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.  

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.  

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.  

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

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Trapped for hours! What would you do?



Many of us have heard about the story regarding the major gridlock on the Atlanta, Georgia USA interstate and surface street due to a frigid winter storm with 2+ inches of snow and ice. People were trapped for many hours, some 16-20 hours, on the interstate in their cars, most without food or water or needed medications. What was an inconvenience turned into a dangerous situation very quickly.




One man with diabetes and no food was in a very dangerous situation. One woman was 8 months pregnant with her 3 year old son without food or water. One woman even delivered her baby on the interstate with the help of her husband, a police officer and later on an emergency response team. Children were trapped in
their school buses without food or water. There were no bathroom facilities. Children were trapped at school where parents could not get to them, they spent the night at their school. Many kept their cars running so they could run their heaters to deal with the extreme cold, only to run out of gas. Others ran out of gas due to low gas tanks.

No federal, state or local government system is perfect, things can happen. What we can do is be prepared for things like this. We need to always plan on taking care of ourselves.

You may say I do not live in an area like this, but it can happen to all of us. Let me share a story about our daughter.

Several years ago our daughter was on an Orange County, California USA  freeway. She was just running some errands that would not take long. She had just turned off onto an overpass to get onto another freeway, when all of a sudden the freeway came to a halt. She and her 4 small children, one of them a baby, spent the next 5-6 hours sitting on the overpass, there was no way out. She only had one diaper, a few Fishy crackers in her purse left over from Sunday church, and no water or food for her children. After this experiences she has always kept food and water in her car. She also kept things in her car to entertain her children, they are much older now.

What could you have done ahead of time to be prepared for a situation like this?

As most of you know from reading my blog that when a disaster or emergency situation like this happens I watch the news, especially CNN, to find out what I can learn from this experience and pass it onto each of you.

The best thing any of us can do is to always be prepared, even if you think it will never happen. As I have always said, "Why not have what you will need and never need it, than need it and not have it."
 
Be prepared by keeping these items in your car(s) at all times...




1) Keep food and water in your car at all times. We keep our 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpacks in our car. You will need to rotate the food kits more often if the car or trunk gets hot, every 3-6 months.
2) Keep your Emergency Family Bag in the car at all times. We are working on this one right now.
3) Keep a blanket in your car or trunk. We also keep a warm sweater for each of us in our trunk.
4) Have some sort of a way to construct shelter, those items should be in your Emergency Family Bag. We also keep a small tent in our trunk.
5) Keep items to entertain your children. Example: travel size board games, card games, books.
6) Keep a first-aid kit in your car with a first-aid book, there could be injuries.
7) If you have a cell phone with texting, text family and friends exactly where you are. I loved how the one fellow set up a Facebook site for those trapped to communicate with others.
8) Always keep your car gas tank at least half full. That way you will have gas to run your heater for awhile.

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) Crowbar 

2) Small wet stone (to sharpen blades)

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 and a small wet stone. 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, travel size board game/card games, 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 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.

Personal Story: A friend of ours was on his way home from work when his wife called to say their electricity was out, which turned out to be the whole neighborhood. Their electricity was out for 5 hours. But because they had prepared they had lanterns, flashlights, candles and even a battery power backup for their computer. They were able to have dinner, gas stove, have light and watch a program on their computer. You never know when you might need backup emergency lighting. Warning: If you use candles make sure they are not near anything that could catch fire and never leave a candle unattended.

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. 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:

4th Dry Pack Canning Method: Purchase Commercial Dry Pack Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Foods

Most food storage companies like Emergency Essentials, Thrive Life, Food for Health International, Food Insurance, Honeyville and the LDS Dry Pack Cannery and store.lds.org offer dehydrated and freeze-dried foods. I find emergencyessentials.com, store.lds.org and the LDS Dry Pack Cannery offer the best prices. Watch for sales, request a catalog. Most companies offer the #10 cans. Emergencyessentials.com also offers smaller cans called "MyChoice" ( #2.5 can) and large buckets called SuperPails (6 gallon buckets).

If you want to purchase food from the the LDS Dry Pack Cannery contact the one closest to you. You may need to place your order ahead of time to make sure they have the amount you want. Effective November 2013 you can no longer can for yourself at the LDS Dry Pack Cannery except for 10 LDS Dry Pack Canneries throughout Utah, Idaho, and Arizona USA.

Non-Food items you might want to consider storing...

Think of things your family does not want to be without that you use on a daily and weekly bases...Examples:

Toilet paper
All paper products
Pain relievers
Soap
Laundry, cleaning supplies
Feminine hygiene products
Diapers
Batteries

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

Food Storage, Emergency Preparedness and Weekly Assignment (Week of January 26th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

In this posting...

• Emergency Preparedness...What I learned from 2013
• Another reason to have Food Storage...
• The Winters of our lives...
• Weekly Assignment
• Monthly Assignment
• Emergency Preparedness Ideas

Emergency Preparedness...
               What I learned from 2013

2013 was an interesting year filled will different types of natural disaster, unusual weather and unrest around the world. As I observed each one and followed the stories and experiences of the people in those areas hit I learned a very valuable lesson...being temporally prepared is very important, but it can all be washed away or destroyed in just a few seconds. Do not get me wrong in thinking I am saying do not prepare by having food storage, water storage and emergency and medical supplies on hand, that is not what I am saying. Those things are very important and will save our family's lives and show our obedience to our Heavenly Father.

The most important thing I learned, we need is to be spiritually prepared. In all those disasters it was the faith, hope and testimonies of Jesus Christ that each person possessed that got them through the terrible disasters, loss of life and many other things they experienced. Many times I heard stories from people about how they had been warned ahead of time what they needed to do to be protected. It took days, weeks, even months to get the needed food, water, emergency and medical supplies needed, but without their faith and hope in Jesus Christ it was even harder to handle.

