Those who make things happen,
Those who watch things happen,
And those who say, 'What happened?'"
Ann Landers
Which one are you?
Concerning emergency preparedness, are you the type that "makes things happen" by striving to be better prepared for what ever disaster or emergency situation might come your way? Or, are you the type that "watches things happen". You watch others prepare and listen to the warnings but do nothing. Or, are you the type that says, "What happened"? Once the disaster or emergency situation happens you wonder what could you have done to better prepare and not suffer so much?
Which one are you?
The great thing about all this is if you are the one that watches things happen or wonders "what happened" you can change it. You have an opportunity every day to become better prepared for a disaster or emergency situation that could effect you. This blog is designed to do that, to help you become better prepared.
May Monthly Assignments
Food Storage . . .
Vitamins and Supplements
Vitamins and Supplements
Vitamins, minerals and supplements are a very important part of your food storage. As you know they will give you the extra vitamins, minerals and supplements your body needs and that your food may not provide. Store only those types of vitamins, minerals and supplements your family takes. Also, store them for the different ages in your family.
How many to store? Store at least a years supply. Store a good
multi-vitamin (according to age) and additional vitamins and supplements
as needed and used by your family. Buy only from a good reliable
company and that are not filled with fillers.
How long to store? According to the expiration date on the bottle.
Where to store? Store in dark bottles in a brown paper bag in a
cool, dry, dark place where the temperature is 70 degrees or lower. Do
not store in cupboards near your stove or a heater, too hot.
Emergency Preparedness . . . Shelter
There may come a time when you cannot stay in your home due to the
damages from a disaster or other unforeseen reasons. It is a good idea
to have some type of shelter just for these emergencies.
Purchase a tent to accommodate your family. If you have a large family
you might want to consider several smaller tents. It is also a good idea
to store tarps, rope, nails, a hammer and duck take so you can
construct a shelter or other structures you might need. Learn different
types of shelters you can construct if away from home during a disaster.
The Boy Scout manual and the Internet has some good resources and
ideas.
If you already have a tent(s) for your family then check them regularly
to make sure they are good shape and repair or replace as needed.
We keep a small 3 person tent in our car just in case we are away from home when a disaster strikes so we will have shelter.
Click here to go to the posting on the right under "Postings" on "Shelter" for some valuable information.
Emergency Preparedness Ideas
How will you keep your clothes clean when you cannot use your conventional washing machine during a long emergency situation?
After awhile each of us will need a way to wash our clothes when a long emergency situation arises, especially our undergarments. Keeping clothes clean prolongs their life. Here are some supplies you should have as part of your emergency supplies and some great videos on how to make your own emergency washing machine.
Emergency Clothes Cleaning Supplies:
Home made washing machine (videos below)
Large tub (metal or heavy plastic)
Old wooden/metal scrub board (I found these at ACE Hardware, small and large, about $20+)
Laundry cleaning supplies (laundry soap, bleach, stain removers, water softeners)
Heavy clothes line (2-3, 50 feet each) (I found these at discount stores like the 99 Cent Store, Dollar Tree)
Wooden clothes pens (2 packages) (I also found these at discount stores)
Heavy long nails or hooks (to hammer or screw into a tree or structure to attach the clothes lines)
Hammer
Clean water (stored in barrels)
Keep all these supplies together in your garage or storage shed.
Water storage: Allow enough water storage for sponge bathing, cleaning and washing your clothes and dishes. Cut down on the water use by storing paper products.
The pioneers and Indians washed their clothes in large metal tubs over a camp fire or in streams using the rocks to pound and scrub their clothes on. (very hard on the fabric).
This one is a little more complicated and unfortunately does explain how to make it. Love this one, but if you are creative you should be able to figure it out.
Another way, but I feel uses to much water if water is not readily available.
Comments and Questions: Please share your comment or question below. Remember, we all learn from each others experiences and knowledge. You can also email me at theark.carsonward@gmail.com. Thank your for comments and questions.
