| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| FarmDream |
Posted - Oct 30 2011 : 7:49:56 PM
I saw a couple of mentions in other posts about survivalists. Thought it might be fun to list info, how-to's, and links.
Survivalists are often called "Preppers" for their interest in being prepared in case disaster strikes. Did you know the number of preppers has been rising since Hurricane Katrina? Some preppers have supplies for a few days, some for a week or two, and some for up to a year. Some preppers are prepared for storms and some preppers are considered to have gone off the deep end because they are prepared against martial law and/or the zombie apocalypse.
Lots of topics on MJF are useful for preppers including MaryJane's food. In fact, the whole merit badge system can be used as a tool to learn the skill set needed for life in a prepper situation.
Right now I'm working on my supplies and feel confident my family would be ok for 2 weeks without help from the outside world? How about you?
I'll be posting some links and more info as I come across them. I look forward to hearing everyone else's tips.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Sep 13 2013 : 05:13:17 AM
I now keep clotheslines in storage. One came in use yesterday when my clothesline broke. It's just something folks might not think about (considering power could be out if a disaster did strike).
Farmgirl Sister #800
My Life: http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
Recycle Ideas: http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
Our Family Store: http://roosterscrowfarm.blogspot.com/
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| Madelena |
Posted - Mar 21 2013 : 07:26:37 AM
TYPES OF EMERGENCIES..for pets and you ! Think these through and remember Murphy's Law...
EVACUATE.. consider the following:
-- What to assemble in advance
-- Will you likely be at a shelter?
--- Are their friends/relatives that could board you and your pets?
-- What about motels/ hotels out of the danger zone?
-- Boarding your pet at a safe Kennel or Vet Hospital (you and how many other people???)
BUDDY SYSTEM
-- work with friends and neighbors to make sure someone can help evacuate your pet if you can't
(we go on vacation and get a cousin to visit, feed and pet kitty.) Have Pets EMERGENCY KIT available (and crate) if someone else has to rescue him and keep or have him boarded.
-- ASK YOUR VET MICRO CHIP YOUR PETS.. Maybe your Vet will give a discount if you have several to do.
-- Research LOCAL HUMANE SOCIETIES, ASPCA, ETC. in case you and your pet are separated.. Have phone number of places he might show up.
-- Use "PET INSIDE STICKERS" on your windows.. whether at your home or in your camper.. This lets rescuers know ! - "EVACUATED WITH PETS" sign.. if time permits.. put in your window.
-- VACATION/TRIPS.. what if you are on out of town only to return and find out you cannot enter your neighborhood or community.. What would you do next?
RECENT EVENTS TO CONSIDER...
--STORMS ---Tornadoes, flooding, snow storms - What can happen in your area?
--POWER OUTAGES.. MAYBE DAYS MAYBE WEEKS if you are housebound. How much food for 2 weeks? Four? WATER ?
-- CHEMICAL SPILLS/LEAKS ... trains, trucks, plants -- What is the community plan?
-- WILD FIRES... can happen in a suburban neighborhood too! Time to leave might be very short
-- THE UNTHINKABLE... 911 ? Live near a big city or military base. Are you a target. Will you need to shelter in. Or do you and the other 1 million people want "to get out of Dodge?"
I guess whether you have a pet of not.. The unthinkable, no matter what it may be, needs to be considered. My hubby thinks we'll just be fine and all the ATMs will work, etc.
My Motto: Prepare for the worse and it will never happen. If it does, you're ready."
"There is no unbelief: Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see it push away the clod, he trusts in God." (Kate Douglas Wiggin) |
| Madelena |
Posted - Mar 21 2013 : 06:54:35 AM
PET OWNERS.. EMERGENCY PREPARATION IDEAS --
1. TAGS ON DOGS/CAT COLLAR with your name and contact phone number. Or on Cat Carrier if Cat doesn't wear a collar MAKE SURE RABIES TAG IS THERE TOO!
