Happy Holidays

From our family to yours ~  we'd like to wish y'all a very

Phys Ed idea...

Rejoice

Give thanks today for those who protect our country.  Give thanks you are a Prepper and have the love and ability to take care of your family.  Give thanks that we live in an affluent country and can gather our resources now while they are still available...Give thanks the Lord has mercy on our souls, and Grace in His heart for us.From our family to yours we wish you a Happy Turkey Day!

Four or more close the door

Often we banter that two is one, one is none...
and recently we added.. for those newer "practically prepared" folks
 Four or more close the door. (meaning no need to advertise to the world you have extras...)

What does that mean? If you only have one of something once you use it or it breaks then you don't have it anymore.  But if I have 2 of something, and one breaks (or gets used) then I still have another as a backup right?  you can explain having 2 of something pretty easy if your neighbor or family gets involved... but what about four or more?  You have four or more of darn near anything and suddenly people raise their eyebrows.... 

I don't want my neighbor to remember I have four or more of ANYTHING.  Why?  I don't my family to become a target from someone thinking we may have a stockpile that can be raided if the whole world goes sideways... know what I mean jellybean?

With a stockpile equation of 10 folks, you bet everytime I buy it usually is four or more...easier to just shut the door! Hope this gets you thinking about keeping your supplies safe, secure and not making your loved ones a target in the event of an emergency.

Just a short PSA today  All Y'all have a good one!

National TEST of Emergency Alert System Wednesday November 9th at 2pm Eastern

On November 9th Next Wednesday at 2pm Eastern there will be a NATIONAL TEST on all networks  this is a test of the National Emergency Alert System please keep in mind  it is a test, only a test.  If it were an actual emergency.... well, now that's the point right?  Basically if you can get to a TV to check it out ~ you'll want to because if the whole world goes sideways this is how folks will first be told...

How long will the Test last?  The test will last for approximately 30 seconds.

Why is the Test being conducted at this particular date and time? The November 9 date is near the end of hurricane season and before the severe winter weather season. The 2 p.m. Eastern broadcast time will minimize disruption during rush hours, while ensuring that the test can occur during normal business hours across several time zones.

What will people hear and see during the Test? During the test, listeners will hear a message indicating that “This is a test.” Although the EAS Test may resemble the periodic, monthly EAS tests that most Americans are already familiar with, there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear. The audio message will be the same for all EAS Participants; however, due to limitations in the EAS, the video test message scroll may not be the same or indicate that “This is a test.” This is due to the use of the live EAN code – the same code that would be used in an actual emergency. The text at the top of the television screen may indicate that an “Emergency Action Notification has been issued.” This notification is used to disseminate a national alert and in this case, the test. In addition, the background image that appears on video screens during an alert may indicate that “This is a test,” but in some instances there might not be an image at all. There are several limitations to the current EAS for individuals with access and functional needs. FEMA and the FCC are committed to providing organizations and the EAS community with information well in advance of the Test. FEMA and the FCC will further engage the EAS community to better understand the wide range of information and access needs in preparation for the national EAS. IPAWS has been performing outreach to access and functional needs organizations in several different forums, including working groups and roundtables led by the FEMA Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, with representation from multiple FEMA program offices, other Department of Homeland Security components, and other Federal Departments and Agencies.


For more detailed information please visit FEMA's website at:
FEMA Public & Press info for National EAS Test Nov 9 2011

Happy Halloween ~Y'all

Keep your goblins safe tonight. 

Stockpile the sweets...Tonight is an excellent way to explain and teach prepping to youngsters.  I don't know about your kids but mine are quite skilled in the Trick or Treating game...  In under 2 hours they can easily gather a haul that will last them until... you guessed it EASTER... the next big candy holiday!  Here's what you do: sort by type Once everything is sorted, explain how many pieces your family thinks is healthy per day... figure out how many day's worth of candy they ended up with.. then every day let your kids pick items to eat, or at night have them pick what will go in their lunches for school the next day..  

Our 7 yr old has a MAD sweet tooth we are taming.  Our under 4's have never had refined sugar  I don't know how much longer we can hold out but so far so good...

Ages 3-6: Well with the lil ones I'm not too fond of sugar, so I'm just saying If you lil ghosts gather the sweets, you get to do the sorting **YUM**
Ages 6-8   Assist them in sorting
Ages 8 +   Tell them how, watch the process

These are the categories we use:
chocolate
carmels
hard candy
lollipops
taffy's
sweet tarts & smarties

Carving Pumpkins?  This site might help some:  Pumpkin Carving 101 

Not sure which is scarier the pumpkin or the kid:

Track what you have, Know where it is.

My Dad used to tell us growing up "Spot your gear!"  and though it sounds odd to some folks, he meant "keep an eye on your stuff" "Know where it is, don't leave it scattered" or even simply "pay attention" His 3 words could mean all that, or just part of it ~ it depended on how he said it.  Let's look at that closely ~ Spot your Gear...  Heck do you know even know what gear you have?  I have friends that waste money buying the same things over because they didn't know they bought the same thing 4 years ago, or that they had that book.. and forgot to read it. Or *GASP* something expired because they didn't rotate the stock!

For your food stuff, meds, and gear there is a lovely little freeware program called:  http://www.cheaphomesteading.com/  you'll download it on your computer per the directions at this link be sure to read everything there's a link for support, another for a free program to create your own bar codes for stuff/gear that doesn't have barcodes already  ~ It's not mine ~ but I use this.  You can change the program to track lots of stuff all that's available through the support link.  This is very important to know: Once it's installed you DO NOT need Internet access to the machine its on.  Why? Because it is a stand alone database this was very important to our family.  We didn't want our data in the "cloud" especially if the whole world went sideways.  I think y'all could appreciate that.

With that program I bought a scanner at Amazon.com: Hand Held Contact USB 80mm Long hand-held CCD Barcode Scanner

For your Survival/Prepper's Bookshelf (and all your other books too) check out http://www.readerware.com/ they have solutions for books, movies, and video collections. We were given this for Christmas last year since we already had an UPC scanner it made a dandy gift.  I have to admit we are finally getting all of books, videos, and music into it...  really like this!

And while gadgets are great, you can get started with pen and paper too! The important part is,  you spot your gear   Stock what you eat ~ eat what you stock ~ rotate your food inventory!

Thanks Dad for this advice and all the other great "Dad-isms" I love you.

