Weekly Assignment, Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness (Week of February 24th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

PERSEVERANCE...Never, Never Give Up!

Some get discouraged

Some feel overwhelmed

Some think I'll never catch up                                     

Some think they can't do it

Some do not know where to start

Some do not know how much to store

Some say where will I put it all

Some think it is expensive

Some don't even try

Some just give up

Some make a plan

Some take a step at a time

Some add a little at a time                                              

Some keep trying

Never, never give up! Food and water storage, emergency supplies and preparedness take a life time, step by step. I have been working on our food storage and emergency preparedness for 40 years. It is an on going process that requires rotation of food and water storage, and constantly adding more and newer emergency preparedness supplies. No one can do it overnight or even in a week or two, or a month. Do not get discouraged. Just take it a step at a time. Each week add 1 or 2 extra cans or packages of food.

If you have no food or water storage, the best thing you can start with is the 72 Hour Individual Emergency Backpack Kit which has a food kit, a hygiene kit and a stressor kit enclosed, along with some other items. Since the beginning of this year we have been working on this by adding one food item each week. Scroll through the past several weeks to see what we have been adding each week. Once we are done with the food kit, (one more week) we will be working on the hygiene and stressor kits. While your are working on this, you can still add 1 to 2 cans or packages of food items each time you go grocery shopping, purchase items that are on sale to save money.

Regarding food and water storage, the best thing you can do is keep track of what you and your family eat for a month. Then multiply it by 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months, what ever is your goal. Then work towards your goal, adding a little each time you go grocery shopping. Before you know it, you will meet your goal. Let's say you set a goal for 3 months of food and water storage. Once you meet your goal, then increase it to 6 months and then 12 months.

Here is a great 3-Month Food Storage chart that may help you. Click on the link below, then scroll down to the PDF file you can print, "3-Month Food Storage Plan for one adult, pdf"

http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/2011/03/3-month-food-storage-calculator-and.html

Also check out our blogs 3 Month Food Storage posting on the link below or under "Postings" on the right side of this blog.

http://www.thearkcarsonward.blogspot.com/search/label/3%20Month%20Food%20Supply

Note: Some countries limit how much you can store. Store what you can.

Emergency supplies are a little more expensive and usually take a little longer. Watch for sales. I only purchase emergency supply items when they are on sale. Add at least one way to cook, a way to have light, a way to have heat, a way for sanitation, a way for shelter and blankets or a sleeping bag. etc.. Set goals for bigger items. I am currently saving for a solar oven. See all the blog postings on the right under "Postings" for ideas. I am currently revising them with updates and adding video clips/links and more photos. I just completed "Disaster Situations and what to do".

  

Be creative in where you store your food storage and emergency supplies. I have things stored all over our house. If possible, try to not store food and water in the garage, too hot. Example: Purchase end and bedside tables and coffee tables with storage underneath them. Clear out things you do not need and organize closets, cupboards and under beds for more storage space. See the blog posting "3 Months Food Supply" and Food Storage Rotation" under "Postings on the right side.

Perseverance and rotation are the keys to food and water storage and emergency supplies. Never, never give up! Keep trying and before you know it, you will have reached your goals.

More ideas: As you scroll through the last 3+ years of weekly blog postings you will find more great ideas to help you with your food storage, emergency supplies and emergency preparedness. Also, check out all the postings on the ride side for more ideas.

Weekly Assignment: 72 Hour Individual Emergency Food Kit...

This week add the following...

3 small packages, or 1 large package (1 pound bag), of trail mix per each individual family member's food kit. IMPORTANT: If you add 1 large package of trail mix, also add 2 small zip lock baggies. Once you open the large package, divide into thirds, eat the first third per the menu, and then put the other 2 into the 2 small zip lock baggies for the next 2 days. Add this item to each family member's 72 Hour Individual Emergency Food Kit. Place in a large zip lock bag along with the items we have already added: 3 granola bars, 3 juice/fruit box drinks, 3 small boxes of raisins, 3 packages of instant hot chocolate, 3 packages of instant oatmeal, 3 small fruit cups or apple sauce, 3 packages of peanut butter or cheese crackers and 3 packages of instant dry soup mix for each family member's Food Kit.

Note: We only have 1 more item (water) to add to the 72 Hour Individual Emergency Food Kit. Then we will work on the snack items, there are only 4 items.

IMPORTANT:  If you have diabetes or any other health issues, consult with your doctor regarding the food menu. This is a high calorie, high fiber menu since this is all you will probably be eating in an emergency situation.

Emergency Preparedness:

Emergency Out of State Contact Person...Each family needs a family member or friend who lives out of state to contact in case of an emergency situation, like an earthquake or other disaster. Each family member should carry that person's name and phone number in their purse, wallet or backpack. Your child's school should have the information on their emergency card in case there is a disaster and they cannot get hold of you.

