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NEW – Sunday Safety & Security Skills Seminar Series (S6)

A new approach for 2024 to bring our skillsets to you in a more accessible format.

Starting in early-2024, We will begin offering 1-day Seminars, covering our legacy curriculum in a new format and making both the price point and time commitment more accessible to those with busy schedules. They will be on Sundays, during the day.

Of course, we will still plan to have our weekend-long immersive workshops, as well as Mixed-Skills classes with trusted partner instructors. We also continue to be available to be hosted to deliver these seminars to private groups.

***NOTE: We still offer RESTRICTED-LEVEL CLASSES in COVERT ENTRY and COUNTER-CUSTODY to LE/MIL/GOV organizations. Email us at [email protected] for details.***

In the meantime, we will be offering Seminars on the following topics:

  • Situational & Behavioural Awareness – S.A.F.E. (Situational Awareness For Everyone)
  • Introduction to Personal Safety & Security
  • Disaster, Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity
  • Lone-Worker Safety
  • Travel Security (AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)
  • Women’s Safety (Women-Only) (AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)
  • Introduction to Counter-Custody, Self-Rescue & Restraint Escape – (Part 1 of 2)
  • Counter-Custody, Self-Rescue & Restraint Escape – (Part 2 of 2)
  • Introduction to Lock Picking (Pt 1 of 2)
  • Physical Security and Non-Destructive Entry Methods (Pt 2 of 2)
  • The Back-Up-Bag Protocol
  • ***Stop The Bleed first aid classes (to be added to the above)***
  • And more to come!

These Seminars can be taken individually as a stand-alone or together in series towards building a wide-spectrum of skill sets. Depending on the subject matter, there will be differing ratios of theory and practical learning.

Soon, we will be listing the classes individually on our web store, with dates and seminar outlines, to sign up to.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

#staycrafty

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Mission Darkness Faraday Gear

Use Promo code TNTRADECRAFT to save on your purchase.

Mission Darkness (MOS EQUIPMENT) provides faraday electronic emissions shielding gear to protect your electronics from damage and compromise.

Their proprietary shielding fabric blocks all signals, in and out, from cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS and RFID, protection.

This technology aids in passport/ID protection, wireless testing, travel data privacy, corporate information integrity, personal security, digital forensics and evidence protection. Protect your data from compromise and destruction with hard-wearing, waterproof, weatherproof and signal-proof.

It can also protect equipment from electro-magnetic pulses (EMPs) prior to, and during, disaster scenarios.

Cellphone, tablets, computers, even your car key fobs can be protected from compromise via intrusion, emmination or remote access.

Be sure to invest wisely in your Electronics security with quality products from Mission Darkness and don’t forget to use promo code TNTRADECRAFT to save on your purchase.

Use Mission Darkness gear to protect your electronics.

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Simple Home Security Camera Set-up

Oftentimes, having a security camera system at your residence (whether you are an owner, renter, or traveller) can be beneficial in supporting your security posture as well as your general situational awareness.

Check out this video on our YouTube channel where I talk about how to set-up a quick, simple, inexpensive and effective security camera system.

When you add some solar-powered motion-activated lights, proper placement and some thought and effort, you can really leverage a few dollars and have something which will get the job done.

Stay Safe and #staycrafty.

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The Ready Pack Plus by Contingency Medical.

Get your kit HEREhttps://contingencymedical.com?apply-promo=tntc10&ref=235

I recently discovered Contingency Medical while exploring options for back-up medical supply options during travel scenarios, disasters or emergencies. The difficulty I discovered was that most of the medications one would need during a disaster would require a prescription or worse, not be available due to the local or regional public health systems being overwhelmed. The solution, simply, is to secure a supply of quality, effective and affordable to pre-position in case of emergency. During emergencies and disasters, community is important. So thinking not only of your own welfare, but your ability to be useful and helpful to others as well.

In addition to first aid knowledge and training, having the means to deliver care when medical care is not reliable or available should be a key component of your preparedness plan.

The process to get your pack starts off with a purchase (using promo code tntc10 ) which then initiates forms to be filled out by you for one of the Contingency Medical physicians to review. Upon review and clearance, you get access to follow-up services and support and your order is shipped to you. Part of the deal is that if you have questions or concerns, Contingency Medical provides you with a dedicated line to communicate with their physicians anytime. Their website has several articles and a fulsome FAQ section to address your questions and inquiries.