2. COLLARS/HARNESS AND LEASHES - Crates -- especially for cats!
3. Muzzles.. Yes, even your sweet Baby can get stressed when frightened. Might never use it, but in close quarters with other dogs.. well
4. MEDICATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS AND ANY OVER THE COUNTER MEDS YOUR ANIMALS NORMALLY USE
5. RECORDS -- VACCINATION !!! Especially Rabbies. Health history, etc -- store in waterproof PLASTIC bag -- Make sure your dog is vaccinated for KENNEL COUGH..
ANY OTHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS YOU CAN THINK OF?
6. FOOD.. pets favorite food (not 72 hours -- more like 2 weeks -- FOR YOU TOO )
7. WATER.. LOTS AND LOTS Think hours in a traffic jam in 100 degree summer heat! Unsanitary conditions, etc.
8. BEDDING.. dog beds, blankets, Coat and/or raincoat for your dog--mine HATES rain and wet.
9. FIRST AID KIT .. think hydrogen peroxide, liquid bandage (small cuts/scrapes), bandage rolls, tapes, latex gloves, saline solution, antibiotic creme-- BASICALLY WHAT YOU MIGHT USE...
10. FAVORITE TOY OR TREAT.. yes.. they will be stress and need a little loving
11. PICTURE OF YOUR DOG WITH YOU.. HAVE SEVERAL YOU CARRY. IF YOU ARE SEPARATED AND HAVE TO RECLAIM YOUR PET.. OR LOOK FOR A LOST DOG/CAT -- IT WILL HELP TO IDENTIFY THEM.
12. CHIP YOUR ANIMAL !!! COST ABOUT $50 -- ANY VET AND MANY ANIMAL SHELTERS CAN SCAN IT.
Other types of pets.. adapt this to fit. Store the BASICS in a way they are easy to grab.. You might only have time to grab BASICS: wallet/purse and Meds, etc, when the Evac People are at the door -- Or less time if you are sheltering from a tornado. Packing your BackPack or Plastic Covered Buckets that you can grab last minute is the way to go.
"There is no unbelief: Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see it push away the clod, he trusts in God." (Kate Douglas Wiggin) |
| jenne.f |
Posted - Mar 21 2013 : 05:09:55 AM
I love the comments here and all the good sense and good recommendations. I would like to get a dehydrator. Can anyone recommend a good reasonably priced
dehydrator for home use? Not a common practice in this area. Also, most
here also seem to have the mindset that if hard times comes, someone else, the gov't or others will take care of my needs. I am also amazed at the low inventory at food stores. Does anyone else notice that in their area?
~blessings~
Jenne
Farmgirl #4616
Let all that you do, be done in love. I Corinthians 16:14 |
| Madelena |
Posted - Mar 20 2013 : 02:12:38 AM
Hi Rachael.. Just try to stay away from Google Earth. If a satelite can read the name tag on your shirt.. then we have much too much "nosy" in our world today.
I am not LDS, but I like the adage (Poorly paraphrased, I'm afraid... "if a man would eat, then he should work"... Too many people want something for nothing these days.. which is why the world economies are on respirators. Maybe us farm girls should have their own country... LOL.... we would show them how to get things done !!
We visit the Rio Grande Valley in Texas each year.. and talk about industrious !! Many people are self employed and do two or three things to earn money. Handymen? Work done around the house by individuals or entrenural companies.. outstanding. I miss it when I get back to Central Texas.
My Mom used to say.. A job well done is it's own reward... howcome I quote my Mom a lot these days. hmmm
"There is no unbelief: Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see it push away the clod, he trusts in God." (Kate Douglas Wiggin) |
| rksmith |
Posted - Mar 19 2013 : 4:35:34 PM
The foxfire books are great resources--I have 1 book and have read another online. Amazon had some a little while back a few dollars cheaper than ordering from the Foxfire foundation (can't remember if that's exactly right or not, but anyway the group that publishes those books). Pet preparedness is something that you don't hear too much about, but is certainly important. I'd love to read those recommendations when you have time to post them.
