Posted on 12/07/2008 8:09:30 AM PST by Sen Jack S. Fogbound
Note: Utah wrote this article and posted on FR 9-15-2001. I believe it is timely to present this as I have had some disturbing informations regarding what the short and long future may look like in respect to the economic condition of our country.
It always pay to be prepared!
Sen Jack S. Fogbound
Emergency Preparedness (year's supply of food, 72 hour kit)
The LDS Church who believes strongly in self reliance. Spencer W. Kimball, one of the deceased presidents of this church said, "No true Latter-day Saint, while physically or emotionally able, will voluntarily shift the burden of his own or his family's well-being to someone else... Maintain a year's supply. The Lord has urged that his people save for the rainy days, prepare for the difficult times, and put away for emergencies, a year's supply or more of bare necessities so that when comes the flood, the earthquake, the famine, the hurricane, the storms of life, our families can be sustained through the dark days... I am not howling calamity, but I fear that a great majority of our young people, never having known calamity, depression, hunger, homelessness, joblessness, cannot conceive of such situations..."
I just wanted to share some things that my church and family has done to be prepared. This is a list of a year's supply of food storage that can be gathered in one year. It is very flexible. I have the basics in my home, along with some "luxuries" in my food storage and preparedness are. If a calamity strikes, I think I will be prepared and will also be able to share with others. If you have any questions, please let me know. I'm going to try to post once a month (or sooner if requested) on this preparedness topic.
The Relief Society in my ward (it is the women's organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) has a lesson once a month on the first Tuesday of each month. The first part of that meeting is Family Preparedness. We cover many topics such as food storage, financial preparation, disaster awareness, first aid, etc. The lady in charge gets information on storing food, how to read dates on cans, where to buy in bulk. Usually every month she will make arrangements so that we can buy something in bulk (beans, dry milk, dried potatoes, etc.) In November we will be canning salsa and jumbleberry jam at the local cannery. Anyway, here is the list.
And a couple of other suggestions that I have found helpful. Make sure to buy food that you and your family will eat. Rotate through the food, don't just buy it and store it. When I go to the grocery now, I'll buy a case of something (fancy fruit cocktail, ravioli, beets, sweetened condensed milk.) If you don't have the money monthly to follow this plan, just pick up an extra can of something. Try to do what you can within your financial resources. NOTES: Personally I don't recommend buying those dehydrated foods for your whole food storage. You'll need a heck of a lot of water, plus how will you know if you like them until you've tried them? And it is extremely expensive.
Food storage calculator
January
Provident Living Goal---review your retirement goals. Are you putting enough aside to be able to support yourselves and to do the things you want to do when you retire? Also change the batteries in your smoke alarms.
Storage Goal: 24 cans of meat or fish per person 1 gallon bleach per person can opener garbage bags laundry detergent
72 hour kit: Gather a change of clothing including underwear and shoes for each family member--include warm coats and boots, or have them immediately accessible. ax, shovel and bucket utility knife $20.00 cash $5.00 in change for phone ********************
February
Provident Living Goal---plan and carry out a family meeting on home fires. Include planning an escape route and practicing it.
Storage Goal: 100 pounds (total) pasta & flour per person hand grain mill thread, needles, buttons, and zippers
72 hour kit: 1 gallon water per person scriptures (Bible) personal documents--genealogical records, wills, passports, insurance, contracts, birth certificates, etc. $25.00 cash
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March
Provident Living Goal---Learn a new skill or read a book pertaining to your career.
Storage Goal: 50 cans of soup, stew or chili per person 5 pounds of salt per person 20 pounds fat, oil or shortening per person aluminum foil, plastic wrap, storage bags, etc. At least 5 gallons water per person--recommended is 14 gallons / person for 2 weeks
72 hour kit: 1 pound dried fruit or trail mix per person (can use fruit leather) 1 package soda crackers per person (4 per box) 1 package graham crackers per person (4 per box) 2 liters tomato or orange juice per person (Note: these items will be rotated every 6 months-see Sept) ALSO make a goal to always have the fuel tanks on ALL vehicles at least half full. ***************************
April
Provident Living Goal---If you normally do not grow a garden, plan to grow at least one vegetable this year. if you already have a garden either 1)grow a vegetable you haven't tried before OR 2) try a new method or technique this year.