Why do we can so much, Mommy?

Weather Advisory, Watch, Warning what's the difference?

DO you know?
If the newscaster came on with those phrases which ones would get you concerned?  The best thing is to familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify winter weather so when you hear them, you understand the differences.  Hopefully you'll have prepared beforehand so you won't have to be on the roads in bad weather looking for supplies.

• Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
• Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
• Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.
• Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
• Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
• Blizzard Warning means heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill.
• Frost/Freeze Warning means below freezing temperatures are expected.

 When a Winter Storm WATCH is issued   Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, and television stations, or cable television such as The Weather Channel for further updates. Be alert to changing weather conditions. Avoid unnecessary travel

 When a Winter Storm WARNING is issued   Stay indoors during the storm. If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs. Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.

Avoid traveling by car in any storm ~ if you're out in winter weather please be sure you have winterized your car.

Season Change ~part 2 ~ Cars

October is a great time to start analyzing your emergency plan for winter. Especially those who may be new to the whole prepping mindset. What do you need to do to get up to speed before winter overtakes you? Today let's look at our cars...

Here’s a list of things to get your vehicles ready for the winter. It’s just starting to get cold in some places. October is an excellent time to focus on winter preps.   Be sure to check all your vehicles. Start by ALWAYS filling the gas tanks in case you have to leave. Never let your tanks get below half filled, just in case.

Do you have a car kit?
Is there a First-aid kit in it?
A roadside emergency kit in it?
If your car stalled on winter day with freezing temps, or you got a flat tire, or you ran out of gas how would you stay warm? How would you communicate with the outside world? Do you have snacks? If you had to walk home or to get help and you weren’t dressed for the weather, does your car kit have an appropriate outfit to keep you warm? Your children too? Shoes? Extra socks? It’s important to think about these things BEFORE you need them. Once you have assembled your car kit don’t forget to:

Check or have checked the following items on your car:
1. Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
2. Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
3. Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
4. Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
5. Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
6. Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
7. Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
8. Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
9. Thermostat - ensure it works properly. (Yes ladies, the car has a thermostat)
10. Tires - make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
11. Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.

Oh and one more quick thing ~
Happy Birthday Mom.  I love you.

Season Change ~part 1~ Home

No matter where you live, you’re likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in your life. That could mean snow or subfreezing temperatures, as well as strong winds or even ice or heavy rain storms.  One of the primary concerns is a storm’s ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home sometimes for days at a time. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.

General maintenance is important.  It's time to sweep the walks and deck, put away porch furniture, close up swimming pools.  Check each window,  close storm windows and store your screens.  Clean the gutters and pull the last of the summer weeds...  All those little things that need to be done before you get a big winter storm.  Once you've completed the general maintenance items lets address some things you might not have considered...

• Fill plastic containers with water, leaving about an inch of space inside each one for the frozen water to expand. Place the containers in the refrigerator and freezer. This chilled or frozen water will help keep food cold for several hours if the power goes out.

• If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.

• Back up computer files and operating systems. Consider buying extra batteries and a power converter if you use a laptop computer.

• Turn off all computers, monitors, printers, copiers, scanners and other electronic devices when they are not being used.

• Get a high-quality surge protector for your electronic equipment.

• If you have an electric garage door opener, find out where the manual release lever is located and learn how to operate it.

• Make a plan for alternate communication, including having a standard telephone handset, cellular telephone, radio or pager.

• Keep your car fuel tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power the pumps.

• Remember that equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) may not work during a power outage, so make sure you have extra cash at home.

• Get a Winter Emergency Supply Kit which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.

Prepare Your Family:

• KNOW the emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. What are the procedures for inclement weather? If school is released early who will pickup the kids? How will they get home?

Additional ways to prepare your home:

- Be able to seal off parts of your home either by closing doors, or sealing them with plastic if you lose your main heat and need to heat just one room or area you may need duct tape and plastic,  Also be able to cover a window if a tree limb or some other item breaks a window during a storm....  DUCT TAPE & PLASTIC  good things to have on hand!

• Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and windowsills to keep the warm air inside.

• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.

• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).

• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.

• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.

• Hire a contractor to check the structural stability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

Are you prepared for Winter?

Seasonal change is upon us... before you know it the mercury will drop and you don't want to be caught off guard.  Now is the time to analyze your preparedness for winter weather and to do some general seasonal updating.  No matter where you live, your likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in your life. That could mean snow or subfreezing temperatures, as well as strong winds or even ice or heavy rain storms.  One of the primary concerns is a storm’s ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home sometimes for days at a time. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.

 

Start with the basics does everyone in your home have:
(Verify everyone’s sizes!! Children grow!)

• light weight sweater/jacket
• wet weather jacket/poncho
• heavy jacket/coat
• cold weather shoes
• good pair of tennis shoes/sneakers
• at least 5 pairs of long pants
• at least 5 long sleeve shirts
• gloves
• hat
• scarf

For every bed do you have at the very least:

• heavy comforter
• mid weight blanket
• flannel sheets
• 2 extra blankets
• A sleeping bag for every family member

Aside from your everyday emergency supplies what if you were without power for a week during the winter? How would you heat your home and keep your family warm?  DO you have small children or elderly folks to consider?

 

If you don't already have one get/create a Winter Emergency Supply Kit which includes items like:

• non-perishable food
• water
• battery-powered or hand-crank radio,
• extra flashlights and batteries.
• Rock salt /kitty litter other products to melt ice on walkways.
• Sand to improve traction Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
• Also include adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
• Alternate way to heat your home safely

Already have everything? Good for you! Now is the time to check on your items so you can put your hands on them in a hurry if you have to also add additional supplies in preparation for winter weather.

Stockpile with less money

My single favorite thing to do is stockpile for free.
What? Crazy? I know! It is completely possible to stockpile for free or near free. How? Well at first blush you may stop and say no way ~ you aren’t interested. But I’m telling you it’s worth a second look. I’m going to give this secret completely free.

Coupons. Yes I said coupons. Oh no I’m losing some of you, but at least hear me out first. My first free item was 300 pounds of Mueller’s Spaghetti. It was on sale at one of my favorite stores. I called ahead spoke to a manager preordered the pasta. We also prepaid which basically means we went in, manager rang us up, processed the coupons and we paid the food tax.