People where I work know that I farm and preserve, etc and they are always asking me why I do this--my family has ALWAYS put food and supplies up for hard times, it is just what you do when you have extra you save it (especially when you're poor and can't "afford" to waste anything). I've asked them about preparing for hard times, they just laugh and say they'll come to my house. 1) good luck finding my house (I don't show up on gps, it'll get you close but not quite there) 2) why does anyone think that just because I know you I will automatically take you in and just give you what I've worked and sacrificed for? I would never rob from another but heaven help someone who thinks they'll just come and help themselves to the fruits of my labor!
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one's own self being fully realised-- His Holiness the Dali Lama
www.madameapothecary.com |
| Madelena |
Posted - Mar 19 2013 : 3:59:33 PM
We have a rescue Greythound (that's what we call these dogs). A recent GH magazine arrived all about pet preparedness. IT talked about how Sandy, the wild fires, and tornados affected our pets. Suggestions of how to prepare for their care and feeding during a disaster or having to leave one's home are discussed.
I will read some of the articles and post what is recommended for various situation end of week.
Oh.. one Prepper asked his neighbor what he would do in a disaster since he was not preparing. He simply said he would get a gun and take food and stuff away from his Amish neighbors. Remember New Orleans. People are "less friendly" and seem to forget their values during such times.
"There is no unbelief: Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see it push away the clod, he trusts in God." (Kate Douglas Wiggin) |
| jenne.f |
Posted - Mar 19 2013 : 04:55:33 AM
Hi Antb,
I had several Foxfire books when they first came out.
I got out of my teens and took on a tradtition life and got rid of
them. Now, I am back on course with my real values and I tried to
replace the books. I have found them, but they are not cheap! So I am still
looking.
~blessings~
Jenne
Farmgirl #4616
Let all that you do, be done in love. I Corinthians 16:14 |
| Antb |
Posted - Mar 18 2013 : 7:04:26 PM
This has been a fascinating read. Have any of you read the Firefox books?
"In the late 1960s, Eliot Wigginton and his students created the magazine Foxfire in an effort to record and preserve the traditional folk culture of the Southern Appalachians. This is the original book compilation of Foxfire material which introduces Aunt Arie and her contemporaries and includes log cabin building, hog dressing, snake lore, mountain crafts and food, and "other affairs of plain living."
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SecondChanceCeramics
http://www.etsy.com/shop/AntB
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| neeter302 |
Posted - Jan 25 2013 : 10:32:47 AM
Thanks Angie, I've already viewed and bookmarked the website and it looks very promising.. I'm very interested. Talking to DH about it tonight. Extremely valuable knowledge for the times to come.
Farmgirl #522
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| emsmommy5 |
Posted - Jan 23 2013 : 07:56:13 AM
Anita.... Checkout Vintage Remedies. It is an online/correspondence certification program. That is where I am doing my schooling through. If you have questions about it, email and I will fill you in.
Do what you love, love what you do. |
| mountain mama |
Posted - Jan 23 2013 : 05:48:07 AM
Angie you are definitely right about the currency you can not eat gold or silver and it will not keep your family warm and safe. Congratulations for working on a degree. It will be very useful in the future.
All of these discussions are wonderful it is nice to here that there are individuals who still have some thinking capabilities and are willing to learn new things.
Marilyn
Farmgirl #408
Stress relief: go fishing, play in the dirt. go on a road trip, talk to a farmgirl. |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Jan 22 2013 : 7:33:58 PM
Yes ma'am, I hear that Angie ! We just keep getting books and researching online and figure it out. Hopefully someday we'll have people with common interests that we can work with as a group. I feel there's nothing we can't do if we put our minds and hearts into it and like you just keep educating ourselves and moving forward. Not living in fear, just thinking ahead for what may come. The more skilled you are the more confident you can be in times of hardship. I'll definitely check into the Patriots book. How exciting becoming an herbalist, if only we had classes near here, oh my gosh I would LOVE that! Good for you!
