tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75650011587099932972024-03-13T09:26:12.356-07:00Joy of Our JourneyJoy of our Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968297352966128277noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565001158709993297.post-11620728242810580782009-03-11T16:51:00.000-07:002009-03-11T16:58:19.216-07:00Home Storage Preparation<strong>WHAT</strong><br />Preparing your home can be seperated into 5 categories. It is recommended that you consider each category seperately to prayerfully make goals in each category.<br /><p>1. <a href="http://joyofourjourney.blogspot.com/2009/03/3-month-food-supply.html">Three-Month Supply</a><em></em></p><p><em>Build a small supply of food that is part of your NORMAL, daily diet.</em></p><p>2. <a href="http://joyofourjourney.blogspot.com/2009/03/drinking-water.html">Drinking Water</a></p><p><em>Store drinking water for circumstances in which the water supply may be polluted or disrupted.</em></p><p>3. <a href="http://joyofourjourney.blogspot.com/2009/03/financial-reserve.html">Financial Reserve</a></p><p><em>Establish a financial reserve by saving a little money each week and gradually increasing it to a reasonable amount.</em></p><p>4. <a href="http://joyofourjourney.blogspot.com/2009/03/long-term-food-storage.html">One-Year Supply</a></p><p><em>For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually complete your one-year supply with food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive.</em></p><p>5. <a href="http://joyofourjourney.blogspot.com/2009/03/72-hour-kits.html">72-Hour Kits</a></p><p><em>Create a kit that contains all that you need to survive in the event of fast evacuation.</em></p><p><em><strong>*Click on each link to learn more about that topic</strong></em> </p><p><strong>WHY</strong></p><p>We have all been witnesses to disasters and events of all kinds that cut off resources of food, water, gas, etc. It is important for each family to be as self-reliant as possible so we can each continue to provide for the ones we love. My personal biggest fear in life is to see my child suffer, especially when I could have prevented it through preparation. Along with our leaders, I encourage everyone to do necessary preparation for the saftey of your family and the peace of your heart and mind.</p><p><strong>How and Where do I begin?</strong></p><p>Being prepared is a common topic that most everyone will agree is a wise decision. However, the 'how' and 'where' do I begin is the step that not only feels overwhelming, but if not followed through cuts off the process and success of preparation. This is a crucial step and I urge you to not give up! Take each step one at a time and be consistent. I will outline ways to make this process much more simple and less-confusing.</p><p>1. Consider each category of preparation seperately and focus on one category at a time. (The best way to get overwhelmed is to look at ALL you need for preparation)</p><p>2. First do an inventory and organize your home. Seperate food storage items and write down what you have. Include in your inventory what the item is, how much you have, the expiration date and where it is stored/located in your home. (This is crucial for success in storing enough food. Also this step helps give you exact goals and motivation)</p><p>3. Once you have your home organized and food inventoried, take each cateogory of preparation (3 month supply, Drinking water, Financial reserve, 1-year Supply, 72-Hour kits) and do research. Learn all you can about 1 category at a time. Remember, don't overwhelm yourself by doing everything at once! Just pick one category and learn it! You can't make goals or know what you're doing if you haven't done any research on it! (I will continually add info to this site to better help in your research)</p><p>4. Make and write goals! Now that you know more about the category (3 month supply, Drinking water, Financial reserve, 1-year Supply, 72-Hour kits) make and write down your overall goals, and all the little goals to help you reach your main goal. Include the what, how, when and where in your goals. Know all your details. I urge you to make this step a matter of prayer!</p><p>5. Now, go to the next category, learn as much as you can about it, pray and write down your goals.</p><p>6. Be realistic with your goals, remember that even though you are researching each category one at a time, you'll most likely end up tackeling some of the goals at the same time. (i.e. year supply of food requires constant building)</p><p>7. DON'T PANICK AND DON'T GET OVERWHELMED! Be wise as you go about your goals and do NOT go to extremes. It is unwise to go into debt to establish a food storage all at once.</p><p>8. Once you have all your goals written, all you have to do is stick to them! There's no more being overwhelmed, there's no more being confused (where to I begin). You know exactly what you need and how you're going to get it! Now you just need to do it!</p><p>9. I promise you will have much peace of mind and spirit as you go about your goals. These are righteous goals and for righteous purposes. Keep it a matter of prayer, I promise the Lord will guide and bless you!