Normal price $1.50 per box $450
Store Discount: .50 per box ( $150)
Mueller 300 coupons $1 off (-$300)

So after subtracting the sale, and the coupons you’ll notice that makes my 300 pounds of pasta FREE. Our state charges tax on food, there was a $2.80 charge for tax can you beat free or near free? Didn’t think so!

Here’s another pasta equation: elbow pasta different store, We donated 1000 pounds of elbow macaroni pasta to charity and stockpiled 500 pounds for ourselves. Again, free. How? Coupons.

Toothpaste ~  We have a 5 yr supply. And yes it was free.
Snack bags ~ 80 boxes free
Soap ~ 75 bars  free
Welches 100% juice ~ 100 of the 64 oz (the shelf price was $500) after sale and coupon for only $100
Shampoo & Conditioner ~ near free $36 for 122 bottles more than a 5 yr supply And so much more....This is NOT a coupon blog. I’m not going to post all the great deals available and no not everything is free. You do have to pay for things. But I’ve been able to stockpile significant amounts of food for our family without breaking our budget…Not too bad huh? I’m meeting my stockpile goals with less money. You could be too!  I learned the art of couponing on a site called http://www.weusecoupons.com/  Join me as a friend over there I'm really east to find since I'm still The Prepper's Wife.  If you’re interested go over to: www.weusecoupons.com or click the button in the margin of my blog.

Do me a favor tell ‘em The Prepper’s Wife sent you. I’d appreciate it. You can learn all you want to know about saving a little, or saving a lot. And if you think coupons just aren’t for you ~ I guess you’ve got money to throw away. In this economy we sure don't.

All the money I’m able to save by using coupons, I put towards other preps that don’t have coupons. You think about it. You can stockpile with less money.  We are.

Occupy Wall Street?

What do you think about Occupy Wall Street protesters?  Now they are protesting in major cities across the country. I've given this alot of thought and discussed it with likeminded folks and the way I see it...  It's just a distraction folks.

Now that's a bold statement, but let's look at it together what is really being accomplished by these protests all across the country? I've heard the arguments that the purpose is to raise awareness to the plight of the average American worker.  Really? I'm pretty sure everyone knows unemployment is under reported.  The only way it's measured is by folks still actually on unemployment.  Well there's lots of good folks that have fallen off the unemployment payment rolls.  Families are hurting financially.  I don't think we need to spend money we don't have to go somewhere where the chants and rants will just fall on deaf ears.

Now, does anyone remember London?  That was just a few weeks ago.  Started out peaceful enough right?  Then what happened?  Some ya-hoo got bored and amped up things from peaceful protest to riot.  Didn't take much.

Could that happen here? Maybe. 
Would that be BAD? YES.

Don't be distracted.
Keep moving forward on your practical prepping for any emergency.
Don't spend time and money on the distractions...

Have a goal.
Know your goal.
Share your goal.
Work your plan.
Just my 2 cents. 
Have a good weekend.

You can't eat gold

Here is something you really need to decide for yourself. Lots of folks talk about having money tied up in gold.  I reckon if you've got lots of money sitting around and all your emergency preparations are met, it might be prudent to have some gold or silver. The only thing is if the whole world goes sideways... You and your children can't eat gold.

Yes I think investing is important. Yes I think having long term plans are important.We're investing in food, medical supplies etc...however our metal of choice isn't gold or silver.  It's lead. We can use lead to hunt and to safeguard our family. Do you have enough lead?  Today's focus on being prepared.  Take an inventory of your lead. Figure out if you have enough or if you need more make a plan to  fix that.

Oh and one more quick thing ~  Happy Birthday C ~ I love you
.  

Closing time ~ you don't have to go home but you can't stay here

Ok folks its time to learn to say NO.
Just say it out loud right now... NO!
That was pathetic. 
Say it again ~ LOUDER ~ NO!

Why? Because many of you have made the mistake of telling anyone who would listen that you're stockipiling food and such.  Maybe you thought you'd inspire others, maybe you wanted a pat on the back.  We both know what really happened. You heard "Well, I know where to come when it hits the fan" or maybe, "We can shack up at your place" Or maybe you didn't hear any of that, maybe you just made the target list because folks with guns who didn't prepare, now know you did.

OP SEC ~ Short for Operation Security
1.  Keep your mouth shut.
2. Teach your kids to keep their mouths shut.
3.  Say NO
4.  Don't Show ~ this isn't kindergarten folks, no more show and tell.

Here's you answer when folks say they're coming to you during a cataclysmic event: Short answer: NO.

Oh that wasn't enough? Too blunt?
Ok here's the polite, you don't want to offend someone answer:
I'm sorry I've only calculated enough for my family, and I won't let them go hungry. Family first.

Hmm not your style?
Try this one:  Why would you pick my driveway to die in?
Or this:  We also stockpiled LEAD.

Still to blunt? Just say no.
Silence is an implied yes.
NEVER leave them with the implied yes... it could come back to haunt you.

Purge to Prep ~

I hear alot of times ~ "I don't have room to be prepared" Are you serious?  Then you have too much useless stuff that can go live with someone else and bless them.   Broken/missing pieces/non functional items throw away this includes stained or otherwise ruined clothing. It's trash.  Too small or doesn't fit and can't be handed down to anyone in your family then donate/freecycle  Keeping it for hand me downs? or maybe as extra fabric (sewers only) ~ box like sizes & seasons together store in the tops of closets make a note of it in your stockpile notebook because this has become a PREPARED item. Be Practical ~ if you haven't rewired that lamp yet and its been 2 years, either rewire it this weekend or throw it away/freecycle it Just won't use it? Donate!  I'm serious folks. You don't need 60 pairs of shoes. You just don't. If the whole world goes sideways would you want to eat those shoes? Doubtful. Bless someone, donate any pairs you haven't worn in the past 12 months. How many puzzles and games do you have with missing pieces? Toss them ~ don't donate what kid wants puzzles with missing pieces? Take it one room, one corner, one closet at a time and be brutal! FlyLady.net is an excellent resource for getting yourself on track.

Here's another thing I hear alot...  "But it has real value someone would pay good money"  Really? Make a list of things you want to sell then all at once search craigslist for that item go ahead do that tonight...if you really want to sell it price it below the lowest price one. Be sure to include a picture, snap one on your phone email it to yourself and post it on craigslist TONIGHT.  I made $145 last week on 3 items.  You can too if you will REALLY LIST the items, and are willing to price to sell. Too much trouble? Donate it to the church or crisis ministry or Goodwill... just deduct it off your taxes.  If you purge all the extra "stuff" that you've got you'll feel great, and have space for your "If the whole world goes sideways" stuff....

