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Best EDC Scissors: Cut to the Heart of the Matter

Written by Koryl in Best Reviews

A knife will cut through plenty of things easily, but sometimes you just need the dual-sided leverage of scissors to do the job. Moreover, there’s one distinct advantage of carrying scissors or a multitool with scissors. Unlike your knife, most people would never assume you’re armed simply because they see scissors. Having the element of surprise can be a genuine lifesaver.

So, with two hundred eighty-four million google results for ‘scissors,’ how do you know which ones to buy for your EDC? That’s where I come in, narrowing down the options, and explaining what to look for, so you don’t have to waste your time with millions of listings is my pleasure. After all, no one want’s to be the only survivor. It would be terribly dull.

 

Simple Mistakes That Create Big Problems

Scissors seem like they should be pretty intuitive and hard to mess up, but sometimes simple is a bad thing. I don’t mean that scissors are bad, only that buying a simple item is where people tend to slack on their research. Scissors are not all created equal. Quality is obviously important, but let’s get back to basics. Check these things before you buy.

  • Will they fit your hand? If your scissors have handles with holes too small for your fingers, they won’t do you much good.
  • What are they made from? You need a sturdy and rust-free pair of scissors for Every-Day-Carry.
  • What size do you need? If you plan to put them in your EDC, consider how much space you have and what your needs are most likely to be before picking scissors.
  • What are you using them for? The truth is that whatever you think you’ll use them for, your EDC scissors need to be more versatile. Pinking shears won’t do.
  • How will you store them? Great scissors aren’t so fantastic if you end up poking holes in your EDC bag (or your pocket).

As silly as it seems, skipping the basics can land you in hot water. Something as simple as forgetting to oil a bike chain, or not checking the expiration dates on your canned goods, can someday be the difference between surviving or being a casualty. Scissors are no exception. Keep them sharp and dry, and above all, make sure they can do the job.

Let’s Cut to the Chase

Now, versatility is critical, but don’t forget why you wanted scissors in the first place. If you’re a single medical professional or first responder, your cutting needs are probably a little different from say, a skilled housewife who has four kids and an elderly relative to consider in her prep. Gear you won’t use is a waste of money you should spend on other, more functional prepping.

Your skill level and abilities determine your needs. A pair of seamstress’ folding scissors are great for easy concealment, but they won’t go through a rope very fast. If you plan to trade your mad-sewing skills for things you need, then sewing it scissors are right for you. Unfortunately, if you can’t sew a stitch, you need more duct tape and larger scissors. Look at what you know how to do with scissors and find the best pair that will do that and more.

Get The Best EDC Scissors for You

In looking at a few thousand great results, I came across plenty of superb pairs of EDC scissors, but there are just a few that stood out. Each of the following suggestions will suit an EDC kit, but which is best for you depends on how you operate. Hands down, the essential part of any EDC or prep gear is your ability to use it. Without skill, the equipment is basically a doorstop that you overpaid for.

1. Engineer PH-55 Tetsuwan Scissors GT

My absolute favorite EDC scissors are the Engineer PH-55 Tetsuwan GTs. They are some of the best small scissors you can get, and the quality will surprise you. Despite the compact size, a reasonably large man’s hand will still fit inside the finger loops, and they cut beautifully. I own a pair that’s been in use for at least a year without any real wear.

Whether you need to tackle thickly corded ropes, wires or anything else you might want a pair of scissors for, the PH-55s have never let me down. A separate wire cutting tool is included in the handle. Plus they come with a guard sheath so you don’t need to worry about damaging whatever you store them inside. I carry and use mine daily. That said, I wouldn’t suggest them if you have huge hands or if you plan to wear thick gloves while using them.

Find yours here.

2. Leatherman Raptor Emergency Response Shears

Leatherman makes impressive tools for EDC, and the Raptor Emergency Response Shears are no exception. The molle compatible holster makes them extra easy to clip onto your daily gear and quick to reach in an emergency. A bonus etched measuring tape allows you to make exact cuts up to five centimeters long.

Arguably the best feature is the belt cutter. You can fold these down and use the wicked, yet safe blade to shear through sturdy material rapidly. Raptors are a must for any car kit as well as a great EDC item, so you may want to pick up a second pair for your vehicle.

The design is created especially for emergency professionals like EMTs to help extract people from car crashes quickly. However, the durable blades will work for anyone who’s trapped or just in need of outstanding scissors that can cut denim or rope efficiently and rapidly.

Look into Leatherman here.

3. Slip-N-Snip Folding Safety Scissors

Not everyone is searching for heavy-duty scissors. Sometimes compact and easy to carry anywhere is the best option. The Slip-N-Slips are the original folding scissors. The blades open all the way and slide into place inside the small handle pieces.

These are definitely made for average to small hands, but don’t underestimate them. If you need good scissors for the small jobs, then a pair of lightweight (0.8 ozs) foldable Slip-N-Snips may be perfect for you.

Folding scissors are especially popular with seamstresses, so they make an excellent addon for your sewing kit. They can handle most things the blades will fit around. That includes heavy materials like cardboard. Plus they hold an edge for quite a while. Any company that’s been around as long as Slip-N-Snips have knows what they’re doing, and they don’t disappoint.

Get your pair right here.

4. SOG Multitool Tactical Pen, TSA Approved with Travel Scissors

For those who prefer a scissor with more features, the TSA approved Tactical Pen with Scissors is a great buy. Not only do they fold up to look like a standard pen with a cap, you can clip to your pocket or belt, but they also write. The ability to multitask has always been a boon when you’re prepping a great EDC or BOB.

The included can opener is a real lifesaver if you’re in a bind and need to access your tinned food. Plus there’s a screwdriver tip as well. With so many uses, it’s hard to argue with this ‘pen.’ Luckily you don’t have to sacrifice quality for quantity here. The blades go through most anything you might expect compact scissors to cut easily.

Check out the details here.

5. Carabiner Shears, EMT Medical, and Trauma Scissors 2-Pack

If you’re looking for a more traditional set of medical shears, this is the top pick for you. Designed for traumas, they can cut through thick fabrics with ease. Plus the handle has a clip on one side so you can attach them wherever it’s most convenient for you. It’s effortless to move them from one location to another if you need to take them with you on a different bag or belt at a moment’s notice.

Pick your pair here.

Bonus- Klein Tools Free Fall Electrician’s Scissors

Are you planning to work with a lot of electrical wires? Maybe your prep includes generators and more high tech survival gear, or perhaps you’re an electrician by trade. Your skills and equipment will help you rebuild society after TEOTWAWKI. Sadly, without the right tools, you won’t get very far. That’s where the extended grip Free Fall Electrician’s Scissors come into play.

