This is the granddaddy of preparedness books. Joel Skousen is a renowned expert on secure homes and has provided you with the essentials for self-sufficiency and security. You get over 650 pages of background material, plans, excellent ideas and a killer reference section containing just about everything you will ever need in your disaster planning journey. If you ever plan on owning a home this book will earn it's keep many times over just on energy saving ideas. You will be surprised how often you reference this material.

One of the best, by the best. Kearny actually worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and provides clear, understandable discussion of nuclear issues and what you can do. You will be surprised at the errors propagated in the popular press that are dispelled here. One of the greatest assets of this book is the coverage on shelters (both permanent and expedient) that can protect you from whatever man or nature throws your way. OK, that's not totally true. A direct, ground hit of a large nuclear bomb right in your shelter will bring truth to the old idiom: "From dust to dust..."

Other than that little problem (which is avoidable)...you will profit from this because you will be informed when others are going hysterical. You will know how to shelter and survive wherever you are with just basic hand tools, simple supplies and materials found around you.

A nifty little pamphlet with checklists to help you get your disaster planning activities under way. If your household addresses what is in this little book you are well on your way to being able to survive (and prosper!) regardless of what happens (well, see exception listed above).

Provides you with the essentials of building a multi-purpose, high security shelter within your existing or new home. Protect your valuables and your household against numerous threats from weather to home intruders.

Helps you to think strategically about the future, develop criteria for relocation, analyze threats and pull it all together. If you are considering a move or just want to understand the threats to your current home you will want this book. Since most folks move every 7 years or so (in USA) you will have to address these issues at some point. Better to do it now than when crunch time has arrived. This process takes some forethought so you don't want to be on the last train out of town.

Not for the faint of heart. Making a move can be a gut wrenching experience for your family but well worth it. Better to start educating yourself now.