Storage Tips and Tidbits

 

Canning, is one of the ways that many people are looking at how to solve the food storage and preservation issues.  It’s been used for some time now, it’s reliable and somewhat portable into a time when the social and manufacturing structure completely breaks down.
One of the ongoing issues with canning is that the lids are not reusable.  Many people try to solve this problem by purchasing extra supplies of lids for their canning jars. However, this is still a relatively short term solution to what may be a very long term dilemma. Eventually, we would run out of these lids.
Now, we have another option, reusable canning lids.  These reusable lids could last a lifetime, and perhaps be inherited by the following generations if they are cared for properly. For now, the one place I have found them manufactured is Tattler.  These lids are starting to pop up on places like Lehman’s, SurvivalBlog, and in some of the more commonly known online canning supply stores.
And they can be bought in bulk. I am very excited about this. Locally, we are talking with other people to see if we can go in together to buy these lids in bulk.
Here’s the site if you want to check it out for yourself: Tattler Canning Lids  Be sure to explore the site, read the reviews and blogs, you’ll learn a lot about canning if you do so.
Courtesy  of  Edina

Food Storage : Beverages Other Than Water

Beverages such as powdered milk, cocoa mix, a fortified fruit drink mix, evaporated milk, and some bottled juice.  In a winter emergency, having cocoa mix around is a blessing.  The  milk  will come in handy for many  things  including  cooking.  However,  one important  thing  you  must keep in  mind is  palate  fatigue.  If you  have the  same foods  over  and over  again  palate  fatigue  will set  in and in a survival  situation  it is  not a good idea  to  go  without  food.  Children  especially  can  suffer  from palate  fatigue  and it is  important  that  these situations  be  taken into account  when  building a  food  storage for  future   use.
You  have the choice of purchasing powdered drink  mixes to  have on  hand when someone  gets that urge  to have  something   different  or  sweet. You  can  purchase  frozen  fruit  concentrate  and  dehydrate the juices just  as   is  shown in my  previous post on  dehydrating and  storing  foods.  Or  you  can purchase  freeze dried  juice  powders  from companies that  sell them already  packed in  #10 cans.  The  same  can  be  said  for  milk.
The thing  you  need to  remember  is that in a  survival  situation  everyone  will already  have to  deal with doing  without.  It  will be  hard enough  living   day  to  day with all the  things  you  cannot have  or do.  Why  make  things harder  or  more  unpleasant  than they  have to be.  When a  simple  treat  now and  then  can  serve  to lift  one’s spirits.  Cocoa , chocolate  milk, fruit  juice, a fruit  smoothie or milk  shake,  etc.  All these things can be  accomplished as  long as you have the  necessary  ingredients.  With the proper preparation and  forethought  you  can have all of this .
Powdered milk, chocolate  or powdered  cocoa and sugar   will make chocolate milk  or hot  cocoa.
Powdered fruit  juice, powdered milk and rehydrated fruit  pieces run through a food  mill or meat  grinder  can  be used  to make a  nice  fruit  smoothie.
Rehydrated fruit juice  and  water  will make a  nice  juice for children and  adults  alike.
Add a  bit of rehydrated veggies  of  your  choice and  you  have a vitamin  rich health smoothie where none  could have  been  had otherwise.
Powdered milk, powdered eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon , cloves sugar will make  eggnog.
Coffee and  tea  are  always  a nice  change of  pace .  Add  some creamer or powdered milk and  sugar  and  you are  set.
Strong  cold  coffee,  powdered  milk,  sugar will give  you a cool coffee drink  reminiscent of the  frappuccinos  and  iced  coffees  they  sell at the  market  (only  without the  ice).  However, still a nice  change of  pace.
Cold  oatmeal,  peanut  butter, powdered milk,  cocoa powder, sugar and  water processed  with a hand  blender  will  give you  a  nice  thick breakfast shake.  The  oatmeal can  be  substituted  by  any  soft  cooked  grain
Milks  can  be  made  of  rice,  almonds,  cashews, soy beans or oats.  For those  who are  lactose intolerant  this can  be a  welcomed change.  They are  mild  tasting  , nutritious  and  light to the  palate.
The varieties are limited only  by  your imagination.  But  remember  the  key  here  is having the  ingredients  , the  equipment  and the  understanding  to accomplish all of  this.  That is  why  storage and planning is the  key.
In  future posts  I  will be  going  into the  hand operated  equipment  you  should  be  thinking  about and  where to possibly   find  them.  Along  with   some  videos  on  how they  can be  used, Hopefully ( if I  can  find  what  I  am  looking  for in the  way   of  videos ).
***There are also hand operated  juicers  that  can  be  purchased for making   juices  from  vegetables,  fruits and even  nut  butters without  need  for  electricity.
***  Please  remember  that  without  a  blender you  could  achieve  very  similar results with  items such as a  food  mill or a  sturdy  stainless steel  sieve to mash the  fruits ,  cooked grains and veggies.  With a bit of preparation it  would not be as  time  or  toil intensive  as  you  would think.  Dried  fruits and  veggies  can  be ground to  make a  powder to  facilitate  preparation.
***  Milk  in  any  of the  recipes  can  be  substituted f or  grain or  nut  milk

Food Storage : Bulk Foods and Baking Items

 