Farmgirl #522
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| emsmommy5 |
Posted - Jan 21 2013 : 11:43:38 AM
I am working really hard to not "waste." If we don't eat it then it goes to the chickens or the compost. I save all the plastic containers with lids to reuse in the freezer or for lunch containers.
My daughter loves it when they get leftovers or take out from the restaurants that give "free tupperware."
I try very hard to live by the adage of using it up, putting it up, fixing it up, etc. I firmly believe that the greatest "prep" we can do is learn skills. Should things go south... and I am currently reading 'Patriots' which is a bit overwhelming, even for me- who has been a provident living proponent forever, anyway... should things go south- I believe the "currency" of the day will not be gold and silver, it will be skills and talents.
I am currently working towards a master herbalist certification to round out my "healer" skills. I sew, crochet, create, can, build, etc. And what I don't currently know how to do.... I have been amassing a homesteaders library so I can figure it out!
Do what you love, love what you do. |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Jan 21 2013 : 05:15:50 AM
Angie that's a great idea. When I was growing up it was a sin to waste anything. I've since grown very far away from my upbringing and trying to get back to some of the principles I was taught. I feel it's time to get back to the old "waste not, want not" attitudes we use to have.
Farmgirl #522
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| emsmommy5 |
Posted - Jan 18 2013 : 09:03:59 AM
Thanks for the resource! My dehydrater is running most of the time. I love the compact, easy storage of dehydrated vegetables. I am an avid canner, but the dried stuff is quite handy.
I started a veggie powder jar. Anything I have that's "left over" the last bit of celery, vegetables we aren't going to get too, peppers, even lettuce- I dehydrate them, powder in the blender and then add to my jar. It's great seasoning in soups, casseroles, even on hamburger. You never know exactly what you are going to get, because it depends on what went in. Sometimes it's a little warmer than others if I had extra jalapenos. But then it mellows back out again. It's an ongoing jar.
Do what you love, love what you do. |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Jan 13 2013 : 3:34:54 PM
I've never been a big fan of dehydrating, mostly because I've been under the misconception the foods didn't taste so good. Boy was I mistaken, or well uneducated maybe. LOL. Anyway this very sweet lady totally changed my perception and now I'm a dehydrating nut. Watch her You Tube videos Dehydrate2Store, which for some reason are not on her website, but many other wonderful and helpful videos are. She made a believer out of me ! www.dehydrate2store.com
I'm amazed at all the things that can be dehydrated. Longer shelf life, lightweight,can be stored/packaged in numerous ways, more versatile than canning, preserves vitamins and enzymes, possibilities are endless, check it out my sisters if you don't already dehydrate.
Farmgirl #522
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| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Jan 13 2013 : 07:43:30 AM
When you do a first aid kit look to the sales. I bought a several styles of boxes of band aids for $1 at the grocery one day. The clerk just looked at me and I pointed to the 10 month old and said, getting ready.
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| westfork woman |
Posted - Jan 11 2013 : 11:44:07 AM
One of our neighbors is into preparedness, and has been for a very long time. She presented to program at our Ladies club. She has a medium size soft sided suitcase, and a 5 gallon plastic bucket with a lid. Inside are everything you need to evacuate in case of emergency. All the usual things you would need, and nside the bucket is a portable toilet shelter thing from a camping store, and heavy plastic bags. Think how handy that would be if you were stranded in a traffic jam while evacuating. She joked you could even make money charging for its use.
Greetings from the morning side of the hill. |
| Woodswoman |
Posted - Jan 10 2013 : 5:44:32 PM
Hey ladies - I've just started reading more about prepping, and started to put together a small kit of "emergency supplies" that might come in handy in a portable bin.
As I looked around my house, I realized how many things I already own that would be helpful in an emergency - they were just scattered/hidden/buried, so I either forgot I had them, or wouldn't be able to find them.
