Good food storage / supply guide, lacking in emergency survival, October 9, 2005

Reviewer: Jason Sheets (Boise, ID)

This book is an excellent resource for developing a plan to deal with the aftermath of a disaster, whether natural or man made. The author walks the reader through determining the amount and types of food they should store, providing many insights into saving money by avoiding "miracle" survival foods. However, this book falls short of preparing the reader to survive either a chemical, biological or nuclear attack, the chapters that pertain to these topics are very light and the author recommends purchasing his other book to learn how to survive these disasters. This book is excellent for the individual that wants to prepare a food and water supply and is also good for readers on a limited budget, the author identifies several ways to save money by preparing the food for storage yourself. This book also has an excllent check list for an emergency escape kit, also known as a 72 hour kit, and general survival tools. The book has a short list of suppliers in the back, many of which can be found by using google or yahoo. The author also directs readers to his website for more up to date information, unfortunately the website only contains an advertisement for one of his other books. All in all if you are looking for really good information on how to store a food and water supply, whether it be a 1 week or 5 years this book will give you information enough to get started. If you are looking for tips on surviving the immediate disaster though purchase another book in addition to this one.

Crisis Preparedness Handbook: A Complete Guide to Home Storage and Physical Survival, August 6, 2005

Reviewer: Judy "Georgia" (Georgia)

Great book. I really don't see how one could be any better on this subject. The author has a very organized mind, has done his homework, and gives very specific recommendations that are practical and easy for anybody to follow. No wasted space or filler in this book. It's really a reference manual that you'll end up underlining and refering back to again and again. I highly recommend it.

a great resource, August 2, 2005

Reviewer: JD (Pittsburgh, PA)

This is a great book for anyone interested in surviving any disaster. There is no telling what the future may hold, but this book is a good start in any survival library.

One of the best out there., March 16, 2005

Reviewer: S. Mann (Carlisle, PA)

This book is well though out, organized in a simple and logical manner, and gives you plenty of information to design your own plan for a crisis of any kind. Unlike other books that just offer a bunch of check lists and "buy what I tell you" recommendation, this book allows you to make your own decisions of what you will and will not need to stock for a crisis. Additionally, much of this can be done on a budget, much of what you would need are your usual grocery items, in canned form. This is a huge savings over many of the dehyrated and freeze dried options normally presented in survival literature. Overall, if you are looking for a book to use as a basis for which to begin planning for a crisis, this is it.

Best by far, January 4, 2005

Reviewer: Dave

I've looked at many of these type books. You simply won't regret buying it. I'm not one who easily hands out praise. I always seem to end up disappointed for one reason or another with these type books but not with this one.

Best book on the subject., October 24, 2004

Reviewer: Kristin Belko (Jackson, Wyoming)

This book covers all aspects of preparedness, from food storage to weapons caching. Extensive source material is provided, including web addresses, stores and books for further study. Spigarelli does not preach or lecture. Unlike many other books on the subject, there is no overt religious point of view or political agenda. Spigarelli merely suggests that it is sensible to prepare for whatever eventualities the reader expects and provides the tools to do so. This is a book to read thoroughly and keep as a reference. The details on food storage alone are well worth the price.

Wonderful Resource Book, June 17, 2004

Reviewer: A reader

Touches on every aspect of preparedness including basic checklist of things you might want to consider having on hand such as spare car parts, automotive tools, and woodworking tools just to name a few. This book really shines when you go to the back of the book where you will find 16 pages dedicated to resources where you can purchase everything from books that you might want in your survival library to sources of non-electric refrigerators-freezers, and everything in between that a self sufficient homesteader might need. Not only are the companies listed but the web addresses as well, so the minute you get your book you have instant access to dozens of web sites.

Best Crisis Preparation Book., July 13, 2003

Reviewer: A reader

This book is well organized, covers all aspects from food storage, Food preparation, Water supply, food production, preservation, etc. It provides lists which the reader can use to start preparing. It certainly does not contain everything you will ever need for every situation, but it provides the foundation, and references where you can learn more. I have bought many of these types of books, and this is quite simply the best if you are only going to buy just one.

A solid, fact-filled, potentially live saving guide, August 4, 2002

Reviewer: Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)

Now in an updated second edition, Crisis Preparedness Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide To Home Storage And Physical Survival by Jack A. Spigarelli is a solid, practical, no-nonsense, but completely "user friendly" reference for the selection and acquisition of stockpiled food and water for emergencies; growing, raising, and finding food; preserving food at home by means such as home canning and dehydrating; emergency evacuation in a crisis; and other preparation safeguards for weathering a natural or man-made crisis. From clothing issues to transportation needs and communication alternatives, the Crisis Preparedness Handbook is a solid, fact-filled, potentially live saving guide, and especially recommended reading for anyone seeking to protect themselves and their loved ones in times of local, regional, national, or international calamity.

All preparedness areas covered, June 7, 2002

Reviewer: "dmassari" (New York, NY USA)

This book will help you be ready for anything no matter what the disaster. It's not just a food storage book (although food and water are quite important and it is excellent in that area), but is crammed with all kinds of pertinent facts and useful information about all areas of emergency preparedness. I especially liked the chapter on preparing for terrorism and NBC warfare considering current events. Banish fear and feel secure-prepare now! You'll be glad you did.

Makes the tremendous task of preparing manageable, May 29, 2002

Reviewer: Donatella Harper (Durham, NC USA)

If you want to be self-sufficient and capable of surviving under all circumstances, the task of preparing can seem overwhelming. This very informative and organized book lays the numerous possibilities out before you and helps you decide for yourself how much or how little preparation makes you feel comfortable. The food storage section isn't limited to "what I did" or just a list of what someone else thinks you ought to store, but it actually uses a simple step-by-step method with an example family to help you design your own food plan based on what your family really wants and needs. I also loved the question and answer section. It helped me answer the many questions we've got from family, friends and neighbors. The book shows you how to tell if a food is "bad", when you can safely re-freeze thawed food and how to use sprouts for added nutrition. It also explains how to grow your own food with a garden and how to preserve it, guides you in selecting and raising animals and even gives a "taste test" for when you aren't sure if food you've found in the wilds is good to eat. Everyone would sleep better at night if they had read-and followed-this book. Highly recommended.

Best over-all source on preparedness available, May 23, 2002

Reviewer: James Dimick (San Francisco, CA USA)

I've read them all and this is absolutely the best over-all source available on emergency home preparedness. I consider it a "must have" for anyone seriously interested in preparing themselves or their families for whatever crises may happen, be it terrorist attacks, riots, revolution, famines or just hard economic times. Not only is it the most up-to-date, it also contains a ton of useful information. And, unlike some, it's not just a compilation of old government sources but contains the most original research and info I've seen anywhere by far. It is well thought-out, intelligently written, and just as applicable for the experienced or the first-time beginner. It tells you everything you need to know about both short- and long-term storage beginning with the critical food and water. It honestly compares the different types of food, tells what you need to store, how much you need, and where to store it. Then it discusses the other areas of preparation (too many to list here) and expertly guides you through each of them. There are many tables and charts showing you the options and helping you not overlook anything important. It has an extensive book list for additional in-depth information and gives specific sources for obtaining hard-to-find items along with addresses, phone numbers and web sites. If you only buy one book this should be it.