</p>Joy of our Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968297352966128277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565001158709993297.post-58296047465480294162009-03-11T16:26:00.000-07:002009-03-11T16:45:33.251-07:0072 Hour Kits<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3cESTBkuJGY/SbhI8PCLdSI/AAAAAAAAACE/bJO4cY5fFnQ/s1600-h/72hk.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312075960148522274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3cESTBkuJGY/SbhI8PCLdSI/AAAAAAAAACE/bJO4cY5fFnQ/s320/72hk.jpg" border="0" /></a> 72 Hour Kits are just as the name describes... a kit that will sustain life for 72 hours (3 days). In the event of an emergency and immediate evacuation, a 72 hour kit which is already assembled and placed in a convienient location would bring much peace to you and your family!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">When assembling your 72 hour kit remember that you may be carrying these. Use luggage that is easy to carry and transport. Pack items that are not heavy and bulky. Try to think of the 'what-ifs' and plan for those. Some items that are important for you to include in your kit:</div><ul><li><div align="left">Pre-packaged Water (pouches,boxes,bottles)</div></li><li><div align="left">Water purifier tablets</div></li><li><div align="left">Food (MRE, calorie food bar, freeze-dried Meals, granola bars, jerky, candy)</div></li><li><div align="left">Important family documents</div></li><li><div align="left">Small collection of cash and coins</div></li><li><div align="left">Stress Relievers</div></li><li><div align="left">Spare Keys</div></li><li><div align="left">Medicines</div></li><li><div align="left">Children's Needs</div></li><li><div align="left">Animal's Needs</div></li><li><div align="left">First Aid Kit/Sunblock</div></li><li><div align="left">Candle, Flashlights (no battery required type is best), light sticks</div></li><li><div align="left">Hand and Body Warmers (light and inexpensive and would be very handy)</div></li><li><div align="left">Poncho</div></li><li><div align="left">Make shift tents</div></li><li><div align="left">Reflective bags (keeps body warm with bodyheat, light and small)</div></li><li><div align="left">Water-proof matches</div></li><li><div align="left">Whistle </div></li><li><div align="left">Am/Fm Radio (no battery required is best)</div></li><li><div align="left">Pocket knife</div></li><li><div align="left">Toilet Paper</div></li><li><div align="left">Soap/Comb/Feminine Needs/Toiletries</div></li><li><div align="left">1 Change of Clothing</div></li></ul><p align="left">Remember all of your family members, including pets, when planning this kit. You won't want to leave your dog behind, and you won't want your dog eating your survival food! If you have babies it's a good idea to pack extra diapers, clothes and formula. Think about all your needs and what-if's and then try to find a way to pack something that will fulfill that need, that is rather small and light. There are many kits and information available for your information. </p><p align="left"><a href="http://beprepared.com/Default.asp?bhcd2=1236814907">Emergency Essectials</a></p><p align="left"><a href="http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/">FEMA, Are you Ready?</a></p><p align="left"><a href="http://www.bt.cdc.gov/">Emergency Preparedness and Response<br /></a></p><div align="center"></div>Joy of our Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968297352966128277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565001158709993297.post-43799149517993305192009-03-11T16:07:00.000-07:002009-03-11T16:25:55.258-07:00Long-Term Food Storage<div align="center"> "For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans." First Presidency LDS Church</div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312071308557206402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3cESTBkuJGY/SbhEtegYw4I/AAAAAAAAAB8/mxKAJ_ZydBU/s400/6gal_wheat.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Researching, Planning and Purchasing your year supply of food is possibly the most overwhelming task yet! Some confusion arises with the long term food storage versus the 3-month supply. The 3-month supply are items/food you normally eat. However, the longer-term items are basic food items. like grains and beans, that have very low moisture content. These low moisture content (about 10% or less) can be stored for many years, as many as 30+ years! These would sustain life by lasting a longer time. However, a portion of your longer-term food supply can be rotated into your shorter 3-month supply food, just make sure and replace what you took out. </p><p align="center"><br /><em>Food - New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-LifeEstimates (In Years)<br /></em>Wheat - 30+<br />White rice - 30+<br />Corn - 30+<br />Sugar - 30+<br />Pinto beans - 30 <br />Rolled oats - 30 <br />Pasta - 30 <br />Potato flakes - 30 <br />Apple slices - 30 <br />Non-fat powdered milk - 20 <br />Dehydrated carrots - 20 </p><p align="center">REMEMBER- Don't get yourself overwhelmed and purchase an entire years worth of food if this means you will be going in debt! Slowly build this supply of food just as you do anything else. Buy a bucket of wheat here, some extra pasta there and your supply will grow. Make yourself a written goal, this is crucial in any adventure. Since an entire years worth of food can feel so overwhelming take advantage of the many tools out there created. </p><p align="center">THIS<a href="http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7498-1-4070-1,00.html"> FOOD STORAGE CALCULATOR</a> is designed to help give you an idea of how much grains, beans and legumes you should store depending on the amount of people.