Week 19

1. Add hand towels to all 72 hour kits. Hand towels take up much less room than a full size towel but are still adequate to dry off if you are fortunate enough to have water to bathe. They are also useful as compresses and even a diaper.

2. Add collars to your pet’s 72 hour kit(s).

3. Purchase a container of baking soda, baking powder, and cornstarch for your food storage.

4. Purchase the ingredients for 5 desserts.

5. Strap your water heater to the wall.

6. Add sewing kits to your 72 hour kits. You can add the small ones you receive during a hotel stay or just a spool of white and a spool of black thread and a few sewing needles.

7. Do a little more rearranging and make more room for your food storage or 72 hour kits.

… next week. It is another check our progress week and you are going to be astonished at all you have done! A few steps each week means huge results in a short period of time.

Week 18

Each week the news of emergencies seems to grow. I feel great when I look at my preparations and I hope you are feeling the same way. This week:

1. Add prescription eye glasses to all 72 hour kits, when appropriate. I have my old pair in mine but I also have a pair of magnifiers in my car.

2. Purchase or find a container to hold your pet’s 72 hour kit. This could be a back pack, messenger bag, or even a bucket with a lid.

3. Add biohazard bags, both large and small, to your 72 hour kits and also to your car kit. Biohazard bags are wonderful because they are red in color and say hazardous materials right on the side. You will want top use these to line a port-a-potty. It is easy to tell children the stuff in the red bag is dangerous so don’t touch it, keeping them safe. If you use a regular plastic garbage bag be sure you label it clearly and brightly so everyone can tell the difference between these bags and bags of trash or debris.

4. Sweeten things up! Add 10 pounds of white sugar, 2 pounds of brown sugar and 2 pounds of powdered sugar to your storage.

5. Add two gallons of water to your supply. You can fill bleach bottles, canning jars or other containers with a tight fitting lid or you can purchase water at the store.

6. Go over the Water Storage article . Study it and add it to your binder.

7. Add a one month supply of hand soap to your storage and a small bar to your 72 hour kits. This is one of the items you should have dated and if you did, you will know how many to purchase for a month.

We all need to be ready for whatever comes. I am amazed how many people have told me they are feeling a real need to prepare.
If you fail to plan you plan to fail! (Benjamin Franklin)

Week 17

This week we are going to spend a few days focusing on our other family members, our pets, as well as a few more odds and ends.

1. Purchase vitamins. You know what you normally use so stock up. This is easy as it will tell you right on the bottle how many days a bottle will last. If you have someone on other supplements make sure you include those also. Watch your newspaper ads as these are often on sale buy one get one free at Longs, Rite Aid and the like. During a time of stress our bodies need more nutrients and they may not be available in the form of foods so don’t ignore vitamins.

2. Purchase sun screen for your 72 hour kits. Sunscreen wipes are also available and will not leak in your kits.

3. Begin a 72 hour kit for your pets. Use an old backpack or even a box. This week, purchase food and water dishes. These can be any kind of a cheap plastic dish. Don’t get expensive ones.

4. Copy all of your pet’s immunization and other medical records. Add these to your 72 hour kit and also place a copy in the envelope to mail to your out of state contact.

5. Copy your will and any wills for family members such as parents. You know what to do with them, same as always.

6. Purchase one bottle of 100% juice for each family member. These will not only count as a fruit in your 3 month storage plan but also as water storage when you calculate the amount of water you need to store for each person. Any juice will count as water but only 100% juice will count as fruit so buy the good stuff. Soda and alcohol will dehydrate you so they never count as anything!

7. Place all those copies you have been collecting and any other discs with copies of photos or other important info, into your envelope and mail it to your out of state contact.

Good luck!

Week 16

This week we will:

1. Add eye wash to your 72 hour, car and office kits. Also add some to your medical supplies in your home.

2. Add insect repellent to your kits and home.

3. Purchase the ingredients for 5 of your favorite meals. Calculate exactly how much more of each item in your storage you will need to purchase to reach a 3 month supply.

4. Copy all the death certificates and military record in your possession and add them to your adult 72 hour kits and add a set to the envelope to mail off to your contact person.

5. Move all your photos, journals and scrap books to one area in your home, making them easier to grab if you should have to evacuate.