With stainless steel, fully serrated blades, you’ll be able to count on these for the long road ahead. A yellow rubber grip on one handle helps prevent slipping and makes them easy to locate in dim light. In fact, they work so well you can even find refurbished models that work like new if you need to prep for a whole family.

Consider Klein here.

Final Thoughts

There is one other consideration where scissors are concerned. Location before the SHTF matters. In the USA you can, for example, take a multitool with shears as a backup item for your scissors and several other things. Unfortunately, if you live somewhere like the UK, carrying a multitool with scissors is not permitted. Since your chances of survival go down dramatically when you’re incarcerated, make sure your tools are legal in your area.

Having a backup plan is always smart, and doubling down on your essentials is a great way to make sure you have what you need. Consider picking up two or three pair of scissors for your BOV, EDC and BOB needs.

Do You Need A Fire Proof Safe? Is It Worth It?

Written by John in Prepper Tips

Halfway between a ring and a thump, there is something entirely satisfying about the sound of a safe door closing solidly. It sounds secure. It makes you feel protected too, but is that a mere illusion? I have been beefing up my home security lately, and I wanted to know what some of my options are for protecting our vital papers. So do you need a fireproof safe? It can be safe to say that yes, it is time. Protecting your important items could mean the difference of losing everything during a fire, and being able to rebuild. Of course, not letting them get into a bad situation is always the best answer, but crossing your fingers is just as a gamble as betting all of your important It made me wonder if I need to upgrade to a fireproof safe.

Do You Need a Fireproof Safe?

In addition to peace of mind and the incredibly obvious ability to secure documents, there are some additional benefits.
· The insurance premium goes down.
· You save money in the long run by not needing to rent a safe deposit box or other secure storage for your valuables.
· Finally, limited access means increased security.
Lower insurance rates if you don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for your homeowners’ insurance, there are a handful of things you can do that give you double benefits. They give a direct benefit with added security, but they also save you money with an insurance company.
A safer home is less likely to have problems insurance has to pay for. It’s a win-win, which does not happen often in the insurance world. Below are some ways to keep your home safe;

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

You might think every home has these, or perhaps you don’t see the need. Regardless, your insurance adjuster is going to look for them. Carbon Monoxide detectors are most important if you have a fuel-burning source in your home, like a fireplace or gas stove. However, even an attached garage can pose a threat to air quality and health. Smoke detectors detect smoke and fire.

Fire Extinguishers and Sprinklers System

The ability to detect fire is great. Also getting to safety or getting the fire put out is just vital. A sprinkler system can put out a fire, but having manual extinguishers on hand is vital as well. Most homes need 1-3 fire extinguishers, depending on size. One in the kitchen, on each floor and near the exits to the home is a good start.

Deadbolt and Home Security System

Anything that deters burglars is beneficial. Security systems are typically installed by professionals, but you can DIY your deadbolts. Use extra-long screws for any door locks or handles to help secure them deeper into the wood of the door frame surfaces.

Storm Shutters and Roof Reinforcements

Weatherproofing will go a long way toward keeping you safe. Protect your loved ones and your property from storms. Reinforcing the roof is a huge job for one person. Alternatively, storm shutters are something you can tackle on your own. The style of your home and the level of risk should help you determine what kind of storm shutters are best.
Generators and Updated Plumbing or Electrical System
Keeping things like your circuit breakers and toilet pipes updated can save you a lot of money. Insurance agents hate paying out for these things. You might not even get compensation for a problem if they decide you didn’t do your part. Moreover, a generator is good for more than a blackout. Not only will you always have power, but you get added a bonus of lower insurance rates.

Fire and Waterproof Safe

Some insurance companies will give you a discount for storing things in a safe deposit but they aren’t ideal. It’s hard to get things and you have to go during regular banking hours. Fortunately, you can get the same deal if you install a safe.
A fire and waterproof safe is something your insurance company will be especially happy to see in your home. Owning one reduces the risk that you’ll suffer losses of your most valuable property. In addition, knowing your documents are safe means that in the event of a disaster, neither you nor the insurance company has to wait to process paperwork because you won’t have to replace Identification and copies of your policies. My personal recommendation for those needing a highly rated and relatively affordable fireproof and waterproof safe can be found here.

Fireproof Safe Ratings? What Do They Mean?

Safes have various ratings and features to consider. The type of lock is an example. You can get a keyed lock, though it’s rare, more likely your safe will come with either a combination lock or a keypad. Safes have time-based ratings as well. Many come with 30 minutes, 1, 2 or 3-hour ratings. This indicates how long the safe should stay at the promised internal temperature.

Underwriters Laboratories has been independently testing products for about a century. If your safe is UL rated, it means this company did the testing. They will heat the safe and even drop it from various heights to make sure it doesn’t open or break. AUL 1 rating means your safe can stand 1700 degrees for an hour and maintain the promised internal temperature. A TL rating is found on combination (aka dial) safes. These safes resist cutting, mechanical tools, hand tools and attempts to pick them. Some TL rated safes will also resist torches. The ratings will determine how resilient the safe is. Safes rated B or C have thinner walls and doors. They all have locks, but these safes aren’t likely to stand up to much abuse.

What are Fireproof Safes Made from?

Fireproof safes are manufactured to withstand temperatures as hot as 1400-1700 degrees. This is more than hot enough to melt softer metals like tin and aluminum. A typical home fire burns for about 20 minutes and never reaches over 700 degrees. However, a lot of things can affect fires. Where the safe is located and what is around it can easily change the duration and intensity of the burn. While safes can be made of materials like steel, fireproof safes usually are not. Perlite and vermiculite are the materials of choice for keeping your important materials cool. These substances don’t conduct heat well, so they stay cool inside even when the exterior is in ablaze. Schwab Corporation safes also use a patented material called insulitis.

Storing Things in a Fireproof Safe

Deciding what to store inside and how to store it is a much-debated subject. A typical safe that can maintain an internal temperature of 350 degrees work for papers. You can certainly store more durable items like jewelry inside to prevent theft. Unfortunately, these temperatures won’t keep your media safe. In order to keep things like thumb drives, CDs and DVDs safe from a fire you need a cooler environment. Anything delicate enough that it needs to be stored at ‘room temperature, is probably not going to be the same after a fire. Without sufficient protection, your vital data backups could be gone forever. You can get a safe capable of keeping an internal temperature of 125 degrees. At 150, this digital media may be lost.

