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Off the Grid/Homesteading Skills:  Prepper/Survivalist Tips  |
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ModernishHomemaker
True Blue Farmgirl
58 Posts
Amy
Colorado
USA
58 Posts |
 Posted - May 22 2012 : 5:47:27 PM
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I love Doomsday Preppers. Some of those families are truly impressive (others a little nuts). Definitely inspire me.
Anyone read Life As We Knew It? It is a YA book about a global disaster, and is what first got me thinking about making sure I have some preps set aside. It's hard as a grad student in a rental house that I know I'll be moving out of in just a month though . . . can't wait to get a full-time gig somewhere I can settle down for a while.
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I'm just a 20-something girl making a home for me (and my dog) and waiting for the family to fill it!
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modernishhomemaker.blogspot.com |
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2012 : 06:10:05 AM
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Lots of good info here! Never knew about some of the stuff, good to keep in the back of the mind :) I keep what I can and since I am an on going canner and "old school enthusiast" We shouldn't have too much of a problem if something does happen. If my ancestors could live of this land, then by all means my little family should be able too as well. I've been studying local forages, learning not just to grow my own food but also seek out what God's creation supplies naturally for us from the land. It's incredibly interesting and also has helped me learn more about living off the seasons and stock piling enough food for the family over the winter. It's sure an adventure finding creative ways to live off the land from the land and also as frugally as possible. My husband and I would love to live off the grid completely some day, mainly for the adventure of it all and because we can, not necessarily because we want to stick it to big business. One of my biggest desires is for a hand pump well someday. A spring room wouldn't be that bad either but for now I will keep my dreams simple and easier to achieve. So, until we actually buy our own land we will continue to be as frugal as possible, living as independent as possible and learning all we can from others so once we actually get there we will have a good game plan and the idea is that it will be easier for us to get off the grid by learning from others plans (sorry to say, also their mistakes but I'm sure we will make plenty of our own too!) so that way it can possibly happen quicker! So excited for that someday to be here but for now, I'm workin' and learnin' away!
Mothers are those wonderful people who can get up in the morning before the smell of coffee. ~Author Unknown
http://countryrenaissance.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunflowersAndHoney |
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knead2garden
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Ashley
Spring City
TN
USA
359 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2012 : 6:01:28 PM
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So happy to find some farm girls with the same ideas! It is always great to be prepared.
One thing my husband and I discused is be careful who you tell about prepping. If it ever hits the fan, everyone will know that you are prepared and head in your direction. I know I could not turn away hungry people. With things going the way they are it is best to be safe.
Also, consider what way you would filter your water. We just bought a Crown Berkey (holds 6 gallons). It can filter pretty bad water into drinkable water. It does not use any electricity which is a major plus...just another idea to throw out there.
Thanks again for all the tips!
~Ashley
#1677
"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught." -Baba Dioum |
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Madelena
True Blue Farmgirl
1919 Posts
Mary
Central
TX
USA
1919 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2012 : 5:41:11 PM
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| My hubby says "why bother?" If we are in a disaster situation, think New Orleans.. rioters and looters will just take everything anyway. Just WHERE and HOW, can one safe-guard the things they put away for a disaster (Mother Nature/Manmade). After all, NOrleans was not a long crisis.. but people have a Lord of the Flies mentality when they are under pressure - and we saw it on TV.. they seemed to be having getting "free" stuff (after all, how were they going to watch all those stolen TVs without electricity???) |
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Madelena
True Blue Farmgirl
1919 Posts
Mary
Central
TX
USA
1919 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2012 : 6:50:20 PM
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Hi again. I just read all the way through the older posts. This is a really fun forum !! I had a relative who was interested in the Mormon church a few years back, so I helped him do research on it and found some food great storage ideas! After all, LDS have taught members to store upto a years supply of food (for their emergency needs, or friends or families). I was really impressed.
I had to laugh at some of the places food could be stored -- make an end table out of boxes and cover with table cloth. Uses boxes of food storage made the size of a twin size bed / add foam mattress, skirt, quilts, spread, etc. = A bed ! Get thick foam in case the grand kiddos spend the night LOL !
Seriouly though, I was very impressed. Also learned how to make a solar oven, 72 hour kits, and all about flour grinders, water purifiers, etc. A whole church (11 million people) are interested in food storage and preparation so they don't have to rely on the government (bet they're are on that watch list too !)
How can FEMA on one hand tell us to stock up to 8 weeks of food in our pantry, and another government agencies think we are anarchists because listen to FEMA? Do these people not talk to each other?
My elderly mom had a large chest size freezer in her kitchen FILLED, and a huge pantry (think 20 feet long, 8 feet high and 2 feet deep off the kitchen) STOCKED FLOOR TO CEILING with food. When she was snowed in for the winter (one year for almost 3 months -- she didn't have to worry about food for her and dad.
