Thursday, February 27, 2014

Food Storage, Emergency Preparedness and Weekly/Monthly Assignments (Week of March 2nd)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,


I mostly talk about being temporally prepared on this blog, but at times I also talk about being spiritually prepared and why it is important. Temporal and Spiritual preparation go hand in hand! The painting above, "Five of Them Were Wise", hangs in our living room to remind our family daily to be prepared both temporally and spiritually.

"We need to make both temporal and spiritual preparation.... And the preparation most likely to be neglected is the one less visible and more difficult--the spiritual." (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Preparation for the Second Coming", Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 9)

Look Up!

"Today is the time to look to the Source of truth and ensure that our testimonies are strong." (Elder Adrian Ochoa, of the Seventy, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 183rd Semiannual General Conference, October 2013)

On Sunday in our Sacrament Meting one of our Ward's full time missionaries shared the importance of having a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He stated, "If we are not prepared for the storms that come upon us life will be hard."  As Elder Ochoa stated in his talk, "Look Up", "There is safety in a strong testimony." Here are some things we can learn from his talk...

1) We need a strong testimony
2) We need the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, "His protection and sustaining power".
3) "It is absolutely critical that you (we) remain constantly worthy of the Spirit."
4) "The companionship of the Holy Ghost is not just a pleasant convenience--it is essential to your (our) spiritual survival."
5) "...our Heavenly Father is mindful of us."
6. "Let us cherish and strengthen our testimonies every day."

Note: To read his entire talk click on "Look Up".

Unshaken...

A few days ago we received our March 2014 Ensign magazine in the mail.There is a great article on pages 60-62 regarding the Japan earthquake which occurred on March 11, 2011. The article is by the Japan Sendai Mission President. He shares some great thoughts and feelings on what he and his full time missionaries experienced and learned during and after the earthquake. He stated, "We could not leave the city--roads were damaged and freeways were closed, and no trains or buses were running. People who had waited in long lines to purchase gasoline were turned away. Panic set in throughout the city. Afraid that they would go without food, people began buying everything in sight." We can learn much from this article that will help us when a trial or disaster happens in our life. Since the article is not showing yet, in a few days you can go to lds.org, click on magazines, click on Ensign, and click on current to read the entire March 2014 article "Unshaken". Here are some main things we can learn from their experiences...

1) Listen to the Spirit and follow its promptings as soon as you hear them.
2) If you have the Spirit with you you can be remarkably calm in a stressful situation.
3) Offer prayers of thanksgiving.
4) They felt their Heavenly Father's guidance on everything they did.
5) They felt a greater need for the strength and power of their Heavenly Father. They needed His Spirit to be with them.
6) They felt peace. God had protected them and calmed their souls.
7) They witnessed miracles in a series of special miracles.
8) God always wants us to remember His Son, Jesus Christ.

"We truly had been 'troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we [had been] perplexed, but not in despair,... cast down, but not destroyed'". (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Spiritual preparation will bring us the things listed above. Even in trials and disasters we can feel peace and calmness through the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. Being spiritual prepared will help with the temporal losses and bring hope.

Weekly Assignment: Emergency Family Bag

This week add the following items:
 
1) Small hand mirror for signaling, a compass and a whistle--Many of you ordered the 5 in 1whistle pictured here. If you have these in each family members 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpack that is great. But you should have one in your Emergency Family Bag too since many of you do not keep your 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpacks in your car. Or, you could purchase separately a small hand mirror (99 Cent Store or discount store), a compass and whistle (discount stores) and place them in a plastic zip lock bag and put it in your Emergency Family Bag. You need these in case you are trapped or need to signal where you are located. Whistles can be heard a long distance and a flashing light can be seen from a far distance. You can order the 5 in 1 Whistle from emergencyessentials.com for about $2-$3.

 
2) Good Set of Walkie Talkies-- You will only need one good set. These are not the kids toy type. If you have to evacuate and you take two cars, or the family gets separated, each parent should have one of them so you can communicate. Also keep extra batteries in your Emergency Family Bag. Cells phones and texting may not work. I find these at Big 5 on sale often for about $25-$45. You can also find them on line at amazon.com and other websites. I am going to give you two weeks to work on this one.


CONGRATULATIONS! You have just finished your Emergency Family Bag. Gather everything together, place in the sports bag or backpack you already have or purchased and place it in your car(s) or keep it with your 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpacks. We keep ours in our car.