Your Ready Pack medications come in this handy carry case.

From the Contingency Medical website: “Designed to provide peace of mind on the home front.  This physician curated pack was built to help you prepare for emergencies such as pandemics, natural disasters, and other types of lockdown. It’s meant for at-home use where symptoms are more easily managed.  Each pack comes with health screening and follow up access to a board certified physician for a year after your purchase! Ready Pack Plus includes add-on medicines to help battle symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.  It has all the protection of the Ready Pack, with the additional medicines to keep you comfortable while you explore or recover.”

The Ready Pack Plus opened up with it's contents.
The Ready Pack Plus opened up with it’s contents, and includes a guide to each of the included medications, speaking to how and under what circumstances to use what medication, along with possible conflicts and dosages.

Get your kit HEREhttps://contingencymedical.com?apply-promo=tntc10&ref=235

Contingency Medical was formed by a passionate group of doctors, outdoor enthusiasts, preppers, road warriors, and international travelers who recognized a need for improved access to healthcare in emergency situations. 

About Contingency Medical from their website:

The Contingency Medical Packs are our solution. The idea stemmed from one of the company’s founding members, an emergency physician and graduate of Stanford Medicine with decades of experience in the field. He has intimate familiarity with the most common ailments faced and has recommended a great blend of antibiotics best to treat those ailments. His knowledge formed the foundation for our packs. 

The packs were designed to address the question – “What would an emergency physician keep on hand at all times – both for longer term emergencies and for emergencies on-the-go?” Based on this question, the Ready Pack, Go Pack and Ready Pack+ were born.

Get your kit HEREhttps://contingencymedical.com?apply-promo=tntc10&ref=235 and be sure to use promo code TNTC10 to save on your first kit! Make sure you’re prepared with physician-curated medicines for travel, preparedness and emergencies.

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The Importance of Foot Care in Disasters and a Tour of JB Fields’ Sock Factory in Toronto.

A common question asked of me when discussing preparedness as a topic, is “what are important things to carry” or “what stuff should I prepare for a disaster”?

As an addition to my previous posts on Preparedness (see HERE) one often-overlooked or not thought-about part is how important one’s feet are in the overall picture of being prepared for a disaster.

One of the most important aspects of preparedness is mobility. Oftentimes, the best way to avoid a bad situation (especially if you have advance warning of it) is to not be there. However, there will be times when there is little or no warning and staying put then changes to moving out. Relying on a vehicle to get you where you need to go is convenient, but may not always get you all the way there. Vehicle breakdowns, blocked roads, extreme weather – all can contribute to the need to transition to a moving on foot. At that point, you are ultimately going to have to rely on your own feet and their ability to get you through.

Be sure to include at least one spare pair of quality socks into every kit and bag you have. If you have a family of four you need to plan for, the same applies. Buy a good pair of hiking socks which will provide cushion, wick moisture away, insulate, breathe and wash/dry easily for all members of your group. If you need to transition from mounted (in a vehicle) to dismounted (on-foot) to cover distance and terrain to your destination, being able to change your cocksure both supportive of foot care and help boost morale. There is a wonderful feeling one has when you are cold, wet, sore and exhausted but you change your socks for a dry, clean pair. OH! It makes a world of difference. Just ask anyone who’s done a lot of hiking or been in the military. Dry, clean socks are game-changers.

In addition to the above, invest in the best footwear you can – solidly built, broken-in and in good repair. Depending on the profile and expected terrain you may be traversing, you may be looking for something more suited to the wet and cold of the outdoors or the roughness of the urban environment. Either way, research what works for you and get something you can rely on. You should also consider packing some Advil, Moleskin and duct tape. And an extra pair of laces (made from 550 paracord wouldn’t hurt you either).

I recently had the opportunity to have a behind-the-scenes look at the making of some of my favourite socks, right here in Toronto! J.B. Fields makes an array of high-quality socks from premium materials. Living in a colder region, I have been partial to their Icelandic wool socks and hikers for their incredible warmth and versatility for some years now.

Full disclosure: I am NOT being paid for this endorsement nor have I been furnished with any consideration, I just really like their socks AND I like that they are an old, Canadian-based company making a quality product at an affordable price.

