With the economy iffy, natural disasters increasing, a pandemic upon us and a more serious pandemic threatening, and the increasing threat of terrorism, more and more of us are taking the time and making the commitment to become more self reliant. Our family is being much more frugal this Christmas season as we have all made preparing a priority. Many are cutting down because they have become unemployed or are having to support family members who have lost jobs.

If you have no money there is always something you can do, you can give of your time and talents. Please do not spend money you don’t have. Give an IOU. Some suggestions….

Last year was our year of Seven Steps, seven things every week to be better prepared by the end of the year. One of those steps was to make a household inventory. We discussed the importance of an inventory for insurance purposes in case of a house fire, burglary, hurricane, earthquake or any other natural disaster. As your gift volunteer to take digital photos around the house, and then download them. The person who receives this gift can then go through the pictures and add labels and information. The inventory will then be ready to record onto a disc to be mailed to their out of area contact as well as having a record in their home. A friend just had this service done and it cost them $700.00.

Give an IOU to teach a class. This could be a class for several friends or for an individual. Teach car repair, bread making, sewing, fire and/or shelter building, cooking from your General Store, how to survive if the power fails, and more.

Help a family by answering one of the excuses many people have for not beginning or expanding their food storage, space. Give an IOU to help them find that space by analyzing the ways in which they are using their space or by building shelves in the back of closets or above existing closet shelves. There is always so much wasted space in a closet and many other areas of our home.

Don’t just encourage gardening but give a gift certificate and plant a garden for someone. This doesn’t have to be extensive. A few zucchini plants will more than feed a family. There are many other vegetable plants which produce lots and with just a few plants of a few varieties can provide a garden no matter how small their space. If there really is no room plant a container garden for them or fill a planter with herbs. They can provide the plants and/or seeds, you provide the labor.

Another of our Seven Steps was to add photos to our 72 hour kits. Again, digital photos are free. Set a date to take pictures of the family, download them and they can decide which photos to print and add to their kits, or display on their walls. Remember every 72 hour kit should have a picture of the family as a group, including pets, and also an individual picture of each person in case you are separated.

For something fun but not directly self reliance oriented, give the gift of Scrap Book pages. If you scrap book you will have paper, ink, stamps, stickers, all kinds of supplies. Give a gift Certificate for 6 scrap book pages (or more, or less). Gather photos from the family and make the pages from supplies you already have on hand.

No matter how little money you have this year there is no reason you can’t give a thoughtful gift. Don’t purchase a gift if you can’t pay cash, instead, be creative and give the gift of yourself.

We did it! Fifty three weeks ago I wondered if anyone would really care about a program to prepare your family for an emergency. We now have LDS wards and stakes, preparedness clubs and lots of individuals who have been working along with us to get their family Totally Ready for an emergency. We have worked on kits, put together a reference binder, begun our food storage, and share recipes and ideas. It’s a long list but I thought you might like to see what we have been up to this last year. If you joined us late here is the list. I am working on an ebook which will have many, many, more details but for those of you wanting to get started now, just start checking off items as you complete them. SIT BACK AND ENJOY!

First Aid Kit: Created a list of first aid supplies, inventoried first aid supplies, made slings, added bandages, boy scout field book, anti bacterial cream, eye wash, sunscreen, insect repellent, and pain and inflammation medications.

Car Kit: Placed in the car; sturdy shoes,shovel,whistle,mylar blanket,safety vest,rain poncho, kitty litter, glow sticks, wool blanket, work gloves, phone list, lighter, umbrella, mirror or signaling device, ground to air signals chart, and a first aid kit.

Grab and Go Kit: Biohazard bags, port-a-potty,clothes pins, axe, sleeping bags, cooking pot, tarp, cooking utensils, manual can opener, hammer,Dutch oven, fuel, camp shovel, rope, wrench, and goggles.

72 hour kits: Lighting needs (flashlight and glow sticks), printed list of items to include in a 72 hour kit,collected items from around the house for 72 hour kit, made a list of items still needed, added clothing to kit, added whistles to kit, batteries, multi function tool, TP, hat , safety pins, sun glasses, food, photos, toys, books and crayons, key, emergency contact forms, first aid kit, $40 in small bills and change, water , prescription info, prescription eye glasses or magnifiers, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, pain relievers, anti diarrheal medication, eye wash, insect repellent, vitamins, sunscreen, biohazard bags, hand towel, sewing kit, dust mask, pre-paid phone card, comb and brush, travel games, baby needs (bib, pacifier, bottle, spoon, toy), and ground to air signals chart.