Other Items to Store in Your Safe Bank are; Information Keys to a Safe Deposit Box, stock certificates, vital records, like birth certificates and passports, Estate Planning Documents and Wills, Insurance Policies, cash, and jewelry. In order to get the Right Fireproof Safe Before you can get that nice rate drop on your insurance, you need to do some research. Your papers won’t be safe if they don’t all fit inside the safe you choose. Deciding whether to buy the safe that does it all or focus on just the threat of fire is important. Think about where you’ll put the safe, what it should do and who will be able to get inside.

First, you’ll need to know how much space you need to store your valuables. I suggest getting several moving boxes and placing everything inside them as you work your way down to the smallest. Once you know how small box things fit in, calculating how much space is inside is easy enough. Multiply the length, depth, and width together to get the cubic size. This will tell you how much space you need inside your safe. Next, decide, either you need a burglar-proof safe.

If you’re more concerned about fire, you can opt for a dedicated fireproof safe. It won’t do as well against thieves, but it will keep your property out of the heat. Many fireproof safes are also waterproof. Lastly, consider the location. Where you put the safe can affect what features you need. Safes inside bedrooms, especially the master suite, are most likely to be found by burglars. Alternatively, basements typically have less to burn in a fire, but they may be at risk for flood damage. Make sure you consider everything when choosing the right safe for your needs.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to essentials, everyone has different needs. If you plan to have your important papers and property survive a fire then you need a fireproof safe. It’s likely that many of us will face a serious threat of fire in our lifetimes. If you live someplace hot and dry like California you almost certainly will. A good fireproof safe may save you a lot of trouble. It could even save your life if the documents and other items inside it can help you out of a bind.

RFID Wallets, Do They Really Work?

Written by John in Prepper Tips

 

The noble wallet – an essential carry-on throughout the daily hustle and bustle of today’s frenetic modern society. Coming in many shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, the wallet has evolved into an item arguably as personal as it is practical. 1 Furthermore, many wallet-makers claim their products can help protect your identity from thieves using RFID to read personal information stored on your debit and credit cards. That sounds great!

But, do these RFID-blocking wallets really work? In a nutshell, yes, RFID-blocking wallets really do work. The structure of these wallets contains a special metallic material designed and proven to channel incoming RFID signals around the items within – RFID tags, in this case. To explain exactly how this technology is proven to be effective, we will take a deep dive into the following topics: RFID in a nutshell, how thieves use RFID to steal a victim’s identity and existing technology towards preventing such theft.

What is RFID?

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a tracking system utilizing electromagnetic waves to identify and track special tags. These tags can be active, battery-assisted passive, and passive. An active tag contains an on-board battery and transmits its ID signal to a passive RFID reader (PRAT) in a given interval. An example of an active RFID tag would be the type placed on endangered wild animals to track for conservation purposes. A battery-assisted passive tag (BAP) contains an on-board battery, but only transmits its ID signal when in the presence of an active RFID reader (ARAT). A passive tag does not contain a battery nor transmit an ID signal. Instead, radio energy from an active RFID reader (ARPT) activates the tag therefore allowing the encoded information to be read.

Because passive RFID tags do not need batteries, they are cheaper to produce than active and BAP tags, and they are more compact than their active and BAP counterparts. Plus, passive tags can be embedded within the objects or animals (including humans) provided for identification because they require low-frequency radio waves, and therefore do not need to be within the line of sight of the reader. Furthermore, RFID tags could either be read-only or read/write. Read-only tags are assigned a serial number by the factory which is linked to a database. Read/write tags allow for object-specific data to be written onto the tag by the system user.

RFID systems operate utilize a wide range of radio frequency bands, depending on the speed required to read the specific encoded data. Where the tag/reader system falls within the spectrum of radio frequency is dependent on the classification of tag and what is being tracked. Passive and BAP systems tend to fall within the low to moderate frequencies, with some passive systems in the transportation sector falling within the moderate to high frequencies. Active and semi-active tags are primarily within the high frequencies. Further, the range required to read the tag or receive the tag’s signal can also vary from tens of centimeters to hundreds of meters.

RFID Skimming, Identity Theft, and You

Technological advancement has allowed passive RFID tag/reader systems to become versatile to the point of integration across a rapidly-growing number of sectors; from RFID-enabled asset tags tracking manufactured goods from the stages of assembly to receipt by the customer, to RFID-tagged passports for international travel, and many realms in-between. RFID systems have become one of the most efficient methods of tracking and data storage.

Unfortunately, one of the sectors utilizing RFID technology is that of identity thieves. Basically, anybody with an RFID reader (or RFID skimmer) can steal information from credit and debit cards, drivers licenses, passports, and other RFID-tagged devices. How do they do it? Typically, the thief will set up shop at a distance where they are concealed from the victim’s line of sight.

Using a concealed wireless skimmer, for example, a thief can read RFID-tagged cards within a victim’s wallet or purse while on the move. The thief will then copy the encoded personal information from the targeted card onto a blank card. This new card is now a duplicate of the victim’s card with all the essential information necessary for function, regardless of any encryption placed on the original. My personal wallet can be found here, not sacrificing function over style and still being of very high quality, check it out here!

RFID Blocking Technology

With potential opportunities for identity theft on the rise due to a general increase the electronic flow of personal data, concern towards personal security has, obviously, also been on the rise. Fortunately, there is technology out there effective at preventing unwanted and unnecessary readings of your RFID-tagged cards and other devices. In the 1800s, an English physicist by the name of Michael Faraday discovered that an object can be protected from static electric charges and electromagnetic radiation by completely surrounding it with a conductive material (such as metal).

Basically, the conductive material surrounding the object becomes charged in the presence of electricity. The electrical current flows all throughout this outer material, but never reaches the object inside due to the redistribution of charges – also known as electrostatic induction.

Because this particular action resembles a cage within which an object is protected, any encapsulating device capable of performing electrostatic induction is known as a Faraday Cage. Granted, the phrase “Faraday Cage” sounds like something strictly used within a lab, or something used by a high-school kid trying to become the next Nicola Tesla in his mom’s basement.

However, Faraday Cages can be found in many places outside of the lab. One example would be the special suit worn by a power lineman working with high-voltage. Another example would be an airplane, as the metal body protects those within the craft from lightning strikes whilst flying around storm clouds. Even the metallic body of your automobile is basically a Faraday Cage.

Now we come full-circle to the world of wallets. You may ask yourself, “what does a Faraday Cage have to do with wallets?” Well, it’s pretty simple, if you stop and think about it. As you may know, most debit and credit cards today are equipped with passive RFID tags. Even most driver’s licenses and other government-issued forms of identification are equipped with embedded passive RFID tags.