Stockpile doesn't mean HOARD The number one mistake about those of us who stockpile/prep correctly is that we are hoarders.  Pathological or compulsive hoarding is a specific type of behavior characterized by: •acquiring and failing to throw out a large number of items that would appear to have little or no value to others (e.g., papers, notes, fliers, newspapers, clothes) severe cluttering of the person's home so that it is no longer able to function as a viable living space •significant distress or impairment of work or social life That's NOT what your doing if you are becoming practically prepared for any emergency! Prepare by definition means to: "Make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use" Since the items we are gathering do have value to others and I would imagine if the whole world went sideways a considerable higher value than when we obtained the items originally like fresh water and TP :)  We are not hoarders!

People toss around the H word when they see stuff stacked up in a messy fashion.  What good is being prepared if you have to spend an hour looking for something?  You need to put things away where you'll be able to find them!  Neatly is always a good idea.  If you store things under beds and in tops of closets you need to be sure to clearly label things, and please keep a master list of where everything is ~ this will alleviate alot of headaches.

Today's short note: Purge the old, broken, unused, won't use items to make room for your "If the whole world goes sideways stuff"

Happy Fall Y'all

Whew, the hottest of weather is behind us ~ and while the OFFICIAL first day of WINTER isn't until December 22 this year, we all know the temperature will fall long before then.  We'll need FALL to get ready for winter, just like all God's creatures great and small. This is end of harvests, start of fall crops and just around the corner is Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas!

I've spent September going through the topics of what should be in your Family Survival Notebook.  Each post from September can be added with a tab.  Add in all your own research along with your lists for your family.  Be sure to document:

• What you currently have already
• What you feel the need to add to your preps for each topic
• Your family plan for how to fill in those needs.

You'll find that if you use the topics from September as a guideline it will help you think.  This isn't about who has the most or best it's about being prepared in case the whole world goes sideways.... whatever that means for you and your family. Think of it as a guide to your family's  "Strategic Supplies"

Op Sec Reminder:
Never confirm nor deny what your Strategic Supplies may or may not be lacking.

Fuel ~ What's on your list?

You need to have a section in your notebook on fuel.  Not just gas either.  You need to be thinking about all the fuels you might need in an emergency both short term and a long term situation.  What fuels do your appliances require?  Are you attached to a natural gas service? Do you know how to turn it off in an emergency situation?  How do you heat your home? How will you heat your home if the whole world goes sideways? When making fuel storage preparations, think about what types of fuels your emergency equipment will need, and prepare accordingly. The six most popular fuel sources to store are listed below.

1. Firewood – This is the most basic of fuel sources, needs to be seasoned at least six months and is kept dry. Firewood is also the only fuel that has re-usable bi-products. Firewood can be make into charcoal, and its ashes used in the garden or compost pile.
2. Gasoline –  will more than likely need a stabilizer
3. Diesel fuel – This fuel lasts longer than gasoline and is more safe to store Two grades are available: #1 diesel which is old-fashioned yellow kerosene, and #2 diesel which is the same thing as #2 home heating oil.  Stored diesel fuel should be treated  Diesel should be filtered before use. ESPECIALLY BIO-DIESEL
4. Kerosene – No special treatment is needed.
5. Propane – Propane is widely available, easy to use, versatile and because it will last indefinitely. Propane is widely used in “off-grid” areas as an alternative to natural gas and electricity,
6. Solar power – Harnessing the sun’s power ~ passive and active solar energy look it up.

 What would you do if the grid went down ~ for an extended period of time? Forever?  Think about it. Now make a plan and write it down.   

 

10 years ago our hearts broke, but together we rose above.

First Aid Complement

What are your preps for First Aid? 
What Skills do you have?
What do still need to get?

These are the things you need to think about.  More importantly you need take a physical inventory of your current supplies.  How many first aid kits do you own? Where are they? Are any contents out of date?  If the whole world goes sideways who else will you be responsible for? Do they have special medical needs?

This is the type of info to be in you Strategic Supplies/Family Survival 101 Notebook refer back to blog posting July 22nd 2011

Firefighting in a world without 911

Remember in September we're building our Notebook of family preps otherwise known as our Strategic Supply List, or Family Survival 101 Notebook.

If 911 wasn't available how would you fight a fire?  Do you currently have fire extinguishers in your home? Are they around "hot zones" like the utility room, kitchen, grill area, garage? The single best way to fight a fire, is PREVENTION.

•Class A extinguishers are for ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, and most plastics. The numerical rating on these types of extinguishers indicates the amount of water it holds and the amount of fire it can extinguish. Geometric symbol (green triangle)
•Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil. The numerical rating for class B extinguishers indicates the approximate number of square feet of fire it can extinguish. Geometric symbol (red square)
•Class C fires involve electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers and outlets. Never use water to extinguish class C fires - the risk of electrical shock is far too great! Class C extinguishers do not have a numerical rating. The C classification means the extinguishing agent is non-conductive. Geometric symbol (blue circle)
•Class D fire extinguishers are commonly found in a chemical laboratory. They are for fires that involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium. These types of extinguishers also have no numerical rating, nor are they given a multi-purpose rating - they are designed for class D fires only. Geometric symbol (Yellow Decagon)
•Class K fire extinguishers are for fires that involve cooking oils, trans-fats, or fats in cooking appliances and are typically found in restaurant and cafeteria kitchens. Geometric symbol (black hexagon)

You need to know other ways to put out fires than extinguishers and calling 911...Take the time to look up different fire types and be sure you know how to keep yourself safe and your family. Get a plan together as a family what to do if a fire starts.  Write it down. Practice your plan. Know what you'd do if a fire broke out.  Fear, panic and the unknown are your worst enemies. Remember the single best way to fight a fire is prevention!

.

Communications & Monitoring

This is a very important component in survival 101 If the whole world goes sideways and phones can't be used what will you use to communicate? To get news?  Before cable TV, folks listened to the radio.  Do you have a way to get the news that doesn't require a computer, then Internet, a TV, cable, digital tuner?  That fancy digital stereo will it work without power?

Use this section of your notebook to list all your radios, capabilities, CB radios, Consider getting a HAM license or joining a HAM club. You need a reliable way to get news and updates. You need a way to connect with others.