</p><p align="center">This <a href="http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Keeping_Food_Safe_During_an_Emergency/index.asp#cans">SITE</a> from the USDA gives food saftey and inspection guides and tips.</p><p align="center">This <a href="http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7532-1-4063-1,00.html">SITE</a> helps give you with packaging recommendations.</p>Joy of our Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968297352966128277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565001158709993297.post-74868010998576535692009-03-11T15:54:00.000-07:002009-03-11T16:06:08.881-07:00Financial Reserve"Establish a financial reserve by saving a little money each week and gradually increasing it to a reasonable amount." First Presidency of LDS Church<br /><div><br /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312067761422365362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3cESTBkuJGY/SbhBfAZicrI/AAAAAAAAABk/5Ba-dSG-t_0/s400/money.jpg" border="0" />Most people quickly agree that "Yes, I want to save money" but then the next thought is "How can I save money I don't have?" It's so hard to buy extra and save money for preparation purposes when your living expenses are already tight or maxed out. However, the Lord does not give commandments without giving a way to fulfill them. There are tools that you can use to design your goals in how to save a little here and a little there. Remember, save a little at a time. If you can shop sales and save $5 grocery shopping, put that money aside in your saving reserve. Seperate your savings from your expeditures so you don't accidently use it. Some other things to research and think about:<br /></p><ul><li><a href="http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7417-1-4006-1,00.html">Avoid Debt</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7418-1-4007-1,00.html">Use a Budget</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://providentliving.org/pfw/multimedia/files/pfw/pdf/88720_33293_OneForTheMoney_pdf.pdf">One for the Money: Guide to family finance by Elder Marvin J. Ashton</a></li></ul><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3cESTBkuJGY/SbhDgKutQQI/AAAAAAAAAB0/lY7DMM_I-0Q/s1600-h/hinckleyGB_c0_0001520.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312069980398633218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 90px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3cESTBkuJGY/SbhDgKutQQI/AAAAAAAAAB0/lY7DMM_I-0Q/s320/hinckleyGB_c0_0001520.jpg" border="0" /></a> President Gordon B. Hinckley has taught: “Set your houses in order. If you have paid your debts, if you have a reserve, even though it be small, then should storms howl about your head, you will have shelter for your wives and children and peace in your hearts” ("<a class="articlelink" href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=cac5605ff590c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1" target="_blank">To the Boys and to the Men,</a>" Ensign, Nov. 1998, 54).<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"></div>Joy of our Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968297352966128277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565001158709993297.post-7622582848508928812009-03-11T15:35:00.000-07:002009-03-11T15:50:26.695-07:00Drinking Water<div align="center"> "Store drinking water for circumstances in which the water supply may be polluted or disrupted. If water comes directly from a good, pretreated source, then no additional purification is needed; otherwise, pretreat water before use. Store water in sturdy, leak-proof, breakage-resistant containers. Consider using plastic bottles commonly used for juices and soft drinks. Keep water containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight." First Presidency of LDS Church<br /></div><br /><br /><br />The approximate requirement of water PER PERSON for only 14 days is 14 gallons (7 gallons for drinking water and 7 gallons for other uses) Storing enough water can be quite difficult! It is also wise to store water purifying agents. Access your room and the ultimate amount you can store to plan your goals. There are a number of containers today that adequately stores water (water barrells of all sizes, jars and re-use bottles, such as 2-liter soda bottles). Note: Do NOT re-use milk jugs, they will not last.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>*In emergency cases water can be extracted from items such as waterbeds, water heaters, toilet tanks and cisterns to be purfied and used.</em></div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312065166901647474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 354px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3cESTBkuJGY/Sbg_H_DmGHI/AAAAAAAAABc/uwNAKKLl1Os/s400/water.bmp" border="0" /><br /><strong>Below are offical Water Storage Guidelines:</strong><br /><br /><br />Commercially bottled water in PETE (or PET) plastic containers may be purchased. Follow the container’s “best if used by” dates as a rotation guideline. Avoid plastic containers that are not PETE plastic.