You should have the following in your Family Emergency Bag: Portable regular or solar radio with extra batteries, street maps of local areas/cities, emergency flares and candles, water proof matches, 2 heat cells, flat fuel folding stove, a first-aid kit with a first-aid book, sun block, insect repellent, small tool kit (regular and Philips screw drivers, wrench, pliers, small hammer), Venture 6 Tool, an extra large water proof tarp, roll of duct tape, hand can opener, crowbar, a small wet stone, a travel size board games or card games, small sewing kit, 1-2 mess kits, basic chow set for each family member, 5 in 1 whistle (or, small mirror, compass and whistle) and a good set of Walkie Talkies. See previous blog postings for information regarding these items and where to purchase them.

Next: In two weeks we are going to start working on an Emergency Supply Cleaning Bucket.

Monthly Assignment for March: Sanitation

This month add items for sanitation in case you cannot use your regular toilet...

1) Portable toilet (emergencyessentials.com for $14.95)
2) Enzyme Packets (You will need several. You can purchase them at emergencyessentials.com, 60 cents a packet). The odor is quite strong, keep them in a large plastic zip lock bag. I store ours in the zip lock bag in our portable toilet.
3) Cat Litter (You can purchase them discount stores like the 99 Cent Store, you will need several bags or other stores.)
4) Large heavy black trash bags (Costco or Sam's Club size)
5) Toilet paper & paper towels (Costco or Sam's Club size)
6) Baby wipes (You can purchase these at discount stores like the 99 Cent Store, Costco or Sam's Club. You should have several stored)
7) Disinfectants--Clorox bleach, Lysol, hand sanitizer, etc. 
8) Privacy Shelter (you can purchase this at emerencyessentials.com for $89.95 or construct your own with a large blanket or ex-large plastic tarp, rope, clothes pins, duct tape, nails and hammer) 

Keep all of these items together in your garage or a home storage shed. 
 
Important Information: Check out the posting "Sanitation" under Postings on the right for more information, why you need these items, how they work (example: enzyme packets), how to use the portable toilet correctly and how to dispose of human waste. 

Emergency Preparedness Ideas

WARNING! Carbon Monoxide Poisoning--Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector. It works like a smoke detector. It is a small box you place on your wall or plug in, usually in the hallway. If their is carbon monoxide in your home the alarm will go off. We have one in our home. They run about $20 for a battery operated one, up to about $45 for the plug in type.

Just recently 4 in a family of 6 in Pocatello, Idaho died from carbon monoxide poisoning. The coroner suspects it was due to a natural gas appliance leak. Two of their children were serving full time missions at the time for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Carbon monoxide has no odor, color or taste. It diminishes your ability to absorb oxygen. Symptoms are often mistaken for something else. When carbon monoxide problems develop slowly, they can be mistaken for the flu.

Click here to read the article.

Simple Household Emergency Medical Help...

 

1) Stuffy nose? Before you head to the drug store for a high-priced inhaler (not the Asthma type) filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.





 


2) Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil for instant relief for aching muscles. 




 

3) Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria. My grandmother use to give this to me when I had a sore throat. 




More to come next week! 

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

Friday, February 21, 2014

Food Storage, Emergency Preparedness and Weekly Assignment (Week of February 23rd)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Water, Water, Water!!!

Water contamination in Virginia USA and droughts in California USA are reminders of the importance of storing water. According to news reports there are still contaminates showing in the drinking water in Virginia USA. The water levels in the reservoirs, dams and rivers in California USA are extremely low. Click here "Beyond a Reasonable Drought" to read the Daily Breeze Newspaper story about the California USA drought.

In the top right picture you can see the rings on the dam and how low the water is. The bottom right picture shows how
low the San Gabriel River is in California USA. There are 14 reservoirs in California USA that are showing record
lows.

At the moment California USA does not have mandatory water rationing. What can we do to help out?

1) Conserve as much water as you can by not letting the water run in the sink while brushing your teeth or doing the dishes, watering down your sidewalks and porches (use a broom instead), do not let the water run while washing your car, only water your lawns and gardens  2-3 times a week for 15 minutes in each section at a time, flushing the toilet unnecessarily, take shorter showers, wash full loads of laundry, and teach your children and other family members to conserve water. The California USA Governor has requested we cut back 20% if possible.These are good rules to follow anytime!