I suggest a couple of FRS or MURs handheld radio.  List what you have, what you need and the time frame and budget to get it.

Pandemic Defenses

If there really and truly is a pandemic outbreak of the flu, there are a few things you need to have on hand.

~ disposable gloves
~ N95 masks
~ disinfectant
~ cold/flu meds
~ quality tissue
~ fever reducer (never give children with a fever aspirin)
~ water, vitamin C drink
~ duct tape
~ clear plastic
~ garbage bags

I think you should see a few movies to understand pandemics better.  I Am Legend, Outbreak, 28 days, Contagion

There are  always going to be folks who get the flu.  What's up with FLU shots?  I'll be honest originally I was on the fence about flu shots. After some research I discovered the flu vaccine (shot/nasal mist) is engineered every year based on some very intelligent doctors predictions of what the top 3 flus will be for the season.  One vaccine to cover three different strains of the flu I like those odds.  So all of us are getting our flu vaccines and there's a bunch of us. I think you should too. If it can keep us from getting sick, or make it easier to deal with if we do come down with it then I think it's important to hedge our bets and get the flu shot/nasal mist.

While. the flu is typically associated with cold weather,  this has nothing to do with the outside temp but everything to do with more folks being indoors, in closer quarters.  Likewise we see a spike in the flu September/October through March/April.. However, this doesn't mean you can't get the flu in June.

You are contagious to others a day before you are showing symptoms and five to seven days after you have the flu. Let's think about that, it means you don't know who may or may not be contagious at any given time.  SO wouldn't it make sense to always take precautions?  Wash you hands, cough into the crook of your arm, if you have a fever stay home, don't share pens/pencils, don't put things in you mouth! There's lots of ways to keep the germs at bay but hand washing is the number one thing!  Good ol' soap and water!

Because we have a houseful of folks, I find myself wiping down light switches during cold season.  Anyone that is using tissues, they are responsible for getting them into a trash can or flushed!  Washing dishes? Put on gloves before you pickup the dirty dishes and wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

A can or two of disinfectant spray might not be such a bad thing.  What's really important, CDC says "social distance"  meaning if you're sick stay home, if you're in a social setting and others are sick , go home.  No need to expose yourself or others.  Stay healthy, eat well, exercise, and get plenty of rest this will help keep your immune system bolstered, especially during the flu season.
Clean up behind yourself and others.  Caretakers need to be more careful than others to keep themselves healthy.

Seasonal Flu

1. Outbreaks follow predictable seasonal patterns; occurs annually, usually in winter, in temperate climates.
2. Usually some immunity built up from previous exposure.
3. Healthy adults usually not at risk for serious complications; the very young, the elderly, and those with certain underlying health conditions at increased risk for serious complications.
4. Health systems can usually meet public and patient needs.
5. Vaccine developed based on known flu strains and available for annual flu season.
6. Adequate supplies of antivirals are usually available.
7. Average US deaths=approximately 23,600 per year.
8. Symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, muscle pain. Deaths often caused by complications, such as pneumonia.
9. Generally causes modest impact on society (eg, some school closings, people who are sick advised to stay home).
10. Manageable impact on domestic and world economy.

 Pandemic Flu ~ it really is different and here's some hallmarks of a pandemic FLU

1. Occurs rarely (three times in the 20th century).
2. No previous exposure; little or no preexisting immunity.
3. Healthy people may be at increased risk for serious complications.
4. Health systems may be overwhelmed.
5. Vaccine probably would not be available in the early stages of a pandemic.
6. Effective antivirals may be in limited supply.
7. Number of deaths could be quite high (eg, US 1918 death toll was approximately 675,000).
8. Symptoms may be more severe and complications more frequent.
9. May cause major impact on society (eg, widespread restrictions on travel, closing of schools and businesses, cancellation of large public gatherings).
10. Potential for severe impact on domestic and world economy. 

Barter & Charity Inventory

Keep track of your inventory ~ You'll need to know what you have so you'll know what you can spare. 

Barter: to trade by exchange of commodities rather than by the use of money. Charity: generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless ~ something given to a person or persons in need

If you are prepping for a sideways world  you aren't going to ever feel good about turning folks away when they come for help.  Giving to others in need when time are tough can happen, if you've planned for it.  Charity and love is important to keep our humanity.  During the Great Depression everyday folks were so much more civil than they are today.  If our economic system collapses it will get ugly quick.  Now some folks won't knock, and they won't ask nice so be able to defend yourself and your family.  I don't believe gold and silver are going to be the currency. You can't eat gold and it won't keep you warm at night. In my humble opinion the new currency will be things that are useful ...drinking water, food, seeds, spices, fabrics, weapons, tools, medicines, toilet paper these are the things that will be valuable.  The number one book of all time will continue to be the number one book of all times The Holy Bible.  It is important that as you ready yourself for any emergency that you also ready yourself to be able to lend a hand to help others at whatever level you can.  You will most likely need to barter.  Your neighbor may need water while you need tp. 

Did you know: Prepping for famine was done in biblical times? See Genesis 37-50  THE DOLLAR TREE has Holy Bibles get a dozen.  Some folks will need hope more than charity.

Happy Birthday Dad, I love you.

More than just food

Other concerns to consider if the whole world goes sideways:

1. Barter & Charity Inventory
2. Biological Warfare~Pandemic Defenses
3. Communications & Monitoring
4. Firefighting
5. First Aid Complement
6. Fuels
7. Gardening Needs
8. Hunting ~Fishing ~Trapping Lists
9. Hygiene ~Sanitation List
10. Little Livestock List
11. Power~Lighting~Alt Power~ Battery lists
12. Security ~ General
13. Security~ Firearms
14. Sundries (paper products etc)
15. Survival Bookshelf
16. Tactical Living
17. Tools 

It's 9-11 All Month Long

Are you ready?  What are you ready for? For starters September is National Preparedness Month  and this year is a little special.  Not only is it the 10th anniversary of the largest terrorist attack on US soil, numerically it will 9-11 all month long.  Let's think about that.  First we need to take a moment of silence and remember the folks, all the folks that were involved at the ACTIVE sites, the towers, the pentagon, and on flight 93.  We also need to remember all of us, Americans every shape size color and religion we're united again by  3 colors ~ red white and blue.