I reached out to JB Fields and connected with Sid, one of their employees, and set up a meet to go in and pick up some end-of-season deals at their factory store. Sid graciously offered to show me their factory and how the socks are made, along with the features that make them the quality they are. (SEE PHOTOS AT END OF POST)

There are three styles which I really love:

  1. the Merino Wool Weekender: 96% Merino wool. VERY comfortable but not very resilient, so don’t get them for hiking of boot socks. But casual wear for comfort, yes!
  2. The Medium Hiker: 74% merino and both tough and comfortable.
  3. Icelandic Wool Sock: for warmth when you really want it.

Regardless if you go with JB Fields or other great sock manufacturers (such as Darn Tough or Smart Wool are both VERY good choices), just be sure to invest in a quality sock for supporting your mobility in an emergency for your preparations.

Having appropriate footwear (boots, or shoes), keeping your feet in good health (clean, dry, free of infection/fungus, nails trimmed, space to breathe in shoes, etc) and investing in quality socks will be a key foundational piece to build upon. Getting blisters, frostbite or other foot injuries can be crippling very quickly and ground you, thereby taking away your potion to move from a bad situation. Movement and mobility are life-giving and without hem, you are at the mercy of circumstance and other parties. Stay capable, maintain the capacity for mobility and invest in preparations BEFORE you need them.

Till next time, stay safe and #staycrafty!

Front doors to the factory and shop.
A few facts about this old, Canadian company and their socks.
A selection of their fine Icelandic wool socks. So warm!
Unfinished socks prior to washing and finishing.
Sock-weaving machines and spools of thread ready to go.
These machines require constant attention to maintain up-time.
More spinning machines pumping out socks.
This thing makes a tube of a sock using various types of yarns and colours. Very cool.
Shapeless tube socks being formed into foot-shapes.
Finished product – a very well-made and reliable sock to protect your feet.
I keep a pair in my go-bag at all times. You should too!
Be Prepared. Get your copy today!
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The Last Page: Recoil OFFGRID Issue 46

I am very humbled to share that Recoil OFFGRID has allowed me to contribute to their magazine again – this time it was The Last Page: a book review.

The editors suggested that I review the infamous ANARCHIST COOKBOOK, and to furnish my thoughts about it to their readers.

The infamous Anarchist Cookbook

So, if you go to HERE , you can read the entire review.

THE ANARCHIST COOKBOOK REVIEW: A RECIPE FOR CONTROVERSY

OUR REVIEW OF THE INFAMOUS 1971 COMPENDIUM OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT DRUGS, WEAPONS, EXPLOSIVES, AND GUERRILLA TACTICS.

For those of you who have never heard of it, or ever read it, do give the review a read.

https://www.offgridweb.com/preparation/the-anarchist-cookbook-review-a-recipe-for-controversy/

Till next time, stay safe and #staycrafty.

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The True North Tradecraft Pandemic Measures Guide

Our new publication for best practices to keep you safe from the pandemic.

We had been working on this publication prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Our e-book on pandemic best-practices will arm you with key information and knowledge to better protect yourself against infection and disease. Check it out on our store HERE and on Amazon.

Stay safe and stay crafty.

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2nd Edition: The True North Tradecraft Disaster Preparedness Guide.

Available in Paperback and e-book formats.

It is with great pride and excitement that we announce the release of the Second Edition, newly revised, expanded and updated with more information, more lists, photos and resources to prepare yourself for when disaster strikes.

Now available through the True North Tradecraft Store (in Paperback & PDF formats) and through Amazon in Paperback and Kindle).

If you live in an urban or suburban environment you owe it to yourself to invest some effort in preparing for the unexpected. Get yours today!

Stay safe and stay crafty!

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The True North Tradecraft Disaster Preparedness Guide

Are you ready for 2019? Make sure you are by picking up the The True North Tradecraft Disaster Preparedness Guide: A Primer on Urban and Suburban Disaster Preparedness.  

PDF AVAILABLE THROUGH OUR STORE HERE 
Paperback and Ebook available worldwide through Amazon.

Over the past long while, we have been working on a guide for urban & suburban disaster preparedness. This book is meant to be an accessible planning and development blueprint for those wishing to establish and maintain a reasonable level of preparedness to be resilient in the face of a natural or man-made disaster.

It outlines the basics of survival and preparedness in an urban & suburban context.  This gives you a foundation to create your own preparedness plan and build emergency readiness kits.  For instance, have your plans and supplies in place before something happens.  

