The value of preparedness

In the last few months, and recent days, there have been devastating natural disasters that have tested the people of the world and their preparedness. The massive earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, the widespread blizzards and power outages on the eastern coast of the US, and the severe storms in Europe have shown us how important it is to be prepared. Many of us have been preparing in the event of job loss, disability, or economic factors. These personal disasters will often times still leave us with the luxury of running water and electricity. Natural disasters are not so kind. They often leave their victims not only without their homes, but without clean water and electricity. These people often lose all their belongings. I have asked myself the question recently, "How would I cope? Could I cope? Would my family be prepared?" The brutally honest answer to that is no! We have some food storage, but no emergency kits. We have camping gear, but not organized into a 72-hour evacuation kit. We have money in the bank, but not in cash for an emergency. These are things that we need to be aware of as we prepare our homes and families for emergencies. We are doing this, not just "in case" we lose jobs or have medical problems, but for all unforseen disasters that may befall us. Now is not the time to panic and hoarde like squirrels. Through careful, thought out planning we can each have what we need to sustain our families through crisis. I pray for those affected by the natural disasters we have had, and pray that we may all be "safely gathered in" as we are directed by the First Presidency of the church.

March Week 1: Solid oils and Juices

Last week completely got away from me! This week will will try to do 2 in 1!

Last week we were supposed to be stocking up on solid oils, like shortening, margarine, and butter. Margarine and butter have to be refrigerated and should be purchased in small amounts. These items will spoil if unrefrigerated, and have a tendency to absorb the smells around them. Shortening or lard is good for cooking, frying, some baking, etc. It can be stored quite a while IF it is stored properly. To properly store solid shortening, it needs to be kept in a cool, dark, and dry place. Cool is key! The oils will go rancid if they are stored in a warm place. During summer months, check your canisters frequently to avoid spoiled oils.

This week, we are looking for juices. Fruit and vegetable juices in the bottle can be stored up to their shelf date. These will need to be used and rotated regularly. Frozen concentrate can be kept longer. Before you run out and buy a freezer full of frozen juice, remember you have to have electricity to keep it frozen! If there is a lengthy power outage, how are you going to keep it frozen? Try to balance between both frozen and bottled.

Good luck, and happy storing!

February Week 3: Peanut Butter!

It's peanut butter jelly time!!! This is my favorite week. I don't even eat peanut butter very often, but this is my favorite week! Gather as much PB as your budget will allow. Remember, we are only buying what we have budgeted for food storage! In the last few weeks, there have been some really good coupons in the paper for peanut butter. Walmart and Winco both have excellent prices on this item. Also check coupons.com for more PB savings!

Storage:
Peanut butter must be stored in a cool, dark place to keep the oils from going rancid. Be mindful of the expiration dates on the jars, and only purchase what you will use by those dates! Because we don't eat PB very often, I only stock 4-5 jars at a time. Remember to replace the jars you use, and rotate according to expiration date. Happy shopping!

February Week 2: Personal Items

Once again, sorry for the lateness! This week we are collecting personal items. This includes toilet paper, soap, body wash, razors, lotions, Shampoo, hair products, toothpaste and brushes, girly products, etc. These are just as important as collecting food! What would you do without toilet paper for a month? 2 months? How about soap or toothpaste? It's not a pretty thought! So start collecting!

Storage ideas:
Store these items in plastic storage boxes. Sort little items into smaller boxes, then put all of them in a larger box. Toilet paper and other paper products need to be kept dry and off the ground.

February Week 1: Canned meat

Yay February! I hope we all made it through January and now have a nice little stockpile going! This month we start out with canned meats. I will admit, this is NOT my favorite category. I am not a fan of Spam, viennna sausages, or corned beef. However, chicken chunks and tuna are good things to have on hand. If you like Spam, stock up! Remember, buy things you will use and roate into your current supply. Also, if you use something from your storage, replace it! Stash $5 or so in your safe place to keep for an emergency. You will be glad you did when you really need it!

To buy:
Canned chicken chunks
Canned fish; like tuna, salmon, etc.
Canned beef
Spam
Vienna Sausages
Corned beef
Other canned meats you will use

*If you choose not to buy a lot of this week's item, use the extra money to add to our previous weeks' lists.