Week 27

I’ve seen people evacuating and know those of us who are preparing would know what to grab and how to evacuate with fewer regrets. If you have not already completed your household inventory make that your goal this week and get it checked off your list. It is one of the most important things you can do. If you were to lose your home an inventory can save you time, money and regrets. In most cases if you fail to list an item as being lost with the insurance company, it is too late later to be reimbursed for the items.

1. This week we are going to begin our Car Kits. For those of you who commute these are essential. It does not take an extreme natural disaster for you to break into your kits. Can you imagine being stuck in the car for many hours do to a road closure or accident?! Wouldn’t it be nice to have something to eat and drink, something to provide a little light, or a whistle to attract help if you should have a health emergency. When traveling long distances, a Car Kit can be a real life saver. If you need to put on tire chains a bright orange vest may save your life as people can see you from a distance. Mylar blankets can protect you from the desert sun and provide warmth during a snow storm. This week find an old back pack or purchase one so you are ready to begin adding items next week. A child’s backpack is the perfect size for a car kit.

2. Add a hammer to your Grab and Go Kit

3. Practice starting a fire with items that you may have on hand if you are stranded on the road. Use a pair of eye glasses to light the fire. Collect some pine needles, dried leaves or small sticks and use them as kindling. Try starting a fire using a battery and steel wool. Get a 9 volt battery and a small piece of steel wool. Wrap the steel wool in a little paper, TP, tissue or other flammable material. Leave a little of the steel wool exposed. Gently rub the steel wool against the battery connection. This will cause sparks so be careful. Blow to increase the flames and drop onto your prepared kindling. Gently blow to keep the fire going until the kindling catches.

4. Learn a new skill. Ask a friend to teach you to can or make freezer jam. Learn to change a tire. Invite a friend to teach your family to build that fire if it is all a mystery to you. Take a CPR class. Learn to sew, or jump your car battery.

5. Add a cooking pot to your Grab bag. A Dutch Oven is nice because they are so versatile, they hold a lot, you can use them directly in a fire and they can take lots of abuse.

6. Purchase milk for your food storage.

7. Practice your new skill.