Today I am thankful that I still have time to prepare. I know that food storage and preparedness stuff can get pretty overwhelming. I have a hard time figuring out dinner for tonight, let alone planning dinner for 6 months from now. But, I know that if I do something everyday, week, two weeks, month - to get prepared I will be better off than before. Start today preparing for tomorrow - you never know what tomorrow will bring.
One year ago I was thinking my husband needed to get a better paying job because I felt like we just weren't making it - things were too tight. If I only knew that in a few short weeks he would lose that job and things would get much, much tighter.
Start TODAY! Don't wait. Tonight/tomorrow when you run to the grocery store to buy a few last minute things in preparation for Thanksgiving - toss in an extra bag of flour, or a can of salt, another gallon of oil can always help, just do something. Then when you are laying in bed tonight running over the events of the day you can feel at peace that you started today - instead of justifying why you haven't.
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that we all remember to thank those around us who make our lives great and love hard on the ones we sometimes take for granted. I am thankful I am preparing today.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Go Bag
A Go-Bag should be used in conjunction/be part of your 72-hr kit. Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.
*Flashlight
*Radio – battery operated
*Batteries
*Whistle
*Dust mask (Preferrably a N-95 mask)
*Pocket knife
*Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
*Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat
*Local map
*Some water and food (At least enough for 24 hours)
*Permanent marker, paper and tape
*Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
*List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers
*List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
*Copy of health insurance and identification cards
*Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
*Prescription medications and first aid supplies
*Toothbrush and toothpaste
*Extra keys to your house and vehicle
*Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.
List courtesy of 72hours.org
*Flashlight
*Radio – battery operated
*Batteries
*Whistle
*Dust mask (Preferrably a N-95 mask)
*Pocket knife
*Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
*Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat
*Local map
*Some water and food (At least enough for 24 hours)
*Permanent marker, paper and tape
*Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
*List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers
*List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
*Copy of health insurance and identification cards
*Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
*Prescription medications and first aid supplies
*Toothbrush and toothpaste
*Extra keys to your house and vehicle
*Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.
List courtesy of 72hours.org
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
ABCs - Airway, Breathing, Circulation
**To learn CPR properly, take an accredited first-aid training course, including CPR and how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED).
This is a crash course, the basics - I encourage you to check locally and get certified, but it is a good to have a general idea, it may help you can assist someone who is performing CPR.
Remember the ABCs Think ABC — Airway, Breathing and Circulation — to remember the steps explained below. Move quickly through Airway and Breathing to begin chest compressions to restore circulation.
AIRWAY: Clear the airway
1. Put the person on his or her back on a firm surface.
2. Kneel next to the person's neck and shoulders.
3. Open the person's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Put your palm on the person's forehead and gently tilt the head back. Then with the other hand, gently lift the chin forward to open the airway.
4. Check for normal breathing, taking no more than five or 10 seconds: Look for chest motion, listen for breath sounds, and feel for the person's breath on your cheek and ear. Gasping is not considered to be normal breathing. If the person isn't breathing normally and you are trained in CPR, begin mouth-to-mouth breathing. If you believe the person is unconscious from a heart attack and you haven't been trained in emergency procedures, skip mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and proceed directly to chest compressions to restore circulation.
BREATHING: Breathe for the person Rescue breathing can be mouth-to-mouth breathing or mouth-to-nose breathing if the mouth is seriously injured or can't be opened.
1. With the airway open (using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver) pinch the nostrils shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person's mouth with yours, making a seal.
2. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Give the first rescue breath — lasting one second — and watch to see if the chest rises. If it does rise, give the second breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second breath.
3. Begin chest compressions to restore circulation.
CIRCULATION: Restore blood circulation with chest compressions
1. Place the heel of one hand over the center of the person's chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands.
2. Use your upper body weight (not just your arms) as you push straight down on (compress) the chest 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters). Push hard and push fast — give two compressions per second, or about 120 compressions per minute.
3. After 30 compressions, tilt the head back and lift the chin up to open the airway. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Pinch the nose shut and breathe into the mouth for one second. If the chest rises, give a second rescue breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second rescue breath. That's one cycle. If someone else is available, ask that person to give two breaths after you do 30 compressions.
4. If the person has not begun moving after five cycles (about two minutes) and an automatic external defibrillator (AED) is available, apply it and follow the prompts. The American Heart Association recommends administering one shock, then resuming CPR — starting with chest compressions — for two more minutes before administering a second shock. If you're not trained to use an AED, a 911 operator may be able to guide you in its use. Trained staff at many public places are also able to provide and use an AED. Use pediatric pads, if available, for children ages 1 to 8. Do not use an AED for infants younger than age 1. If an AED isn't available, go to No. 5 below.
5. Continue CPR until there are signs of movement or until emergency medical personnel take over.
This step by step guide is courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.
This is a crash course, the basics - I encourage you to check locally and get certified, but it is a good to have a general idea, it may help you can assist someone who is performing CPR.