Storage Goal: 2 pounds yeast per person 2 pounds baking powder per person 1 pound soda per person 1 gal vinegar per person 10 cans evaporated milk per person 10 pounds peanut butter per person spices, condiments and vanilla
72 hour kit: 4 granola bars per person 2 sticks beef jerky per person 1 package chewing gum per person hard candies or lollipops--at least 12 per person (note these items will be rotated every 6 months--see Oct.)
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May
Provident Living Goal---Make a goal and plan to exercise regularly.
Storage Goal: 100 pounds variety of cereal grains-rice, oatmeal, cornmeal, etc. per person 24 rolls paper towels per person 24 packages flavored gelatin per person garden seeds At least one month prescription ahead for all doctor prescribed medication.
72 hour kit: battery powered radio battery powered light batteries
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June
Provident Living Goal---Make a goal to have 6 months wages in savings for emergencies. Write out a realistic plan to make it happen.
Storage Goal: First aid kit--should include scissors, knife, thermometer, measuring cup, medicine dropper, hot water bottle, triangular bandages, soap, matches, razor blades, needles, safety pins, adhesive tape, elastic bandages, sanitary napkins (excellent compresses), paper bags, gauze bandages, bicarbonate of soda, Ipecac syrup (induces vomiting), ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, calamine lotion (insect bites and sunburn), rubbing alcohol, diarrhea remedy, antibiotic ointment, first aid instruction book, prescription medication, waterproof matches.
72 hour kit: Container for holding kit. Large garbage cans with wheels OR a back pack for each family member recommended. Find a place in your home that is easily accessible for storing the kit. You need to be able to grab it at a moment's notice to leave your home. Note: Your first aid kit is also part of the 72 hour kit. Note: your 72 hour kit is also part of your general storage, but your general storage CANNOT be part of your 72 hour kit. When you need it there may not be time to gather it together for transport.
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July
Provident Living Goal---Make a goal to eat healthier. For example: less sweets, more fresh fruits and veggies, less meat, more fiber etc.
Storage Goal: 50 pounds sugar or honey per person 10--#10 cans (35 pounds total) powdered milk per person 2 toothbrushes per person toothpaste mouthwash infant needs-formula, baby food, diapers, Tylenol etc.
72 hour kit: Prepare blankets (the silver foil ones) gather items to entertain your family and include in kit--UNO cards, coloring books and crayons, x-stitch kit etc. Be sure to include paper and pencils. camp stove or portable BBQ and fuel mosquito repellant $25 cash
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August
Provident Living Goal---Learn to preserve food in a way you haven't tried before.
Storage Goal: 100 quarts fruit and or vegetables per person 24 pints jam or jelly per person feminine needs school supplies pet supplies
72 hour kit: 1 can tuna per person 1 can pork and beans per person 1/2 pound dried milk per person 2 packets hot chocolate mix per person (or 1 large can per family). 2 instant soup packets per person (these should be rotated every year) disposable plates, cups, bowls and flatware pet supplies-be sure to include dishes, leash and extra water
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September
Provident Living Goal---Review your will if you have one. Make any needed changes. If you do not have a will, make arrangements to get one. EVERY Adult should have a will. Plan and carry out a FHE on the importance of preparedness.
Storage Goal: 10--#10 cans (35 pounds total) powdered milk per person 25 pounds canned or dried potatoes per person 50 quarts fruit or tomato juice per person
72 hour kit: 1 pound dried fruit or trail mix per person (can use fruit leather) 1 package soda crackers per person (4 per box) 1 package graham crackers per person (4 per box) 2 liters tomato or orange juice per person (Note: these items will be rotated every 6 months-see March) **********************************
October
Provident Living Goal---Make a goal to read 30 minutes/day to your children or grandchildren. If you have not children to read to, make a goal to read at least 30 minutes/day just for pleasure.
Storage Goal: 50 cans soup, stew or chili per person 10 pounds cheese--dried or bottled per person shaving supplies dish soap
72 hour kit: 4 granola bars per person 2 sticks beef jerky per person 1 package chewing gum per person hard candies or lollipops--at least 12 per person (note these items will be rotated every 6 months--see April) Check batteries for light and radio. Replace if needed.
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November
Provident Living Goal---Make a goal to reduce your family garbage by recycling more.
Storage Goal: 100 pounds wheat per person 1 #10 can juice mix with vitamin C per person Hand/shower soap light bulbs At least one month prescription ahead for all doctor prescribed medication.