6. You have spoken with your family about evacuating and have a plan. Now is the time to check the plans. You will need to enlist the help of a friend to accomplish this goal. Ask a friend to call your home and inform your family that they need to evacuate (use any excuse that sounds viable in your area, tornado, hurricane, wild fire..). You have 15 minutes to get out. Set a timer and go… When the timer goes off everyone can take whatever is in their hands and anything they have already put in the car, but nothing else. Pile in the car and drive to a park, your friend’s home, or even to grandma’s and evaluate how you have done. Did you all fit in the car or did you have to throw some items out so you would all fit? Did you remember the fish and bird? Do you have your 72 hour kits? Does everyone have both shoes? How about photos, favorite toy, important documents, backup computer files? Ask everyone if they could never return home do they have everything they need or would want. What do they wish they had taken? When you have evaluated what you need to plan for when the “real” emergency happens, pile back in the car and go for milk shakes.

7. It’s been a busy week so relax and watch a movie with the kids.

Have a great week

Week 15

It’s Monday again. They seem to roll around pretty fast don’t they? If you are falling behind please don’t get discouraged.

1. Purchase a month’s supply of toothpaste and shampoo. Remember when we started 15 weeks ago I asked you to mark the date on items you do not replace after just one use. By now you should have a good idea just how long it really does take your family to go through these items. For a couple it may take only 1 tube of toothpaste, while for a family of 6 it will take much more. If you didn’t date these items guess. Purchase what you think you use in a month and date items today. We will be using this information again so label away. Include such items as: toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shaving cream, aftershave, hand soap, laundry and dish detergent, cooking oil, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salad dress, even bags of pet food, etc.

2. Purchase 5 gallon buckets. Most bakeries purchase ingredients and ready made frostings in large buckets. They will often just give them to you. Be sure to sterilize buckets before using and never use a bucket that has had non-food items stored in them. Buckets that have contained foods with a strong smell may retain that smell even after you have sterilized them. Do not use these for food. Your food will end up tasting like the product that was originally stored in the bucket. Use these for emergency kits or for port-a-potties.

3. Post the list you made last week of items you want to take with you in case there is a need to evacuate. Your list should include the location of every item. For example: important documents (bottom right drawer of filing cabinet), nana’s quilt (Emma’s bed), papa’s radio (Hunter’s shelf) etc.

4. At dinner review the evacuation article you copied and placed in your binder last week. Discuss what you would do and who would be responsible for the items on your list (#3 above) if you were called upon to leave home quickly. We will follow up on this next week so please make sure this is one step you accomplish this week.

5. Using an old sheet or fabric, make slings to include in your 72 hour kits, car kits and office kits. Slings should be triangular with the longest side being 60-65 inches long. The width, the distance from this side to the point on the other side, should be 45-50 inches. There are dozens of applications for using a sling and having one in your home and all your kits, ready to go, will be invaluable later. This is a great project with the kids. For a child’s sling just fold over the larger size.

6. Copy marriage licenses of yourself and your ancestors. Make copies of your credit card information including the emergency phone numbers just in case you need to cancel or replace them. Place copies in all the usual places and begin a new envelope to mail items to your out of area contact.

7. Consult the list you made when you cleaned out the medicine cabinet and replace any pain relievers and anti-diarrheal medications you may need. Also place a supply of these items in your 72 hour, car and office kits. I suggest you purchase your diarrheal medications for your kits in tablet form. They won’t accidentally make a mess and they will last much longer.

Don’t forget as you add items to your storage to update your inventory lists. Your inventory should also include the location of those items, as most of us don’t have an entire room we can devote to storage.

Stay focused and motivated.

Week 14

Is there any doubt we are doing the right thing by systematically preparing our family for tough times?

1. Purchase one roll of toilet paper per person in your family. That should give you a one week supply!

2. Purchase ten cans of sauces or soups. Anything you use as a sauce or to make a sauce is the goal here. Cream of chicken soup, spaghetti sauce, enchilada sauce, steak sauce, Worcestershire, or any combination.

3. Check your stored water. Water is such an important element in your preparedness plan. If you have not already done so copy the article on water storage. Don’t be lulled into the belief that a water emergency can’t happen for you. Living in southern California, for example, you are in danger of losing your water if there is an earthquake along your fault. Most of your water supply crosses the fault. Experts think the levees in the San Joaquin delta may not hold up in an earthquake. If this is the case the salt water from the San Francisco Bay will flood the delta water and pollute the fresh water. Much of that water supplies Southern California with drinking water. Everyone needs to be concerned about drinking water.

4. With your family create an evacuation list. Brainstorm which items; important papers, photos, heirlooms, and even favorite blankets you would want to take if you needed to evacuate.