September 2011 will be the eighth annual National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the US Department of Homeland Security. One goal of Homeland Security is to educate the public about how to prepare for emergencies, including natural disasters, mass casualties, biological and chemical threats, radiation emergencies, and terrorist attacks.

During September, emergency preparedness forums, blogs, and websites will focus on:

Home and family preparedness, including pets, older Americans, and individuals with disabilities and special needs (Ready America)
Back-to-school (Ready Kids)
Business preparedness (Ready Business)

In collaboration with the American Red Cross, CDC's Web site, Emergency Preparedness  Ready.gov  identifies and answers common questions about preparing for unexpected events, including:

•Developing a family disaster plan
•Gathering emergency supplies
•Learning how to shelter in place
•Understanding quarantine and isolation
•Learning how to maintain a healthy state of mind

Additional information and resources are available from Emergency Preparedness and Response under topics such as hurricane preparedness, extreme heat, and bioterrorism. CDC continually updates information on recent outbreaks and incidents and lists emergency resources for the general public as well as for clinicians and public health professionals.

During September, focus on being ready – at home, at work, and in your neighborhood – and prepare for a natural disaster or other emergencies  In the last 2 weeks we personally have dealt with an earthquake, a potential hurricane, illness and more. Just be prepared, it really could do your family well..

Dwelling on the past doesn't do any good, but remembering does wonders. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone touched by 9/11 and from where I sit, that was all of us.

BTW: Happy Birthday D. We love you.

Shelter in Place

Family Preparedness Tips for Staying at Home during a major storm:

If you decide to stay in your home during a hurricane or if local officials recommend sheltering-in-place for other emergencies, be sure to have enough supplies on hand and do the following:

•Review your family disaster plan, and your pet plan.
•Have a disaster supply kit handy.
•Have enough food and water for at least three days, preferably seven, for each person in your household.
•Stock extra supplies such as batteries for flashlights and radios.
•Listen to local radio and television for instructions.
•Stay alert to weather advisories, and know the difference between a weather Watch and a weather Warning.
•If a hurricane is approaching, board up windows and secure lawn furniture, mowers, hanging plants, trash cans and other loose items in the yard.
•Check on your neighbors, particularly the elderly or disabled.
•If a storm hits, gather your family in a safe room. (An interior room with no windows).
•After a storm, watch out for downed power lines.
•If the power is out, do not use candles or open flames as a light source unlessyou KNOW there is no gas leak
•Only use the telephone for important calls so lines will be available for emergency calls.
•Following any disaster, listen to local officials for the all clear.

ref: readync.org

Eastern Seaboard Rocked by 5.9 Earthquake

Bracing for a hurricane we were all surprised when the Eastern seaboard was rocked by a 5.9 earthquake  1:53 pm today.  Felt farther than Toronto and through downtown Altlana GA We were all rocked in North Carolina from the statelines to the coastline.  Stay tuned for more aftershocks and additional information. Largest earthquake on the East Coast since May 31 1897

Felt in DC, NYC, NC, OH, MI, GA, IL , SC

Earthquakes in the last 24 hours:

Scale ~ UTC Time ~ Location

2.8 ~ 18:46:00 ~ VIRGINIA

5.9  ~17:51:04  ~ VIRGINIA

2.8 ~ 15:54:25 ~ ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII

3.7 ~ 15:34:25 ~ KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA

3.9 ~ 14:11:13 ~ COLORADO

2.6 ~ 12:03:56 ~ COLORADO

3.2 ~ 11:34:56 ~ NORTHERN ALASKA

3.2 ~ 09:37:58 ~  COLORADO

2.5 ~ 09:32:22 ~ COLORADO

2.5 ~ 09:07:35 ~  BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

3.8 ~ 07:17:59 ~ COLORADO

3.2 ~ 07:01:35 ~ COLORADO

3.5 ~ 06:56:59 ~ COLORADO

5.3 ~ 05:46:19 ~ COLORADO

2.9 ~ 03:11:00 ~ SOUTHERN ALASKA

5.0 ~ 02:48:52 ~ COLORADO


 

Sustainability ~ What's that?

If the whole world goes sideways ~ are you good?
You're prepared.  You have a kit, a plan, a design?
You have achieved: One Week -  One Month - One Season - One Year's worth of preps

Now what? What's your next goal? How about SUSTAINABILITY? If something is sustainable ~ it is capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the surrounding environment: such as sustainable agriculture or a sustainable lifestyle.

Can you carry on? If the lights go out forever, or for over a year and your family uses up its preps then what will your family do?  What is your long term plan for your worst case scenario?
What would you do for food? water? other recurring needs/wants after you exhausted your preps?

What skills do you have?
Can you grow food?
Do you have seeds?
Do you know how to save seeds from what you grow?
Can you forage for herbs and food? (I'd get a good book with pictures)
Can you collect water, if so, can you render it safe?
Where would you collect water and in what?
Water sure is heavy how would you move full containers?
Cooking? Power? Heat?

Okay, take a deep breath. Here's the good news. If you've prepped for a year ~ it will be easy to scale into sustainability from there. We have expanded our preps to include 3 yrs on some items, 5 years on others and the skill sets to be sustainable. You have got to be able feed yourself, and your family as well as have the ability to defend yourselves.

One Year Plan

So far this week we've discussed planning and goal setting for One Week, One Month, One Season, and now we're up to ONE YEAR.
You've thought about what it would take to feed you family. You're getting your water together, You're evaluating what you already have on hand, what you need to buy to have a week's worth of food.  You've thought about a month...a season, now let's plan for the entire year.

If you've read earlier posts I have discussed how to calculate how much food you need to prep for depending on your family size.  For picky eaters, remember we're storing what we actually eat so you'll already have those picky eaters (even if that's you) already planned for.  Store only what y'all will eat and eat what you store to keep your food inventory rotating.

You need to make sure you have an honest year worth of food on hand. That's 365 dinners, 365 lunches, 365 breakfasts, 365 snacks for each and every person in your family. WOW that sounds like alot. Because at first  blush that's daunting. If you'll review my postings in July you'll see the math on how to calculate storage by how many different entrees you actually eat/cook. What do I mean when I say an HONEST Year's  supply? Well funny thing about those emergency meals in bucket they are rationing one cup of cooked food per person per day when they calculate the servings.  When you do your own math, for food you really eat in portions your family really eats, you insure your family won't go hungry. You also need to be sure to have EVERYTHING it takes to make those meals on hand from the allspice to the Ziplocs! Remember you are the expert on your family. 