Remember the ABCs Think ABC — Airway, Breathing and Circulation — to remember the steps explained below. Move quickly through Airway and Breathing to begin chest compressions to restore circulation.
AIRWAY: Clear the airway
1. Put the person on his or her back on a firm surface.
2. Kneel next to the person's neck and shoulders.
3. Open the person's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Put your palm on the person's forehead and gently tilt the head back. Then with the other hand, gently lift the chin forward to open the airway.
4. Check for normal breathing, taking no more than five or 10 seconds: Look for chest motion, listen for breath sounds, and feel for the person's breath on your cheek and ear. Gasping is not considered to be normal breathing. If the person isn't breathing normally and you are trained in CPR, begin mouth-to-mouth breathing. If you believe the person is unconscious from a heart attack and you haven't been trained in emergency procedures, skip mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and proceed directly to chest compressions to restore circulation.
BREATHING: Breathe for the person Rescue breathing can be mouth-to-mouth breathing or mouth-to-nose breathing if the mouth is seriously injured or can't be opened.
1. With the airway open (using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver) pinch the nostrils shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person's mouth with yours, making a seal.
2. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Give the first rescue breath — lasting one second — and watch to see if the chest rises. If it does rise, give the second breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second breath.
3. Begin chest compressions to restore circulation.
CIRCULATION: Restore blood circulation with chest compressions
1. Place the heel of one hand over the center of the person's chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands.
2. Use your upper body weight (not just your arms) as you push straight down on (compress) the chest 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters). Push hard and push fast — give two compressions per second, or about 120 compressions per minute.
3. After 30 compressions, tilt the head back and lift the chin up to open the airway. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Pinch the nose shut and breathe into the mouth for one second. If the chest rises, give a second rescue breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second rescue breath. That's one cycle. If someone else is available, ask that person to give two breaths after you do 30 compressions.
4. If the person has not begun moving after five cycles (about two minutes) and an automatic external defibrillator (AED) is available, apply it and follow the prompts. The American Heart Association recommends administering one shock, then resuming CPR — starting with chest compressions — for two more minutes before administering a second shock. If you're not trained to use an AED, a 911 operator may be able to guide you in its use. Trained staff at many public places are also able to provide and use an AED. Use pediatric pads, if available, for children ages 1 to 8. Do not use an AED for infants younger than age 1. If an AED isn't available, go to No. 5 below.
5. Continue CPR until there are signs of movement or until emergency medical personnel take over.
This step by step guide is courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
CERT
CERT = Community Emergency Response Team, there motto is "Doing the greatest good for the greatest number". The CERT program is administered by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. Most cities have CERT programs available. It is generally a 6-8 week course that teaches people the basics of taking care of themselves and those around them during an emergency. It also educated people about the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
This said, I went to a CERT training last year and found it extremely valuable. I think that anyone who has a chance to attend a CERT training should, if for no other reason than to become aware of what hazards are around you, and how to best handle yourself and your family in those situations.
I am going to attempt to give a CERT tip once a week. But, please check locally to see what is available to you. It will be worth your time.
Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
This said, I went to a CERT training last year and found it extremely valuable. I think that anyone who has a chance to attend a CERT training should, if for no other reason than to become aware of what hazards are around you, and how to best handle yourself and your family in those situations.
I am going to attempt to give a CERT tip once a week. But, please check locally to see what is available to you. It will be worth your time.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Cheaper than you think
A basic one year supply of food is cheaper than you think. Don't believe me - I'll prove it.
300 lbs. Grain @ $5.90 per 25 lb. bag x 12 = $70.80
60 lbs. Legumes @ $14.45 per 25 lb. bag + $8.50 (2 #10 Cans) = $37.40
20 lbs. Oil @ $2.00 per 48oz. bottle x 8 = $16*
60.5 lbs. Sugar @$13.20 per 25 lb. bag x 2 + $8.90 (2 #10 Cans) = $35.30**
50 lbs. Milk @ $24.80 per 25 lb. bag x 2 = $49.60
Basic One Year Supply = $209.10
Granted this is Basics and there is no variety, but that is an amazing start! You can do this. Christmas is coming, what better gift.
*Crisco 48 oz. bottles are on sale at Walmart right now for $2.00
**During case lot sales you can generally get a 25 lb. bag of Sugar for around $10, so you could get 75 lbs. for $30.
(All prices, except Oil are from the Church Cannery)
300 lbs. Grain @ $5.90 per 25 lb. bag x 12 = $70.80
60 lbs. Legumes @ $14.45 per 25 lb. bag + $8.50 (2 #10 Cans) = $37.40
20 lbs. Oil @ $2.00 per 48oz. bottle x 8 = $16*
60.5 lbs. Sugar @$13.20 per 25 lb. bag x 2 + $8.90 (2 #10 Cans) = $35.30**
50 lbs. Milk @ $24.80 per 25 lb. bag x 2 = $49.60
Basic One Year Supply = $209.10
Granted this is Basics and there is no variety, but that is an amazing start! You can do this. Christmas is coming, what better gift.
