Getting prepared.

My husband has been on this kick lately to get prepared.  Not really a doomsday kinda thing but a makes him feel better that if disaster struck we'd be ok.  For a while at least.  So I decided to post a few of the things we've gotten together as well as where to find them.  That way you can be prepared too.

ESSENTIALS
Some of the very first things we purchased years ago were those basic things that everyone should have already.  If you don't then run out and get them cause these are essentials!

First aid Kit
Flashlight and Extra Batteries
Battery powered radio or if you are feeling extra fancy go for a hand crank version.
Matches and extended burn candles.  Preferably in a glass so you can move them around easily.
Whistle
Thermal blanket
Fire extinguishers

FOOD FOR 3 DAYS
We started with the basic pantry stock.  Most folks will have enough food for more than 3 days when you take into account the food in the fridge (this will be eaten first for obvious reasons but may not last long depending upon the availability of power) .  So we focused on 3 days of non-perishable food.  Once the fridge food is unavailable you can move to the freezer and eat what is still fresh.  Now you can move to the pantry.  Please make sure you have a manual hand operated can opener.  Or you may be forced to hack at your cans with a hatchet.  *not recommended.  Some recommended items include ready-to-eat canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit and crackers.

WATER
One gallon of water per person per day is recommended.  Sounds like a lot right?  Well don't forget you will need this water for sanitation as well.

TOOLS
Wrench or Pliers to turn off utilities
Hatchet to chop wood for fires to cook or for heat.


GOOD TO HAVE ESSENTIALS
Moist towelettes (hand wipes) - so you don't have to use up your water
Larger wipes found at drugstores for bathing
Paper plates, cups, eating utensils.

GET A BIT MORE SERIOUS

Food for a month, 3 months or even a year!  Sound CRAZY!?  Well it's not as hard as you might think.  With the invention of freeze dried foods you can now store a year of food under your bed.  Pretty cool right?  We haven't gotten that far in our preparedness but members of my family have.  My family lives in Hawaii so as you can imagine even the slightest disaster could mean months without many essential items.  Everything out there is flown in or barged in at some point.  So they really have to be prepared.  What's really cool is that you can get awesome freeze dried foods.  We have purchased items such as Granola with blueberries and milk.  Mmmmm.  This one is my favorite!  Teriyaki chicken, Lasagna, Fruits, Vegetables,  ICE CREAM, BROWNIES!!  OK I'm getting hungry, better stop.

You get the idea.  Just about anything is available.  We got our food from The Ready Store where we found the best prices and a huge selection.  Best of all... the food has an expiration date of 25 years from now.  Holy mackerel!



Water purification tablets - just incase the water available is untrustworthy
Solar battery charger and rechargeable batteries
Solar Oven or build a brick oven in your backyard  (great DIY instructions can be found here)

Realistically we will (hopefully) never have to use any of these items except maybe the flashlight and some band-aids.  I am already planning a very long camping trip for our family in about 20 years just before our food is set to expire.  Sounds a bit gourmet to me!!  At least in the mean time I can relax and take a bit of comfort in knowing that we are pretty well prepared.

By no means is this list all inclusive and I will keep updating it as I come across more practical preparedness items.