Considering the fact that winter will soon be here and that the TV news is full of the misery affecting the Katrina survivors, I have been thinking about stocking up on pantry staples in case the power goes out. For starters, I have a non-electric can opener. Any one been there and done that? Suggestions?
By Holly
A 72 hour kit in a backpack is a good place to start. There is also a 72 hour meal in a can. If you go to LDS.org and then click on provident living on the left side of the screen, it will take you right there. if you want or need more info, let me know.
(09/09/2005)
I have also started to keep water on hand. I keep these items in my pantry everyday but know that if I need to I can use it in an emergency.
I look as the freezer as a storage place. It can fill the cooler with the items and keep things cold. I have frozen banana bread, the chicken nuggets are precooked if you look at it and so are the hot dogs. keep a loaf of bread if you have room. My stash is used and replenished every month with my normal cooking schedule. If you ask me I could feed my family for a month at any given time if the grocery store blew away today or we didn't get paid. The kids might not like what I cooked but they would not be hungry.
I would just look in your pantry now and think if you had no electricity what could you pick out and eat if it came down to it. Your options might not be good but you have time to change that. I feel that if we have to go more than one month we, as a community, have a bigger problem that my extra days of food will not solve. (09/10/2005)
By Cindy in AL
I have already stocked up my house with extras of everything we use, not only in case of an emergency loss of power or big snowstorm, but because of the price of oil and gas which will make everything we use go up in price. I would also get some sterno so that you could heat up a can of soup in an emergency and plenty of bottled water for drinking, and bottled up tap water for flushing toilets. Also fresh batteries in a transistor radio so you could hear what's going on and for flashlights. I could go on and on but these are some ideas for you. I always think it is smart to be prepared. Medicines are really important to have on hand too. As far as food goes, make sure you have protein such as canned chicken, tuna, peanut butter, etc.; things you don't have to heat up but that you would get protein from.
I don't know about you, but I feel awful if I don't get enough protein. Also, if you know a storm is coming, make sure your gas tank is full on your cars. (09/10/2005)
By Wanda
All of the above are excellent. I know having lived in South Dakota all my life. Also have pet food enough to last on hand and very important kitty litter if you have cats. Make sure blankets are easily accessible.
Consolidate rooms, shutting off unnecessary ones, even to the point of hauling in your mattresses. Plug under the doors, pull the blinds and drapes shut.
I once survived for a week with no electricity on the farm, just 5 kids, myself and numerous cats and dogs. We consolidated in the kitchen,. What a riot, the kids thought it was fun. My husband was caught in town and couldn't get home. (09/10/2005)
By Jela
I spent $250 yesterday at grocery store. I live by myself but I have enough food and toilet paper to last at least a month or two. Canned goods, toilet paper, Kleenex, medical supplies, vitamins, and dog food and bottled water.
Yes, I still need batteries and I guess maybe some sterno but maybe not. We haven't been for a long time with no electricity.
(09/10/2005)
By Sandy
Being prepared is such a great idea. We got snowed in every winter when I was a kid. So I always try to keep extra canned food stocked up. Also having enough paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils since there might not be enough water to wash things is a good idea too. Candles, matches, are handy for those winter ice storms.
Below is another good site for a detailed list of what can be in a 72 hour kit. It also has a winter car kit list. I have a friend who keeps everything neatly in a clean 5 gallon bucket by the back door, then if she ever has to evacuate she'll just grab her bucket and go. It's nice to keep food like crackers, granola bars, dry soup packets, and hot chocolate in there too along with all important documents.
http://byubroadcasting.org/livingessentials/shows/13.asp (09/10/2005)
By Melanie
Recently I saw on the news where the American Red Cross has a special emergency bag for sale, enclosing all items you might need, to have on hand all in a handy back pack. No idea on the price, but said they have a list of items listed in case you wanted to make your own. Ex: bandages, ointment, batteries, flashlight, non-perishable foods (snack bars, nuts, etc., things not needing a dish or utensils), antibacterial hand wipes or gel, etc. Everyone needs to be prepared in case for an earthquake, etc. (09/11/2005)
By badwater
Go to http://www.americanredcross.com for suggestions on how to prepare for a variety of emergencies
I suggest fresh batteries in flashlights, a gallon of fresh water per individual for 3 days, canned foods, a battery powered radio (LL Bean has one you crank t recharge batteries) and copying all your important papers onto a CD or disk
By Diana
Being prepared is something on my mind lately. Being from CA, we had earthquakes (sometimes lots) but they came on fast and they were gone. Now I live in MO, tornadoes scare me. Meds are top on the list next to water each family would have different things that they need. Pets and food and water. Radio.
Prayer and preparedness is something we can do for our families. (09/15/2005)
We have got snowed in with no power or water. I try to keep enough food and water to survive for at least a month or two. Vienna sausages are good, crackers, hard candy,soups,any thing easy to fix. We have a Kerosene heater we use if it gets really cold, otherwise we use our fireplace (if the wind is not blowing hard). I keep games books, and other items of interest too.Battery radio and we purchased a police scanner(battery powered) cause sometimes the radio station goes off (Blizzard 1997) we heated soup on our kerosene heater. We buy enough fuel for it to last a week. Being Prepared is the most IMPORTANT! (10/10/2005)
By Pat Wilson
A lot of good ideas! One thing not mentioned which is one of my top emergency preparedness is a generator. We lost a lot of food in our freezer and refrigerator several years ago due to a blizzard and we didn't have electric for several days. I remember that being one of the saddest days in my life as my freezer is my main supply of bargains and oamc resources. Never again will this happen to us with having it. (10/31/2005)
By mythreesons
As for the generator, you will spend more on the generator itself and gas to run it than it costs to replace one freezer/fridge of food.
Generator: $400 min.
Gas for 7 days, run 24 hr/day: (assume it uses 1 g per hour) 7 days * 24 hrs * 2.50/gal = $420
Food replacement cost: about $200
(01/11/2006)
By Chuck R.
Over the past few years I have watched "reality" shows, like Iron Age House, 1800 House, Survivor, etc. The one thing I could not do without is toilet paper. In a survival situation cleanliness is VERY important and toilet paper goes a long way toward keeping clean. And that's the one reason I could never be on those shows, they don't allow you toilet paper. I could do most everything else, like forage for food, except eat bugs.
(01/11/2006)
By Chuck R.
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