BULK FOODS
Another choice for food storage are bulk foods.  For  the most  part  they are more cost-effective because you are buying them in bulk quantities. Generally ,  they  would  be  purchased from membership warehouse  outlets that  buy  large  quantities and  pass on the  savings to members.
Once you purchase your  bulk items you  will have to transfer them to  long  term  storage  containers.  Whether it be 5 gallon  plastic  buckets, #10  cans or Mylar vacuum sealed bags, the  choice is yours.  Items that you can purchase in bulk are  rice, grains, beans, sugar , salt and flour. If you are not familiar with cooking from  scratch with these items, my  suggestion  would be  to  become  acquainted with their  use now. Cooking from  scratch and  with whole grains takes time  and practice.  Better to practice now and learn how  to  do it  successfully than experiment  when you  and  your family  are  hungry and  cannot  afford  to throw out a  botched experiment. These  items  can  be  very  versatile  once you learn to use them , they  are  healthier  for you,  as they  are  more  nutritious than the  ready  made  or  over processed  foods  that so  many of us use  to make  cooking  easier  and  faster as  well.
Please  remember that  Salt  and  Sugar  are  essentials.  Salt is  necessary for  good  health and  sugar  is  needed to assist in making things more  palatable as well as for  energy.  Unless you  have the  money  to  buy cases of  honey, sugar will be   your  best  asset in providing the necessary calories  and  energy needed in a  disaster situation :  when  every  calorie counts.  They  are  relatively  inexpensive in comparison to  most  other  bulk  foods.  Making it  rather  easy  to  stock up on these  two  very  essential  items. Salt  and  Sugar  will last  for a  very  long  time when  packed  correctly.  Mainly  a  cool, dry  place.  You  can  even  pack  salt  and  sugar  in  zippered plastic bags and place  them in  5 gallon  buckets  or  Mylar  bags.  I  prefer  the  5  gallon  buckets  for these   items.
**Another  thing  you  may  want to  consider  is that salt and  sugar  may   very  well be used   as  a bartering  currency during  a  crisis  when these items might not  be  readily  available.
Baking Items
Basic materials for baking, such as flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, yeast, oil and shortening, can be very  valuable in a survival situation. With these simple items, you can make anything  from bread  to pancakes. Powdered milk can be used to  drink or  cook. Oatmeal, wheat flour and sugar are item that  can  be  made  not  only  into  staple  baked  goods  but into  treats as well.
For those who  prefer the  convenience,  baking mixes mean you do not need to add eggs or measure ingredients not to  mention  ease of use. These mixes can be time and  labor reducing.  However, these  will be a bit more  expensive  as  opposed to  bulk foods, which  you  can readily mix  to  make the same things at  a much  lower price.  If  your  budget  allows  then  feel free to purchase the  pre-packaged and  make  your  life a  bit  simpler.
I personally  like  the process of making things from  scratch.  At first  you  will not  get  exactly  what the  recipe  says  you  should  have , lol.  I  always  find  a way to  use it anyway  so I  don’t have  to  toss it  unless it is  inedible.  In  cases like  those  the  compost  pile totally benefits  , so there is no loss.  We may not be  able to eat it  but  it  will serve to  make  compost that way in a   very  roundabout  way   we  get to  eat it anyway.
Honey stores for years and can replace sugar in recipes.  It has  a much  higher  nutrition  value than  plain  sugar, However  it is  much more expensive.  Rather than storing flour or meal, purchase the raw grain and a hand mill. Then you can mill your own flour whenever necessary.  This  way the  flour  will retain  all of  it’s nutritional  value  as opposed to  milled  flour  that sits  for months  or years. Red winter wheat, golden wheat, corn and other grains can be purchased in 45-pound lots packed in nitrogen-packed bags and shipped in large plastic pails.   Or  you  can  purchase your own in the  local  feed  store and package them yourself either at  home or with an LDS cannery.
Large canned goods can  get  very  heavy  and  become difficult to transport. This  should not  pose a  problem if  you are stocking up your survival retreat or planning to weather the  storm at home.  Large canned goods are easy to store and can keep you and  your  family well fed  for a  very  long time. Individual cans may be purchased, however sets of multiple items for  variety  or a case  that has  most of the components  of a meal are  more  popular.  It  takes  the  over thinking  of menus and what they will contain out of the equation. These sets are designed to provide a specific number of calories per day (1,800 per day is usually  what is  recommended) for a set period of time, anywhere  from three months to a year.  Remember, however, these sets are  calculated for  one  person.  If you have four people in your family or survival group, and  purchasing a one-year supply of food , then you  will have  to divide the  food  accordingly for each member.
It would be advisable that one purchase the largest set of these canned, dried foods one’s budget can handle. Then supplement the set with items tailored to you and your family or survival group. Also, MREs are excellent supplements, as prepared sets of #10 cans are typically vegetables, pasta and grains, while MREs are usually meat-based. Although there  are  some companies that  do  have the freeze dried  meats  available in  #10  cans if  it is within your  budget.
You may also want to add a few special items, such as hard candy, chocolate or desserts, to reward yourself , for quick energy or to  stave off  palate fatigue.
Don’t forget to add vitamins and mineral supplements.   Fruits, green vegetables and other items rich in vitamin C and other nutrients may be difficult to come by and a  good multi-vitamin can  make all the  difference in  your  nutritional  intake.  Well  worth  having in  your  food  storage.
For those  who do not have  memberships  to  the  food warehouse  outlets: You can  purchase  extra  bags   and containers  of  these  items in  your  grocery  store.  There  are  some  supermarkets  who do  carry  the  economy  sizes and  even  25 lbs bags  of   flour  sugar  and salt at  reasonable  prices.  Thus making it  possible  for  you to   build up  your  food  stock  little  by little  as  your  pocket allows.
Do  not  discount  the  feed stores either.  They  sell  corn, wheat, barley  and  oats in  50  lbs  bags.  Yes they  sell  feed  for  animals ,  however, they are safe  to  consume.  If in doubt  ask the  store  clerk what grade the items are  and  could  they  safely  be  consumed  by humans.  They  will  tell you.  I have  purchased  a 50 lbs  bag of cracked  corn for the  wild  ducks in  our neighborhood for   $12 at  the  feed store.  That  was  last  year  though,  so I am sure it is  more  expensive  now.
***The  feed  stores  are also and  awesome place to look  for   hand operated appliances  like  meat  grinders, flour mills, food mills,  etc.  All of  which  will come in  handy when  electricity is not readily  available.
***There  is  no  set  rule to where or how  you  purchase your  food  supply  , as long  as  you  start stocking your  supply  as soon as possible.  The more food  you  have the better  off you  and  yours  will be.  With  enough  supplies  you  will not have to  worry  about  helping  those  who did  not  prepare or lost their  supplies  to a  disaster .  There is always that  elderly  neighbor  in the  house next door  or  across the  street.   You  see preparation  is beneficial to you ,  however it is  also a way to make  sure that you  can take care of others and  not put  your  family  or  group at risk.  As  the  saying  goes, “ an  ounce of  prevention  is worth a  pound of  cure”.  We all want to help those in need, so  better to  prepare  with them  in mind  as  well, so that there is no  surprise  when the time  comes.

FOOD STORAGE : CANNED FOODS

 