I like the company BEPREPARED.COM (Emergency Essentials).. they sell large and small cans of dehydrated or freeze dried foods that have upto 30 years shelf life. Also the white food grade (important) buckets and the snazzy lids, as well as the Mylar liners.
A REALLY GOOD SITE IS THE MOMORNS AT: LDS.org --- click on it and then follow these instructions....
Go to the bottom left of the page and click on PROVIDENT LIVING.
When that page opens us, go to the left side of the page and click on BECOMING SELF SUFFICIENT.
When that page opens up, go to the left side of the page and click on EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
When that page opens up, go to the left side of the page and click on HOME STORAGE.
When that page opens up.. go to the bottom Middle of the page and click on LONG TERM FOOD SUPPLY
You can also order from "store.LDS.com" and don't have to be a member of the Church. The prices are pretty good and the food stuff is all top grade. My DH and I visited Salt Lake City last summer and I spent 2 weeks doing genealogy research there. GREAT facility!! Anyway, I got to tour the WELFARE SQUARE where foods are canned for church welfare usage -- The church does have canneries around the country, and you MIGHT be able to go to one with a church member -- one can buy stuff in bulk their and they teach you how to use the canning equipment.
AND.,.. did you know that it was impossible to order Mountain Home freeze dried food this summer because the US Government was buying it all up and stock-piling it for the potential of a major earthquake along the San Madrid fault line (the midwest). That's the one that rerouted the Mississippi River in the past after a major quake. "A DAMAGING EARTHQUAKE in this AREA, 6.0 or greater, occur about every 80 years (the last one in 1895). The results would cause serious damage to schools and masonry buildings from Memphis to St Louis"-- from the St. Charles, Mo Division of Emergency Management]
Well gals.. let's here some more great ideas.. I used to tell my kids that OURS (the older baby boomers) was the "last good generation" -- we were resonably safe in our homes and on the streets. We had real freedom, and the good guys in the white hats did their jobs honorably. We had healthy, untainted food supplies, and people weren't afraid to help strangers or even go to bed with their houses unlocked. Now-- time as a way of changing things. And the world is not so safe, our foods are not so pure, we have several locks on our door (and an alarm system, a dog with big teeth, and 911 on speed dial), and all is night right with the world.
I pray that you and yours are safe tonight.. and find peace and contentment.
Mary Madelena
FG 3153 |
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alterationsbyemily
True Blue Farmgirl
686 Posts
Emily
Thomasville
PA
USA
686 Posts |
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FarmDream
True Blue Farmgirl
1085 Posts
Julie
TX
USA
1085 Posts |
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Room To Grow
True Blue Farmgirl
974 Posts
Deborah
Kingston
Georgia
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Jul 18 2012 : 7:18:22 PM
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Emily, Thanks for the link. I have been reading it most of the night.
Deborah
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
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desperadosdream
True Blue Farmgirl
197 Posts
Malena
Versailles
Indiana
USA
197 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2012 : 09:06:13 AM
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Dry canning is an awesome way to preserve bulk and food bought cheaper when its closer to its shelf date. It extends the shelf life to virtually forever and keeps it from moisture, pests or other mishaps. Any dry goods can be done using this method...cake mixes, pastas and grains, flour or cornmeal etc. Quick,easy and you have more control over what you have available during times of need (organic vs processed) etc.
Have a great day!
M |
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Madelena
True Blue Farmgirl
1919 Posts
Mary
Central
TX
USA
1919 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2012 : 4:58:17 PM
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WHAT IS DRY CANNING AND HOW IS IT DONE???
"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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Marylyn
True Blue Farmgirl
316 Posts
Marylyn
Ellsinore
MO
USA
316 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2012 : 10:02:43 PM
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I am not sure what Malena was referring to, but I can dry food in the oven...called oven canning...fill jars with dry goods, set in low oven for a few hours and cap...listen for the pop....will stay good for years!
With food prices skyrocketing I plan to start stock piling lots of dry goods!
Love,
Auntie M
Farmgirl # 4062
That which does not kill me, only serves to make me stronger!...unknown to me. |
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AnnieinIdaho
True Blue Farmgirl
437 Posts
Annie
ID
USA
437 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2012 : 10:57:06 PM
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Hi Auntie M,
I am one of those people that need more specific and operational instructions. I love the idea of dry canning. You say fill the canning jars with the dry goods. How much head space do you leave? What temperature do you consider a "low" oven? Leave for a few hours...does that mean 3, 4, 5 hours? Then do you put the lids on when you take the jars out of the oven and they are warm or do you let them cool? You can tell this is new for me! But I love the idea, because I store organic cornmeal ground from a grist mill in my freezer, but would love to be able to shelf it. Any tips are greatly appreciated.
