Prepare. It Could Happen

I've had quite an adventure with the 12 New Things to Try series. And now we are down to our last one. This is something that I really need to work on and think that everyone, and I mean everyone, can benefit from it.

This has been something preached, taught, and promoted through the tv, Internet, church, etc. But what I find funny is that as much as it is talked about it is not something that has come to pass for most families. And I'm one of them. So I will start now. This is my goal for this year.

I'm talking about food storage and family readiness. I know you're thinking, 'Oh no, not another food storage article!'. Well what I have to say to you if you already have one ,"Good Job". And if you don't. "Listen up!  You're doing this!  Right Now!". Ok I didn't mean to be harsh but this is important! So just deal.

As I'm sure you can tell, crazy things are happening in the world. Natural disasters seem at an all time high, and we need to prepare for what we can. And if you can't get excited about food storage, watch the end of the world movies lol. Like the Day After Tomorrow or the TV show Jericho. (Just started watching that one and I'm only on the 3rd episode and I'm already freaked out). Lol.

Now food storage can seem overwhelming. Trying to think of all the things you may need and in what quantity you need them and where to keep this stuff can be taxing. So we tend to shy away from the issue and think, 'I'll wait until I'm out of an apartment and into a house so I have more room." "I'll wait until I have more money so I can buy a lot of things at once.". And how do I know about these  excuses you ask? Because I've used them. Lol. More than once. So, if you have ever felt this way, put this new thought into your head, "Every little bit here and there added is something I didn't have before.".

You don't have to start big. If you think about it, when you go out to the store next time and you decided to buy an extra case of water . . . You'd been an extra case prepared. And you're already better off then you were before.

So here is 'Erin Go Brawn's Simplified Food Storage Start List'.

1.  Space.
     Look around your home and find an area where you can keep you're extra items like water and food. If you have a home already you might have a big enough pantry to store some extra items or a laundry room with some extra space or even a garage. Now if you are in an apartment I know you don't have a lot of space so what I've discovered is that if you put a table cloth or something over you're end tables you can store stuff under there out of sight.  Or go through the closet that you've been meaning to clean out and do it. Throw items away you don't need anymore and replace them with ones you do.

2.  Water.
     I think is one if the most important. I know that in a major disaster I don't want to be leaving my family to run to the store with everybody else trying to grab any water you can get your hands on. And like I said. Start small. If you can get water barrels go for it. If you can't, buy an extra case of water whenever you can.  Or take 2 liter soda bottles, clean them out after use and fill them with water. Make sure the water is boiled to purify it and cooled before you put into the bottle. Or add household bleach to the water if you don't want to boil it. About 5 drops for 2 liters.

3.  Food

    Treat this the same as water. Buy extra items when you can in the store. Just make a habit of it. It can be fun as well. Make it a goal to buy one extra item every time you go to the store. And like I said. It doesn't have to be big or expensive. A can of green beans will do just fine.
      And let's also not forget the power of gardening. This not only increases your independence on store bought items but what a great way to save a little extra money and use it toward food storage allowance.
    And don't forget the food for your furry friends. Buy extra dog food or cat food just in case.

4.  Important Documents
      I think it is important to double check your important documents and make sure they are all together in a safe place. Perhaps a fire proof box. Some papers are really hard to get again if you lose them. How can you get a copy of your birth certificate if you don't have your social security card, or get you social  security card if you don't have an ID, or get an ID if you don't gave a birth certificate. Vicious, vicious cycle.

5.  Extras
     Don't forget extras like clothes, blankets, or maybe even a tent. Flashlights and a small radio can go a long way.  Make a camping bag. Everything you would need in the forest or camping is pretty much most of the things you would need in an emergency.

6.  Backpack ready
     Get a few bags like from the Goodwill for each member of the family and add items to each that they can use for the immediate time following a disaster. Add a blanket, water bottle, an extra shirt or pair of pants and some non perishable food. And don't forget a book or fun item for each kid. It will really help to take their mind of the situation and may give you some time to focus later on.

7.  Use or lose
    Don't be afraid to use that food storage once you have it. It is not untouchable. If you need it one month then use it. If you really don't want to go out to the store for that one can of beans you forgot to buy then use one from your food storage.  Keep it a constant cycle. This not only gives you the benefit of not going out to the store sometimes, you can replace old items with new items and keep them fresher longer. It will also keep the importance of food storage in your mind if you are able to 'interact' with it every now and then.



So those are my ideas of ways people can prepare themselves for a disaster.  This may seem like a very long post but I didn't really go into specifics, so if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.
And if you have any comments as to how you add to your food storage or what makes it easier for you, please post. We can all benefit from each others thoughts.

So this is the end of our new things to try.  And hopefully you've learned a lot or at least tried a few. :). But if there is anything I would want you take away from this adventure, it is . . .  strength. Strength in knowing, strength in doing, and strength in yourself.