Get Ready for the Mother of All Quakes

Dear Black Bag Confidential Reader,

Grim news out of the West Coast last week… Turns out California’s Bay Area is overdue for a MAJOR earthquake.

This week’s roundup of must-read articles looks at how much damage a disaster of that magnitude (pun intended) would do to major population centers — plus what you must do to prepare.

You’ll also learn why the Waffle House hero did everything right (in my book) and discover a strange plant threat that’s completely taken over a small town.

Let’s dive in.

1. Major Earthquake on Bay Area Fault Could Kill 800 People

Last Wednesday, a report issued by the U.S. Geological Survey suggested that when (not if) a major earthquake shakes up the Bay Area, the damage could be catastrophic — with up to 800 fatalities and over $100 billion in damages.

Despite the rapid growth spurred by the tech industry, the area has fallen behind on enforcing and implementing seismic safety measures. According to a 2014 report published by the Association of Bay Area Governments, an estimated 15% of housing units in Oakland would be uninhabitable after a powerful quake.

Even worse, the USGS report notes (emphasis mine) that, “A major earthquake could also cripple water-distribution systems in the region, leaving residents without water for six weeks and some as long as six months.”

While you probably don’t have the means to earthquake-proof your building, you can (and should) stockpile emergency supplies including — and especially — water. I also recommend getting a survival water filter like the SurvFilter so you can get clean water from dirty sources in a pinch.

2. Score This SEAL-Certified Flashlight Bundle for 74% Off

After an earthquake (or any large-scale natural disaster) not only will you lack access to clean water, but the power will likely be out for days. Having multiple flashlights is key — as well as having a variety of different kinds.

With the help of our resident former Navy SEAL Cade Courtley, we put together a bundle of SEVEN flashlights. Including…

• 2 SEAL Torch Flashlights
• 1 SL5K Headlamp
• 3 Mini Tactical Flashlights
• 1 Tactical Survival Glove.

Usually, it would cost you $339 for all of these amazing SEAL products — and that would be a fair deal. But right now you can get all seven for a fraction of that. Click on the link above to take advantage of this deep discount.

3. 29-Year-Old Waffle House Hero: “I Saw the Opportunity and… Took It”

Whether he thinks he is or not, 29-year-old James Shaw Jr. is a hero. Thanks to his courage and quick thinking, countless lives were saved. Who knows how long the shooting at Waffle House would have gone on if Shaw Jr. had not rushed the gunman and disarmed him?

I have often said that the best way to stop a mass shooter is to charge the attacker and take them down. The problem is this type of thinking is not a normal human reaction — especially for Americans. In other countries, you hear stories of citizens swarming the attacker(s) to try to stop them. Israel is a great example.

Of course, the downside to this bold action is that you are likely to get shot — like Shaw Jr. But why not try to stop the maniac and keep them from killing more people? As Shaw Jr. told reporters, “I distinctively remember thinking that he is going to have to work for this kill. I had a chance to stop him and thankfully I stopped him.”

4. Nine Best Dog Breeds for Protection and Hunting

When it comes to dogs, I think large breeds are best. You want something that is going to intimidate a potential intruder, which is why I own a German shepherd.

But that’s not the only suitable breed for security. Check out this post from BeSurvival, which runs down nine different breeds that make great guardians in a survival situation. Plus, discover a few pros and cons for each. For example, some of these breeds don’t have great coats for winter or tend to overheat in hot weather.

It’s important to take these factors into account when considering a potential addition to the family so you can be sure your dog stays happy, healthy and ready to protect you from harm.

5. Tumbleweed Blitz Sparks Panic, Raises Ire in California Town

When you think of tumbleweeds, you probably think of a lone dry sphere bouncing down a dusty dirt road. If only the residents of Victorville, California, had been so lucky…

Hundreds of tumbleweeds have invaded the small town at the edge of the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, piling up as high as seven feet in some places. A few people were trapped inside their homes for hours as crews armed with pitchforks cleared away the dry detritus.

Other than being a bit thorny, tumbleweeds technically aren’t dangerous. However, when they accumulate in such large numbers, they pose a serious fire hazard. One spark could set the whole neighborhood ablaze.

That’s why prompt removal of these pesky plants is a priority. Even if two or three blow up against your home, be sure to get rid of them ASAP.

Stay safe,

Jason Hanson

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