2) Store water for future needs or disasters. See the posting "Water Storage" on the right under Postings for information and ideas on storing water.

3) Pray for rain. Continue to pray and ask others to also pray.

Remember: You can live without food for several days, but you can only live without water for 2-3 days.  

Power Outage Effects...Personal Story

A member in our Ward forwarded an email from a friend regarding how a power outage effected him. This could happen to all of us!

"We had a power outage at our house this week and my PC, laptop, TV, DVD and iPad and my new surround sound music system were all shut down. Then I discovered that my iPhone battery was flat. I went into the kitchen to make coffee and then I remembered that this also needs power."

How many things do we depend on that require electricity? Would we be able to live without them and function daily? Do we have emergency backup electricity and lighting in our homes? Check out this month's Monthly Assignment below. Think about things you could do and items you should have in your home if you did have a power outage, especially medically devices. It could last for hours, may be even days, or may be even months if there was a total grid failure!

Weekly Assignment: Family Emergency Bag
 
Why do you need an Emergency Family Bag? You cannot get everything you might need into your 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpacks. This bag should be kept in your car(s) or with your family's 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpacks. We prefer our car since there are items we might need. You can use a sports bag or a backpack. Use one you already have, check out a thrift store or purchase a new one.

 


This week add the following:

1) Basic Chow Set (fork, spoon, knife)..one for each family member. Or, this item can also be put into each family members 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpack.  emergencyessentials.com has them for $3.50 each. Sporting goods stores like Big 5 and other department stores in their camping section may have them too. You can also put together an old fork, spoon and knife for each family member. Wrap them in a small towel before placing them in your Emergency Family Bag or 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpack. .

So far you should have the following in your Family Emergency Bag: Portable regular or solar radio with extra batteries, street maps of local areas/cities, emergency flares and candles, water proof matches, 2 heat cells, flat fuel folding stove, a first-aid kit with a first-aid book, sun block, insect repellent, small tool kit (regular and Philips screw drivers, wrench, pliers, small hammer), Venture 6 Tool, an extra large water proof tarp, roll of duct tape, hand can opener, crowbar, a small wet stone, a travel size board games or card games, small sewing kit, 1-2 mess kits and basic chow set for each family member. See previous blog postings for information regarding these items and where to purchase them.

In the next few weeks we will add the following:  Small hand mirror, compass, good set of Walkie Talkies. Note: You may already have the small hand mirror and compass if you ordered the 5 in 1 Whistle when we did this in Carson Ward, on emergencyessentials.com.
As you can see we are almost done with our Emergency Family Bag. Only 3 more items to add.

Monthly Assignment for February: Emergency Lighting/Electricity

This month add some type of emergency lighting and a source for power:  
                                                                                                                                                                                

It could be a Coleman or propane lantern, a LED lantern that requires batteries (store extra batteries). Store extra of what ever you need to run these types of lanterns. You may even want to consider purchasing a gas or solar generator, a more expensive item.  

If you already have emergency lighting equipment then check to make sure it is working properly, purchase extra batteries. Store all emergency lighting equipment together. You could also think about purchasing another type of lighting or a source for power.
Check out the postings on the right or click on the on the link, "Cooking, Heating and Lighting", for different types of lighting equipment and ideas.  


DO NOT BE CAUGHT WITHOUT SOME SOURCE OF LIGHT OR ELECTRICITY!

Note: For more information on adding lighting to your emergency preparedness supplies read all the previous postings for this month on lighting.
  
Emergency Preparedness Idea

I Love This Idea! So Important!

"FEMA's National Preparedness Community recently published a Community Emergency Plan that you can download and print. They suggest the purpose of this plan is to help you come up with alternate routes for 'traveling between your work and home, or other  commonly visited locations in case of an emergency.'

During an emergency, your regular routes home from work or school may be blocked by traffic or debris.

The purpose of the FEMA's Commuter Emergency Plan is to help you think about that possibility and how you can get to safe destinations (like your home) using alternative routes.

The Commuter Emergency Plan is a well-thought-out document-- it takes into consideration the different types of transportation you could use to get from point A to B. It also asks you to think about two  alternative routes you can use and gives you links to public transportation systems so you can find updates on the transit systems that are still working." (EmergencyPreapredness.com)

I would print out a form and fill it out for each car in your family and one to keep in your purse or wallet. May be even one to keep at work. I would also keep copies ofstreet maps in your area, or print pages from your Thomas Guide for you area. These maps and the Community Emergency Plan form should be in your Family Emergency Bag  and/or your 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpack (in the Stressor Kit) too!

