Posted on 09/15/2001 6:22:38 PM PDT by Utah Girl
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.
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
********************
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.)
********************
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
********************
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.
********************
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
********************
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
********************
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.
********************
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
********************
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.
We have not seen any significant spoilage, but have seen some cans bulged. I am assuming botulism and I have discarded the cans.
Are you familiar with Provident pantry and what are your thoughts or knowledge on its shelf life?
We are not rolling in money, so I'm not prepared to pitch everything and restock.
I suspect lead (in various calibers denominations) will become the major currency in a failed social infrastructure.
Listen, the little store down the street from me here in Oklahoma had 90% lean ground beef on sale for $1.89 a pound. I bought 30 pounds of it and it's in my deep freeze. If a calamity strikes and my power goes out...everyone can come over for burgers, ok?
:-D
(Thanks for the info!)
Good thread and good information. Thank you.
Have you read this list on survival?
"I don't have any idea what would constitute having enough guns and ammunition around." If you know how many guns and how much ammo you have then, you don't have enough."
I have to agree with you there.
For those of you starting to think about this possible situation, or have begun and are not armed. Think again.
To acquire and hold food and water is commendable, but you must remember this, there are people out there who will not be prepared. Project for a moment, there you are with all your stuff which you had the foresight to buy and store. Something grave happens, a natural disaster or attack. People panic, and trust me they will. Groups of unprepared people are now wandering around looking for the basics of survival, maybe they know you were smart enough and prepared enough to think ahead. They have access to firearms and can justify taking your goods for "survival". In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
Arm yourself. No one is advocating that you use your firearms for anything but self-protection. You don't have to have an arsenal, a good shotgun and/or rifle will at least give you a chance. Many courses and instruction is available. At least project a bit and see a possibility that doing all this preparation won't mean squat if someone can take it from you.
No Spam? Darn near sacrilegious! ;)
Small easy to use cans that will issue forth 4 to 6 portions of slightly salty but flavorful meat product (truth in advertising, that) fit for any time of the day.
They even do mixed flavors now in addition to the WWII original.
Got to have it. ;)
1. Be sure the seal is tight. Moisture causes the sugar to harden.
2. Pack a hammer. ;)
Hard sugar is better than no sugar. Add a little water and make syrup...use it that way.
That is a great idea! On-hand water storage with no hassles and no 55 gallon drums to rotate.
Who did the work and where did you find the items?
"And the Spam. What can I say... It was on sale.
"I'd rather eat pig snot."
I thought Spam WAS pig snot when I was slinging hash in the Army...
Yup. Hammer it into small pieces, add liquid, use.
#88 - Good list UG. Check my 'about' page. You should add extra flashlight bulbs to the list.
It's good to see folks getting/staying prepared.
AD
Thanks for pinging this thread. It is good to keep this going every month or so... : ) <<< me
BTTT ...
I contracted a local well company to do it. He got everything, installed it, and he will cover and support it for 1 year if anything goes wrong. For the 1,100 gallon tank, the pipes, the 3/4hp pressure pump, 1 yr. coverage, and installation I paid $1,600.
I want to use my old 55 gallon drums to store gray water and put in a system to use it for things that don't require drinking water. If you think about it, it is such a dumb idea that we all use potable drinking water to flush toilets and water outside plants.
Agreed, but as long as the pressure is up I carry no buckets...
Gray or otherwise. ;)
I've not read the rest of the posts, just saw it.
I have to say that's one of the main things I admire and respect about LDS. Careful preparation. I've tried to prepare and have just few days in case of emergency.
I think I have some real idealogical arguments but you have one thing right. And I have to say, the women that I've had the pleasure to meet from your religion have been inspirational and respectable. You have the one religion I've noted where women are the rule and center of family life and the one's I've know have ruled the roost to the good of the family.
Ok, I've only met two but I was pretty impressed.
" I've also thrown in the cracked wheat into chili and soups. I'll post some recipes tomorrow and ping you."
Please ping me also with the wheat ideas. Thank you.
If they can put coffee in air-proof containters, why can't they do the same for sugar?
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