Preparedness
Hartford Citizens Tackle Rising Crime with Legally Armed Patrols

In the heart of Hartford, Connecticut, a neighborhood predominantly composed of black residents has decided to tackle the increasing violent crime by turning to an unexpected source of protection – a group of legally armed citizens. This self-appointed group, named the “Self-Defense Brigade,” hopes to reduce crime rates and establish a sense of security within the community, as reported by the New York Post.
The brigade consists of approximately 40 armed citizens who volunteer their time and resources to patrol Hartford’s North End, especially during the evenings and weekends. Donning body cameras as part of their equipment, they remain vigilant and committed to their cause.
“I believe in self-defense, but I will try to defuse it in every way possible.”
Their vigilance is not limited to the streets; the group’s arsenal expands to drones and 75 home surveillance systems to monitor possible criminal activities in real-time. This allows them to focus their attention on potential crime hotspots and respond accordingly.
Cornell Lewis, the founder of the Self-Defense Brigade, has been vocal about the reasons behind the formation of the group. According to Lewis, the local Democratic leadership has failed to ensure the safety of the community.
“The Democratic machine in Hartford is either unwilling or unable, incapable of doing it, and people are paying their tax dollars, and they’re not getting any kind of service.” Lewis said. “So we want the people to understand, number one, self-defense is not a dirty word.”
However, not everyone shares the same sentiment. Hartford’s Democratic Mayor Arunan Arulampalam has expressed concerns over the possibility of the group becoming vigilantes.
“Our community has seen so much pain and trauma, and what we need is for those who love this city to do the hard work of healing that pain, not walk around our streets with guns trying to take the law into their own hands,” Arulampalam said.
Despite criticism, Lewis remains determined to educate the community about self-defense, especially in situations where the police might not be available. Lewis also emphasizes the importance of de-escalation in potentially dangerous situations.
“I believe in self-defense, but I will try to defuse it in every way possible,” Lewis reiterated. “But if it’s clear that you’re going to attack, or you pull out some weapons, then we have a right to defend ourselves.”
Lewis firmly denies the accusations of the group being vigilantes and asserts that all members are trained in discipline legal security. He also adds that while all members have legal permits to carry concealed weapons, he himself is a fourth-degree black belt and has trained members in hand-to-hand combat.
The Self-Defense Brigade took to the streets after a tragic incident left two men dead in front of the Walk in the Light Church of God last February. Commenting on the group’s impact, Archbishop Dexter Burke said, “I feel that we are really putting a dent on crime. I think that we’ve exceeded 100% in terms of success.”
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Preparedness
Master Your Crisis Plan with Essential Emergency Food Tips

In times of crisis, having a well-thought-out emergency food supply can provide significant peace of mind. It’s crucial to select your supplies based on factors like shelf-life, storage capacity, and food quality to ensure you’re prepared for any unexpected situation.
When considering emergency food supplies, one of the primary factors is calorie content. Kits are generally designed to meet the caloric needs of one person over a specific period. Rather than focusing solely on serving sizes, it’s advisable to “compare dollars spent per calorie” to avoid ending up with insufficient rations. If you foresee engaging in physically demanding tasks during a disaster, or if you have a particularly hungry teenager at home, consider supplementing your supply with extra calories through additional proteins or comfort foods.
The shelf-life of emergency food varies significantly. From basic staples like pasta and rice to more specialized items like freeze-dried ice cream, each has its own longevity. Some products may need replacing every couple of years, while others can last over 25 years, making them ideal for long-term storage.
Storage methods also play a critical role in maintaining your food supply. Long-term food is often stored in stackable buckets or totes, while some companies offer one-week supplies in portable containers. For those on the go, consider emergency bars like Datrex bars, which are less affected by temperature fluctuations.
While taste might not seem paramount during an emergency, having nutritious and palatable food is essential. Consider dietary restrictions and try out a 72-hour kit to sample the meals and determine which spices or seasonings you might want to add to your stockpile.