Many to whom I have spoken about preparedness are uneasy about starting, stating their biggest challenge was not knowing where to start.  Most importantly, this book gives the beginner (as well as the seasoned planner), a solid foundation on which to build.

This guide covers:

  • Disaster Planning
  • Preparedness Psychology
  • Priorities and Strategy
  • Water
  • Shelter
  • Fire, Heating & Cooking
  • Food
  • Medical & First Aid
  • Health, Santitation & Hygiene
  • Communications
  • Light, Electricity & Backups
  • Special Considerations
  • Recommendations
  • and so much MORE!

It is also specific in two contexts:

  1. It does NOT get into wilderness survival (as this is a topic all it’s own) and;
  2. It is written from a Canadian legal perspective.

This is our humble first edition to offer the tools of knowledge necessary for those who wish to prepare themselves and their families for future challenges, but don’t know where to start. It also contains tidbits which should be useful to even seasoned veterans in preparedness.

When you fail to plan you plan to fail…don’t let not knowing stop you.  Get started today to be ready for tomorrow.

Stay crafty. Be ready.

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!!!

Paperback and ebook versions available from Amazon in various markets.

(Search:  True North Tradecraft)

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Winter Is Coming: 8 Tips for Getting Your Vehicle Winter-Ready

As we make our way through the last weeks of Fall and approach Winter, it’s time to do our twice-a-year vehicle change-over.  For those of us who live in areas where snow and extreme cold are realities, being prepared for weather-related challenges is a wise investment.

As extreme and inclement weather, coupled with low temperatures,  can negatively affect driving conditions, sometimes without warning.  This time of year (approaching Christmas and New Year’s) sees us travelling to visit our friends and family, attending parties and generally spending more time on the roads.  Roads that can sometimes go to hell real fast.

Be sure to get plenty of rest prior to a long road journey, stay hydrated and nourished and for the love of all that is holy, do NOT drive while impaired.  

Winter weather brings with it snow storms, white-outs, icy roads (including black ice), freezing rain, traffic jams and accidents, breakdowns and more.  A few well-focused steps and some essential equipment can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience, extreme discomfort or  (in extreme cases) death.  (Read a news article about a very unfortunate situation like this here.)

As the extreme cold and weather can hasten death under less-than-ideal circumstances, we look to some basic Survival Priorities to ensure a better chance of survivability.  These principles include:

  • Shelter
  • Fire
  • Water
  • Signalling & Communication
  • Food
  • Security

*NOTE: These principles and their order of priority can and will change depending on your immediate circumstances.  However, I have put them in this order at this time as a general theme and to illustrate their importance. The rationale is that, if you find yourself in a blizzard, shelter is paramount as you’ll freeze before the other considerations even enter into the equation.  Then fire for warmth inside the shelter (car), and then water to keep your body functions going.  Signalling for help would be next (flares, chemical lights, using a cell phone or radio) followed by food and security.***