Annie
Farmgirl sister #3655
"The turnings of life seldom show a sign-post; or rather, though the sign is always there, it is usually placed some distance back, like the notices that give warning of a bad hill or a level railway-crossing." Edith Wharton, 1913 from 'The Custom of the Country'. |
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Marylyn
True Blue Farmgirl
316 Posts
Marylyn
Ellsinore
MO
USA
316 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2012 : 05:11:16 AM
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Annette, of course, I am the same way. I subscribe to a magazine called countryside and they talk about oven canning all the time. Finally, upon demand they reprinted the original article by Lil Roberts from Manteca, CA....I won't quote te article but will retell it in my own words....
Fill 1/2 gallon, quarts, and pints jars with dry goods...place in a pre-heated 200 degree oven...fill the oven up with your jars...after one hour remove the first jar and cap it tightly, set it on a towel lined counter to cool...the lids will heat quickly and as they cool they will pop. Continue emptying the oven...CAUTION, jars are extremely hot, so be sure and use a good gripping oven proof material to remove them from the oven.
Again, this method is not safe for canning vegetables, jellies...use regular canning methods for those. This is for DRY goods only...flour, dried beans, cornmeal, oatmeal. Dry cereal (not sugar coated). Now dehydrated veggies can also be oven canned.
Happy prepping, everyone...gotta run and purchase dry goods before the price skyrockets!!!
Love,
Auntie M
Farmgirl # 4062
That which does not kill me, only serves to make me stronger!...unknown to me. |
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AnnieinIdaho
True Blue Farmgirl
437 Posts
Annie
ID
USA
437 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2012 : 10:21:38 AM
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Thank you so much Auntie M. This is so useful! One more question..can you dry oven can pasta products like the elbow macaroni, bowties, etc.?
Annie
"The turnings of life seldom show a sign-post; or rather, though the sign is always there, it is usually placed some distance back, like the notices that give warning of a bad hill or a level railway-crossing." Edith Wharton, 1913 from 'The Custom of the Country'. |
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Marylyn
True Blue Farmgirl
316 Posts
Marylyn
Ellsinore
MO
USA
316 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2012 : 12:03:44 PM
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Yes, you can....and the rumor is that your dry oven canned goods will last for years!!!
Love,
Auntie M
Farmgirl # 4062
That which does not kill me, only serves to make me stronger!...unknown to me. |
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AnnieinIdaho
True Blue Farmgirl
437 Posts
Annie
ID
USA
437 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2012 : 12:29:24 PM
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Oh my, Thank you so much Auntie M! This is the best tip I have had all year...other than some of the amazing reading and magazines mentioned by the farmgirls.
I am oven canning as I write this.
Yeah!
Annie
"The turnings of life seldom show a sign-post; or rather, though the sign is always there, it is usually placed some distance back, like the notices that give warning of a bad hill or a level railway-crossing." Edith Wharton, 1913 from 'The Custom of the Country'. |
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Marylyn
True Blue Farmgirl
316 Posts
Marylyn
Ellsinore
MO
USA
316 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2012 : 2:54:12 PM
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You go, Farmgirl! I just got home from purchasing 25 lbs of flour,25 lbs do cornmeal, 25 lbs of dried beans, macaroni, oats, and some egg noodles....let the canning begin!!!!
Love,
Auntie M
Farmgirl # 4062
That which does not kill me, only serves to make me stronger!...unknown to me. |
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Room To Grow
True Blue Farmgirl
974 Posts
Deborah
Kingston
Georgia
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2012 : 5:24:10 PM
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Marylyn Same here I am going to get as much as I can with what we have...
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
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Marylyn
True Blue Farmgirl
316 Posts
Marylyn
Ellsinore
MO
USA
316 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2012 : 6:19:46 PM
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I have oven canned a total of 75 lbs of dry goods this week! My kitchen sounded like popcorn was popping this morning as the lids were sealing...I giggled to myself!!!! I've got pasta and Oats yet to do.
Love,
Auntie M
Farmgirl # 4062
That which does not kill me, only serves to make me stronger!...unknown to me. |
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emsmommy5
True Blue Farmgirl
1547 Posts
Angie
Buckley
WA
USA
1547 Posts |
Posted - Aug 04 2012 : 08:57:41 AM
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Have any of you tried dry canning in recycled jars? Think pickle jars from the store.
My canning jars are always rotating through the system with "wet" food. I just put up 49 jars of tuna yesterday. Anyway- I don't have canning jars to spare for dry canning. Just wondering how else you have overcome the jar shortage issue. Right now all my bulk is either in 50# bags or buckets.