Canned foods make an excellent food storage item. Typically, most canned foods have a shelf life of several years, some even longer.
They come in large varieties such as vegetables, meats, fish, soups and fruits to name a few.  Most canned foods, in an emergency situation, will not require that you heat or cook them before eating them. They may not taste as good cold, but they will sustain you. You can also take advantage of great sales on canned foods and stock up quickly.
You  can  also  look into stores in  your area  that  might  sell dented  cans  at a  reduced, price.  As  long  as the  cans  seals  have  not been  compromised there is  absolutely  nothing  wrong  with the  contents of that  dented  can.  Getting it at a  considerable  discount for it’s slightly  dented   exterior is a good deal  and an excellent  way  of  building  your food  storage  quickly  and  inexpensively.
There  are  several types  of  canned foods that  you  can  take  into  consideration.  Taking into account 1) The  time  you  have to  dedicate  to  your  food  storage.
2) The amount  of  money  you  have to  dedicate to your  food   storage.
3) The type  of  stores you  have  available to you  in  your area ( thereby  affecting  price, availability
and  quality of the  canned  foods  you are  able  to  find).
Canned  Foods  from the  Local Grocery  Store
Most major  grocery  stores have an  incredible  variety  of  canned  foods  stocked on their  shelves.
You  can  find meats, vegetables,  fruits, desserts,  even  condiments.  The  sizes of the  cans  vary  with the  type  of  store  and  the  shopping  habits of  it’s  customers.  The  most  sizes  would  vary  anywhere  from the  3oz mushroom and  hot pepper to the  15  oz beans , vegetables  and  fruits.  Some Supermarkets , however,  do  carry the  #10 cans of  some  vegetables  and   fruits.  Making the  stocking of  larger  quantities  of these items a bit  easier.
Make sure  you  compare  brands,  believe  it  or  not some  expiration  dates  will vary by  years.  It  makes a difference  when you  are  aware  and  on  the  lookout  for  things  like this.  It  will also  give  you a  clue  as  to  how  long  that  product  has  been  sitting on the  shelves  or  in the  warehouse  after it  left the  cannery.
Buying Foods in Bulk to Can  
Buying  bulk  foods  in the membership warehouse clubs is the  most  common place  one would purchase foods in  bulk ( for  example:  flour, sugar, salt, oatmeal, rice, beans,  etc.).  You  can  purchase  your bulk foods  this  way  and  store  it  until you  have  enough to  go to an  LDS Cannery.  They are  available  to  non  church members in many  places.  All you  would have  to  do is  purchase  your  canning items from them and  set up an  appointment to  use  their  facilities.  They   also  sell  bulk  foods there to the  public  if  you  prefer  to  save  your  money  and  use it  towards  a purchase of  foods  from  an  LDS Food  Storage  Facility.  You  have  several options to  choose from.  You  can  wither  buy the  foods  by the  can (  you  can  it)  , by the  pouch  (  you  pack it) or in  bulk.  The most  current item and  price list  for their  food items   can  be located  at  the  following  link:
http://www.providentliving.org/pfw/multimedia/files/pfw/pdf/123141_HSC_OrderFormUS_EngNov2011_pdf.pdf
To  locate  the nearest  LDS Food Storage   Facility  near  you go  to the  following  link and  enter  your  state in the  drop down  box for a complete  listing  in your  state.
http://www.providentliving.org/location/map/0,12566,2026-1-4,00.html
Never canned  your  own food ?  Well you aren’t  alone a rather  large  percentage of the  general  population  have  never canned  their own  foods  ,  nuch  less  worked in a  cannery.  However,  you  need  not  worry  about that.  The  canning  process is  relatively  simple.  Here  are some  videos  to  give  you  a  basic  idea.
Uploaded by selfreliantliving on Aug 24, 2009
Food storage: A family is dry-packing long-term food storage in #10 cans at an LDS Home Storage Center (LDS Dry-Pack Cannery). It is easy to do. Involve your children in this process so they can learn about food storage. Self-reliance is intelligent living.




Uploaded by everydayfoodstorage on Jul 21, 2009
Learn how to use a “canner” or sealer from the LDS cannery to can bulk items into #10 cans. It’s easier than you think (just like most food storage ideas!)




And there  you  have  it  a great  ,  convenient  and  very basic  way  of  getting the canned  foods  you  need  to  build  up  your  food storage.
The last entry I  wanted  to  add to the  canned  foods  section  will be included  in the  next  blog  as  it is  too involved  to include  here.  We  will be   discussing  the  option  of  canning  your  own  foods.  This  approach not only  helps  you  build  up  your  food  storage.  It  helps you  learn  how to  can  your  own  foods  for  future  use.  One  of the necessary  skills  needed to   lead a  healthy and  self  sustaining lifestyle  no matter  what the  economy  is like.
See you  next  time ………:)

Water (continued) My Tried and Tested Methods

 

These  are  methods  that  I  have  tried  and tested in  my  own  home. They work  for me. Look over them and see if  they  are  a viable resourced for  you and your  family. Only you know your  circumstance, family needs  and  your shelter.  Space, comfort  and  surroundings are very  important.  Do your research don’t  just take my  word  for it.   Your  knowledge  and the  skills  you  acquire are  more  valuable  than  any  amount of  prep  work  you  can  do  for  any  disaster scenario!

Rainwater
Rain Catchment  System
Now  if  you  have  property then  the smartest  thing to do is  to have a  rain  catchment  system.  This  way  you  can  always  have a  viable way  to  capture  water  when it  rains  and  you  do not have to  go very  far to  replenish  your  supply.   It can  be as  simple  as  purchasing  some inexpensive  plastic  trash  cans  with  lids that  you  can  line  with untreated plastic  bags .  Placed under a  downspout  from your  gutters.  Or  all  along the  length of  your  roof right  under the  overhang  where  water  collects  the most.  This  is  generally  at  corners or  where there  is a joint such as occurs in  split  level  homes.  They  can  be  placed  behind  bushes so they  are  not easily  seen.  That  way   you  avoid neighbors  complaining.  I  use  this  method  to  collect water  for  my  garden.  Twelve- 30 gallon containers and  I  always have  in  excess of 360 gallons  of  water  that  can  be  used.  If  I  needed  to use it  for drinking  all I  would need to  do is  filter  and  sterilize and  I would  have all the  water  I  needed for  as long  as it  rained.
If  you  have  to  leave your location  for  water  reason then it  would  be  best  to have a large  tarp.  No  matter where  you  go  that  tarp  can  be  set  out to  catch  rain  water  for you.  Most  o the  time it is best  to  dig a  hole and  place a container ( as  big  as  you  want  it to be anywhere  from a  5  gallon  bucket  to a  30 gallon container.  The choice  is  yours).  A  hole  is  made in the  center of  the  tarp and that hole is  placed  over  the container.  Making  sure  all  4 sides are  elevated enough  to  create a  slant  so the  water   will run  towards  the  hole naturally.  If  you  are  unable  to  dig a  hole  to place the container  beneath the  tarp.  Then  you  must  find a  way  to fasten the  4  sides  of  the  tarp securely above the  container.  Same  as  before  the edges  must  be elevated  enough  above the  container  as  to  create  a slant significant  enough for the water  to  flow to the  center where the  hole is.  Make  sure that  the  tarp is  well  secured as in a  heavy  rain the  weight  of the  water  will surely pull it  loose.   
Hauling  Water  From  an Outside  Source

• Streams, rivers, and other moving bodies of water
• Ponds and lakes
•  Natural springs
• Rainwater