  1. Seasonal tires and Service.  If you live in an area prone to winter weather, get snow tires, the best you can afford.  Sure, you’ll have to switch between your All-Seasons and Winters, but well worth it for the better traction on snow and ice in colder temperatures.  Also, be sure to get your car serviced at the same time to ensure maximum reliability through the winter.  Have them check your battery, fluids, belts, lights, anti-freeze, windshield washer fluid (the -40 deg C kind) and the rest.
  2. Don’t Run Dry.  If heading out of the city or for a longer drive, don’t let your car’s gas tank drop below half-tank on your journey.  Stop frequently, top-off your gas tank and stretch.  It also helps fight fatigue and gives you the opportunity to get food and drink regularly.
  3. Power-Up!  Ensure you have a DC plug (cigarette plug) USB charger and charging cables for all your cell phones/devices.  If there are more people in the car on your journey, run cables to as many phones as you can and charge them while driving, thus ensuring a full battery on as many devices as possible and a better chance for contacting help if needed.
  4. Your Spare.  If your car allows it, get a full-size spare tire and an appropriate tool kit.  It should include a wrench for the lug nuts, a jack, nut lock tool (if your car has them), a small can of WD40 or similar, a small bottle of de-icer, block of wood for under the jack and a pair of warm work gloves.  If you get a flat, you should know how to change it quickly and safely.  Practice it in good weather so you know how to use all the tools and that the spare is in good repair.
  5. Get a Grip.  Stock a small shovel or entrenching tool and a bag of sand/gravel/cat litter to dig a wheel out of an icy patch and sprinkle the bag of sand under the tires to aid in the wheels gripping better.  If your jurisdiction allows for chains, consider adding these to your kit and ensure you know how to put them on.
  6. Be Seen.  Carry emergency triangles, at a minimum, and consider a few road flares or an electronic LED road flare to increase your visibility to other motorists.  If the visibility is low, the likelihood of people seeing you and stopping is low.  By the same token, if they can’t see you, you may be struck by other vehicles in the dark.  In these situations, visibility is your friend.
  7. Keep In Touch.  If you’re travelling longer distances, communicate with your hosts and let them know when you’re leaving and when, approximately, you plan on arriving.  If possible, let them know the route you’ll be taking.  If it changes, send them a text to keep them updated.  If you fail to show or get in touch by a pre-set time, they can call police on your behalf and search for you.
  8. Stock a Winter Emergency Kit.  Split between your glove box and a backpack or duffel bag in your trunk with some emergency essentials can mean the difference between life and death in extreme circumstances.  No, I’m not being dramatic, I’m being realistic.  If you have ever spent a few hours in -35 in the middle of the night in a broken-down vehicle without and equipment hoping for someone to help, you’d appreciate it.  I have.  And despite knowing that “help was coming”, it was still terrible and very cold You can include the following items in an emergency kit as a start and add-on for your specific circumstances later.  Here are the essentials:
  • Snow brush & ice scraper;
  • 2 emergency candles in a metal tin & 2 Bic lighters;
  • Flashlight & spare batteries, A few glow stick Chem lights;
  • First Aid kit with tourniquet (if you’ve not been trained, GO GET TRAINING!);
  • Warm blankets or sleeping bag;
  • Extra clothing (hats, gloves, socks, fleece jacket);
  • Winter boots (like Sorel);
  • Small bottle of lock de-icer or rubbing alcohol;
  • Food (such as a few Cliff Bars or similar);
  • A few bottles of water, plastic so as not to freeze and shatter);
  • Metal cup;
  • Consider a thermos filled with a hot drink;
  • A quality multi-tool;
  • Solid, full-tang knife;
  • Seatbelt cutter (stowed above driver visor or accessible in centre console);
  • A few contractor garbage bags;
  • Whistle;
  • 25′ of paracord;
  • Small can of WD40 and small roll of duct tape;
  • Basic tool kit for car;
  • Wet wipes, small toilet paper & hand sanitizer;
  • Jumper cables (for you and to help others);
  • Extra cash and change (in small bills);
  • Fire Extinguisher (small);
  • Tow strap (if it can be attached to your vehicle);
  • Extra fuel;
  • Anything else you feel is necessary.

Staying in your vehicle, if possible, is the safest place to ride out a storm.  It is a metal cage which protects you from other vehicles, but also from the elements.  With the candles, blankets and extra clothes, you should be able to stay warm enough to survive.  Adding food and possibly hot water, your chances go up even more.  Adding to that higher levels of visibility and communications, your chances begin to climb higher.

If you do find yourself stranded, take immediate action to prepare yourself for a long stay.

  • Stay CALM.
  • Take stock of your situation.  Stay in your vehicle.
  • Attempt to make contact with Police or anyone who may be able to render aid.
  • Remove your survival kit from your trunk to the back seat and break out its components while your engine is still running or is still warm.
  • Deploy your visibility markers and, if visibility is low and it’s night out, consider your glow sticks, LED flares and chemical road flares.
  • Use your shovel to clear the area around your exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide from being pumped into your vehicle.
  • Run the engine for 10-15 minutes at a time to conserve your battery and fuel.
  • Ensure all unnecessary power expenditures (radio, phone use for games, etc, are cut.  Only use your hazard lights if possible.
  • Use the items in your kit to their maximum.

I trust this will serve as a solid primer to preparing you to deal with many unforeseen eventualities this winter driving season.  Use common sense.  If the weather is bad, stop.  Reschedule.  Turn Back.  Get a hotel for the night.  It’s not worth the risk.  Don’t be caught unawares and unprepared this winter.  Prepare now and get home safely.

Stay safe and stay crafty.