*Crisco 48 oz. bottles are on sale at Walmart right now for $2.00
**During case lot sales you can generally get a 25 lb. bag of Sugar for around $10, so you could get 75 lbs. for $30.
(All prices, except Oil are from the Church Cannery)
Friday, November 6, 2009
More Fiber for Your Diet
More talk on Grains - really? Yes, they make up the biggest chunk of your 1 Year Basic Supply.
The Cannery is a great resource for getting the basics. You can buy White or Red Wheat in Bulk at $5.90 for a 25 lb. bag (cheap!) or by the can at $2.60 for a 5.8 lb No. 10 can.
300 lbs. of wheat in a bulk bag is $70.80 or 300 lbs. of wheat in No. 10 cans is $135.20
OR if you got some pasta that's a great deal maybe you only need 275 more lbs. = $64.90
Other Grains:
Rice, White - 25lb. bag = $10.35 and a No. 10 can is $3.60 for 5.7 lbs.
Oats, Quick - 25 lb. bag = $7.50 and a No. 10 can is $2.05 for 2.6 lbs.
Oast, Regular - 25 lb. bag = $7.50 and a No. 10 can is $2.05 for 2.7 lbs.
Macaroni - 20 lb. bag = $13.45 ($0.67 per lb.) and a No. 10 can is $3.55 for 3.4 lbs.
Spaghetti - 25 lb. bag = $16.25 and a No. 10 can is $4.05 for 4.3 lbs.
The Cannery is a great resource for getting the basics. You can buy White or Red Wheat in Bulk at $5.90 for a 25 lb. bag (cheap!) or by the can at $2.60 for a 5.8 lb No. 10 can.
300 lbs. of wheat in a bulk bag is $70.80 or 300 lbs. of wheat in No. 10 cans is $135.20
OR if you got some pasta that's a great deal maybe you only need 275 more lbs. = $64.90
Other Grains:
Rice, White - 25lb. bag = $10.35 and a No. 10 can is $3.60 for 5.7 lbs.
Oats, Quick - 25 lb. bag = $7.50 and a No. 10 can is $2.05 for 2.6 lbs.
Oast, Regular - 25 lb. bag = $7.50 and a No. 10 can is $2.05 for 2.7 lbs.
Macaroni - 20 lb. bag = $13.45 ($0.67 per lb.) and a No. 10 can is $3.55 for 3.4 lbs.
Spaghetti - 25 lb. bag = $16.25 and a No. 10 can is $4.05 for 4.3 lbs.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Good deals...
Macey's Grocery Store has DaVinci 16 oz. pasta on sale for $.68. So, that means you can put a dent in your Grains category for cheap! 16 oz = 1 pound. I try to store 30-50 lbs. of pasta per person in addition to or as part of my Grains. I like variation and kids love pasta.
30 lbs of pasta equals $20.40 (tax not included)
As a side note they also have Hunt's Spaghetti Sauce on sale for $.95 - we are talking a meal for your family for under $2.00. Dress it up if you want, but the base is there and super cheap.
30 lbs of pasta equals $20.40 (tax not included)
As a side note they also have Hunt's Spaghetti Sauce on sale for $.95 - we are talking a meal for your family for under $2.00. Dress it up if you want, but the base is there and super cheap.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Where do you live?
Winter is fast approaching here in Northern Utah which means drastic changes to the climate. There is the old joke of: "If you don't like the weather in Utah, wait five minutes." This unfortunately holds some truth - it can change for the better or the worse in a matter of a few minutes. So.....
What does that mean for me?
Are you prepared for the weather/seasons in which you live? If you live in an area that is hot and dry are you prepared with more water and a way to cool yourself in the hot summer months? Or what about the winter - can you keep yourself warm and dry?
Now that I have you thinking - here are some suggestions/thoughts (specifically for winter).
- Extra blankets
- Socks, shoes and warm clothes in 72 hour kits
- Pocket warmers
- Mittens/gloves/hats
- Clear plastic sheeting (can be put over broken windows - keeps in heat and allows light in)
- Heater (I will talk about types more fully in another post)
- Wood
- Tarps
- Stuff to make a fire (Survivor has proved it's not as easy as you think)
Think about camping in a snow storm - what would you need?
What does that mean for me?
Are you prepared for the weather/seasons in which you live? If you live in an area that is hot and dry are you prepared with more water and a way to cool yourself in the hot summer months? Or what about the winter - can you keep yourself warm and dry?
Now that I have you thinking - here are some suggestions/thoughts (specifically for winter).
- Extra blankets
- Socks, shoes and warm clothes in 72 hour kits
- Pocket warmers
- Mittens/gloves/hats
- Clear plastic sheeting (can be put over broken windows - keeps in heat and allows light in)
- Heater (I will talk about types more fully in another post)
- Wood
- Tarps
- Stuff to make a fire (Survivor has proved it's not as easy as you think)
Think about camping in a snow storm - what would you need?
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