Not  having the  ability  to set up a  rain  catchment system  or being  faced  with  drought conditions  where there is  no  rain then one  must  consider other  sources.  Nearby  lakes,  rivers  or creeks that  one  can  use  5 gallon  buckets for  transport.  Using  a wheel barrel , cart, wagon or  any viable  means  of  transport that  would  make it  easier  to  haul  the  water back.
Fire  hydrants nearby that  can  be  opened  to  access  water.  Remembering that  if  the  grid is  down   pressure  will be  low  and  if  that   hydrant  happens  to  be on a lower elevation then  gravity  will be working  in  your  favor  and  the  water  will flow.
Making the  water  safe  to drink
There  are  many  ways to make  water  safe to drink.  You  can  boil it  and  then  filter it  to  kill  microbes and parasites that  would make  you  and  your family  ill.  You  can  buy  a  Berkey  filter  which  many   people  swear  by,  although  it is  quite  pricey.  Not to  mention  having to  purchase  extra  filter  components for  when  they  need  replacement.  After all,  no  filter can  be  used forever without replacement.  Unless you have a  bio  filter.
Sand Filter
You  can  use a  gallon  bucket   filled with  sand  to  filter  out all of  the  solids, so that the  water is  ready  for  disinfection.   This  will help  by removing  all solid  matter  and  clearing  up the  water  getting  it  ready  for  disinfection.  If you  are  unable to  boil the  water due to  lack of  fuel  then there  are  alternate solar  methods  that  can  .  be  employed  to achieve the  sterilization  process.  A solar  distiller is  easy to  make  and  it  utilizes  the  heat  from the  sun  to   distill the  water no matter  how   dirty  or  contaminated  it is, into safe drinking  water
Slow Sand Bio Filter
You  can also  build  a slow sand  bio filter.  Using a 30  gallon or  so  plastic  trash can, fill it ¾  of the  way  with  sand.  A hole is  drilled into the  bottom  of the  plastic  container  and a  spout inserted  and  sealed before the  sand is added.   Then the sand  filter  can be  connected to receiving cans where  you  can have  your filtered water for use.  Or install a  spigot  where you  can  turn it  on and  off and add water  as  you  need it to  be filtered Always  being conscientious to leave  water in the filter.  Allowing the filter  to sit  without water  would  kill the   anaerobic  beneficial  bacteria( as  they  need  to  be in  an  oxygen  deprived environment  to  survive or the  bio  filter  will  crash and  become  useless.  As they  take a bit of  time to  become  established.  You  will know  that  your  bio filter  is  established when you  see the  slime  build up at the  top of  the  sand.  Yes  I  know  that  is  gross and  it  sounds  disgusting,  however,  nature  has  it’s  secrets  and  this is  one of them.  The  same  process is used to  keep  the  water  in  fish  ponds  and aquariums  safe.
Biological water treatment involves the use of naturally occurring micro-organisms in the surface water to improve water quality. Under optimum conditions, including relatively low turbidity and high oxygen content (as occurs  with  rain water  run off  from let’s  say a  roof), the organisms break down material in the water and thus improve water quality. Slow sand filters or carbon filters are used to provide a place on which these micro-organisms grow. These biological treatment systems effectively reduce water-borne diseases, dissolved organic carbon, turbidity and color in surface water, improving overall water quality.  Once  the  colony  of  beneficial  bacteria  is established  it  will take  care of  the  most  of the organisms that  can  make you  sick.  Biological treatment has been used in Europe to filter surface water for drinking purposes since the early 1900s and is now receiving more interest worldwide.
Quick Water  Source for Immediate Storage
There are  many  ways  to  store  water inexpensively  without  having to purchase cases  of   bottled water. They  can all be  used to  hold ordinary  tap water.  Yes, tap water.  At the  risk  of  offending  the  health  advocates out there.  The  true  reality  is that  not  everyone is able  to  afford to  purchase many things.  So  in the  spirit  of  being  not  only  practical but  realistic we will deal  with that  fact  and  address it  accordingly.  The  alternative would be  not  having  enough  water  causing  dehydration,  unsanitary conditions and  possibly  death.  Tap water is  the   single most  inexpensive  source  of  water  you  have  access to.  Using  tap  water and  the items  I have  mentioned  can  save  you  not only  plenty  of  money  , but it  could mean the  difference between  life  and death in a  situation  where  there is  no water  readily  available.  Not to  mention  the  simple  fact  that  it  has already  been  chlorinated  and  treated so that  it is  safe  to  drink.  You  need  not  add  anything to it  ,  just  make  sure  that  the vessels  you  use  for the  water are sealed properly  to  avoid  contaminants  from  getting in.   Saves  you  time in having to  go out  and  look  for  it  not to mention the fuel and  time you  would have to  put into disinfecting it to make it safe to  drink  and  use  for personal  hygiene.

***  I  would like to add here  that when water  is collected for  boiling disinfection it  is best  to  make  sure  you  have  stocked up on  paper  coffee  filters .  They  are  excellent  for  filtering out  the  larger  particles.

****  Throughout  this  blog  I  will be  presenting  diagram  and  schematics for DIY projects on  survival and green items that  will come in  handy.  Not  only  when the  grid  goes  down  but to save  money  as  well as energy.

See ya soon     …………………

 

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Rain  Barrels  will be  a valuable source  of  water both  for  conservation/sustainability and  for  survival if the  need  arises.  I have  had  a series of  rain barrels that  I have  collected. A  total of  12 – 30 gallon  containers that  will collect up to  360 gallons of  water in a  good   downpour.  As long  as it  rains I  will have  plenty of  water to  purify  for  drinking , bathing and  cooking  needs.  Using t he  greywater recovery  technique  I  will also have  plenty of  water  for  my  garden.  It’s a  win/win  situation.
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Harvesting Rainwater: How to Make a Rain Barrel

From harvesting rainwater in a rain barrel to composting your kitchen and yard waste in a compost bin, you can greatly increase your self-reliance by undertaking a few simple DIY projects.

By Betsy Matheson
May 12, 2011

 

Rainwater that is collected in a rain barrel before it hits the ground is free of many contaminants that water picks up as it filters through soil. This soft, warm (and free) water is perfect for plants, lawns, and many other outdoor applications. DIY Projects for the Self-Sufficient Homeowner provides a step-by-step plan to help you build a rain barrel, as well as many other DIY projects to increase your self-reliance.

COVER: CREATIVE PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL

The following is an excerpt from DIY Projects for the Self-Sufficient Homeowner by Betsy Matheson (Creative Publishing International, 2011). This handy book is your first step toward participating in the fast-growing self-sufficiency movement. Even if you live on a small urban lot, you can take steps to gain a little more control over things you consume using the plans in this book. This excerpt is from Chapter 1, “Collecting Rainwater.”