Simple Household Emergency Medical Help...




1) Smart splinter remover: Just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All (or similar type)  over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.




 
2) Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns? 






3) Bug bite sting..Did you know if you take an aspirin, mash it and add a little water to the aspirin making a paste and apply it to the bug bit it takes the sting out of a bug bite?





More ideas to come next week!

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

Friday, February 14, 2014

Food Storage, Emergency Preparedness Ideas and Weekly Asssignment (Week of February 16th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

 
Why???

Why do I do this every week? Because I care!

I want each of you to be prepared for what ever may come your way. Do not become complacent and think things cannot and will not happen to you. The past few years and so far this year we have watched terrible natural disasters unfold before our eyes all over the world. Many times food storage and emergency supplies are washed or blown away. And, many times they are not. But the important thing is that we are obedient to the scripture, "be prepared". I strongly believe and testify that if we are prepared and it is all washed away or destroyed, Heavenly Father will bless us. If it is not washed away or destroyed then we will be able to take care of our family and neighbors when disaster hits. Do not plan on relying on your local or federal government. You will be on your own for days, weeks, may be even months.

We need to look ahead and prepare for what may come our way in  life.When it is hear, it is too late!

One of the most important things to do, is warn your neighbors to also prepare. Do not tell them how much you have stored and what you have stored, but warn them to be prepared with extra cans of food and water and emergency supplies like a lantern for light and a way to cook outdoors so they can take care of themselves. 

Weekly Assignment: Emergency Family Bag

 
Why do you need an Emergency Family Bag? You cannot get everything you might need into your 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpacks. This bag should be kept in your car(s) or with your family's 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpacks. We prefer our car since there are items we might need. You can use a sports bag or a backpack. Use one you already have, check out a thrift store or purchase a new one.



This week add the following:

 


1) Small sewing kit--you can purchase one or put one together from things you have around the house, thread, sewing needle, safety
pins, extra buttons,small scissors.






2) 1 or 2 Mess Kits--for cooking items in your 72 Hour Individual Emergency Food Kits, example soups, hot chocolate, etc.. I prefer to have two so I can cook everything quickly for the family.  Emergencyessentials.com has them for about $7each plus shipping. Local sporting goods stores and some department stores in their camping section may have them too.



So far you should have the following in your Family Emergency Bag: Portable regular or solar radio with extra batteries, street maps of local areas/cities, emergency flares and candles, water proof matches, 2 heat cells, flat fuel folding stove, a first-aid kit with a first-aid book, sun block, insect repellent, small tool kit (regular and Philips screw drivers, wrench, pliers, small hammer), Venture 6 Tool, an extra large water proof tarp, roll of duct tape, hand can opener, crowbar, a small wet stone, a travel size board games or card games, small sewing kit and 1-2 mess kits. . See previous blog postings for information regarding these items and where to purchase them.

In the next few weeks we will add the following:  Basic chow set (fork, spoon, knife), small hand mirror, compass, good set of Walkie Talkies. Note: You may already have the small hand mirror and compass if you ordered the 5 in 1 Whistle when we did this in Carson Ward, on emergencyessentials.com.
 
As you can see we are almost done with our Emergency Family Bag. Only 4 more items to add.
 
Monthly Assignment for February: Emergency Lighting/Electricity

This month add some type of emergency lighting:
 
                                                                                                                                                                                 
It could be a Coleman or propane lantern, a LED lantern that requires batteries (store extra batteries). 
Store extra of what ever you need to run these types of lanterns. You may even want to consider purchasing a gas or solar generator, a more expensive item.  

You should have a flashlight with extra batteries in ever room, especially your bedrooms. A good idea is to put the flashlight in a plastic zip lock bag with batteries and tie it to your bed post under your bed. This way if there is an earthquake you will be able to find it quickly. 

If you already have emergency lighting equipment then check to make sure it is working properly, purchase extra batteries. Store all emergency lighting equipment together.

Check out the postings on the right or click on the on the link, "Cooking, Heating and Lighting", for different types of lighting equipment and ideas. 