When you call the contact person, each person calling needs to let the family member or friend know if they are alright, if they have any injures and what they are, where they are or will be going, and how to contact them if necessary. When each person in your family calls they can find out where and how other families members and where to meet. Remember, in an emergency situation, do not tie up the phone lines with unnecessary calls. They need to be kept open for emergency personnel. Try texting before calling, it is usually easier to get through.

If you click on here you can download and print out a copy of the Emergency Out of State Contact Person cards I created. It is best to laminate the cards to protect them from moisture.

Comments: All your comments, ideas, suggestions and experiences are welcome! We all learn from each other.

Weekly Assignment, Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness (Week of February 17th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Quote:

"Our people for three-quarters of a century have been counseled and encouraged to make such preparation as will assure survival should a calamity come."         President Gordon B. Hinckley

How long does it take us to prepare? Will it take a calamity for us to realize we should have prepared?

We need to be prepared for what ever may come our way, both temporally and spiritually! I have created this emergency preparedness blog to help you become better prepared both temporally and spiritually. Scroll through the last three years of postings and the postings on the ride side of this blog under "Postings". Read it, use it, apply it and share it with others!

Weekly Assignment---72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Food Kit:

This week add the following...

3 packages of instant dry soup mix (like chicken noodle, french onion, etc.) per each individual family member's food kit. The box comes with 2 packages inside. Take the soup packages out of the box before adding to the other food items, takes up less room. You can also find instant dry soup mixes from other companies. Note: Do not use the cup of noodle soups, takes up too much room in your food kit and backpack. Add this item to each family member's 72 Hour Individual Emergency Food Kit. Place in a large zip lock bag along with the items we have already added: 3 granola bars, 3 juice/fruit box drinks, 3 small boxes of raisins, 3 packages of instant hot chocolate, 3 packages of instant oatmeal, 3 small fruit cups or apple sauce and 3 packages of peanut butter or cheese crackers for each family member's Food Kit.

Note: We only have 2 more items to add to the 72 Hour Individual Emergency Food Kit. Then we will work on the snack items, there are only 4 items.

Emergency Preparedness:

Disasters, What to do and not do during a disaster...

The last few weeks I have posted ideas regarding emergency preparedness (see previous weekly postings). Due to so many natural disasters lately and your concerns about what to do in a disaster I have recently updated the posting on the ride side under "Postings", "Disaster Situations and What to Do". I have added photos and video links. There is great information here that may save your life, the life of others and help you be better prepared. Please check out the link below so you are informed as what to do and not do during and after a disaster.

http://www.thearkcarsonward.blogspot.com/search/label/Disaster%20Situations%20and%20what%20to%20do

Comments: All your comments, ideas, suggestions and experiences are welcome! We all learn from each other. 

Weekly Assignment, Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness (Week of February 10th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Blessings that come from having Food Storage...

Makes life easier...There have often been times when I needed a can or package of something to complete a recipe I was working on for dinner, or to take to someone, and I had no time to run to the store for what I needed. Having Food Storage makes life easier in that when you are in this situation you can just go to your Food Storage, pull out what you need, and then replace it the next time you go to the grocery store.

Cannot leave your home...If for any reason you were not able to leave your home (server weather conditions, disaster, pandemic, civil unrest, etc.), you will have food to eat, water to drink, medical supplies and other emergency supplies as needed.

Help with finances...Some times emergency bills come up we are not expecting, like medical/hospital charges, major car repairs, an expensive repair to your home, etc, causing not enough money to pay the regular bills and purchase food. Your Food Storage will help you get through those difficult financial times because you will not need to use your money to purchase food, or at least, not as much.

Loss of income due to lay off or injury. Mr. Cuppett was seriously injured in a car accident when someone side swiped him while on the job. He was unable to work for 3 month. Disability does not pay all the bills.

This month in the Ensign there is a great article about when a young couple used their Food Storage to help get through a difficult financial situation. Read the link below...

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/02/latter-day-saint-voices/our-food-storage-blessing?lang=eng&query=*+(publication%3a"Ensign")

Peace of mind...Most of all, the greatest blessing, is having peace of mind!

Weekly Assignment...72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Food Kit:

This week add the following...

 

3 packages of Peanut Butter or Cheese Filled Crackers(6 crackers in a package) per individual family member's food kit. I have found these at grocery stores, the 99 Cent Store (be careful of the expiration date), Costco, and Sam's Club). Plan according to your family's diet. If someone is allergic to peanut butter, purchase the cheese ones. Add this item to each family member's 72 Hour Individual Emergency Food Kit. Place in a large zip lock bag along with the items we have already added: 3 granola bars, 3 juice/fruit box drinks, 3 small boxes of raisins, 3 packages of instant hot chocolate, 3 packages of instant oatmeal and 3 small fruit cups or apple sauce for each family member's   Food Kit.