<br /><p>If you choose to package water yourself, consider the following guidelines: </p><ul><li>Containers<br /></li><li>Use only food-grade containers. Smaller containers made of PETE plastic or heavier plastic buckets or drums work well.<br /></li><li>Clean, sanitize, and thoroughly rinse all containers prior to use. A sanitizing solution can be prepared by adding 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to one quart (1 liter) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.<br /></li><li>Do not use plastic milk jugs, because they do not seal well and tend to become brittle over time.<br /></li><li>Do not use containers previously used to store non-food products. </li></ul><p><strong>Water Pretreatment</strong> </p><ul><li>Water from a chlorinated municipal water supply does not need further treatment when stored in clean, food-grade containers.<br /></li><li>Non-chlorinated water should be treated with bleach. Add 1/8 of a teaspoon (8 drops) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) for every gallon (4 liters) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used. </li></ul><p><strong>Storage</strong><br /></p><ul><li>Containers should be emptied and refilled regularly.<br /></li><li>Store water only where potential leakage would not damage your home or apartment.<br /></li><li>Protect stored water from light and heat. Some containers may also require protection from freezing.<br /></li><li>The taste of stored water can be improved by pouring it back and forth between two containers before use.</li></ul>Joy of our Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968297352966128277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7565001158709993297.post-56973299687083060432009-03-11T15:05:00.000-07:002009-03-11T20:11:20.725-07:003 Month Food Supply<div align="center">"Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. These items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage." First Presidency of LDS Church<br /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><p align="left"><em>Some of the key things that need to be pointed out are:</em></p><ol><li><div align="left">Food needs to be part of normal daily diet</div></li><li><div align="left">Purchase a few extra items each week </div></li><li><div align="left">Increase until you have 3 months</div></li><li><div align="left">Rotate food regularly</div></li></ol><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312057148724559730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 279px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3cESTBkuJGY/Sbg31RBNP3I/AAAAAAAAABU/DkdzpsSKk68/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Building your 3 Month Food Supply does not need to be confusing or scary at all. I am going to share a method for you that will help you know exactly 'What and How much' of everything you'll need to complete a 3 Month Food Storage. I encourage you to pray when going about this. There are different methods to work for everyone, and if you pray about it the Lord will guide you. This method has proven to help many!</p><p align="left">There are 90 days in 3 months. 90 days can feel overwhelming to plan for, especially when you are barely able to purchase food for 7 days! No worries! Since 90 days is quite a big chunk, lets break it down! You can break it down in any way that works best for you.</p><p align="left"><em>METHOD #1</em></p><p align="left">Make a list of as many dinners your family eats often. Now narrow those meals down to 9. Take those 9 meals and make a list. Define every ingredient that goes into making that meal, and how much of that ingredient is required. Then combine all ingredients into one major list and multiple the amount needed by 10. (9 x 10 = 90) Now you have a list of ingredients that will make 90 dinners. Don't forget to plan your breakfasts and lunches too. </p><p align="left"><em>METHOD #2</em></p><p align="left">Break the 3 months into 1 (30 days). Plan a 2-week meal plan and double it. Buy that 2-week meal plan twice and now you have a 1 month food storage. Plan another 2-week meal plan and double it and buy it, now you have 2 months. Plan another 2-week meal plan and double it and buy it, now you have a full 3 months.</p><p align="center">***</p><p align="center">Whether or not you want break your planning up into days, meals or weeks, breaking them up helps you define the what and how much easier. I prefered method #1 because once I designed my list of meals, when I went shopping instead of buying enough for one meal, I purchased quantity for two and put one aside in the storage. This is a simple and easy way to build up your storage without thinking too much about it. Also, since you are planning meals that your family eats often, rotating will be simple!</p><p align="center">Remember that this a storage so you want to pick meals that are easily stored. Foods that require refrigeration expire quickly and won't last long.<br /></p><div align="left"></div>Joy of our Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968297352966128277noreply@blogger.com