5. Begin gathering as many of those items as possible into the same location making them easy to grab during an emergency.

6. Go over the evacuation article and highlight important information. Place article in your binder.

7. Add a toothbrush and toothpaste to all 72 hour kits.

There you go. How are you doing?

Document: Water Storage

Water storage
Water storage is absolutely essential to a good preparedness plan. In an emergency, it may be too late to go to the tap and expect clean water to flow. One gallon per person per day is the minimum you will need to continue living the way in which you are accustomed. You will need at least two quarts for drinking and the rest for cooking, cleaning, flushing toilets, and personal hygiene (when planning your water needs don’t forget your pets).
Water may be stored in a variety of containers:
1. Heavy duty plastic containers with a spout or a pump for dispensing water. Water is heavy and you need to consider this when choosing containers. Five gallons of water weighs 42 pounds. Containers should be manageable for one adult to lift or they should be equipped with a pump. Make sure when using plastic containers that they are approved for food use. Chemicals are available to add to storage containers preserving the water for five years.
2. Plastic bottles - Water may be stored in well-rinsed bleach (hypochlorite) bottles. Begin by cleaning bottles with hot, soapy water. Completely clean the inside and the outside of the container, including the handle, the lid. Rinse well with plain water. Finally, rinse with clean water. Once you clean and sanitize the container, fill it with water you know is safe and screw the cap on tightly. Since some experts say storing water in bleach containers is fine and others say it is dangerous I recommend you rotate the water at least once a year and then reserve it for cleaning and flushing toilets.
3. Soda Bottles - Liter soda bottles with screw on lids work well for storing drinking water. Colored bottles are the best as they filter the light. Sanitize by rinsing inside and out with a solution of one-half teaspoon of household bleach per pint of water. Rinse well with plain water. Finally, rinse with clean water. Once you clean and sanitize the container, fill it with water you know is safe and screw the cap on tightly. You may want to fill containers with your own tap water. Water in different areas tastes differently and your family will be accustomed to the taste of your own tap. Before using open the container for several hours. Pour water back and forth between two pitchers to add air back in and improve the taste. If the water appears cloudy treat or use it for cleaning and bathing but not for drinking. Liter bottles are also great to have on hand to grab quickly if you need to evacuate. They can be carried easily by an adult with the use of a lanyard type bottle carrier.
4. Mylar water storage bags - These are impermeable to gases and are usually sold in bulk cases for easy stacking. Individual pouches can be purchased for storing in 72 hour kits and in your car. These pouches are not rodent proof so check them often and place small pouches in a rodent proof container.
5. Glass jars - As you empty your canning jars sterilize them, and the screw on lids, and fill with water until you are ready to refill them with the “fruits” of your gardening efforts. They are already taking up space so put them to work! Glass jars should be stored in a dark place and preferably in the original cardboard box. Water can also be canned by processing for 20 minutes in a water bath or steam canner. This is not necessary if water is rotated on a regular basis.
6. Picnic coolers - Fill with water between uses.
7. The bathtub - If you know a storm is approaching and there is even a remote chance you may be without water, fill your bathtubs and sinks. You should experiment with this before an emergency arises. If your drain does not hold the water well you will want to purchase an inexpensive stopper at the hardware store. We have left our plants in a tub with water, while we left on vacation for a week and the water was still there when we returned home.
8. Pitchers and pots -Drag out grandma’s silver pitcher, pot, canners and anything else that can hold water. All of these items will hold water that you can safely drink. That is huge! Once items are filled, cover with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent dust and ants from getting in.
9. Swimming pools - Use for cleaning and bathing only.
10. Hot water heaters - Make sure you turn off the power (or gas) before you attempt to drain. To get a free flow of water from the hot water tank, open the valve at the top of the tank as well as the faucet at the bottom of the tank. Increase the water flow by turning on any hot water faucet in the house before draining water from the hot water tank.
11. Water beds - Use water from these for cleaning and bathing only.
12. Liquids in canned fruits and vegetables are good for cooking. This is one reason we recommend you have canned foods as well as dried foods in your emergency food supply. Peach juice is great for cooking oatmeal. Rice and pasta cook well in the water from canned vegetables.
13. Melted snow-Be sure the snow is freshly fallen and clean. Never eat snow as it will rapidly lower your body temperature.
14. Rain water should be collected away from trees or structures which could contaminate the water. Mylar blankets; new, unused 5 gallon buckets; new unused garbage cans; pots and pans from the cupboard, all work well to collect water.
15. Fruit juices should be included in every emergency storage plan. They are not only useful for drinking but also adding flavor foods such as oatmeal. and disguising the taste of medications.
A Few Tips:
· Do not drink sodas or alcoholic beverages in an emergency. They will greatly increase thirst.
· Do not store water containers directly on a concrete floor. Chemicals may leach into the bottles and the concrete will weaken the plastic and cause your bottles to leak.
· Water should be stored in containers that are filled completely to the top. Mold and bacteria love damp surfaces. You can greatly reduce the likelihood of molds forming by eliminating the air, in other words, by filling the bottle to the top.
· Water should be stored in a cool, dark location. Heat and light will increase the rate at which plastics decompose.
· Water should never be stored near chemicals, pesticides, perfumed items, or products which may emit toxic gasses.