A few weeks ago I discussed what each of us needs to do to become better prepared spiritually. Go back to that week, week of January 12th, and re-read my comments. Hopefully, they will help you and your family be better prepared spiritually, as well as temporally.

I often ask myself if I am spiritually prepared enough to get through what I might experience. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) I have a very strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I think my faith and hope in Him is also strong. But is it strong enough? I sure hope so! We are continually preparing spiritual by praying and reading the scriptures daily.


 
Those who were temporally prepared with food storage, water storage, and emergency and medical supplies, that did not loose them, were able to help their family and those around them. I have also learned it is not about if it will be all washed away, but is is about my faith in my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ and my obedience to the commandments. "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."

Another reason to have food storage...below 0 frigid temperatures in the Midwest USA and East Coast USA and drought in the West USA. How will this effect our food prices and supplies in the USA? The news channels are predicting food prices could rise and there may be less crops this year, which could effect the supplies and prices at our local grocery stores and farmers markets. In California USA farmers are concerned about their tomato crops. The Governor of California USA has called for a State of Emergency concerning our drought and is asking all Californians to conserve water the best they can, if possible by 20%. Now the meteorologist are predicting that the cold weather in the East Coast USA and Midwest USA could last until the end of January and possibly into February, the West USA will probably not see rain all the way through Winter and Spring. Rationing will probably start soon.

Also, due to the long lasting extreme cold weather on the East Coast USA and Midwest USA they are running out of propane to fill propane tanks for residences and businesses, and the propane tanks are freezing, no heat. Another reason to have emergency supplies like a way to heat your home, or at least one room. Cool idea if you have no heat in your home and it is extremely cold--Take all your mattresses and line the walls of the smallest room with the lowest ceiling in your house. The mattresses will insulate the room and keep the heat inside the room and your family warm.

Food storage and emergency supplies are not just for disasters, but for any time their is a shortage of food, water or emergency supplies and high prices. Why not be prepared ahead of time?

The Winters of our lives...


Heavenly Father put a natural instinct in animals to prepare for the winter. They gather items they will need for the long winters. What can we learn from them? That we all need to prepare for the winters of lives...natural disasters, economic collapse, loss of a job, health issues that keep us from working, etc. Many of us think these things will never happen to us, but they do and they only take a second. Why not prepare ahead of time with extra food and water, emergency supplies and medical supplies? Why not prepare for the winters of our lives?



Weekly Assignment: Emergency Family Bag

This week add the following:

1) Duct tape


 




2) Hand can opener (only if you have canned foods that will need opening)




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 and hand can opener. 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, wet stone (for sharpening blades), basic chow set (fork, spoon, knife), crow bar, 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: Emergency Cooking Equipment with Required Fuel

This month purchase some source of a way to cook if you could not use your stove, oven or microwave. It could be a Butane 1-2 burner stove with several cans of Butane fuel, a Coleman stove with several containers of propane, a charcoal BBQ with several bags of charcoal (including matches, kindling and charcoal lighting fluid if not the self-lighting type), a gas BBQ with extra cans of propane, a fire pit with wood, or a solar oven. For ideas regarding cooking equipment check out the posting under "Postings", or click on the link,"Cooking, Heating and Lighting".







If you already have one of these sources of cooking then check them to make sure they are working properly, purchase any additional fuel you might need so you can cook for 2-4 weeks, gather everything together and put in a safe place in your back yard storage shed or garage It is a good idea to use these items before a disaster or emergency situation happens. 

Remember:  Propane, by California law and for safety purposes, has to be stored away from your house, not in your storage shed or garage.

If you already have one of these sources of cooking equipment, possibly consider purchasing another type of cooking equipment with the needed fuel. It is a good idea to have more than one source of emergency cooking.

Carson Ward Sign-up for Venture 6 Tool

Carson Ward Family--This month, January 2014, we have a sign-up sheet going around in Gospel Doctrine, Relief Society, Primary and Priesthood for the Venture 6 Tool (shovel that converts into a hammer and hatchet, plus pulls nails and opens bottles). We already added this to the Emergency Family Bag a few weeks ago. If you are interested see the sign-up sheet at church or email me at theark.carsonward@gmail.com. The cost is $20, includes taxes and shipping. If there is a large order the price could be $16-$17. The deadline to sign-up and pay me is Sunday, February 2nd. If I do not have your money by February 2nd I will not order it for you. I will refund you any money not used of the $20.

Emergency Preparedness Ideas:

3rd Dry Pack Canning Method... Using food grade buckets, Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers

This is a great video to explain how to dry pack your grains (wheat, oats, barley, rice, etc.), pastas, dry beans and dry legumes. This would be a fun activity to do as a family for Family Home Evening or with another family or friends. You can purchase the grains and dry beans in large quantities at local LDS Dry Pack Canneries and box stores like Costco and Sam's Club.  The LDS Dry Pack Cannery tends to have better prices. Call them ahead of time to order the amount you will need. You can also purchase some items at store.lds.org under Self-Reliance. You can purchase the food grade buckets with their lids, Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers at emergencyessentials. You can also purchase the food grade buckets at WalMart. Make sure they are food grade. The orange ones at Home Deport are not food grade. Make sure you collect all your supplies before starting. Remember: You cannot dry pack whole wheat pastas, brown rice or brown sugar this way, they have too much moisture.Watch the great video below to show you this method.

This may look difficult but it really is not. My son did this and he said it was not hard to do.




Note: See the last two blog postings to see the other two ways to dry pack for long term storage.

12 Common Food Storage Mistakes:

Click on this link to view the article.

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