The amount of food you should store largely depends on your circumstances. FEMA suggests a minimum of a 14-day supply of non-perishable food for your family, but aiming for a month’s supply is preferable. If feasible, having enough for 90 days to a year is even better. Don’t forget to stockpile food for your pets, as dry pet food typically lasts 1 to 1.5 years.
Water storage is equally important, with a recommended minimum of one gallon per person per day. FEMA advises having two weeks’ worth of water for hydration and sanitation. Pets will need their own water supply, too. In addition to storing water, investing in a reliable filtration system, like the Alexapure Pro, can be beneficial.
For a well-rounded emergency food supply, opt for shelf-stable, nutrient-rich foods that don’t require refrigeration. Dry cereals, protein bars, ready-to-eat meals, and freeze-dried foods are excellent choices. While rice and beans are affordable staples, they should be part of a diverse food lineup to ensure all essential nutrients are covered.
Grains, rice, beans, and pasta can last up to 25 years if processed and packaged for longevity. Consider adding kitchen spices and staples to your stock but remember to rotate them due to their shorter shelf life.
Store your emergency food in a cool, dry, and dark place with minimal temperature fluctuations. The ideal temperature range is between 50°-72°, with low humidity. Basements or cold rooms are ideal, but pantries, closets, or under-bed storage can suffice. Ensure your storage area is pest-proof, as rodents and even pets can breach packaging.
When selecting emergency food supplies, prioritize products that are long-lasting, nutritious, and palatable. Don’t forget to include vitamins or supplements to ensure all nutritional needs are met during a crisis.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Preparedness
Master Wilderness Survival with Three Essential Strategies

Survival in the wilderness hinges on understanding and prioritizing three critical elements: core temperature, comfort, and convenience. These three C’s form the backbone of any effective survival strategy, ensuring that you remain not only alive but capable of thriving in challenging environments.
The first and most crucial aspect to address is core temperature. Upon entering any wilderness setting, especially during colder seasons, securing a suitable shelter is paramount. This shelter must be able to maintain a livable body temperature to prevent the onset of hypothermia or frostbite.
Conversely, in hotter climates, overheating poses its own threats, such as dehydration and heatstroke.
“A shelter that helps you maintain a comfortable and manageable body temperature” is vital for survival. Alongside shelter, appropriate clothing is essential. Garments should be adaptable to the climate and flexible enough to allow for movement, ensuring that your attire does not hinder your ability to perform necessary survival tasks.
The second C, comfort, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the will to survive. Constant discomfort can lead to overwhelming physical, mental, and emotional stress. Physically, stress can sap your energy and strength, making it difficult to perform essential survival tasks.
Mentally and emotionally, prolonged distress can erode your will to continue, posing a significant threat to your survival.
“Without comfort, you begin to lose your will to live.” By minimizing stress, you can focus your energy on survival, maintaining the motivation needed to persevere.
Finally, convenience is a key factor in effective survival. By organizing your environment and tasks in a way that reduces effort, you conserve energy and increase your comfort levels. This efficiency means you burn fewer calories, reducing the need to constantly forage for food.
“You can get more done with less amount of time because you are not investing so much into every single task that needs to get done.” Surviving off the land requires significant time and effort, and the more you can streamline your activities, the more manageable and enjoyable the experience becomes.
In essence, the three C’s of survival—core temperature, comfort, and convenience—are interlinked elements that form the foundation of any successful survival plan. By focusing on these areas, you enhance your ability to not only endure but to thrive in the wilderness.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Preparedness
Unlock Depression-Era Secrets for Modern Homesteading Success

For those living through the Great Depression, resourcefulness was not just a skill but a necessity. Many of the practices that emerged from that era are still relevant today, especially for homesteaders who value self-sufficiency and sustainability.
One of the most essential lessons from the Great Depression was making food stretch further. With meat being a luxury, families often turned to meal extenders like rice, lentils, and beans. These ingredients helped transform a small amount of meat and vegetables into a hearty meal, a technique every homesteader should master.
Moreover, everyday products can serve multiple purposes, a concept that was well understood during the Depression. With simple items like baking soda and vinegar, you can craft your own cleaning and beauty products. For instance, mixing apple cider vinegar and baking soda creates a face mask that can help clear acne-prone skin.