Practically everything around your house that requires water loves the natural goodness that’s provided with soft rainwater. When you know how to make a rain barrel, you can begin harvesting rainwater to irrigate your garden or lawn, water your houseplants, or top off swimming pools and hot tubs. A ready supply of rainwater is also a reliable stand-by for emergency use if your primary water supply is interrupted.
Collecting rainwater runoff in rain barrels can save thousands of gallons of tap water each year. A typical 40-by- 40-foot roof is capable of collecting 1,000 gallons of water from only one inch of rain. A large rainwater collection system that squeezes every drop from your roof can provide most — or sometimes all — of the water used throughout the home, if it’s combined with large cisterns, pumps, and purification processing.
Sprinkling your lawn and garden can consume as much as 40 percent of the total household water use during the growing season. A simple rain barrel system that limits collected water to outdoor (nonpotable) use only, like the rain barrels described on the following pages, can have a big impact on the self-sufficiency of your home, helping you save on utility expenses and reducing the energy used to process and purify water for your lawn and garden. Some communities now offer subsidies for rain barrel use, offering free or reduced-price barrels and downspout connection kits. Check with your local water authority for more information. Get smart with your water usage, and take advantage of the abundant supply from above.

Rain Barrels

Rain barrels, either built from scratch or purchased as a kit, are a great way to irrigate a lawn or garden without running up your utilities bill. The most common systems include one or more rain barrels (40 to 80 gallons) positioned below gutter downspouts to collect water runoff from the roof. A hose or drip irrigation line can be connected to spigot valves at the bottom of the rain barrel. You can use a single barrel, or connect several rain barrels in series to collect and dispense even more rainwater.

Plastic rain barrel kits are available for purchase at many home centers for around $100. If kit prices aren’t for you, a rain barrel is easy to make yourself for a fraction of the price. The most important component to your homemade barrel is the drum you choose.

Obtaining a Rain Barrel

Practically any large waterproof container can be used to make a rain barrel. One easily obtained candidate is a trash can, preferably plastic, with a snap-on lid. A standard 32-gallon can will work for a rain barrel, but if you can find a 44-gallon can choose it instead. Although wood barrels are becoming more scarce, you can still get them from wineries. A used 55-gallon barrel can be obtained free or for a small charge from a bulk food supplier. Most 55-gallon barrels today are plastic, but some metal barrels are still floating around. Whatever the material, make sure the barrel did not contain any chemical or compound that could be harmful to plants, animals, or humans. If you don’t know what was in it, don’t use it. Choose a barrel made out of opaque material that lets as little light through as possible, reducing the risk of algae growth.
A barrelful of water is an appealing breeding ground for mosquitoes and a perfect incubator for algae. Filters and screens over the barrel opening should prevent insect infestation, but for added protection against mosquitoes add one tablespoon of vegetable oil to the water in the barrel. This coats the top surface of the stored water and deprives the larvae of oxygen.

How to Make a Rain Barrel

Tools and Materials

• Barrel or trash can
• Drill with spade bit
• Jigsaw
• Hole saw
• Barb fitting with nut for overflow hose
• 1 1/2″ sump drain hose for overflow
• 3⁄4″ hose bibb or sillcock
• 3⁄4″ male pipe coupling
• 3⁄4″ bushing or bulkhead connector
• Channel-type pliers
• Fiberglass window screening
• Cargo strap with ratchet
• Teflon tape
• Silicone caulk

1. Cut a large opening in the barrel top or lid. Mark the size and shape of your opening — if using a bulk food barrel, mark a large semi-circle in the top of the barrel. If using a plastic garbage can with a lid, mark a 12-inch diameter circle in the center of the lid. Drill a starter hole, and then cut out the shape with a jigsaw (see Image Gallery).
2. Install the overflow hose. Drill a hole near the top of the barrel for the overflow fitting. Thread the barb fitting into the hole and secure it to the barrel on the inside with the retainer nut and rubber washer (if provided). Slide the overflow hose into the barbed end of the barb elbow until the end of the hose seats against the elbow flange (see Image Gallery).
3. Drill the access hole for the spigot (either a hose bibb or sillcock, brass or PVC). Tighten the stem of the sillcock onto a threaded coupling inserted into the access hole. Inside the barrel, a rubber washer is slipped onto the coupling end and then a threaded bushing is tightened over the coupling to create a seal. Apply a strip of Teflon tape to all threaded parts before making each connection. Caulk around the spigot with clear silicone caulk.
4. Screen over the opening in the top of the barrel. Lay a piece of fiberglass insect mesh over the top of the trash can and secure it around the rim with a cargo strap or bungee cord that can be drawn drum-tight. Snap the trash can lid over the top. Once you have installed the rain barrel, periodically remove and clean the mesh.

How to Install a Rain Barrel

Whether you purchase a rain barrel or make your own from scratch or a kit, how well it meets your needs will depend on where you put it and how it is set up (see Image Gallery). Some rain barrels are temporary holding tanks that store water runoff just long enough to direct it into your yard through a hose and drip irrigation head. Other rain barrels are more of a reservoir that supplies water on-demand by filling up watering cans or buckets. If you plan to use the spigot as the primary means for dispensing water, you’ll want to position the rain barrel well off the ground for easy access (raising your rain barrel has no effect on water pressure).
In addition to height, other issues surrounding the placement of your rain barrel (or rain barrels) include the need to provide a good base, orientation of the spigot and overflow, the position relative to your downspouts, and how to link more than one rain barrel together. Tip: Wherever possible, locate your rain barrel in a shaded area. Sunlight encourages algae growth, especially in barrels that are partially translucent.
Tools and Materials

• Drill/driver
• Screwdriver
• Hack saw
• Rain barrel
• Hose & fittings
• Base material (pavers)
• Downspout adapter and extension
• Teflon tape

1. Select a location for the barrel under a downspout. Locate your barrel as close to the area you want to irrigate as possible. Make sure the barrel has a stable, level base.
2. Install the spigot. Some kits may include a second spigot for filling watering cans. Use Teflon tape at all threaded fittings to ensure a tight seal. Connect the overflow tube, and make sure it is pointed away from the foundation.
3. Cut the downspout to length with a hacksaw. Reconnect the elbow fitting to the downspout using sheet-metal screws. Attach the cover to the top of the rain barrel. Some systems include a cover with porous wire mesh, to which the downspout delivers water. Others include a cover with a sealed connection (next step).
4. Link the downspout elbow to the rain barrel with a length of flexible downspout extension attached to the elbow and the barrel cover.
Variation: If your barrel comes with a downspout adapter, cut away a segment of downspout and insert the adapter so it diverts water into the barrel.
5. Connect a drip irrigation tube or garden hose to the spigot. A Y-fitting will let you feed the drip irrigation system through a garden hose when the rain barrel is empty.
6. If you want, increase water storage by connecting two or more rain barrels together with a linking kit, available from many kit suppliers.

Reprinted with permission from DIY Projects for the Self-Sufficient Homeowner, published by Creative Publishing International, 2011.