72 hour kit: soap toothbrushes and toothpaste shaving supplies infant needs feminine needs disinfectant aluminum foil
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December
Provident Living Goal---Review your insurance coverage, life, household, vehicle. Do you have enough? Could you replace your vehicle or household foods with the coverage you have?
Storage Goal: 40 pounds dried beans per person matches candles batteries
72 hour kit: garbage bags candles matches can opener
It's very important for us as human beings to be self-reliant. Included in this folder is a program to assist you to get a years supply of emergency food, 72 hour kit, spiritual goals and provident living goals. ********************************
Water Needs
Water storage is by far the most important area of preparedness.
You can live for quite a long time without food, but only about 3 days without water. The Fema (Federal Emergency Management Agency) recommends 14 gallons of water per person for a two week period. That may seem like quite a lot, but it is only a gallon a day for drinking, cooking, and washing needs. The agency recommends at least 14 day supply.
There are some hidden places in your home that have usable water. One is the hot water heater. Turn it off and open the drain at the bottom of the heater. Make sure the gas is off, and the pilot light is out! Another source is the toilet tank. Not the bowl, the tank of water that goes into the bowl in a flush. You can use that water as long as you don't use an automatic bowl cleaner in it. I would still add bleach to it, just to be on the safe side.
There are many ways to store water. There are containers that you can buy especially for storing. These can be found in some super markets, and hardware stores. Try on line if you can't find them in your area. They come in different sizes. The ones that I have seen are galloon, 15 gallon, and 55 gallon blue barrels. The barrels work best with a pump, purchases separately, for about $10. You can use heavy plastic juice containers, washed well with hot water and soap. You can use liter pop bottles as well. Do not use glass containers, bleach bottles, metal containers, milk bottles, or water already in milk bottle like containers. These are made to decompose and will leak all over your storage room (personal experience!).
ALL water obtained from out of doors is subject to contamination for dirt, bacteria or other nasty things. First it must be clarified and then cleaned of all physical impurities such as dirt and debris. Then it must be disinfected or made safe from biohazardous materials. No home method of water treatment can guarantee safety of the water. Certain water treatment methods described below can deduce the risks involved, but emergency treatment of water cannot guarantee safety of the water. Devices that are sold with a claim that they can purify any water should be avoided because they will not work as claimed.
Clarification
Settling: This is the easiest method to remove most debris, including radioactive fallout from water. To let water settle merely let it stand in a container, totally undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. This will allow any sediment to sink to the bottom of the container. A handful of clay soil in each gallon of water will help speed this process. Since it takes so long to settle it is advisable to use a large container for this purpose, like a tough tote. After settling is complete pour, dip or siphon the clean water to another container, being careful not to stir up the sludge at the bottom. Discard the sludge and then purify water.
Hose Siphoning
Take a six or eight foot section of garden hose and stuff two cottontails in one end. Place that end into a container of your dirty water. Then suck on the other end until water starts to come through. Then place the that end into a container placed below the dirty water. Gravity will pull the water from the higher container into the lower container while trapping sediment in the cotton balls. When the balls are clogged simply remove and replace. This will clean about one quart per thirty minutes. However, if the water is really muddy the cotton balls will have to be replaced very frequently.
Coffee Filters
Place three or four filters (one inside the other) into a mason jar and let the edges stick out over the mouth of the jar. Then screw the lid on over the edge of the filters. Pour the water into the filters. The water will drip into the jar. When the filters become clogged, replace them. This type of filter will clean approximately one quart of very dirty water per two hours.
Purification
Boiling: Water sterilization by boiling is preferred over any method of chemical disaffection because disease causing microorganisms cannot survive the heat of a sterilizing boil. If water is cloudy, only heat sterilization can be fully relied upon to assure complete destruction of these organisms. Bring the water to a rolling boil for *10 minutes, then adding one minute for each 1000 feet of elevation.
Chlorine: Liquid household chlorine bleach can be used to purify water provided the label says that it contains hypochlotie as its ONLY active ingredient. Do NOT use granular or powdered forms of household bleach, they are poisonous!! Add 2 drops of bleach per quart or 8 drops per gallon and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water doesn't taste and smell of chlorine at that point, add another dose and let stand for 15 minutes. If the water is cloudy you may double the dosage. Liquid bleach loses strength over time. In one years storage you must put in double the amount of bleach as new bleach. Two year old bleach must not be used. It is not potent enough to kill bacteria. After adding bleach to water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. Bleach is totally ineffective against GIARDIA and other hardy forms of protozoa. USE BOILING TO REMOVE THESE if they are suspected.
