| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| quiltedess |
Posted - Sep 05 2005 : 07:43:46 AM
Ever since the Katrina disaster I've been thinking hard, as we all have I'm sure. Are you prepared? Do you have a plan?
I think that when my kids were young I was better prepared that I am now, we had a plan for where to meet and who to call in case of a disaster. In our area we're not worried about Hurricanes, but definately have the potential for horrible Earthquakes.
I think it's a good idea to carry some non-perishable food and water in your car along with a blanket and flashlight, etc.
I have actually bought some of MaryJane's packets of food for just this purpose. Though I don't have any way to heat the water in my car, I thought some of the food would be good to eat anyway. Disasters can come in many forms and at any time. I think Farmgirls are really good at this sort of thing and would love to hear what you have done to prepare.
On the service part . . . do you think about how you might help your less fortunate neighbors? Is there a plan for rescuing the elderly or sick in your neighborhood? Up until recent events I have not thought so much about this.
Katrina has given us an opportunity, in a way, to learn and come up with some ideas to help ourselves and others . . . we need to plan and practice our plan and then update our plan as our lives change.
Because I am a "Mormon" I have been taught over and over about the importance of preparation. I do have some food stored, but no water at this time because we are preparing to move and have poured out the water that we had previously stored. Today I'm going to go buy a case of water bottles.
If the idea of preparation is new to you here's a web site that can get you started http://www.providentliving.org/
Click on Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness.
Let's be prepared and then pray we never NEED to use it. Let's be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem.
Nancy |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| KarenP |
Posted - Sep 20 2005 : 05:40:28 AM
Thank you all for this topic, I have extra stuff at work under my desk and a small kit and foil lined blanket in my car, but should really get a "bug out" kit ready.
I also need to fill the gas caddy for our generator for this winter.
Wow, that's going to get pricey, it will be cheap if ever need it though.
I also need to go thru the pantry and inventory and re-stock that too.
Just purchased about 6 cases of water from the bottling co. (Premium Waters), which we use and restock often.
I also have a manual water purifier(supposed to be good for even lake water), with emergency candles and a Baygen radio(hand crank radio).
Thanks for all you great info.
KarenP.
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
| lareyna |
Posted - Sep 19 2005 : 1:08:51 PM
My daughter is LDS and has helped me so much in the food storage, I have enough food for myself and at least one other family to survive for a very long time. What I often wonder is what would I do if I had to abandon my home in case of a disaster, I would not be as prepared so I am getting together our camping box, which I usually only have prepared in the summer, I am going to fix it all up and keep by the back door. I think the best idea I have heard on here is to make a list of what to throw in the car, I think I would be too rattled at the time of needing to actually do it I would forget the most important stuff. Also where would I go?? Lots of stuff to think about. We actually did have a tsunami warning recently, ( I am 4 miles from Ocean as crow flies)turned out to be a false alarm but Geeze what if??
I was Country before Country was COOL |
| KJD |
Posted - Sep 14 2005 : 3:41:10 PM
Living near the Gulf Coast, but unaffected by Katrina, we've been thinking also - my husband just had a birthday and Mom asked what to get him. I said "batteries!" She went above and beyond - a Sam's Club pack of "D" batteries AND a portable radio/flashlight/weather band. My sister gave him a gift certificate to Academy, because I told her we wanted to get prepared - we'll get a generator. Already have a Coleman stove and lots of camping equip. I started a list last week to get organized with what we need to be prepared. Will arrange a big plastic box for the car like someone mentioned, all ready to go. Thanks for all the ideas - |
| sqrl |
Posted - Sep 14 2005 : 2:31:53 PM
I am SO not prepared! I have extra blankets in the car, but thats it. I SO need to work on this. We don't buy any prepare foods like canned foods so I don't even think about it. But MJF foods are a good idea. I really need to do something about this, ya know.
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com www.sisterhood.sqrlbee.com
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| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Sep 14 2005 : 11:58:26 AM
It is a place where you can get (or bring your own to can up) cans (#1 size..about a gallon) of dry things like flour, beans, sugar, rice, oatmeal and like that..staples for food storage. The one here in town is run by the church (LDS) but anyone can come and purchase from them. I usually just buy what they have there..there is a good selection and the prices are really good too..but wanted to get those beans ..a kind they don't have...canned up so I just bought the empty cans and lids and they canned them for me..with a machine that crimps the edges of the lid onto the big cans. I love it. REally good way to build up food storage..I figure that even if I am only able to afford a few cans of things when we have it every two weeks (it is run by volunteers and when you go you usually stay and help with everyones stuff that shows up for an hour or so, although you don't have to) every little bit helps. If you have any Mormon friends or neighbors they can either get you a list or take you to one I am sure. Most places have them if there is an LDS church nearby.
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things |
| bramble |
Posted - Sep 14 2005 : 11:31:56 AM
Jenny- What exactly is a dry pack cannery? I'm pretty sure we don't have any around here so please explain.
