Friday Five for September 14, 2012

September 14, 2012

This weeks’ Friday Five from PreppingToSurvive brings you a warning to Arkansas from the USGS, concerns over food and electricity, and a gun-grab by the ATF. Here’s what we’re reading.

Geological Survey Expert to Arkansas: Brace for an Earthquake

According to Arkansas Geological Survey Supervisor, Scott Ausbrooks, Arkansas has been experiencing small earthquakes every other day recently. That could be an indication of a much large seismic event to come. The USGS says there is a 7 to 10% chance of a magnitude 7 or greater earthquake along the New Madrid Fault. From Examiner.com.

Worst Drought in 50 Years Affects Food and Electricity

With well over half of the contiguous United States experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions this summer, many people are worried about the affects that the drought will have on the world’s food supply. But there’s another concern that worries many: the affect on the nation’s electrical grid. From OilPrice.com.

Justice Dept Gives ATF Power to Seize Guns Without Due Process

Last week, the Justice Department granted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms the legal ability to “seize and administratively forfeit property involved in controlled-substance abuses.” Last year they confiscated 11,355 guns, returning only 396 to their owners. The Assets Forfeiture Fund had $2.8 billion in 2011. Not a bad side business for the ATF. From OffGridSurvival.com and The Washington Times.

Survival Mom Analyzes FEMA’s Top 12 Emergency Items

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that every household have certain supplies on hand to help bridge the gap in times of crisis. But are their recommendations enough? Lisa Bedford of Survival Mom fame looks at the top 12 recommendations and adds her two cents. From SurvivalMom.com.

University Researchers Map Medicinal Values for 20,000 Plants

According to the World Health Organization, 1 out of every 4 medicines are derived from plants. Researchers at the University of Reading have recently composed a “Super Tree” that maps each plant species to its related medicinal uses. While the study was designed to help BigPharma make modern medicines from nature’s bounty, preppers and homesteaders can use the information as well. From MedicalXPress.