Where are these cards most often kept? Within a wallet, of course! As mentioned in the “RFID Skimming, Identity Theft, and You” section, identity thieves have ways of skimming RFID-tagged devices without the victims’ tagged items needing direct exposure. Furthermore, since electromagnetism is the primary element of RFID, a Faraday Cage can be a proven defense against intrusive RFID reading.

Fortunately, the engineering and construction of a Faraday Cage are relatively simple. A carefully designed mesh of aluminum – or another pliable and malleable metal – can create a compact and effective Faraday Cage small enough to be integrated within the structure of a wallet, therefore creating an RFID-blocking wallet. However, before you run out and buy the first RFID-blocking wallet you see, you may find it in your best interest to do a little homework first. As with many things, you get what you pay for.

The quality of the internal Faraday Cage determines how effective the wallet is towards protecting your cards from RFID skimming. The more conductive material used does not necessarily correlate to the cage’s effectiveness.

For example, if you create two cages – each with the same amount of material – but one is 3″ x 3″ and the other is 6″ x 6,” the smaller one will be more effective because the gaps between the material will most likely be tighter, creating closer channels of conductivity, and therefore a lesser chance of current breaking through the cage. However, if you have two wallets of the same size with different amounts of internal conductive material, the wallet with more conductive material will generally have a stronger cage and therefore greater protection from RFID skimming. Of course, that means more money to shell out, but wouldn’t you would rather be safe than sorry?

Final Thoughts

So, do RFID-blocking wallets really work? The answer: Yes, RFID-blocking wallets are proven to work against unwanted RFID skimming, thanks to their internal Faraday Cage technology. 7 Just be sure to do a little homework so you end up with one which will provide consistent, effective protection from skimmers for a longer period of time.

Obviously, further caution should be exercised regardless of how expensive your RFID-blocking wallet may be. First of all, the metallic material of the internal Faraday Cage will wear over time, rendering the protective capabilities eventually useless. Also, careless actions such as leaving your card unattended, keeping account passwords out in the open, sharing your Social Security Number, and many other blunders can leave you as easy-pickings for circling identity thieves.
Furthermore, RFID skimming is out-shined by a much more effective (and profitable) form of identity theft – ATM & point-of-sale skimming.

Basically, a small skimmer is installed (incognito) within the card-reading apparatus of an ATM or public point-of-sale machine. This skimmer directly reads the magnetic strip whilst inserted in the card reader, therefore revealing all of the victim’s sensitive personal and financial data linked to the account. Like the operation of an RFID skimmer, this information can be obtained quickly and remotely by the thief without the victim batting an eye, and can be copied onto blank cards for immediate use. Unlike the RFID skimmer, however,

ATM/point-of-sale skimming is reported in the news far more common and is, therefore, a far more legitimate threat to personal identity.
Nevertheless, RFID skimming is a threat to personal identity which should not be taken for granted. Sure, it may not happen very often as identity thieves are constantly developing their methods towards getting what they want, but being the victim of RFID skimming can leave you in just as sticky of a situation.

All I can say from here is just make it a habit to keep yourself informed of the latest trends in identity theft, and exercise caution with all of your sensitive information. If anything, spend a few extra bucks on a true RFID-blocking wallet!

Are Shoulder Holsters Considered Concealed?

Written by John in Prepper Tips

Gun laws can often be a rather touchy subject. Since they can vary immensely from place to place it is important to use caution when traveling across borders. Not only National and State borders but gun laws also vary across different cities and counties. In addition, the way you carry can impact the legal status as well, especially with a shoulder holster. I was shocked to learn something as simple as getting cold and putting a sweater on can change if some ways to carry are legal or not. Are shoulder holsters considered concealed? The answer depends on if the gun you are carrying is visible. If your holster is under clothing such as a jacket, then it is concealed. With that being said if you are walking around wearing a T-shirt with a holster on top of it and you are not trying to cover it up at all then this is open carry.

Why carry openly? It’s hard to imagine but concealed carrying was not always something people did. Before WWII the size of handguns was larger, so they could not be hidden as easily. In the west, it was more common to see people carrying guns on their hips than anywhere else. You could even wear a longer gun strapped to your back without any question because you have the right to protect yourself. Historically, hiding guns would make people suspicious that you were going to commit criminal activity rather than something people just did. People who open carry often do it for rather practical reasons.

Why Open Carry?

You might object to the fingerprints and background checks for permits since these are not required to use any other constitutional rights. Maybe you wish to avoid paying fees for a concealed permit. You might also feel like it’s an expression of your rights and a way to support them. Finally, open carry is most often associated with being a deterrent for crime.

Where Can I Open Carry?

Although counties and cities sometimes have special restrictions, many states allow open carry. Even knowing this, it is extremely important to check the local laws before taking your gun out of your house. The following is a summary of open carry laws in the USA states and territories. There are five main categories for open carry laws. The first one is Permissive; this means unrestricted within reason. Second, permissive with local restriction states are self-explanatory. Third, in licensed open carry states you are required to have a license. Fourth, anomalous open carry states allow you to open carry selectively. Finally, the fifth type is non-permissive areas which either forbid open carry or severely restrict it.

The permissive open carry states typically allow any citizen who is the legal owner of the gun to carry it unconcealed. The wording of the law varies but it is essentially saying you can either have the gun on your person or visibly in your vehicle. There are select states that count partial coverage of the gun as concealment, but many do not. Open carry is illegal in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, main, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

 In many areas, the law is considered unconstitutional so sometimes it is not enforced. The states and territories with permissive and local restrictions are Ohio, Oklahoma (not in effect until November 1st, 2019), South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming and in Colorado you can open carry everywhere except Denver County and city. In Iowa, you can open carry outside cities without a permit but inside I need city you need a permit. In Missouri, the laws are rather complicated because in some cities and counties they restrict you from open carrying and require concealment, but you don’t need a permit for concealed weapons. If you have a concealed carry permit you might be exempt from open carry restrictions, but you should always check local laws everywhere you go before taking your weapon out of your house.

In Nebraska, you can open carry without a permit anywhere except for Omaha. In Oregon, you can open carry without a permit except for in the places that have a restriction on the open carry of a loaded gun. In Pennsylvania, you can open carry without a permit except if it’s in your car you need a permit. In Philadelphia, you are required to have a permit regardless. In the American Samoa which is a licensed open carry territory, only shotguns and rimfire rifles have been permitted since 1991.