Electrical: Know where your main circuit breaker or fuse box is and how to check it and replace any needed fuses (if you have that type). Keep a flashlight by it so you can see it if the electricity goes out.

Emergency Preparedness Ideas 

Blessings of a vegetable garden... 

We are so grateful we planted a vegetable garden last year. We are sill enjoying the harvest of our garden with yummy vegetable with still more to go. Each week I make a big pot of vegetable soup using our home grown vegetables we froze or canned last year. What a blessing and savings they have been! Plus it helps with our food storage!

Anyone can have a vegetable garden, either in the ground, a raised bed or in containers, living in house, an apartment or condo. You can do it with some planning. Check with your local nursery to see what you can grow in your area and the seasons to plant them. Check out the posting on the right of this blog under "Postings", click on Vegetable Gardening" for information about vegetable gardens. You can do it!

Spring/Summer Vegetable Garden--
It is not to early to start planning...

Now is the time to start thinking about and preparing for your Spring/Summer vegetable garden.

1) Decide on the best place to plant a vegetable garden in your yard. It needs at least 6-8 hours of good sun each day.
2) Decide on what vegetables you are going to grow this year. Only grow what you family will eat.
3) Start purchasing the seeds from vegetable seed catalogs
or your local nursery.  Look for good deals at your local nursery. Only purchase non-GMO seeds.
4) If you are planting vegetables from plants like tomatoes, wait until they are available and it is time to plant, which in California is the end of March or first part of April depending the temperature at night.
5) Start digging up the area or removing any weeds that have popped up in last years garden bed.
6) Amend the soil by adding a good compost to the garden bed.
7) Sharpen your garden tools.
8) Bare root fruit trees should be planted now. Check with your local nursery for their advise on how to do this.
9) Start sowing your indoor cool weather crops. Great tip: Use your egg shells and their containers as planting containers.Place some potting soil in the egg shell, place 3 seeds in each egg shell. Water often daily. Cover with swan wrap to keep the moisture in. Place in a sun location, on your window cell or counter.
                                                                  



10) Remember, if you do not have lawn or flower bed space you can grow a vegetable garden in containers. 

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

Friday, February 7, 2014

Food Storage, Emergency Preparedness and Weekly Assignment (Week of February 9th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Scripture...

"...: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 3:7)

I truly believe this scripture. I know that if I strive to keep the Lord commandments he will bless me and provide a way for me to keep them. One of the commandments we have been given in the scriptures and  by our prophets and apostles is to "be prepared". I promise you, if you strive to be prepared with food, water, emergency and medical supplies for what ever emergency situation may come your way, the Lord will bless you. They may all be washed away in a flood, burned in a fire, or blown away in a tornado, but the Lord will bless you and provide you with the things you need, not your wants, but your needs. It is all about being obedient to the commandments of God.

We also may feel we do not have the finances, or the know how, or the ability to be prepared, but according to this scripture, if we are trying, He will provide a way that we can accomplish our goals. This blog is here to help you. It may take some sacrifices on our part, but we can do it. Example: When you go to a fast food place or to a  restaurant, do not order drinks, just drink water. Take the money you would have spent on drinks and put it into an emergency preparedness saving jar or account. This money can be used to purchase needed food storage and emergency supplies. Continue to follow this plan until you have 3 months to 1 year of food storage, water and needed emergency equipment.

Weekly Assignment: Emergency Family Bag

This week add the following:







1) Small Travel Size Board Game(s) or Card Games--Some travel size board games come with several different ones (checkers, chess, etc.) or purchase a couple of different card games (Fish, Old Maid, Uno, etc.). Make sure you consider all the ages in your family. These are great to have in your Emergency Family Bag to entertain children and the whole family.









So far you should have the following in your Family Emergency Bag: Portable regular or solar radio with extra batteries, street maps of local areas/cities, emergency flares and candles, water proof matches, 2 heat cells, flat fuel folding stove, a first-aid kit with a first-aid book, sun block, insect repellent, small tool kit (regular and Philips screw drivers, wrench, pliers, small hammer), Venture 6 Tool, an extra large water proof tarp, roll of duct tape, hand can opener, crowbar, a small wet stone and a travel size board games or card games. See previous blog postings for information regarding these items and where to purchase them.

In the next few weeks we will add the following: 2 mess kits, basic chow set (fork, spoon, knife), small sewing kit, small hand mirror, compass, good set of Walkie Talkies. Note: You may already have the small hand mirror and compass if you ordered the 5 in 1 Whistle when we did this in Carson Ward, on emergencyessentials.com.)