If the whole world goes sideways, and you are relying on your inventory stress is going to set in.  Please remember to stock multivitamins it will help balance your nutrition and manage stress.  Sleep is going to be important as well as compassion and patience  stock up on this too :) Keep calm and carry on.

I have had many folks ask me how much do we stock ~ what are our goals.
Well we have a large family. I will say this ~ our goals are longer than a year.
We have tiered goals 1, 3, and 5 year goals it depends on the item.

You can do this.
Do something today that makes you more prepared than yesterday.

~ You're not alone in this journey ~

One Month & One Season Plan

Yesterday we discussed One Day & One Week Prepping ~ Today we discuss One Month & One Season at a time.

Once you have a solid week of water and food supplies, and you've figured out the finer details of power and cooking we need to expand these to 30 days, or rather one full month of water. breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks for your entire family. 

One Season at a time...  There are some items you'd only use in a particular season, heaters etc...whatever season we're in plan for this season and the next.   now let's add in another consideration... clothing and SHOES I don't mean the cute stuff either.  I mean, gotta get stuff done clothes.  Solid footwear, may need to walk a mile or more shoes.  As adults, our sizes don't change as rapid as children, but keeping your feet dry and warm and blister free is important!   

You need to think about your kids.  Do you have the next size up of shoes? Clothes for the this season, and how about next year this same season? I find thrift stores and consignment sales are great for this.  You'll want the basics for each child: here's a rough guide if you are future buying but keep in mind, rompers and sundresses work well too! it all depends on the age of your child.

5-7 pairs of jeans (long pants)
5-7 long sleeve shirts
7 short sleeve shirts
7 pairs of shorts
1 bathing suit
14+ pairs of socks
14+ pairs of undies
1 pair boots (snow wear/ rain wear)
1 pair of tennis shoes
1 pair of sandals
3 pairs of pj's summer
3 pairs of pj's winter
1 winter coat
1 jacket/midweight coat

Remember diapers, wipes, formula, creams etc...  little ones have lots of considerations!

Hopefully you can do hand-me downs, but maybe not.
It's easier as they get older they don't grow as fast!

Tomorrow: Rounding out ~ One Year Plan

One Week ~ Plan

You need to know what your goals are. What are your goals? If you’re just starting out reading multiple sources, doing your homework you have heard lots of things. For goodness sake it’s enough to drive you nuts. 72 hour kits ,Bug Out Bags, Water storage. Some of those sources are para-military, scare your britches off sky is falling end of the worlders…dooms-dayers. What’s a wife and mother to do? It makes good sense to be prepared for an emergency. SO you look around and lots of folks say get a 72 hour kit, be prepared fro 72 hours.   What’s magic about 72 hours? I’ll tell you. It takes 72 hours for FEMA or the Red Cross to mobilize in a major catastrophe. At least that’s the average. You’re a smart person. What’s an average? Well sometimes FEMA and the Red Cross will be there sooner than 72 hours. Sometimes its longer. 

It took FIVE LONG DAYS for FEMA to get to the Super Dome after Katrina.

Seventy-two hours. Every wonder why they quote that in hours? It’s simple ~ because hours sounds sooner than saying days. Say that a couple of times. DAYS. Three whole long days is just an average. Averages are in the middle right? So that means emergency services could be pretty quick or take seven days. Seven DAYS??? Wait a minute but everyone has these 72 hour kits so that must mean emergency services have to reach us by then! Yeah well I don’t know about you but my Momma didn’t raise a dumb girl, since three days is an average my first concern as well as yours should be getting prepared for an emergency that could last seven days, whether it’s weather or otherwise.

Let’s make us some easy to remember goals:

One Plan

One Week
One Month
One Year

Alrighty then let’s start real easy: ONE DAY

Ok huge thunderstorm and power is out for one full day and one full night. You need the following:
Water: Do you have a gallon of fresh drinkable water for each person in your home?
Power/Lights: Where are the:
Flashlights
Candles
Oil Lamps
LED Lamps
Batteries
Matches
Lighters

Do you have a generator? If so where is it? Can you start it or do you need your husband to do it? You need to learn how to do it yourself. What do you connect to the generator? Your freezer/fridges? One light or two? Which power cords do you use? Where are they kept? Where’s the gas kept and could you fill the generator if you had to?

Food ~ the whole city is without power. So no you can’t run go out to get a meal. So for ONE day you need Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, 2 snacks, then Breakfast and Lunch again for everyone in your home. Could you do that? What about ready to feed formula or

Sanitation ~ ( Let’s assume the worst but hope for the best) Let’s assume no running water for 1 full day. DO you have paper plates, bowels, plastic forks and spoons to go one full day so you can forget about washing dishes for one day? Disposable Baby bottles? Toilet Paper? Paper Towels? What if you had the flu and the power was out for a whole day do you have an extra can of disinfectant? Wipes? Garbage bags?

Entertainment ~ No TV, Internet, Video Games for an entire 24 hours. For some families that’s like asking them to go without air… What are you going to do with the kids for 24 hours? What about yourself? Board games, a deck of cards, Yahtzee, UNO, Pictionary, ISpy go a long way when the powers out.

Safety ~ Whatever makes you feel safe. Lock the doors. Stay vigilant ~ don’t be a victim. I am not going to discuss specific home security choices. That’s not the focus of my site. Be sure you are comfortable with taking care of yourself, your children, your family. I might suggest a big dog,  What? You don't think being able to protect yourself is important?
Then let me direct you here: NPR  

Seasonal Concerns: Can you stay warm for 24 hours without power? Warm bedding? Extra Socks?

If mother nature caught up with you today do you have feminine paper products? Are you low on diapers? Word of caution: Never be slap out of anything especially critical items. With my luck that’s the day every store would be closed because they’re without power!

ONE WEEK Plan:   Ready for some good news? Once you’ve prepared for ONE FULL DAY without power ~ expanding that to ONE WEEK is so much easier! It’s just about quantities. Seven days of food, and water ~ and developing a routine for everything else. You’re kids will love this too because you can skip baths for a week and do “touch up” personal care with wipes. Yippeee!

One Goal

Today you focus on one goal.
Your world goes sideways now what? (Insert your plan here)

We have only one goal today.  Write a plan. One Plan.
We are answering all the pesky what ifs....