In the states and territories Connecticut, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Dakota, and Oklahoma you will only require your permit until November of this year. In Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, California, non-permissive states and territories, American Samoa, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, New York, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, the US Virgin Islands, Maryland, Hawaii, New Jersey, and anomalous states all technically allow open carry by permit. In practice, you can often expect your request for a permit to be denied.

What Happens if You Violate Open Carry Laws?

Almost all gone violations will result in a felony. The exact penalty will depend on your specific situation and even just having a gun with you can upgrade a crime you are involved in a “violent”. In addition to this, you will have to learn your states current laws if you want to know what the consequences are. It is very important that you call a lawyer right away once you are charged with a gun crime. Even if you were not doing anything wrong it is much better to be safe than sorry.

Look up your local laws to make sure you are carrying legally and if you need a permit go get one right away. The reciprocal carry laws can help you if you cross a boundary with a gun when you have a concealed or open carry permit. To summarize your CCW may be respected by another state without requiring you to apply for a new permit just for travel. Many times, having a gun permit will allow you to choose your mode of carrying.

How Do You Wear a Shoulder Holster?

You either love or hate wearing a shoulder holster everyone has their own opinion on the accessory. Many gun users Find complicated or too uncomfortable to wear. A shoulder or armpit holster is an excellent way to carry your firearm despite what many people say adjusting it isn’t as difficult as it seems. First, to adjust your Rig properly You should empty your rig. This might seem obvious to some people, but it is important to note but you should never adjust the fit of a holster well the gun is inside. This is absolutely necessary for your safety. Next, you need to put your arms through one side at a time and then slide the holster loosely into place. The straps should cross high on your back and nothing should be twisted. 10 you need to adjust the fit of the cross pad; this is often worn about 6 inches below the neck, but you should adjust it where it feels right for you.

If your holster has shoulder pads this is the time to adjust them, they should be centered front to back and near the neck. Finally, you need to adjust the straps so that the whole rig fits tightly, it should be snug, but it should not make you uncomfortable. One way to test that it’s not too tight is to move around in is to twist, bend, and maybe even to jumping jacks and arm circles. This will assure that you have the rig on properly.

Once you have the rig on the next step is to load your gun into the holster. You need to make sure that the safety is on and also move around again to see if there are any changes truth of fit once the whole store is full. If it is necessary for you to adjust make sure you pull the gun out first. If it doesn’t feel right at first it can take some time to get used to it. It is definitely worth it to take the time to make the adjustments. This is not like a belt holster so does not ‘plug and play. But it is possible you will like it much better. There is no perfect adjustment because it is different for everyone so it’s important to try on different shoulder holsters before you choose the one you like the most. Click here for more information on my personally recommended shoulder holster. 

Final Thoughts

sometimes concealed, sometimes not, a shoulder holster can be rather complicated. There are many cases when making a minor change can affect the way the defines something. The only way around this is to make sure you are a responsible and informed citizen. This means that you need to check your local laws and national updates on a regular basis and make sure you do not cover up your shoulder holster unless you have a CCW. 

The 5 Best Fireproof Document Bags, For Your Cash, Documents, and Valuables

Written by John in Best Reviews

During a fire, you could lose everything. When a big fire happens in big cathedrals or museums like what happened in the Notre-Dame cathedral, there’s insurance but many important objects and documents will be lost forever. When it happens in a residency, you can lose a lot of personal things like artwork, photos, digital files, paper, valuable and sentimental objects. It’s just either too hard and expensive to restore those things or simply impossible. They’re gone forever no matter what you can try to do.

The best counteraction that you can take is to get fireproof bags to store the important things that you have, especially the ones that you can’t replace. Not only for fires but since most fireproof bags are also waterproof, you can use them against other natural catastrophes like floods. After hurricanes, it’s common for people to lose important documents in a flood. That’s why using fireproof bags is an excellent way to reduce your chances of losing such documents and objects.

Now, you should be aware that not all fireproof bags are made equal. This means that you won’t get the same quality or the same features with every single model. So, the starting point for you should be to look at what kind of thing you want to store in there. This is because different objects resist different temperatures. So, if you want to store paper or cash you want something different than if you want to store a flash drive or a media CD. The point is that you have to think about what you’re going to put in there.

Then, you have to worry about things like the size of the bag, the material that is made of, and many other things that you’re probably not considering. Don’t worry though because you can find out everything below. It’s important to point out that everything was checked for accuracy so you can trust the info. If you want to choose the perfect fireproof bag, you’re reading the right stuff.

Another important thing to let you know is that fireproof bags are incredible, but they don’t do miracles. This means that security measures like this can only go so far. If the fire lasts for days, there’s a chance that you won’t be able to save anything. The bags resist up until a certain temperature and only so far. Also, the number of hours that it stays exposed to the fire counts when it comes to this.

One more good tip is to have a fireproof safe. This way you can keep other objects protected in your house. They are more recommended for more expensive and larger objects. Still, it’s a good extra measure if you want to equip your whole house for this kind of situation. There are some people that put fireproof bags inside a fireproof safe, but this is unnecessary. A good, high-quality fireproof bag should be able to withstand most house fires.

Firefighters usually put out fires rather quickly, but those things are never predictable. It depends on the weather, the size of the property, and the area affected. There are simply too many variables to know how long it will take. For that reason, you can’t possibly know if the bag will last through it.

Still, fireproof document bags are a big life savior. They can save you a lot of money and stress if you have them. They’re definitely in the top 10 things that a prepper should have included in their plans.

Below you’re going to find what things constitute great fireproof document bags and also some options that fit the criteria. It’s important to know this before you get one to make sure that you don’t get a bag that doesn’t get the job done for you.

Just keep in mind that you should have, at least, one bag for documents that is paper and money, and one for media and objects like flash drives and CDs. This is because they burn at different temperatures.

Stay Under 350 ºF Internal Temperature

Paper burns at 450 ºF. This means that whatever bag you choose, it has to stay well under this figure. Not only to prevent it from burning but also to prevent it from being damaged in any way. This is one of the most overlooked features in a fireproof document bag since most people only pay attention to the outside temperatures it can resist.

Now, if you’re planning on storing things like jewelry, CDs, flash drives, even hard drives the concern is the same. You want to make sure that the internal temperature of the bag remains one that doesn’t damage anything. In the case of those objects, they all get damaged in temperatures higher than paper, therefore, if your model protects paper, it will protect those other things.

A good idea is to always keep your bag in the highest area of your furniture and also make sure that it is in a room close to the entrance. In this case, you won’t waste too much time looking for it or trying to retrieve it. The last thing you want during an emergency is to be looking for your bag.

