Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,
Quote:
Speaking of disasters and emergency situations: "There are going to be situations where people are going to go without assistance." Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl Gates
Will you be able to take care of your own family if a disaster or emergency situation happens? How prepared are you to take care of them for 1-3 months alone? If there is a major earthquake or disaster or pandemic you will most likely be on your own! The emergency response teams, fire department, and other local and federal government groups will most likely not be able to get to you due to road closures, fallen buildings, downed power lines, fires, and severe road and bridge damages. How prepared are you and your family???
Do they know?
When I was working at State Farm Insurance a man came into the office, his wife had just recently passed away. She handled everything, all the bills, insurance, everything. He did not know what type of insurance they had and what their coverages covered. He did not know what bills to pay or where she kept them, or important papers. I also had a woman come into the office and her husband had handled everything too. The same thing is happening with older out of the house children, they are not aware of things regarding their parents insurance, bank accounts, bills, etc. Why am I bring this up?
When a parent or loved one passes away there is so much to handle, it is devastating and overwhelming to them. Without the vital information the task becomes even more overwhelming. We have everything together, but we have been procrastinating and getting distracted in getting together a list for our children, or if you have young children, a sibling, of all our vital and important information and how to handle our estate. You never know when your health may deteriorate or you may pass away. This week we finally did it!
We put together a special folder and explained what they will need to do (which is a lot having done three parents estates), companies to call (with account numbers and phone numbers), life insurance claims, how to handle Social Security and Pension payments, and where things are in the house. They know where this list is in the house, keep it in a safe place like a safe or lock box. Of course, they will need the safe combination or a copy of the key to the lock box.
None of us like to discuss this type of thing with our spouse or children, but it does need to be done. We feel much better knowing our children know what to do when the time comes. We have lessened the stress on them at a very difficult time. This is just as an important part of being prepared as Food and Water Storage and Emergency Preparedness.
Will and/or Trust: If you own a home and have children you need a Will and/or a Trust. Go to LegalZoom.com and you can complete a Will online for a small amount of money. If you own a home without a Trust, the property will likely go into Probate if the total estate is over a certain amount of money, which can take several months in court to settle. Setting up a Trust may require an attorney.
May Goals: Emergency Cooking and Add Fats and Oils to your Food Storage
Emergency Cooking Weekly Assignment:
This week add a type of cooking equipment that will allow you to cook outside in an emergency situation. Also add the type of fuel you will need to use with your emergency cooking equipment. See the "Posting" on the right side of this blog under "Cooking and Heating and Lighting" for information on types of Emergency Cooking equipment and fuel.
If you already have your emergency cooking equipment, at least 2-3 different types, then continue to add more cooking fuel for that type of equipment. Determine how much you will need for your family for at least 3 months of cooking.
Keep all your Emergency Cooking equipment and fuel together in one place.
Adding Fats and Oils Weekly Assignment:
This week add 1-2 jars of mayonnaise or salad dressing (which ever your family uses) and
1-2 bottles of oil. Only purchase what your family will eat. Remember to keep them in a cool, dry dark location.
Emergency Preparedness Ideas:
1) Learn a skill or talent you would be able to use to barter with for things your family may need to survive. Skill might be cooking, baking, sewing, gardening, electrical, plumbing, minor construction repairs, child or elder care, etc. These skills will give you the ability to barter for the things your family may need like, food, clothing, repairs, etc.
2) Do not tell others, like your neighbors, co-workers, and friends, how much Food and Water Storage and Emergency Supplies you have stored. If they ask, just say, " I am getting ready and you should too".
***Check your 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpack Food Kit: I went to check on the Food Kits and water in our 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpacks we keep in our car and found the fruit cups were spoiled. Even the granola bars seems questionable, very sticky. It has been about 6-8 months since I last checked the food. The trunk of your car can get pretty hot, especially in the summer. You should check the Food Kits and water every 3-6 months to make sure they have not expired or spoiled and replace the items as needed. Most items will last for about a year, in the car, a shorter time. What good will the food do you if is spoiled? Mark your wall or pocket calendar, or planner, to check your 72 Hour Emergency Food Kits at least every 6 months, 3 months would be even better if stored in your car.
Food Storage Ideas:
Egg Substitute: Did you know you can use flax seed as an egg substitute? Good for people who are vegetarians too. Eggs in a recipe are just used as a binder. Healthier too! No cholesterol!
1 egg=1 tablespoon of ground flax seed, 3 tablespoons of cold water (not refrigerated)
Whisk together, let set in a bowl for 5 minutes.
Then add to any recipe that calls for eggs
Do not keep ground flax seed for long periods of time. Only ground up what you will need for about a week. We purchased a small coffee grinder to grind up our flax seed. We keep it in a plastic zip lock bag, or a container will do, in the refrigerator. You can purchase it at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Target and WalMart may carry them.
We purchased a large bag of flax seeds at Whole Foods, which we also keep in the refrigerator.
Flax seed is good to keep for your Food Storage!
FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing: This Sunday, May 20th will be our FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing. The item will be for your Food Storage.
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