For example - a "shake up" flashlight that doesn't need batteries that I was given years ago that still works, a swedish "fire starter" that my dad got my husband because he thought it was cool, and about 5 different swiss army pocket knives in different locations around the house.
There are still some things I would like to buy, but I was so excited that so many things really just needed to be organized and put in a central location. I'm going to keep working at it!
Jennifer
Farmgirl Sister #104
"Nature brings to every time and season some beauties of its own".
-Charles Dickens |
| Madelena |
Posted - Jan 02 2013 : 04:05:10 AM
Thanks Anita...
I thught I heard about something that could be done if this was ever a serious threat...
Please correct me if I am wrong...but I think I remember that a Faraday Cage insulates one against electric current.. Think about being in a car during a thunderstorm -- or if you accidentally drove over a downed electric wire after a storm.......just don't touch any metal.
\mj
"There is no unbelief: Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see it push away the clod, he trusts in God." (Kate Douglas Wiggin) |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Jan 01 2013 : 6:27:30 PM
Faraday cages can protect electronics from EMPs, you can build one any size you like and it's not difficult.
Just type how to make a faraday cage in your search engine and there are tons of easy and great ideas out there.
Farmgirl #522
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| Madelena |
Posted - Jan 01 2013 : 11:41:02 AM
ELECTROMAGETIC PULSE.. I think I got that right. What it does is interrupt electro-magnetic signals.
If an EMP device were put inside missle and launched against a nation, it would create this EMP effect it would stop everything that runs on electo-magnetic waves.. Think your microwave.. your radio/tv/computer/phones... your automobile.. the gas pumps...the ELECTRIC GRID !!
This is not a newly discovered phenomena.. It has been know about for ages. The Jericho tv drama was about the aftermath affects on the USA after an enemy attack with an EMP.
The EMP effect would not last forever, but could truly cripple a society for a period of time if it were done by an unfriendly nation or person.
NOW.. THE SUN.. the sun can send out waves can act like EMP in effect. When we have Solar Storms, we are sometimes advised that some communications may be disrupted temporarily.
In the mid 1890"s there was such a big solar storm, that the Aurora was seen in the southern USA and some telegraph wires exploded, it was said that telegraph machines that were disconnected from their wires were reported to be receiving messages (???)by picking up the solar EMP frequencies, etc.
Are we in any danger? The odds are probably slim that we would be the victim of an EMP attack. Countries can upgrade their Grids etc to overcome the affects.
We are more likely to be affected when a satelite that bounces signals goes out and our credit card doesn't work until the signal is rerouted to another satelite.. Or the East Coast Superstorm, the southern tornadic outbreaks or another major Hurricane.
It's just one more of those things like Y2K that companies/governments need to upgrade their systems to prevent. Prevent what you can.. Be Prepared for the rest. Good Girl Scout Motto...
Have a Great New Year !
MJ
"There is no unbelief: Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see it push away the clod, he trusts in God." (Kate Douglas Wiggin) |
| Joey |
Posted - Jan 01 2013 : 11:20:23 AM
EMP?? Sorry but I don't know what that stands for.I just prep for hurricanes so far, but I am pretty self sufficient and want to do more. This site has been most helpful. Joey
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
| Madelena |
Posted - Jan 01 2013 : 09:16:52 AM
RE: EMPs
I am not sure what we can do as individuals. I understand that the sun is planning some big solar flare ups within the year and this could create a "natural" (though self limiting) EMP effect.
My immediate concern is water (electric pumps), food (cooking devices), and communication with family (solar disruptions of cell phones, land lines, computers, etc).
At any rate, if there any solar disruptions were strong enough to create a negative impact, it might start a much needed conversation about this not-so-new threat if used by "unfriendlies".
I believe the old survival tv show "Jerico" started out with an EMP attack. Might want to review the first few episodes on line.
Thuoghts anyone?
"There is no unbelief: Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see it push away the clod, he trusts in God." (Kate Douglas Wiggin) |
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