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/do-it-yourself/how-to-make-a-rain-barrel-ze0z11zkon.aspx?page=4#ixzz1huHxkrjR

 

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This is  an  awesome idea that  I use  at  home.  Although,  instead of placing  the  bucket underneath the  sink and  messing with the  piping  to  collect the  water.  I simply  use dish  totes ( the kind they  use  in restaurants for  busing  tables).  I  place  them in the  sink with  hot  soapy water and  the other  with  hot rinse  water.  I  wash the  dishes in one tub and  then  rinse  them in the other.  No  water is  wasted and the  water from the  tubs are  transferred to the 5  gallon  bucket when the dishes  are  done.  I  wanted  to  share  it  with  you.  The  more people  start  to  conserve  water  then  more   fresh  water  there  sill be.  Not  to  mention learning to  conserve  water  so that  you  already  know  what  to  do and  how  to  do it   when a  disaster strikes and  your life  will depend on  your  ability to  conserve.
It  is important to make  sure that the  detergent  you  use  is  phosphate free and  biodegradable.  So that it is  safe for your  plants and the   environment.
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Low-Cost Greywater Irrigation

Use greywater from your kitchen sink to water your vegetable garden with this simple irrigation system.

By Dana Cohen
August/September 2009

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/Graywater-Irrigation-Low-Cost.aspx#ixzz1hu7XKqtN

A simple, portable watering system for a small garden.

DANA COHEN

I’ve always wanted to do more with greywater (also spelled graywater, gray water and grey water) — waste water from dishwashing, laundry and bathing — but as a renter, I wanted to invest my money and energy in a way that was more portable than traditional systems. I started by looking into rain barrels as a way to cache water and was amazed at how expensive they were. Then I found a few 5-gallon buckets at a construction site, and came up with this simple greywater setup that has worked well for me for the past two summers.

The setup is a 5-gallon bucket with a tap inserted, hooked up to a commercial drip irrigation system in my raised garden beds. I use one bucket per 2-foot-square bed.I clean the buckets, drill a hole, and insert a garden-hose-sized tap. To keep the tap from leaking, I cover the thread with Teflon tape, put a washer on the inside of the bucket and use a plastic hose coupler to secure the tap. I hook this up to the drip irrigation system.The drip irrigation kit was the most expensive part of this system at about $25. The tap and accessories totaled a little less than $6. I live in northern Arizona, and during the heat of high summer I use a full bucket a day in my sunniest bed.The source of the greywater is the leftover water from washing dishes, which I collect in another 5-gallon bucket I keep by the sink.

Dana Cohen
Fredonia, Arizona

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/Graywater-Irrigation-Low-Cost.aspx#ixzz1huCkk0K2

Another  route that  some people  are taking  is  the  grey  water  diversion method.  This entails rerouting  the flow  of  grey water  from  main  sewer piping  established  by the cities and  counties to ensure that  the  grey water  can  be  utilized in a  more  efficient  manner.  Although  in some  States this is  illegal  many  are opting to the  clandestine  retrofitting to fill a need  for  conservation  and the  logical  and  ethical stewardship of  natural  resources and   our planet.

Water

Water is  very  important to  survival.  It  is necessary for hydration,  for  hygiene,  for sanitation ; keeping us  safe from illness.  Water is of very important to all living things; in some organisms, up to 90% of their body weight comes from water. Up to 60% of the human body is water, the brain is composed of 70% water, and the lungs are nearly 90% water. Lean muscle tissue contains about 75% water by weight, as is the brain; body fat contains 10% water and bone has 22% water. About 83% of our blood is water, which helps digest our food, transport waste, and control body temperature. Each day humans must replace 2.4 litres of water, some through drinking and the rest taken by the body from the foods eaten.
A  human  being can  survive anywhere  from  2  to 10 days  depending on the  temperature.  The  higher  the  temperature  the  shorter to  survival time.  Although, no matter  what the  temperature the  human  body  requires  the  same amount  of water  to  stay  healthy regardless of  how  hot or  how  cold  it is.  The  reason  is  simply that the  body  requires it  to remove  toxins and  to regulate  body  temperature.
The  American  Red Cross  says :
After an emergency, such as a flood, hurricane, or earthquake, drinking water may not be available or safe to drink. As a result, you may have to find a source of safe drinking water or know how to treat your water for use in certain activities, such as drinking, making ice, washing hands, and brushing teeth. The following information will tell you how to plan for treating and storing your water in the event of an emergency.

Prepare an Emergency Water Supply

• Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. You should consider storing more water than this for hot climates, for pregnant women, and for persons who are sick.
• Store at least a 3-day supply of water for each person and each pet (try to store a 2-week supply if possible).
• Observe the expiration date for store-bought water; replace other stored water every six months.
• Store a bottle of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach to disinfect your water and to use for general cleaning and sanitizing.

Water Containers (Cleaning and Storage)

Unopened commercially bottled water is the safest and most reliable emergency water supply.
Use of food-grade water storage containers, such as those found at surplus or camping supply stores, is recommended if you prepare stored water yourself.
Before filling with safe water, use these steps to clean and sanitize storage containers:

1. Wash the storage container with dishwashing soap and water and rinse completely with clean water.
2. Sanitize the container by adding a solution made by mixing 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach in one quart of water.
3. Cover the container and shake it well so that the sanitizing bleach solution touches all inside surfaces of the container.
4. Wait at least 30 seconds and then pour the sanitizing solution out of the container.
5. Let the empty sanitized container air-dry before use OR rinse the empty container with clean, safe water that already is available.

Avoid using the following containers to store safe water:

• Containers that cannot be sealed tightly
• Containers that can break, such as glass bottles
• Containers that have ever been used for any toxic solid or liquid chemicals (includes old bleach containers)
• Plastic or cardboard bottles, jugs, and containers used for milk or fruit juices

For proper water storage,

• Label container as “drinking water” and include storage date.
• Replace stored water that is not commercially bottled every six months.
• Keep stored water in a place with a fairly constant cool temperature.
• Do not store water containers in direct sunlight.
• Do not store water containers in areas where toxic substances such as gasoline or pesticides are present.

Make Water Safe

Water often can be made safe to drink by boiling, adding disinfectants, or filtering.
IMPORTANT: Water contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals will not be made safe by boiling or disinfection. Use a different source of water if you know or suspect that water might be contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals.

Boiling

If you don’t have safe bottled water, you should boil water to make it safe. Boiling is the surest method to make water safer to drink by killing disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
You can improve the flat taste of boiled water by pouring it from one container to another and then allowing it to stand for a few hours, OR by adding a pinch of salt for each quart or liter of boiled water.
If the water is cloudy,

• Filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter OR allow it to settle.
• Draw off the clear water.
• Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for one minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes).
• Let the boiled water cool.
• Store the boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.

If the water is clear,

• Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for one minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes).
• Let the boiled water cool.
• Store the boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.