During those challenging times, the mantra was to use “just a dab” of products, ensuring they lasted longer. This practice remains valuable today; using minimal amounts of items like lotion can save money and reduce waste. A “last drop” spatula can help you get every bit out of a container, maximizing your resources.
Another habit worth adopting is saving scraps. Citrus peels can enhance homemade cleaning products, while leftover produce and bones are perfect for stocks and broths. Even bacon grease can be repurposed for cooking. If you can’t find a direct use for your scraps, they can always contribute to a rich compost pile.
Home remedies were a cornerstone of self-care during the Great Depression, as medical care was often inaccessible. Simple treatments like warm honey tea for sore throats or mustard powder poultices for sore muscles were commonplace. Learning to use medicinal herbs and natural remedies can be a valuable skill for any homesteader.
Nothing went to waste back then, and this mindset can still benefit us today. Empty jars and boxes were repurposed for storage, while flour sacks became dresses. Investing in a sewing machine and learning to mend clothes can extend the life of your wardrobe and reduce the need for new purchases.
Community was another crucial aspect of survival during the Depression. Neighbors supported each other through potlucks, where everyone contributed a dish. This tradition is a wonderful way to foster community spirit and share resources in times of need.
Water conservation was also a priority. Only running laundry machines or dishwashers with full loads and placing a brick in the toilet tank to reduce water usage are simple yet effective strategies to lower water bills.
While growing your own food is a common homesteading practice, preserving it is equally important. Techniques like canning, dehydrating, and freeze-drying ensure that none of your hard-earned produce goes to waste.
Lastly, the Great Depression taught the value of physical effort over convenience. Instead of driving, people walked or biked. They hand-washed dishes and line-dried clothes. Learning basic car repairs can also save money and increase self-reliance.
Embracing these time-tested strategies can not only help homesteaders thrive but also cultivate a more sustainable and resilient lifestyle.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Neal Mallett
June 21, 2024 at 11:34 am
They wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place if the mayor wasn’t so condescending and actually cared about the citizens concerns about crime and actually did something about it.
ardvark
June 21, 2024 at 11:57 am
Self defense especially with weapons tends to get in the way of communists goals, especially when the little people still have weapons!
David
June 21, 2024 at 1:03 pm
Criminals are going to think twice about committing crimes in areas where citizens band together to protect themselves and their families. Armed with modern weapons the protectors will definitely lower the crime rate. Now the judicial system should do their part and keep the thugs off the street. The democratic revolving door system is generating this need of self protection.
Bill
June 21, 2024 at 1:15 pm
We’ve entered a time where the crooked politicians are not looking out for the citizens. If theh think people are going to continue licking yhemsrlves in gheur homes and wait ghe inevitable attack, they are wrong. I commend these men.
kathy strickland
June 21, 2024 at 2:55 pm
It will be more and more necessary as the crime gets worse with the current problems we are having.
ME
June 21, 2024 at 3:17 pm
And this kind of crap would be illegal if WHITES were doing it to protect their property. Enforce the laws EQUALLY, otherwise, “laws” mean NOTHING.
TRM
June 21, 2024 at 4:33 pm
Are the vigilantes trained in the law? This program will end when they shoot the first person by mistake and they get prosecuted.
Old Man
June 21, 2024 at 8:34 pm
Shoot now, ask questions later.
Mary Gibson
June 22, 2024 at 5:08 am
Food for them. They stepped up when weak government won’t!
Mary Gibson
June 22, 2024 at 5:09 am
Good for them!!
David
June 24, 2024 at 12:50 pm
Citizens should be grateful their neighbors are willing to give up their precious time to help keep them safer. I support Police but they have been reduced to report writers. The Police vehicle these days should say “report writer” instead of “serve and protect”.
Herb
June 24, 2024 at 2:53 pm
Since the legal system is failing to control crime someone has to step up and do the job. An unarmed patrol would just be a target of criminals.
DAVID
June 25, 2024 at 7:13 pm
When government doesn’t do its duty the citizenry should do their duty. BUT AT THE SAME TIME VOTE THE JERKS OUT THAT DON’T DO THEIR DUTY