Monthly Assignment for February: Emergency Lighting/Electricity

This month add some type of emergency lighting:
 
                                                                                                                                                                                 


It could be a Coleman or propane lantern, a LED lantern that requires batteries (store extra batteries). 
Store extra of what ever you need to run these types of lanterns. You may even want to consider purchasing a gas or solar generator, a more expensive item.  

You should have a flashlight with extra batteries in ever room, especially your bedrooms. A good idea is to put the flashlight in a plastic zip lock bag with batteries and tie it to your bed post under your bed. This way if there is an earthquake you will be able to find it quickly. 

If you already have emergency lighting equipment then check to make sure it is working properly, purchase extra batteries. Store all emergency lighting equipment together.

Check out the postings on the right or click on the on the link, "Cooking, Heating and Lighting", for different types of lighting equipment and ideas. 

Electrical: Know where your main circuit breaker or fuse box is and how to check it and replace any needed fuses (if you have that type). Keep a flashlight by it so you can see it if the electricity goes out. 

Warning: Remember, if you have a gas generator follow the instruction on the generator and in the instruction manual. Never, Never, Never use it inside your home, an enclosed area or next to an open window. This also includes a gas BBQ. The fumes will kill you. If you have a gas generator you will need to store extra gas in only regulated gas cans away from your house in a cool place. Solar generators are great because they require no gas, use the sun to charge them and can be used in the house. 

Emergency Preparedness Ideas:

This week two things have been on my mind-- 

What if there was a pandemic, and what if the grid went down? 
Would I be able to take care of myself and my family?
Am I prepared for these things? 
What would I need to be better prepared for these events?

Pandemic:  

In a pandemic you might be advised to not leave your home for anything due to a major health issue out break! Also, if there is a pandemic and you are not advised to leave your home I still would not leave. Governments, businesses, schools and transportation could be shut down immediately. There may be no warning! You would have no way to collect items and food you might need. Latter will be too late! The 1918 influenza pandemic killed 20-30 million people worldwide. They discovered that because people did not stay home the number were higher than they might have been. 

Here are some of the thing you would need if this happened...

1) Food and drinking water
2) Enough prescription drugs to get you through the crisis        
3) Emergency medical supplies, including surgical gloves   
4) Hygiene items
5) Paper products
6) Heavy plastic and duct tape, enough to cover and seal all outside entry doors and windows to help block any air or germs getting into your home
7) Respirator mask (emergencyessentials.com, box of 20 for $15) if you absolutely had to go out
7) Anything you would need to survive if you could not leave your home for a long period of time

Power Grid goes down for days/weeks:

Would you be able to survive without any electricity, computers and communication? How many things would become unavailable if this did happen? Would you be able to have a way to light a room, cook, heat a room, take care of sanitation issues, emergency medical issues, etc? So many of our things today, everything, is controlled by electricity and computers; our water supply, our stores, gas stations, land lines and cell phones, electric appliances (stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, etc.), street signals, banks, ATMs, everything.
 


Could you take care of your family? You will be on your own, no help! Think about the things you might be without.





Would you have light, a way to cook, heat, sanitation, emergency medical help, emergency response teams? Would you be able to survive on your own? Could you live off the grid for an extended amount of time?



  
When my mother and I lived with her parents in the early 1950's in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri USA, my grandparents basically lived off the grid, no in door plumbing, only a hand water pump at the kitchen sink, no indoor toilet, only an outhouse, no electric or gas stove, only a wood burning cast iron stove, no gas, propane or electric heat, only a coal burning pot belly stove. Yes, there was electricity, but that was it. Life was very different than what I live now in California USA in 2014. My goal is to some day live off the grid as much as we can. To be as independent as we can. 

Here is a great story about a man who retired as a US Congressman and decided live off the grid. Now most of us would not do this, this is pretty extreme, but we can learn valuable things from him. Click on the link below to read his story...

"The Congressman Man Who Went Off the Grid"

Things to think about and prepare for ahead of time! 

Love this idea...

For a campfire, cut a log like a pizza. don't cut all the way down. leave 6 inches from the bottom. pour a cap of fuel into the middle and light. Lasts for 5-6 hours! A great out door heat source and cooking source in an emergency situation.


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