What You Should Check Now to Make Sure Your Backup Heat Actually Works

What You Should Check Now to Make Sure Your Backup Heat Actually Works

When the temperatures drop and the power goes out, that “backup heat source” you bought starts feeling a lot more serious. But most people don’t realize how many little things can make it fail. Don’t wait for the emergency—here’s what to double-check right now. Test the Ignition System If your backup heat uses a spark…

What You’ll Regret Doing First If You Try to Go Off-Grid Too Fast

What You’ll Regret Doing First If You Try to Go Off-Grid Too Fast

Going off-grid sounds great until you try to jump in all at once without planning. You’ll waste time, money, and energy trying to fix things you rushed through. If you’re even thinking about going off-grid, here’s what you’ll want to think twice about starting with. Rushing Solar Without Understanding Load Too many people throw panels…

What You’ll Really Deal With If the Power’s Out for More Than a Week

What You’ll Really Deal With If the Power’s Out for More Than a Week

When people talk about prepping for outages, they’re usually thinking in terms of hours or maybe a day or two. But when the power’s out for a full week—or longer—it stops being an inconvenience and starts messing with your entire routine. Here’s what actually goes sideways when it drags on longer than expected. You’ll Start…

What to Put Up at the Property Line to Keep Predators Out for Good

What to Put Up at the Property Line to Keep Predators Out for Good

Predators don’t care about your fences unless they’re built right. Coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and even bobcats will test your perimeter if they think there’s food inside. That means livestock, eggs, and even pet bowls left out are all on the menu. If you want to keep them out for good, you’ve got to stop thinking…

What You Should Do First If the Outdoor Faucet Keeps Dripping

What You Should Do First If the Outdoor Faucet Keeps Dripping

A dripping outdoor faucet might not seem urgent, but that slow leak adds up fast—and can signal bigger issues. Whether it’s a constant trickle or only leaks after shutting it off, it’s worth checking before it turns into wasted water or pipe damage. Before you call a plumber or start replacing parts, a few quick…

What We Actually Reach for When Something’s Rustling in the Yard

What We Actually Reach for When Something’s Rustling in the Yard

Middle of the night, dogs barking, motion lights flicking on—you’re not walking out there with nothing. And you’re not grabbing the flashlight from your junk drawer either. Here’s what we actually keep by the door when we need to check a rustle or rattle in the dark. A High-Lumen Flashlight That Doesn’t Suck We’re talking…

How to Keep Wild Hogs Off Your Property

How to Keep Wild Hogs Off Your Property

If wild hogs are tearing up your land, you’re not alone. These animals aren’t shy, and once they’ve found food or water, they’ll keep coming back. Fencing helps, but it’s not the whole solution. You’ve got to think like they do—smart, persistent, and willing to push through almost anything. Keeping them off your property means…

What We Keep Loaded When Coyotes Start Circling the Coop

What We Keep Loaded When Coyotes Start Circling the Coop

Coyotes don’t play by the rules—and they definitely don’t care if it’s broad daylight or a fenced yard. When they start showing up near the chicken coop, we don’t wait around. These are the firearms we keep ready for quick access when things start getting too close for comfort. .22 Magnum Rifle If we need…