Do what you love, love what you do. |
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AnnieinIdaho
True Blue Farmgirl
437 Posts
Annie
ID
USA
437 Posts |
Posted - Aug 04 2012 : 1:11:24 PM
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Hi...I am new at canning, but in a recent web surfing on that very question I came across a comment that remarked that the glass in other jars not produced by American Canning Co in the U.S. (They make Ball, Kerr and Homestead Canning jars) is not nearly as strong as in the true mason jars designed for canning and the glass can crack or break. Many people use the jars of their empty Classico Spagetti Sauce jars because the canning lids fit that jar. That is all I know. Perhaps a few more responses will post for you to make an informed decision.
Way to go in all your canning!
Annie
"The turnings of life seldom show a sign-post; or rather, though the sign is always there, it is usually placed some distance back, like the notices that give warning of a bad hill or a level railway-crossing." Edith Wharton, 1913 from 'The Custom of the Country'. |
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Marylyn
True Blue Farmgirl
316 Posts
Marylyn
Ellsinore
MO
USA
316 Posts |
Posted - Aug 04 2012 : 1:59:43 PM
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I remember my grandmother always recycled jars for canning...any jar that came in the house was used for canning! I get my jars from yard sales, estate sales, from friends, and I buy a few dozen every year....
Love,
Auntie M
Farmgirl # 4062
That which does not kill me, only serves to make me stronger!...unknown to me. |
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Lanna
True Blue Farmgirl
330 Posts
Lanna
A little town in Idaho
330 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2012 : 11:35:00 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by naturemaiden
i am preparing to start building my pantry and putting aside food for an emergency as well. do you girls have any tips for starting?
Start small. 72-hour kits for every person in your household. Then a week's worth of food in the house. Then a car emergency kit. Then a month's worth of food in the house. And so on.
Second tidbit? Eat what you store. A #10 can of dehydrated butter won't do you any good if you don't know how to use it or your family refuses to eat anything with it.
Oven canning... sounds like a lot of time/effort/work. I'm lazy, and have just repackaged foods with fresh oxygen absorbers (if at all). If you have dry goods/food and get your good seal and no/little oxygen in there, you should be golden.
That said, again, I'm lazy. So I have a tendency to push the boundaries of storage time/method... I've had flour and brown rice and some other stuff like that in 3.5-5-gallon bakery buckets (washed out thoroughly, and some with gamma seal lids) last much, much longer than 'safe' recommendations say. Granted, it's stored in my dry, steady temperature basement, but still.
I definitely reuse all the glass that comes through my house if I can. Or any 'disposable' jar... like the ones you get marinated artichokes or roasted peppers in or whatever. We wash everything off, get the labels and goo off, and I use them for dehydrated goodies or seed saving storage.
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Lanna, homeschooling mama to four little monkeys that still try to jump on the bed |
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desperadosdream
True Blue Farmgirl
197 Posts
Malena
Versailles
Indiana
USA
197 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2012 : 10:47:43 PM
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An idea for you gals. I have a friend whose uncle was in the concrete business making septic tanks. When she and her husband built their home they purchased a new concrete septic tank from her uncle had it set on its side and covered it with a mound of earth all but the top opening, then they laid up a concrete block "front" wall and put in a door frame and steel door with no glass. It made a very nice cool and dark place to use for storage of any number of things or as a storm shelter. They put shelves inside for their canned goods etc and voila. They had a safe place for their goodies to hang out but they were easily accessible.
My husband thinks all the preppers are laughable for going to such extremes but I am not of the same mind in many regards. While I am not worried about the world ending or zombies coming to devour my family, I do think that anyone not open-minded enough to consider some very difficult times in our not so distant future (no matter the nature of those hard times) will find themselves in very serious circumstances. Kudos to all of us gals from doing the job of thinking ahead and preparing to go right on taking care of our loved despite in times of hardship despite the naysayers. I love reading everyones thoughts and ideas because while we may not all prepare in the same exact ways at least we are making an honest attempt to be proactive in our futures.
Malena |
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Lanna
True Blue Farmgirl
330 Posts
Lanna
A little town in Idaho
330 Posts |
Posted - Aug 28 2012 : 12:03:53 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by desperadosdream
An idea for you gals. I have a friend whose uncle was in the concrete business making septic tanks. When she and her husband built their home they purchased a new concrete septic tank from her uncle had it set on its side and covered it with a mound of earth all but the top opening, then they laid up a concrete block "front" wall and put in a door frame and steel door with no glass. It made a very nice cool and dark place to use for storage of any number of things or as a storm shelter. They put shelves inside for their canned goods etc and voila. They had a safe place for their goodies to hang out but they were easily accessible.
Cool! I saw a man in the same general area as me turn an unfinished boat (you know, one with a cabin/door/windows, that kind of thing) into a root cellar. So. darned. cool. It's been underground for 1-2 years already, and doing splendid. Talk about an almost instant root cellar, without the pesky bricks and such. :D
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Lanna, homeschooling mama to four little monkeys that still try to jump on the bed |
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Off the Grid/Homesteading Skills: Prepper/Survivalist Tips |
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Prepper/Survivalist Tips