Anyway, about the internal temperature, just make sure that you get the necessary temperature resistance for the object that you’re storing in there. If you’re not putting paper there, you might get a model that gets a little hotter inside but check at what temperature the object that you want to store burns.

1000 ºF External Temperature Resistance

This is the minimum of a good quality fireproof document bag. There are models that resist a lower temperature, but if you want to make sure that everything will remain intact and that it will resist longer, the best you can do is to get a document bag that resists 1000 ºF.

Now, you can get fireproof document bags that resist more than 1000 degrees, but they’re only necessary if you want the bag to resist longer or if what you’re storing is really valuable. The truth is that 1000 degrees resistance will get you covered in most situations, but the ones that resist more are still worth the investment.

The average house fire burns at 1100 ºF, but it’s important to point out that this is high rise fire and not a weak one. This is the kind of fire that brings down a house. Therefore, you don’t absolutely have to get one that resists more than this, but it might be a good idea.

Also, the time that the bag stays under fire determines how well your possessions will be protected. For this kind of information, you can look for the hour rating of the product. It’s safe to say that a fireproof document bag will last at least a few minutes under fire, even the not-so-good models.

30 Minutes Resistance

So, you don’t want the not-so-good models of fireproof document bags. This isn’t the kind of item that costs you thousands of dollars. For this reason, you do want to invest a little more and get you a fireproof document bag that lasts 30 minutes. This is a measurement that the manufacturers use to determine quality.

This means that they ensure that the bag will resist 30 minutes. Now, it’s possible that it will resist even more under the fire, but this is the guarantee that they’re giving you. Since the average house fire is put out in less than this, the chances of the bag being intact are big.

Now, if you do want extra protection, you can store your fireproof document bag inside a fireproof safe. This may be considered unnecessary by many, but depending on what you’re storing it’s totally worth it. It’s an extra measure that makes sense in some situations, but in others may be completely unnecessary.

So, the important thing is that you make sure that you get a bag that can resist 30 minutes in a fire. This way the chances of your cash and documents coming out intact are bigger.

Fiberglass Coated With Silicone

Fiberglass is a type of fiber-reinforced plastic that uses glass fiber. This is an important thing to look for in your bag manufacturing. The fiberglass is the perfect material to resist high temperatures. It will make the bag more resistant and safer for your documents. If you look at a fireproof document bag and it isn’t made of fiberglass, it’s probably not even worth buying it.

Not only that but the material will give you a bag that lasts longer over time. If you want to invest a little more to get a fireproof document bag that lasts for years and can even be reused in some cases, then getting one made of fiberglass is totally worth it. Since this type of fiber is harder to be torn apart.

In summary, fiberglass will not only be a better material when tested in a fire situation, but it’s also more resistant in general. Your bag will last more time with no risks of the fabric start presenting problems. One good thing to point out is that even though fiberglass is great at resisting fire, it does provoke an itchy sensation on your skin. This is why you should make sure that the bag has a silicone coat.

So, make sure that is silicone coated and that is made of fiberglass. If you do this, you’re almost certain of finding the right document bag for you.

One For Paper And One For Hard Objects

As much as we all love a good deal and save some money, it isn’t ideal to have only one bag. The ideal situation is for you to have one for your paper documents and cash, and another for your digital files and media. Also, if you want to store guns or jewelry, you can have one more for that as well.

The point is that you don’t have just one. The reason isn’t just size since you can find models that would be able to accommodate all of your documents with your guns and flash drive. The reason for this is that those things have different resistance to heat. Meaning that they will get damaged in different circumstances.

The other reason to have more than one fireproof document bag is that you have your documents in different rooms, so you don’t lose everything in case one room gets more damaged by the fire than the other. Of course, this strategy does not guarantee you anything, but it’s a good start.

So, have at least one fireproof document bag for your documents and cash, and another for your hard drives, jewelry, and etc. It will save a lot of trouble and time. You also get different models with different temperature resistance, according to the resistance of the objects that you putting in there.

COLCASE Fireproof Document Bag

The COLCASE fireproof document bag is one of the best in the market right now. It offers every single feature that you need to ensure that your belongings will be protected against anything. First, it has a non-itchy silicone coated. This is important because the fiberglass is a raw material that will make your skin have an itchy reaction when it comes in touch with it.

Since we’re already talking about fiberglass, this one is made of it as the best models are. Fiberglass is an important raw material that can resist the heat of high degree temperatures. In the case of the COLCASE document bag, you get one of the best kinds of fiberglass that is used to manufacture fireproof document bags.

Another important feature of this fireproof bag is that it is water-resistant. As we mentioned, 99% of the models will be water-resistant but since a few aren’t, we’re going to mention if it is or it isn’t. Anyway, this document bag will resist floods, keeping your most important documents intact.

Talking about the important documents that you want to keep in there, this bag has a large size that can be enough for you to put envelopes, certificates, and even a laptop. With a 15×11 inch size, you can store pretty much any document here, including passport, money, and official documents. Whatever you may need, probably fits in there.

The last special feature is the double layer that allows this fireproof document bag to withstand the heat of up to 1000 ºF. You get a top-notch bag for an excellent market price tag.

For this fool-proof, fire-proof bag, click here!

Fireproof Money & Document Bag, MoKo

As all the high-quality fireproof document bags, the MoKo document bag is made of fiberglass. Still, they go above and beyond with an aluminum foil inside that can stand heat up to 1832 ºF. This makes this incredible fireproof document bag one of the best options for documents and cash. Just reminding that paper burns at 450 ºF, so this is enough protection.

The size is another plus, this is a large enough bag for documents and cash. You get a 15×11 inch size that is able to accommodate standard size paper and documents like your passport and cash. Since this model is easily foldable, you can store it anywhere.

Talking about protection, this bag has a double lock system. This means that you get a zipper and a hook and loop system. This can be the difference between losing your belongings during a flood. So, the system is crucial for extra security and works really well without you having to pay more on the price department. 

This bag can be used to store electronics as well since it can stand higher temperatures. So, you can put your tablet, phone, or flash drive in there as well if you want to.

The bag does have one of the most beautiful designs of the bags on the list, but the important thing is that it gets the job done.

Keep your money safe and fireproof by finding out more information here. 

Fireproof Document Bags 2300

The term “best” is thrown around a lot. Still, when it’s said about this bag is far from an exaggeration. This is definitely one of the best fireproof document bags out there. It can stand impressive 2300 ºF. This is certainly something to marvel at. You can pretty much protect any object or paper that you want. Be it money or jewelry, it got you covered.