Note: We only have 3 more items to add to the 72 Hour Individual Emergency Food Kit. Then we will work on the snack items, there are only 4 items.

Emergency Preparedness:

Last week I spoke about the importance of insurance and how it can help you when there is a disaster or loss. A part of that is keeping an inventory of all your personal belongs. You need to inventory all your personal items, take photos, and video tape if possible, of the inside of your home (each room: walls, doors, ceiling, flooring, windows, etc.), furniture, appliances, open closets and drawers and take photos, jewelry, sports equipment, antiques, everything. Take photos of architectural designs, specialty windows, moldings, any custom cabinets, counter tops, etc. Take photos of  the outside of your house, all around it. Also take photos in the garage and your cars (inside and out). Keep a copy of the inventory, photos and video at home in a safe place (with other important papers) and with a family member or friend out of state, or the area. Having this inventory will make filing an insurance claim so much easier and faster.

I found a great article that talks about the importance of having a home personal inventory. Please click on the link below and read the article.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765570993/Total-recall-New-free-ways-to-make-home-inventories-pay-off.html?pg=all

Another thing I found that is really great is a "Home Inventory Checklist" from State Farm Insurance that is very detailed. Please click on the link below and review the checklist. You can print out this 25 page inventory checklist and complete it. It may take awhile, but well worth it! Also, keep photos as mentioned above with it. Make this your goal for February.

http://www.statefarm.com/_pdf/home_inventory_checklist.pdf

Comments: All your comments, ideas, suggestions and experiences are welcome! We all learn from each other. 

Weekly Assignment, Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness (Week of February 3rd)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Is your house built on the sand or a rock?

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." (Matthew 7:24-27 & 3 Nephi 14: 24-27)

In California we are usually worried about the "Big One", the 10.+ earthquake we continually here about. Along the coast in some areas we need to be concerned about Tsunamis. In forest areas, we have fires. In some areas we have landslides and flooding. In other areas of the county there are tornadoes, hurricanes and ice and snow storms. How prepared are you if one of these natural disasters hits you? How prepared are you if there was a civil unrest or pandemic and you could not leave your home? How prepared are you?

This blog will help you become prepared, or at least better prepared. Scroll through its blog postings and "Postings" on the right for information that will help you be prepared for what may come your way.  There is great information here that will help you, your loved ones, friends and neighbors.

Weekly Assignment---72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Food Kits:

This week add the following...

1) 3 Small Fruit Cups and/or Apple Sauce per family Food Kit. Not Fruit Rollups or Fruit Snacks.You can usually purchasing these with 4-6 per container. I like to have a variety in my individual food kit, example: 2 fruit cups and 1 apple sauce. Plan according to your family's diet, likes and dislikes. Add these items to each family member's 72 Hour Individual Food Kit. Place in a large zip lock bag along with the items we have already added: 3 granola bars, 3 juice/fruit box drinks, 3 small boxes of raisins, 3 packages of instant hot chocolate and 3 packages of instant oatmeal for each family member's Food Kit.

Note: Never purchase food your family will not eat/like. It has been proven, especially with
children, a person will not eat something they do not like, they would rather go hungry.

Emergency Preparedness:

What do we need? Why is insurance an important part of emergency preparedness?

So far the past few weeks I have talked about electricity, lighting, emergency medical supplies, shelter and cooking. This week I would like to discuss something most people do not think about as "Emergency Preparedness", insurance.  

Why insurance? Many times I find when there is a disaster most people do not know what their Auto, Homeowners (including Homeowner-Condo, Renters), Personal Articles, and Business insurance covers, and they do not have as much coverage, or the right kind of coverage, as they think.  Each of us needs to look over our policies and make sure we understand our insurance coverages. If we do not know, then we need to discuss the coverages with our insurance agent. I was a fully licensed insurance agent for a major insurance company for 10 years. Many people think their Homeowners, Homeowner-Condo and Renters policy covers flooding and earthquakes, it does not. Those are separate policies. There are also limits on personal items like jewelry, silverware/goldware, collections, art work, antiques, and other items. If you have items over the coverage limits, they also require a separate policy. Plus, you have a deductible you will be responsible for, what is yours?. For more details about what an insurance policy covers and does not cover check out the blog posting "Insurance" under "Postings" on the right. Each insurance company is different. You will need to check with your insurance company to see what is covered, what is not covered, and the amount of coverage you currently have. Knowing will bring you peace of mind and help you prepare for what ever comes your way!

Comments: All your comments, ideas, suggestions and experiences are welcome! We all learn from each other.