· NEVER store water in milk containers. They are too porous, difficult to sanitize, and are easily contaminated.
· Label all containers with the words “drinking water” and with the date you stored it.
· Stored water should be rotated every year. The best advice is to choose a date you will rotate your water every year. A good time would be a special occasion that falls during the summer months - birthday, anniversary, 4th of July. The water can then be used to water outdoor gardens and trees.
· Train your family in the safe and responsible use of stored water.
· Do not use bottled water that has been exposed to flood waters.
· If you don’t have bottled water, you should boil or treat water to make it safe. Boil: Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present, such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium, which are frequently found in rivers and lakes. These organisms are less likely to occur in well water (as long as it has not been affected by flood waters). If not treated properly, Giardia may cause diarrhea, fatigue, and cramps. Cryptosporidium more highly resistant to disinfecting , may cause diarrhea, nausea and/or stomach cramps. People with severely weakened immune systems are likely to have more severe and more persistent symptoms than healthy individuals. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for boiling. Boil the water for one minute, (altitudes above one mile, boil for three minutes). Let it cool, and store it in clean containers with covers. To improve the taste of boiled water, aerate it by pouring it back and forth from one container to another and allow it to stand for a few hours, or add a pinch of salt for each quart of water.*
· Disinfect: If you can’t boil water, you can disinfect it using household chlorine bleach. Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in the water. Do not use non-chlorine bleach to disinfect water. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water. Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach for each gallon of water, stir it well and let it stand, covered for 30 minutes before you use it. The water should have a slight chlorine odor. If not, repeat the dosage and allow the water to stand for an additional 15 minutes. If the treated water has too strong a chlorine taste, allow the water to stand uncovered for a few hours or pour it from one clean container to another several times. Store disinfected water in clean containers with covers. As you plan for water needs be sure to store some household chlorine bleach for treating water.*
· If you have a well that has been flooded, the water should be tested and treated after floodwaters recede. If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific guidelines.
· Water Purification Tablets are iodine based and are specifically made to purify water. They are sold at camping and sporting goods stores, military surplus stores, some large department or drug stores and by companies selling emergency preparedness supplies. Carefully follow directions on the package. Purification tablets are for emergency use only, not everyday use. Unopened tablets have a shelf life of several years. Some kits include an additive to help improve the taste and color created by iodine.
· In an emergency, iodine in a medicine kit will purify water. Use 2 percent U.S.P.-strength iodine (read the label). Using a medicine dropper, add 20 drops per gallon to clear water and 40 drops per gallon to cloudy water. Mix completely by stirring or shaking in a clean container. Allow the water to stand at least 30 minutes, uncovered, before using. Iodine is an antiseptic and is poisonous, so use and store it safely, and only in a real emergency.
· Store the containers upright in a cool, dry place. Because direct sunlight and heat gradually weaken plastic containers, store them away from heat and light to prevent possible leaking. Water is heavy, so store the containers on a strong shelf or in a cabinet.
· A freezer is also a good place to store water for a long period. Freeze water in plastic bottles only; glass will break. Fill containers leaving two to three inches of space at the top to prevent bursting as the water expands and freezes. You probably won't have enough freezer space to store all the water you will need in an emergency, but storing at least some is a good idea. If you lose electricity, the frozen water will help keep foods in your freezer frozen until power is restored. Foods will stay frozen longer during an outage if the freezer is full so if your freezer is partially empty fill it with containers of water and you will help to solve two problems.
Don’t be caught with “Water, water all around, and not a drop to drink”
*(U.S. federal agencies and the Red Cross recommend these steps to disinfect drinking water in an emergency. Remember no home method can guarantee complete safety) copyright TotallyReady.com 2007 All rights reserved