The fiberglass used in this Cool Carry model is of high-quality so you can rest assured that your documents will last fire or a flood. Whatever it needs protection against, you won’t have to worry.

This bag is a large size as well of 15×11 inch but it’s also a 3-inch depth. This means that you can store more things and thicker objects. The manufacturer claims that you can store 2 laptops or 1300 legal-size documents. You can easily store a mix of documents, money, and objects inside this bag.

The closure system gives you double protection with a Velcro and a zipper system. This can be helpful not only during a fire or flood but also while you’re carrying the bag or storing it in a drawer. It’s harder for documents to come out and get lost.

So, if you want a bag that is highly resistant to fire and water, and that you can also carry it around with you, this is an excellent choice. Due to its design, this bag is easy to take it with you on trips or business meetings.

Get down to business and keep your documents in perfect safety, click here for more information.

Fireproof Document & Money Bags, ROLOWAY

This ROLOWAY model is another one that totally deserves to be on this list. It comes with impressive 2000 ºF resistant to heat. This means that it will last longer if your bag ends up near to where the fire got started and will resist more time as well. This is one of the most resistant models that you’re going to find anywhere.

Another point that makes this bag truly incredible is that it has 2 silicone layers. The silicone-coated is important because it protects your skin against the fiberglass. It also makes this bag more resistant to water. The ROLOWAY bag is so resistant to water that it will stand the intense spray of firefighter’s hose and keep your documents intact.

Talking about the silicone layer, the fiberglass quality cannot be left out. You get high-quality fiberglass that will make it through intense fires and keep your documents the same way that when you put them there. This is important because many manufacturers claim to use fiberglass, but sometimes the quality is off.

Beyond the high-quality fiberglass, this bag has an extra-large size. It’s a 15x12x5 that allows you to store laptop, documents, jewelry, and some more things if you want to. This is important because, with a model of this site, you don’t need to get more bags unless you have too many documents or things to keep protected.

So, this bag is perfect if you want to store too many things in one place. It resists high temperatures and has incredible water-resistant. It doesn’t matter if your bag resists the fire if it can’t resist the water.

Keep your valuables safe, away from accidents from land or sea, click here for more information!

Vemingo Fireproof Bag 2000 ℉ Water Resistant Document Holder

Another very resistant model, the Vemingo bag can stand impressive 2000 ºF and it can store anything you can possibly think about. It’s large enough for you to put folders, laptop, some documents, and cash altogether. It’s that big. This makes this model quite versatile and worth every penny.

The 2000 ºF comes with a lot of water resistance and a silicone layer to prevent it from giving you an itchy sensation. This model stands out with a double-layered fiberglass body that protects your documents with more efficiency. It also makes the Vemingo fireproof document bag last longer than the average fireproof document bag.

The size is a 15.8×12.6×3 inches measure that gives you enough room to put everything that you can’t replace in there. Now, even though it’s big, this model is foldable, which allows you to store it in pretty much anywhere you want to. So, you can put it inside a safe or even in one of the drawers in your desk. No matter where you put it, it probably will fit.

Now, besides the storage that is obviously important, this bag has a secured lock system. It comes with a 2 closure system. One that involves a zipper and another with a hook and loop fastener. This is perfect to make your documents safer. Not only against catastrophes but also curious eyes. As you can see, it’s a great option for you.

For those that have been looking for a fireproof and water-resistant bag, take no more time and click here!

Use The 80/20 Rule For Storage

The truth is that you don’t need to store every photo that you have or every document that you own. There is only a small number of things that are truly irreplaceable or too expensive. Some of those things can’t fit inside a fireproof document bag. For this reason, the best you can do is to store only the things that fit the criteria of irreplaceable or too expensive. Otherwise, it’s probably not worth it.

So, what should go in your document bag are the documents that hold an official capacity and you must have the original printed. In the case of photos, you can digitalize all your photos and put them in a flash drive or a memory card. As long as you’re not taking up too much of unnecessary space, you’re good to go.

Another thing is cash. How much should put in the bag? For cash, always have enough to help you on your bug out plan. So, make the calculation for gas, food, and any other possible expenses that you might have. If your bug out plan involves crossing borders, you’re probably going to need cash for that too. So, do that and add documents like your birth certificate, passport, and authenticated copies of identification documents.

Always Buy One Bigger Than You Need

The most common regret when it comes to safes or fireproof document bags is that someone bought a model that is a little smaller than the size they actually need it. The solution is quite simple, always buy a bag bigger than the size that you first thought you would need. A nice tip is to go for the extra-large models.

Ideally, you’d measure everything that you want to store in the bag and make sure that it will fit. Now, what you can always do is to make sure that the bag fits legal-size documents. Those are the ones that you’re more likely to want to store in there.

If you’re also putting objects like guns or jewelry in there, it’s a good idea to see the dimension of the bag, especially the depth. A 3 inch is usually enough to store laptops and guns. Still, it’s good to do your own measuring to make sure that it will all work out in the end.

So, if you use the always-buy-a-size-bigger-than-you-think-you-need rule, you’re likely to be able to protect all of your belongings from a fire. Also, remember to always put your bag close to the entrances of the house. This way you can grab it and leave fast during an emergency.

Security Lock For Extra Safety

There are some models of fireproof document bags that have an extra security measure. They come with a lock system, meaning that they have a code to keep people from snooping.

Now, the truth is that it’s rarely necessary that you do that. The best you can do is to actually make sure that the bag has at least a zipper. This will be enough to protect your documents from water and from anything else like a curious pair of eyes.

Some document bags also come with a Velcro system or a hook and loop fastener. This is additional security measures that might be worth the extra investment. It will all depend on what you’re storing and your own necessities. The extra security system might be worth it or not. What you need to know though is that a zipper closure system is more than enough to keep your documents intact.

Is It Also Waterproof?

Most fireproof bags are also water-resistant. This is perfect in the case of floods or any natural disaster that involves water. Still, it’s a good idea to double-check that just to be sure. After all, you want a bag that protects your documents against everything that is possible.

Usually, the water-resistant bags will be silicone coated, since it’s the standard to make it more resistant to water. Especially if the water pressure is intense like the spray of the firefighter’s hose. The silicone is also there to protect your skin from the fiberglass, but for now, the water resistance feature is the important one.

Since you’re reviewing the bag to know whether or not it is water-resistant, check the closure system that the model has in place. This is because you want to be sure that there’s no way for water to get in and ruin your documents. For, instance zippers are a great choice.

Finally, check if the silicone layer is double. It doesn’t have to be, but if it is you can get extra protection since there’s less chance that it will suffer any damage from the fire. This means that your bag will remain intact through the fire, and the water that will come after it.