Pet Kit: Food, food and water dishes, container to carry pet 72 hour kit, collar, medications, toys, water, and emergency contact card

Home Inventory: Master bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, office, family room, living room, dining room, laundry room, bedrooms, garage, basement, and food storage.

Documents copied: Birth certificate, drivers license, social security card , pink slips, passport, health insurance , life insurance, marriage license, credit card information, death certificate, military records, pet medical records, wills, tax returns last 2 years, licenses and permits, power of attorney, guardianship papers, mortgage, home owners insurance, and religious certificates.

Pandemic: Plastic bags, rope, patient form, clothes pins, jello, tissues, N95 masks, disinfectant wipes, and thermometer

Three Month Supply: Ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, salad dressing, oil, vinegar, TP, toothpaste, deodorant, and shave cream.

Food Storage: Dated items not used up after one use, marked cans we had on hand with an X, fruit 8 cans per family member, vegetables 6 cans per family member, filled canning jars with water, purchased water, inventory of stored water, coffee filters to purify water, designated an area for food storage, made a list of 10 favorite meals and 5 favorite desserts, made an ingredients list for our meals and snacks, purchased ingredients for 8 meals, purchase 1 gallon bleach, oatmeal or cream of wheat, pancake mix, pancake syrup, 20 pounds of rice and/or pasta, 20 pounds flour, 3 cans protein, created inventory sheet, 3 cans soup per family member, insect spray, mouse traps, spices, 10 cans or bottles of sauces, vitamins, 3 bottles juice per family member, 20 pounds white sugar , 2 pounds brown sugar, 2 pounds powdered sugar, shampoo 1 month supply, baking powder, baking soda, corn starch, 9 favorite desserts, 10 cans milk, flavored gelatin, cheese, 6 muffin or biscuit mix, 1 month supply feminine hygiene products, disposable plates, bowls cups and utensils, laundry detergent, dish detergent, alcohol, white vinegar, inventoried gardening supplies, and gathered family medical history.

Workplace Kit: Water, safety vest, first aid kit, food, walking shoes, toothbrush, toothpaste, pain medications, prescription medications. emergency phone list, $10.00 in small bills and coins, and disinfectant wipes.

Around the house: Began saving change, made a list of items needed to replace electricity,, purchased lighting needs for power outage, inventoried over the counter medications, made list of medications to replenish placed a light source by each bed, placed shoes under each bed, placed emergency phone numbers next to each phone, contacted child’s school(s) about emergency plans, discussed with the family the emergency plan if the children are at school when an emergency arises , copied seasonal bargains article, “replaced” stove in case of power outage (Camp stove, charcoal., matches), “replaced” dish washer (liquid detergent, paper items), located the TV and radio stations that are the emergency broadcast system for your area, established an out of state contact, set a budget for food and gasoline, “replaced” washer and dryer, made a list of everything in your home requiring water, taught family to turn off gas, taught family to turn off electricity, taught family to turn off water, held a fire drill, bought garden seeds, planted a fruit tree, placed a phone by the bed, made a list of friends and family to trade with, contacted people to trade with, practiced making foil dinners, list of items needed for pets, created a list of handicapped neighbors and family who will need care during an emergency, discussed what your family would do if they were at a friend’s house when an emergency arose, placed emergency contact form in school backpacks, inventoried garage, established a secret message location, made list of important items during an evacuation, collected items to evacuate, posted list of where items are located for evacuation, copied evacuation article, reviewed evacuation with family, loaded car for evacuation to make sure there was enough room, moved photos to one area in the home, practiced 15 minute evacuation, evaluated home owners insurance, replaced batteries in smoke alarms, collected free buckets, mailed documents and photos to contact, copied water storage article, strapped water heater, created more room for food storage, practiced splints and slings, told 5 friends about your preparations, created a family uniform, learned to opened garage door during a power outagetried new food storage recipes, cleaning supplies for clean up (mop, bucket and rags), cleared 10 feet around propane tank and barbecue, moved heavy items to bottom shelf, moved weed killers and other chemicals, created floor plan of home and mapped two escape routes from each room, practiced building a shelter, purchased white sheets, purchased preparedness Christmas gift, made a list of preparedness gifts we would like to receive, practiced building a fire, learned a new skill, practiced a new skill, made Dutch oven dinner, purchased fire extinguisher for car, purchased fire extinguisher for home, copied computer files, copied and read burglary article, made 4 changes of your choice to burglar proof our home, planted thorny bushes to slow down burglar, purchased fire ladder, recorded serial numbers for major appliances, camped in yard using grab and go kit, made ice packs, placed locks on cupboard doors, create a phone tree, taught children how to properly wash their hands, supplies to wash clothes when there is no electricity, hand can opener, wrote a will, made funeral arrangements know, updated tetanus shots, copied airline travel article, cleaned out cupboard for food storage, checked smoke alarm, checked battery supply, placed glow sticks in each room, created room and a plan to store outdoor furniture in preparation for a storm, arranged for a pet sitter, pruned trees, purchased a battery powered clock, inventoried blankets for power outage, purchased rope and clothes pins, changed furnace filters and cleaned gutters, and copied ground to air signals chart.