Iodine Tablets-- these are very effective against all forms of bacteria, however they are less effective against GIARDIA. Iodine tablets usually have a relatively short shelf life, losing 20% effectiveness in just six months. They are also sensitive to heat and light. They turn color from gray to yellow as they become less potent. The usual dose is one tablet per quart of clear water and two for cloudy. Let stand for 30 minutes before use.
Regardless of the method of chemically disinfecting water, always double the dosage for cloudy water. If the water temperature is cold, below 45 degrees, let it stand for one hour before using it.
Be sure to have some water on hand in case of any emergency. You will need it mostly for drinking, but also to wash up a bit and keep utensils clean. Be sure to at least to have 1 gallon per person and a take week supply of actual clean water is recommended. You can live for much longer without food than without water.
NOTE: Water is the hardest thing to store. I have 3 55 gallon containers of water, plus about 20 2 liter pop bottles of water. Not enough, but room is a concern. Just make sure to have enough bleach or iodine on hand to sterilize the water. Any time I get an empty soda bottle, I rinse it out, and fill it with water. I don't drink soda pop, but at family parties or work parties, I'll gather up the empty ones to use.
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I thought about cisterns but I’m in a swamp so that’s out. Water table is too high.
Swamp water is pretty icky. But, Katadyn filters are great and so is the Lifeguard for several gallons.
I’d still have to be out of water to drink it.
Walmart was low on eggs, bread and bottled water last week. It concerned me too. Maybe they just needed to restock after Thanksgiving.
You can simply save and reuse plastic containers.
For instance I usually, during the summer, drink 3 or 4 Gatorades a week.
Every single one of them gets rinsed out, filled with fresh tap water, and socked away.
I also rinse and refill things like laundry detergent plastic bottles and auto windshield washer bottles.
The basic rule is If it is in a container that originally had some foodstuff in it, I consider it potable, but if it’s in a a soap or bleach container, then it’s utility water for washing, etc.
Cuts down on your garbage too!
I need to get off my backside and move most of it out of my pantry and into my shed...
I noticed in the town I shop in when fuel was really high the grocery store was running out of things- many empty shelves. I think they cut down on their frequency of orders to save the high shipping cost. Seeing how fast they ran out of basic things was an eye opener though. Everything now is based on “just in time” so I bet grocery stores would be wiped out in just a couple days if anything caused the trucks to stop coming.
I live way out in the boonies and in the back of my mind I thought- well no terrorist or other country is going to attack here- it will be the big cities they hit. Problem is a lot of our food and all other supplies come from those cities. If something bad happens in the cities it will effect everyone no matter where you live.
I keep a pretty well stocked panty, but have been adding to it since I realized it wouldn’t take much to clean out the grocery stores.
Don’t forget to stock up on medical supplies both over the counter and any prescriptions or supplies you can’t do without.
Always have a 72 hour kit ready! If something bad happens you will be on your own for at least 72 hours. Be Ready! Have a battery operated radio. have flashlights with batteries, have food in cans and water in bottles as well as a good first aid kit. Be sure to include a can opener as well. A deck of cards and a chess set are good too. I have a Red Cross First aid book as well. Don’t be like the Katrina folks waiting around for Government help that may or may not show up—Frankly I don’t trust Mr. Obama with my safety or the safety of my family. A good firearm isn’t a bad idea, just know how to use it.
If you live in an urban area, keep in mind supermarkets have no more than 5 days food supply on hand. Urban areas are magnets for looters, microbes and maggots looking for a carcass. You will never be able to defend your stocks in such an environment. If you don’t believe me, see the videos following the New Orleans calamity. AS they say, head for the hills with all due haste and if you ain’t armed be prepared to give up your supplies at the muzzle of a gun.
If you have pets or livestock, you can check the farm supply store.
All farm supply stores have a wide variety of antibiotics and antiseptics you can buy without prescription.
But do it only if you have pets.
(Wink, wink...)
Excellent. Bookmarked for easy access.
Flour stores great in a freezer and won’t get weevils or attract mice or other critters. Instead of storing really large amounts of flour it is more practical to store wheat and get a hand wheat grinder.
