanket'. A handy and inexpensive piece of equipment, but is out-performed by our Reflexcell™ products, including the Blizzard Survival Blanket.

Blizzard Pouch

The Blizzard Pouch is designed to carry the Blizzard Survival Bag, ready for re-use, when it has been removed from its original vacuum pack. The Blizzard Pouch can be used with any Blizzard product except the Blizzard Survival Tube.

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Disaster Supply Kit

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days

— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices

— foods for infants or the elderly

— snack foods

— non-electric can opener

— cooking tools / fuel

— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag

— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items

— proper identification / immunization records / medications

— ample supply of food and water

— a carrier or cage

— muzzle and leash

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Hurricane Survival Kit

Hurricane Survival Kit


by Dr. Rick Knabb Essential Items

During a hurricane, and possibly for days or even weeks afterward, electricity and other utilities might not be available. Debris and/or water might block the roads, preventing vehicles from getting in our out of your neighborhood. Help might not reach you for days after the hurricane, so you’ll need to be completely self-sufficient during that period.

Here are some of the most critical supplies to have on hand, well before a hurricane threatens:

At least a 3-day and preferably a 7-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day)


Non-perishable food


Formula, diapers, and other baby supplies


Manual can opener


First aid kit


Prescription and non-prescription medicines


Toiletries


Cell phones and battery-powered cell phone chargers


Battery-powered radios and flashlights


Plenty of batteries


Extra cash


Blankets, sleeping bags, books, and games (especially if evacuating)

More Hurricane Preparedness Articles:

Prepare for a Tropical Storm or Hurricane

Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings

When a Hurricane Threatens

WeatherReady - Protect Your Home from Hurricanes
 
Red Cross 
 
LINK

Survival Gear and Kits

Choose your survival kits wisely and have a plan implemented for any disaster scenario.
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Pranic Healing

You have probably come across exotic-sounding terms such as “chakra”, “prana”, “aura”, and “tantra” in your course of reading books on spirituality, sex, and healing in the New Age literature section of the bookstore. Are All Energy Healings the Same?

Chakra or energy center is a term used in Pranic healing, an ancient Hindu system of energy healing. “Prana” means life energy. “Aura” is another terminology traced to Pranic healing. Aura is a non-physical body that consists of energy, which exists along with our physical body. The aura that covers our body is said to have seven layers pertaining to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual as manifested by energy. Studying the color and thickness of auras give ideas on the state of health of individuals. Six colors are associated with aura and interpreted into six personalities. These colors are all present in an individual, sometimes one or two are more pronounced.

Red – activist

Orange – creative communicator
Green – ambitious achiever
Blue – spiritual peacemaker
White – unconventional chameleon
Violet - psychic

Tantra is popularly associated with the practice of sex and spirituality, it is another method of energy healing. The concept of connectedness is a recurring theme in Tantric writings on sex and spirituality as a method of healing, spirituality and sex. It is the union of male and female energies reaching spiritual levels during orgasm, removing the body and mind of impurities. These impurities being negative energies can in turn manifest as physical illnesses.

Unlike Pranic and Tantric healings, which have Hindu origins, Reiki originated from Japan. It is relatively younger than Pranic and Tantric healings having been rediscovered in the early 1900’s. Reiki stands for universal energy, an energy brought forth by higher intelligence. Students of Reiki are taught how to tap this energy to heal physical, emotional, and mental illnesses.

Although Pranic, Tantra, and Reiki are all systems of energy healing, they differ in the type of energy tapped for healing: life energy, sexual energy, and universal energy respectively.

The concepts of the connectedness of mind, body, and spirit; the connection of individuals to all living and nonliving things around them and to the universe; and how energy impacts physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are some of the salient similarities of these three healing methods.

Pranic, Tantric, and Reiki are considered alternative methods of healing. In spite of the availability and relative accessibility of modern medicine, how come more and more people are being drawned to them?

Modern medical treatment failed to heal ailments and conditions in several if not many persons. Research or data may not be able to support this statement. But for the families of the dying as well as for the dying patient, they would take the risk of using alternative methods ranging from herbals and organics, faith healers, witch doctors, and New Age healing techniques just to be get well.

Medical treatments are oftentimes focused on the disease and its causative agent, which can make a patient feel isolated and treated like a mere host of the disease. Although recent developments in hospital practice are gradually promoting the holistic treatment of a patient, the perception still persists. Unlike in energy healing, since energy and spirituality are intimately linked, the patient feels that all aspects of his health are being attended to.
Repeated surgical procedures are physically and emotionally traumatic for most patients. It is but a logical and attractive option to both patient and families to look for less stressful health interventions. Moreover, with the rising popularity of New Age religions, going natural is the way to go.

Meditation is part and parcel of energy healing methods and this is an added come-on for highly stressed people. Moreover, sophisticated equipment is not required thus it becomes all the more convenient for students and future students of energy healing.

The battle between alternative healing and mainstream medicine continues as both present the benefits of their approach. But in the final analysis, what matters is the restoration of good health.

Memorial Day Remembered

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:

The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.
This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.
In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.
By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)
Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.
Several Southern states continue to set aside a special day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually called Confederate Memorial Day.

History.com