Nancy- You are so right about this recent disaster, I think it made everyone feel like they hadn't been prepared if it were to happen in their area. I went on line and looked at multiple sites and have been making a list to complete for us. I always thought because we were campers that we would stand a good chance but I am learning so much from what I am reading that I hadn't considered. I especially liked the thought you had about in being prepared we are better equippped to help others. So true and yet I think overlooked in this age of I can just go to the store and get that. You can't when the store is no longer there.
with a happy heart |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Sep 13 2005 : 6:01:04 PM
Went to the local dry pack cannery tonight and was amazed how many people were there...those who never even thought of preparedness before. It was good to see that one good thing at least came from disaster..people, even this far away are getting more prepared. I know it will fade..it always does, but if it even sticks witha few people it would be good. I worry so much about those who arn't prepared!
I took a 25 pound bag of anasazi beans and canned them in #10 cans (about gallon size) and bought a can of dried refried beans. I try to go every two weeks and at least get something. Last time it was oats and flour in cans and another time dried apples and sugar. I use and rotate it so I don't have to worry that it will all go bad.
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things |
| The Handmaiden |
Posted - Sep 13 2005 : 4:58:33 PM
OH MY!! Thank all of you for this important post!! I am so sorry to say I get an "F" in preparedness and I have elderly parents that will need to be taken care of too! Going to pass this info on to my children as well. I'm trying to figure out how I survived before I knew "farmgirls"...thanks again for looking out for all of us & sharing.... Knowledge is power!
"Faith shall finish all that Hope begins."
joan walsh anglund |
| Mumof3 |
Posted - Sep 12 2005 : 1:50:20 PM
Good for you Nancy for getting this information out there! We (who are LDS) have been counseled for years to gather a year's supply of food and necessities as well as preparing a "72-hour kit" for each member of the family. (Including pets!) It is clear from the outcome of Hurricane Katrina that it takes approximately 3 days (72 hours) for help to arrive. What a comfort to know that your family can survive for that length of time on the basics- Preparation is the best defense!
How about having a Family Night where each member of your family can help prepare kits and make a plan for evacuating your home for a safer area? The more involved everyone is, the less stress they will feel in an emergency.
The best part of having what you need? You are in a position to help others more freely. What a blessing that is.
Prepare away!! |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Sep 05 2005 : 6:44:51 PM
This is a great topic. I have a box of family photos, all of our important papers in a briefcase, water, canned foods and soups, water, ready to go into the car in a few minutes times. I keep it all together in the house throughout hurricane season. I need to get a small change of clothes and meds packed too. I love the idea of the plastic bin that can stay in the car. I also have a tool kit and first aid kit and flashlight in my trunk. Tomorrow, I am going to refine my preparedness. Thank you for starting this conversation!
jpbluesky |
| BlueApple |
Posted - Sep 05 2005 : 6:25:35 PM
Robin, I'm a visual learner...do you have a picture of the buddy burner? I read the instructions but am just lost, LOL!
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
| quiltedess |
Posted - Sep 05 2005 : 5:07:54 PM
I just found a new web site. Recommended by FlyLady . . . http://www.ready.gov/index.html . . . It looks really good. FlyLady also has a list that is good too. It's called 11 Points to Preparedness for Evacuation, it's a really good place to start and I can email it to anyone that's interested, I just can't post it on this forum without breaking the copyright rules. So, here's another plug for FlyLady :-)
Good Job Susan, you are better prepared in your car than I am. Jenny, the hardest part seems to be the upkeep doesn't it. It's easy to put all these things together and think you're done . . . but time flies, we recently went through our 72-hours kits and realized that most everything food related was out of date and needs to be replenished. Just got back from the grocery store with two cases of bottled water, on sale at Safeway for less than $4 for both cases. :-)
I LOVE the buddy burner idea. Thanks Robin.
Nancy
Nancy |
| ThymeForEweFarm |
Posted - Sep 05 2005 : 12:23:10 PM
http://thymeforewe.com/buddyburner.html
A buddy burner will get hot enough to boil water. They're simple to make and take little room in storage.
Robin
www.thymeforewe.com |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Sep 05 2005 : 10:28:28 AM
I agree Nancy..I keep a rubbermaid tub of emergency stuff in the car too...although it is due to be restocked and checked..and we have 72 hour kits for each member of the family and food storage (Mormon too) and feel like we are pretty well prepared all but water!! I just feel like that is something I really really need to work on. Pet food I havn't stocked up on, but in an emergency I know my pets could eat people food and we have ample supplies of that. But water...real important to store. I love the provident living website..lots of good info.
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things |
| TheSoapMaven |
Posted - Sep 05 2005 : 08:38:02 AM
Good and timely topic Nancy. We always have extra water. We have the largest rubbermaid containter that will fit in the back of my car filled with canned food, utensils, can opener, over the countrer meds, bandages etc , flashlights, batteries, toothbrushes etc. On top of it is extra blankets, etc in case we had to leave suddenly. I always have a 2 large backpacks filled with an extra suit of clothes for each of us. Everything is tagged. My kids carry photo ids even thought they are still school age and dont have drivers licenses. I know there is much I have not thought of...going to the website you suggested.
Susan
Proprietress of Dahlem's Soapworks http://www.thesoapmaven.com
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