Good idea. I keep a few extra cans of gasoline I rotate through every now and then, but I hadn't thought about propane (and maybe some inexpensive heating elements to connect to them).
I had a scare in September when Hurricane Ivan hit Ohio. Usually all that's left when one hits Ohio is a day of rain and 30 mph winds. Instead we got bright sun and 60 mph winds for about 12 hours. Our trees aren't built for that wind so most of the people here lost power. Mine was out for only a day, but some people's power was out for well over a week. I started making more disaster preparations, but I still need to do a lot more. It makes more sense to put money into that than a Chinese high-def television.
I have also added a few treats, M&M's and cookies. After eating canned stew for awhile a chips ahoy will be like heaven for the kiddies.
This is mostly for a power outage but it has other benefits year round.
A freezer will run on very little elec power if it is always full. As space in your freezer becomes available with removing food, fill that in with plastic jugs or bottles of clean water.
The freezer gets full in the fall/winter with garden produce/fruit and meat from butchering/hunting, but most tend to get low by spring/summer.
If your power goes out you will need both water to drink/wash, but you will need ice to keep the food in your fridge cold in coolers until it comes back on.
Those water jugs are now ice and will cover both needs.
You can let some thaw to drink/wash and the block/jug will keep your food in good shape.
Always remove the food from the fridge and put it in chest coolers, or even heavy cardboard boxes covered with a heavy layer of newspapers.
You can open them to get something out without all the cold falling out like it does with an upright fridge. ( this is why a chest freezer will run much cheaper than an upright)
As a bonus those jugs of ice and coolers work great for chilling early fall venison and a large catch of fish you may want to clean and store the next day.
Large blocks ( gal jugs) of ice will stay frozen far longer than the same amount of cube ice you might buy at the store.
Anyone that lives in a northern state, and lots of ambition, could even build a small ice house and freeze the clean jugs outside in winter and bury them in sawdust and always have ice year round without any elec power at all.
It takes lots of sawdust but you can get it free at many sawmills.
If possible build it of block( dirt floor, with deep hole for about 5-6 feet of sawdust in back) into a hillside with only the front exposed. It can double as a root cellar for your garden crops.
We also keep Coleman fuel. A gallon goes a very long time in a camping stove, and since it is almost identical to gasoline, it can power a vehicle or generator. Not having all the additives that pump gas does, it is very stable over time. I have been using it to fuel our lawnmower for over a year now. No problem. Low octane means it would probably ping like crazy in a car, but in an emergency...
I am constatnly amazed at how people don’t prepare for anything at all. I work at a store in a northern climate and every time there is snow, the hordes come in DURING the blizzard for milk, toilet paper and other essentials. They keep nothing on hand and always expect stores to be open and fully stocked. I pride myself on the fact that my family could live for at least 1 month (and am constantly working up toward more) without stepping foot in a store if we had to.
~”I keep a pretty well stocked panty...”~
Good to see there are still some of you around, Tammy8.
When I was a kid we were snowed in for 6 weeks, my mother was so prepared I don’t remember us doing without anything. There were messages on the radio to make signs with rocks if you needed food or medical attention or supplies. We didn’t need a thing, the only issue we had was our water line froze and we had to melt snow for water.
We lived north of Flagstaff, AZ and got over 80 inches of snow in 8 days! The total snowfall the winter of 1967 was like 150 inches. The government had an airlift going to the Navajos and Hopis that lived near us and they were dropping pallets of food and supplies from helicopters on the reservations. The ranch we were on used helicopters to drop hay to the cattle- it was amazing.
My mother was truly amazing- she grew up during the depression and she was always prepared for anything. It sure paid off that winter. We were snowed in nearly all of December and part of January but she had already bought all the presents so even Christmas was still awesome.
It's one thing to sit around unwashed in front of the tv or computer for hours on end. But when disaster happens, there'll be no electricity! Imagine having to sit around unwashed without electronic gadgets to distract you! The horror!
Just kidding,folks. Great article BTTT
Yup.
You see much the same thing when the power goes out.
People running to the store for batteries and candles and generators.
Heck, a few years back at some store around me the lights were out for a few days and a couple guys got in a fistfight at a store over a generator.
Oh yeah and we have a great vet that helps us out on what can be used for what...one time he came out and we all had a horrible flu- he mixed up some concoction and he wrote on the bottle label “sick puppy medicine” I have no idea what it was but we all got well ASAP.
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