What if a hurricane/major storm hit?
What if an earthquake hit?
What if the power was out for a week, month, year?
What if there was a riot?
What if terrorists (or anything else) disabled our infrastructure?
What if there was a pandemic?
What if the grocery stores had no food?
What if  inflation rose to the point you couldn't afford gas? bread?
What if there was a zombie apocalypse? The CDC has a point, if you can survive a zombie apocalypse you can survive anything!

Today's goal ~ think about it what would you need or want to have to keep you and your family safe, secure, fed?

Today: One Plan

Tomorrow: One Week
Wednesday:  One Month
Thursday: One Year
Friday: Sustainability

Vac Sealer : Friday Review

I use two different Vac Sealers.  I have a Deni which is a good all around vacuum sealer.  And when we do alot of vac sealing we'll use both at the same time.  But MY FAVORITE is the  FoodSaver® Vac 550 this is an older model and you can find it on Amazon in the used market.  The number one difference with the Foodsaver is the accessory hose option.  I can now vac seal canning jars, food saver canisters, soda bottles (does not replace canning)

Product Description

Keep your food fresh and flavorful! FoodSaver Vac 550. SAVE BIG BUCKS buy one used or go up to the current model! Maintain the same freshness at home that you get with professionally vacuum-packaged items you purchase at the grocery store. Air gets in most other food storage containers and plastic bags even when they are sealed tightly. And, oxygen is one of the main reasons that food goes bad. It starts a chemical change, robbing food of its nutritional value, texture, color, flavor and overall quality. The FoodSaver Vac 550 removes air and then seals containers so that air cannot reenter. To start you off, the FoodSaver gives you 2 BONUS FoodSaver rolls! These FoodSaver rolls are made from a patented 3-ply plastic with special channels that remove the air. When you use sheets from the rolls with the Vac 550, the outer layer of nylon seals freshness in, while locking air and moisture out. These FoodSaver rolls and bags go straight from the freezer and refrigerator to the microwave or boiling water. They're also reusable, washable (even dishwasher-safe) and recyclable.

 

A must have accessory is the FoodSaver  Wide-Mouth Jar Sealer

as well as the FoodSaver Regular-Mouth Jar Sealer

 

Accessory Hose by FoodSaver

Any vacuum sealer can seal a bag, but using the accessory hose and the jar sealers ~ think of the possibilities.  Cake mixes, Powdered milk, home made mixes...soup mixes.  ANYTHING you dehydrate that's too delicate to vac seal in a bag. In my humble opinion if you have to add just one tool to your prepper's kitchen ~ it would be a Foodsaver vac sealer (any model) all of the items pictured above were purchased  under $65 from Amazon! Remember one is none ~ two is one.  Get a spare accessory hose JUST IN CASE.

DO you Stay or Go?

Preppers use terms you may not be familiar with.

Shelter in Place ~ this means in an emergency you are staying put most folks consider this staying HOME
But, what if you aren't home and you need to get home to your family? Well in that case you would need a  "BOB", or "GOOD" bag/kit
BOB ~ Bug Out Bag
GOOD ~ Get Out Of Dodge
GHB ~ Get Home Bag
Car Kit ~ Kit that lives in the car (I guess that one is obvious huh?)

You need a plan.  If everyone's home and something happens great ~ the family is all together.  What if Dad (or Mom) is at work and has to get home?  DoO you have comfortable shoes to walk across town? Do you have what you need at work or in the car to get you home to your family?  You need a plan and your family needs to know what your plans are. Each family member needs to know what to do "just in case:.  Youur Shelter in Place Kit will be different than your Get Home Bag, because your ultimate goals are different.

Being  Prepared 72-96 Hours is Step 1

In emergency preparedness, a 72 hour kit is widely considered the first step in becoming prepared. Sitting in a closet or some other area close to the front door, it can be grabbed in a moment’s notice, should you have to depart your home with little or no warning. Every family needs one for the unexpected.  There’s a reason behind the length of time the kit’s contents should last. It generally takes the disaster relief agencies at least 3-4 days to move in and set up before offering assistance. Generally speaking, you’re on your own during this time. Depending on how bad the situation is, it could even be longer.

Whether you buy a kit or put one together yourself from scratch, it’s important for your family’s welfare to have one. In any type of disaster things will be bad. Not having the necessities to sustain your life and the lives of your family members could turn an otherwise manageable problem into a real disaster you could never recover from. Prepare now for life’s small and large surprises.

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for at least three days. You can not count on relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, more likely days some cases ~ weeks. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
• Water—one gallon (to two) per person, per day
     3¬day supply for evacuation,
     2¬week supply for home
• Food—non¬perishable, easy¬ to ¬prepare/no prep needed items
     3¬day supply for evacuation,
     2 ¬week supply for home
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov.
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Get a kit/Assemble your own Kit

• Keep supplies in an easy¬to¬carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

Benefits of Involving Children

• Involving children is the first step in helping them know what to do in an emergency.
• Children can help. Ask them to think of items that they would like to include in a disaster supplies kit, such as books or games or nonperishable food items, and to help the household remember to keep the kits updated. Children could make calendars and mark the dates for checking emergency supplies, rotating the emergency food and water or replacing it every six months and replacing batteries as necessary. Children can enjoy preparing plans and disaster kits for pets and other animals.

Disaster Supplies Kit Checklist for Pets

• Food and water for at least three days for each pet, food and water bowls and a manual can opener
• Depending on the pet, litter and litter box or newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach
• Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container, a first aid kit and a pet first aid book
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours. Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets. These may require blankets or towels for bedding and warmth and other special items
• Pet toys and the pet's bed, if you can easily take it, to reduce stress
• Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated, and to prove that they are yours
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and telephone number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.

Additional Supplies for Sheltering-in-Place
In the unlikely event that chemical or radiological hazards cause officials to advise people in a specific area to "shelter-in-place" in a sealed room, households should have in the room they have selected for this purpose:
• A roll of duct tape and scissors
• Plastic sheeting pre-cut to fit shelter-in-place room openings

Ten square feet of floor space per person will provide sufficient air to prevent carbon dioxide buildup for up to five hours. Local officials are unlikely to recommend the public shelter in a sealed room for more than two-three hours because the effectiveness of such sheltering diminishes with time as the contaminated outside air gradually seeps into the shelter.

NOTE: Always keep a shut-off valve wrench near the gas and water shut-off valves in your home.

~ You are not  alone in your journey ~