Disinfectants

If you don’t have safe bottled water and if boiling is not possible, you often can make water safer to drink by using a disinfectant such as unscented household chlorine bleach or iodine. These can kill most harmful organisms, such as viruses and bacteria, but are not as effective in controlling more resistant organisms such as the parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
To disinfect water,
Filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter OR allow it to settle.
Draw off the clear water.
To use bleach, add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops; about 0.625 milliliters) of unscented liquid household chlorine (5-6%) bleach for each gallon of clear water (or 2 drops of bleach for each liter or each quart of water),
Stir the mixture well.
Let it stand for 30 minutes or longer before you use it.
Store the disinfected water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.
To use iodine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Chlorine dioxide tablets are another disinfectant that now is available in some outdoor stores. This disinfectant has proven to be effective against pathogens, including Cryptosporidium, if the manufacturer’s instructions are followed.

Filters

Many portable water filters can remove disease-causing parasites such as Cryptosporidium and  Giardia from drinking water. If you are choosing a portable water filter, try to pick one that has a filter pore size small enough to remove both bacteria and parasites. Most portable water filters do not remove viruses.
Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the water filter you intent to use. After filtering, add a disinfectant such as iodine, chlorine, or chlorine dioxide to the filtered water to kill any viruses and remaining bacteria.

Finding Emergency Water Sources

Alternative sources of clean water can be found inside and outside the home. DO NOT DRINK water that has an unusual odor or color, or that you know or suspect might be contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals; use a different source of water.
The following are possible sources of water:

Inside the Home

• Water from your home’s water heater tank
• Melted ice cubes made with water that was not contaminated
• Water from your home’s toilet tank (not from the bowl), if it is clear and has not been chemically treated with toilet cleaners such as those that change the color of the water
• Liquid from canned fruit and vegetables

Listen to reports from local officials for advice on water precautions in your home. It may be necessary to shut off the main water valve to your home to prevent contaminants from entering your piping system.
Water from sources outside the home must be treated.  DO NOT DRINK water that has an unusual odor or color, or that you know or suspect might be contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals; use a different source of water.
Water to be continued…………………

A wake up call for how we view the possibilities of violence during or after a disaster

We want to believe in the inherent goodness and decency in people. However, is it always within that persons control? Can we understand that sometimes inherently good and decent people can crack and do despicable things?

I stumbled across this BBC documentary that I found very interesting . I thought I would share it with all of you to put in perspective my warnings of security and self defense.

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Uploaded by CooDocu on Oct 27, 2011

What makes ordinary people commit extreme acts of violence?

In a thought-provoking and disturbing journey, Michael Portillo investigates one of the darker sides of human nature. He discovers what it is like to inflict pain and is driven to the edge of violence himself in an extreme sleep deprivation study.

He meets men for whom violence has become an addiction and ultimately discovers that each of us could be inherently more violent than we think, and watches a replication of one of the most controversial studies in history, the Milgram study. Will study participants be willing to administer a seemingly lethal electric shock to someone they think is an innocent bystander?

How Violent are You? - BBC Horizon

A list of Essentials for a Survival Situation

Water -  storage , safety and identifying possible  sources.
Food – determining  the  best  choices for  a  survival situation and learning  how  to store and prepare them.
First Aid – assessing needs and acquiring necessary knowledge to make a difference in case  of  an  emergency.   It  could mean  the  difference  between  life  and  death.
Securing your  location from  threats – animal, human, biological or radioactive.
Gardening – assessing  your  family’s  needs, establishing  and maintaining a garden.  Where do you  get the  seeds ,  what  kind  of  seeds, and  how  to save them once  your  garden is  established.
Hygiene and Sanitation – determining personal needs and  dealing with the lack  of indoor plumbing.
Hunting, Fishing and  Trapping -  determining your  family’s  needs/limitations, tools  and  equipment  needed and some  techniques to practice  for  when the time  comes.
Power and  lighting  needs – determining the  best  methods available for  power, lighting  and  what  you  will need  to look for.
Fuels – determining  what  your  family’s needs will be  for  cooking, operating your car or a  generator and  heating your shelter during  cold  weather.
Tools – essential  tools that  you  will need  to be  able to construct, repair, garden, etc.
Books/Instructional Booklets – information at  your  fingertips, quick reference  anytime  you  need it.
Bartering-  discussing  possible items that would  be a  good  idea  to  stock up on to facilitate transactions for needed or  wanted items/supplies.