Final Thoughts

So, these are the best fireproof document bags that you’re going to find in the market, and these features are the ones that you should care about. Even though you can prioritize one feature over the other, it’s important that you make sure that you get everything.

The material and the capacity of the resistance of the bags may be the main things that you should focus to ensure quality. If you do all this, you’re going to get an incredible fireproof document bag.

They’re really useful and are an essential part of your prepping. Remember that the secret is to be prepared for anything and everything that might come your way.

Is it Illegal to Pump Your Own Septic Tank? Reasons Explained

Written by John in Prepper Tips

 

Your septic tank is in a huge mess, and you are confused about what to do next. You are seriously considering pumping the septic tank on your own for two reasons. Either you feel septic tank pumping companies are too expensive, or for some reason, the work appears too simple to outsource. You get even more confused just thinking about the legal consequences of the exercise.

So, is it illegal to pump your own septic tank? In some states, yes. Some states — such as the state of Florida — demand that septic pump-outs be undertaken only by registered and permitted septic tank contractors. In other states, the law is not entirely clear about the illegality of the very act of pumping, but there are huge fines and penalties or even jail time if you do not dispose of the waste according to the law.

That’s because the waste is EPA-controlled, and improper disposal of it is considered an endangerment to people’s health and lives. It is essential to know the legal consequences associated with pumping septic tanks. Read on to educate yourself. You do not want to be on the wrong side of the law.

How to Pump Your Own Septic Tank Without Breaking the Law

Assuming your state does not have strict regulations on the very act of pumping, then you can at least handle the pumping part. Nevertheless, that does not mean you are exempted from exercising the utmost caution when going about the exercise.

Firstly, you must be aware of how the septic tank works as well as the correct procedure for pumping it.

Numerous online resources cover this process. Nevertheless, a higher level of skill is required to ensure you not only do not cause any severe damage to the septic tank, but also do not endanger your life in the process.

Doing this job right would also mean you use the correct pump. For instance, a proper-sized trash pump or sludge pump can get the job done.

To avoid breaking the law, let a licensed septic contractor handle the treatment and disposal of the waste. They must have the necessary licenses and permits, especially those on wastewater treatment.

Note that a few states require septic tank pumping companies to submit reports to the state DNR (Department of Natural Resources). Therefore, if they spot any problems — including those resulting from your own messing — you can be sure that they will report to the DNR. Prepare to receive unpleasant demands if this happens.

If this workaround sounds like too much for you, then perhaps your best bet would be to hire a reputable septic tank contractor to do the job for you. The service costs between $150 and $500 — depending on several factors.

That is a fair price because it would be a couple of years before you need it done again. Besides, the fines and penalties you will have to settle if found guilty of breaking the law will result in much higher expenses.

Legal Consequences for Pumping Your Own Septic Tank

In some states, such as Florida, the very act of pumping is illegal and is punishable by law. But in other states where the law is not entirely clear about the very act of pumping, improper disposal of the waste will attract huge fines and penalties.

What is funny about this is that the legal fees for illegally pumping your own septic tank are likely to exceed that of hiring a reputable septic tank contractor.

There have been several cases, such as this one, where those involved in the negligent disposal of waste have been fined up to $25,000. The figure could rise, depending on the gravity of the offense. There have even been cases that have attracted a jail time of up to 12 months.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) —as well as other institutions — does not take this matter lightly, hence the huge fines and penalties. The argument is that such actions endanger the health and lives of other people.

Back in 2018, Carlos Chavez — a septic tank service owner — was charged with illegally dumping over 3,000 gallons of raw sewage. He faced over 16 years in prison. That shows the seriousness with which the authorities take such an offense.

Furthermore, he put the health of his neighbors at risk. His neighbors had earlier complained about discovering fecal matter and E. coli in their drinking water. All this, including the consistent backups of the neighbors’ sewage system, could be attributed to the carelessness with which Charvez disposed of his the waste he collected.

If you are not ready to risk spending a lot of money on legal fees or going to prison for negligent disposal of sewage, then you are better off not attempting to pump your own septic tank and improperly disposing of the waste.

Repercussions for Pumping Septic Tank Into a Yard

Pumping septic tanks into people‘s yards is also an offense. It is even worse when you are closely neighboring many people or when you are dumping the waste on someone else’s property.

In such a case, your neighbors are protected by the law, and they are free to turn you in. The authorities will then investigate the issue and ascertain whether it is true or false. Depending on the evidence presented in court and the effects of your actions, you are likely to fork out plenty of cash for fines and penalties.

Sometimes the cause of sewage leakage could be unintentional. For instance, it could result from a septic system failure. The signs for this kind of failure are listed here. Even that is punishable by law. Therefore, it is critical to have your septic system investigated so that waste does not leak to the yard.

These kinds of cases are common, and the consequences for them are equally severe.

In addition to contaminating drinking water, the smell emanating from waste dumped in the yard is also unbearable. Talk about polluting the environment. Such a situation is a guarantee for constant quarrels with your neighbors.

They will eventually report you to the authorities, but before that, some of them will try to give you a piece of their mind. You can be sure of not having peace of mind while living under such conditions. That would neither be pleasant for you nor your neighbors.

Abiding by the proper procedure for the disposal of waste is in everyone’s best interest.

How to Hire the Best Septic Tank Cleaner to Pump Your Septic Pump Legally

If the time to empty your septic tank arrives, and you cannot do it yourself because circumventing the law — so as to pump the septic tank on your own— has proven to be a headache, then the best alternative would be to hire a reputable septic tank pumping company to do the work for you.

That way, you can rest easy knowing that the authorities will not come knocking on your door anytime soon. You would also not be worried about the septic system getting damaged, and the waste leaking out into the yard.

But that is only assuming the contractor you have chosen to work with is a real professional, and they are certain about what they are doing.

It would be sad to have a contractor take your hard-earned money then do a messy job. You will be forced to settle hefty fines and penalties, on top of the already expensive septic tank pumping fees.

It is only fair, therefore, that you know what to look for when looking to hire a septic tank cleaner.

For starters, you have to make sure they have all the necessary licenses and permits. For instance, they have to be licensed to carry out wastewater treatment operations.

Hiring a certified and licensed septic contractor also means that you will be selecting someone who has a deeper understanding of the architecture and the inner workings of your septic tank.

Final Thoughts

Apart from merely pumping the tank, they will also examine your drain field and inform you whether or not your entire septic system functions properly. Consequently, you will get to understand any potential issues beforehand as well as the necessary maintenance procedures.

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