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Hello,  I have  noticed  that there  are  many  survivalist sites out there.  However, by the  same  token  I  have also  noticed that  many  people  are  put off by  them  because there is a  stigma  to  the   word  Prepper or  Survivalist.  I  think that  preparing  for  disasters, natural or  man  made is  of the  essence.  So I  would  like to  present  my ideas  in a  more  appealing  manner  for the  comfort of  those  who shy  away  from the  labels..
I  will be  presenting  a series of blogs  with  information  and  planning advice  that  could  very  well appeal to you.  Thereby, allowing  you  to see the  bigger  picture  about  what  could  very  well  be  coming down the pike, so  to  speak.
I  welcome all  constructive  feedback and  questions.  After all,  this is  about  our helping  each  other to  discover what  we  can  do to keep  ourselves  and our  loved  ones  safe.  Please  feel free to  ask .  All  legitimate  inquiries  will be  addressed to the  best  of my  abilities.
IF there  were a disaster in  your  area  tomorrow  would you  be  prepared  to  take care of  yourself and your family with the  skills and   supplies  you  presently  have in  your  home?
I do  not  by  any stretch of  the imagination  consider myself  an  alarmist , a doomsday-er, an  end of the  world-er or  any  other labels  there  may  exist  out  there  and I am  sure there  are  plenty.  What  I am  is a  single  mom  who lived  in Florida  for  25  years  and  am well acquainted  with  what  happens to  people   when they are  not  prepared  for a  disaster.  Now  you  would  think  that  in a  state that is  known for  hurricanes people  would understand that it is not  silly  to prepare before  hurricane  season is  upon  them.  We  were  without  electricity for  3  weeks  after  hurricane  Andrew, 2  weeks  after  hurricane  Katrina and  another 3 weeks after hurricane  Wilma.  On a limited  income ,  how well  do you think I  would have  been  able  to  feed  my family if I  had not prepared and had to  depend  on buying our food from restaurants kept running with  generators?
Another thing people fail  to understand is this: Hurricanes can be  predicted to a  certain  degree.  They  follow   tropical  storms until it  shows  signs of  strengthening, as  they  are  slow  moving time  is on our  side.  Even  their trajectory  can  be  planned  out  to a  certain  degree.  Their  estimated  arrival  can  also  be tracked.  Do you  really  believe a  tsunami, monster  tornado  or an  earthquake can  be tracked and  predicted  to  that  extent?  So  without  warning how much  time do you have  to prepare?  Do  you  believe these natural  disasters  can’t  disrupt  our  utilities and  transport  for longer than  3  weeks?  The  reality  of the  matter is  quite the contrary.  The  single  most  intelligent  thing that anyone  can do is  to  prepare.  When that  hurricane is  announced  and  it’s  arrival  date  is  made  public  then the  panic  sets  in;  When that  earthquake  hits or that  tornado has  passed.   People  rush  to the  supermarkets.  Those  who get there first will be able to  find  all they need.  However,  the ones  who  came a  bit  later or those  who did  not  prepare in advance will find  empty  shelves.  How much  advance  notice  does the public  receive  for an  earthquake, tornado or  tsunami?  You  see  where  I am  going  with this?  Did  you  know  that  all  supermarkets  across the  US   have about  of  3 to 4  days worth of  supplies on  location?  Without  transport  from  regional warehouses they  have only  what is  on the  shelves and in their  backroom storage.  Now  without water,  bread, batteries, canned  goods, etc. in the  supermarket what  will  you do?
No one  can  deny  that  we  are  headed  for  hard  times with the  economy the  way  it is.  It’s  not like  I  am  presenting  an unheard of  scenario.  How  many  have  lost  their  jobs and  ended  up  homeless?  How  many people  are  one paycheck away  from  ending  up on the  streets?  We  have all  read  about the  great  depression and I dare  say  we  all understand that  it  occurred  right  here  at  home and  not  some  far  off  land.  The  hardships, the  hunger, and the total despair of those  who lived  that  era of our  Nation’s  history.
As  our  society continues  on  the  road  of  development and  modernization technology progresses and the chains of interdependency become more ingrained  within us.  Our food,  our clothing all the  comforts  we use on a daily  basis  require transport   either  from  other  states  far  away  or  other  countries.   Through the  web  of globalization  we  have  gone  from a  country  of  production and  manufacture  to  one  of  consumption.  The  truth  is that  very  little  is now  made  here in the  US. Therefore it  stands  to reason  that if  something  happens  and  these modes  of  transport  are interrupted  for any  reason  so will the  availability  of  these  products.  This is  not  me  being  an  alarmist.  Quite the  contrary it  is  necessary  for  us  to be  realists and  see things  logically.  Think  about it .  Where  do  your  fruit ,  your  vegetables, your clothing ,  etc. come  from?  I   encourage  you  to  start  taking a  good  look at the  labels and  you  will see the  truth  of  my   words.  All it  would  take to  disrupt  the  transport  that  connects  us  to  our daily  essential  products  is an interruption in the  availability  of  fuel or the destruction of main  highways  and  streets.  Impossible you  say?  Look  around  you.  How many  freak  storms  and  weather  phenomenon  have  you  read  about  in the  newspaper  or  seen on the  news?  Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, nuclear plant accidents, tsunamis not to mention  freak  waves.  Granted  many of these  monster  storms   and  earthquakes  have  occurred in other  countries.  Is  it  so  crazy  to  consider that it  could  also happen  here in the  US?  Starting to get the  picture?
Dealing  With Reality
Human Nature – What  are people capable of:  In  Florida during  the onset of  a hurricane  it could very  easily  be  seen  who the  dangerous people  would be  just  by the  way  they  would push  people  aside and  fight  with  someone for the last bottle  of  water on the shelf.  I know the  answer to this  question  but  I  would like to ask  you.  Do you  know  what  your  neighbor  is  capable of  when a devastating  panic  comes into play and there  is  no food  to be  had?  Just  take a look at  what happens  during a  Black Friday  Sale.  We have all seen the  videos, the  news paper  articles  or the tv/radio broadcasts of  people hurting  each  other  and  fighting  over  products  that  are  on sale and  they  just  have to  have.  Imagine what these people would be like in a  life  or  death  situation where there is no food  or  water  available.  Big  cities will be  worse due to the  high  concentration  of  people and the lack of  resources  once transport  is interrupted  for any  reason.
Be  Practical:  Understand the  risks  you  take  by  not  preparing  properly.  Take  measures  to  protect  yourself and  your  family.  Stock  up on  food  and supplies to make  sure  that  all are assured of food  water  and  first  aid when they need them.  Think  about  family  members  who have  not  prepared.  What  will happen  when  they have  no  food  or  water?  Will  you  be able to  share  what  you  have   to insure that they  too are taken  care of?  What  about  your neighbor  or that  little  old  lady  across the  street  who has  no one?  What  about if you  or  your significant  other  lose  your  job.  Do  you realize that having a  back up food  supply  could  help  tide  you  over  until  things  get  better?
Will you be  ready  to  defend  yourself  and your family?  Just  look  at  what  happens  during  a  black  out in  NYC  or a  riot  in  LA.  Learn  that  in  moments of  great  turmoil  some people  resort  to  violence.  It is a  proven  fact not my  own   wild imaginings.  Think about it.  Not  everyone is  willing to  go  out  and buy a  gun.  However,  safety and the protection of  your  family  is of  the  utmost  importance.  What  will you  do  in a  moment  such  as  this and  how  will you  protect them?  I  leave the  details  to  your  imagination  and  your  conscience.  As the  saying   goes, ”An ounce of  prevention is worth a  pound  of  cure.”   No  truer  words  have  ever been spoken.
Alone vs. a  group:  The  old  adage  says  clearly  that  there  is strength  in  numbers.   Effective security means having at least two families to provide security at all times.  This  can  include close  neighbors, family  and  friends.  However, one must  take into account that  for every individual added there  will be  another mouth to feed.  Effectively  adding  people  to  ones  group  calls  for adequate supplies and  resources.  The amounts having a  direct bearing on the  amount  of  people the  group can sustain.
The  enormity  of  getting a  family  prepared  can  be  overwhelming.  Take  a moment to ponder  the  fact  that  most  people  are not  even considering  the  need to prepare .  That already  puts  you  ahead  of the  curve.  Financial issues are  another  worry.  My recommendation is start out  slow.  Whenever you  go  shopping  buy a few  extra  items that  will be  designated  to the  food  supply. A  few cans  here  a  couple  of  bags  there  and  in a  few  weeks  you  will start  to see  your supply  grow.  One step at a  time  is  the  best  way  to  insure success.
Take  a good long  look at  your  pantry , be  totally  honest  with  yourself .  Will  you and  your family  survive  with  what  you  have  there if  you  are without a working infrastructure for  3  weeks or  more,  like  we  did  in  Florida  after hurricane Andrew?
Let’s  start by making  a practical list of the  essentials  we  will be needing in  case of an emergency such as  the ones  I  have  mentioned.  On my  next blog  I  will  be starting the  lists and the pertinent information I  have to  give  on  each   subject.
See you  next  time………