AND…we have found a food storage buddy so we can complete our food storage in the next 52 weeks!

Give yourself a pat on the back and show off this list to those who have been supporting you, and especially to those who had thought you were a little crazy. Isn’t it a great feeling to know you are prepared?

WE DID !!! Just seven more steps and we are done! I have been reviewing our progress this year to see if we have any obvious gaps and to design a program for those who were not able to join us from the beginning. But, more on that next week. You will not believe what we have accomplished when you see the list next week!

I have appreciated hearing from you and what you would like to see as we tackle food storage next. Please keep those suggestions coming. There are so many directions we can take food storage that I really want to be able to meet your needs. We will not forget about other preparations and we will also spend more time on financial solutions to self reliance. I find I just don’t have enough time to devote to research and writing now that our economy and weather conditions are making people more anxious to develop a workable plan to care for themselves.

This week are are going to finish up a few very random things.

1. We have worked a little on preparing our home against burglary but we have never done the most simple thing. No burglar wants to “mess with” opening or breaking a window protected by thorny vegetation. This week plant some thorny bushes, or if you are still snowed in, plan for the planting. Roses are great. You have had the experience of pruning a rose bush and your shirt gets caught in the thorns, no thief wants to deal with they. They will move on to the next house. I was just reading an article about the increase in theft and home burglaries since the economy has taken a nose dive. Prepare now to discourage those who might want to make your home a target.

2. Begin compiling your medical records. I had planned to have a medical records form ready for today but I have been overwhelmed this week. So much is happening on the food and pandemic fronts this week that it isn’t done. I will get it up in a day or two so check back for that. For now begin gathering records and asking questions of your parents about family history concerning illness and diseases.

3. I noticed when I was reviewing that we have never copied our licenses and permits to include in our important documents. Be sure to do this. Items like fishing or hunting licenses, building permits, wood cutting permits, professional licenses, etc. Copy and include them in your 72 hour kits and also send them to your out of area contact.

4. Purchase a gallon of white vinegar. We will be discussing this soon, so for now just trust me.

5. Now is the time to scour seed catalogues and to check in at the nursery. It’s time to purchase seeds and in some areas fruit trees and bushes. Do your research and begin purchasing. Check with your preparedness buddy, remember I asked you to find one…and see if you can share seeds or share gardening with them. If this is a family member or someone you know won’t be moving away consider planting different gardens and different varieties of trees and sharing. If you are great at growing tomatoes and they do great at green beans, share.

6. Get out all that gardening equipment and clean it up. Now is the time to check your supplies and make sure you have the tools you will need to plant and harvest. Make a list of items you need to purchase. Remember we compiled a list of items we need in order to be prepared but can’t afford to buy? Add tools to that list and make sure you distribute it to family and friends who may be looking for gift ideas for your birthday, Mother’s day, Father’s day, an anniversary or even Easter. I don’t need chocolate for Easter but I would love a blueberry bush!

7. Finally!!!!  Reread Time to Think Food Storage and do what it says. In other words, prepare this week to begin our food storage journey. If you are still thinking food storage means buckets of wheat everywhere and disgusting tasting food, you couldn’t be more wrong. We are going to do food storage right! You know when you diet they tell you not to think of it as a diet but as a lifestyle. That’s exactly what we will be creating, a self reliant life style, eating great foods. Get ready for the journey.

Don’t forget I still want to hear your concerns and suggestions. And don’t forget our  JANUARY GIVE AWAY still continues. Get you friends and family placing those links for a chance to win!

Thank you so much to all who have placed links on their blogs and facebook accounts. We really have so many more people checking in now and I have begun to get lots of questions, which was my goal. There is so much we can learn from each other and there is also, unfortunately, plenty of bad information out there. Together we can sort it all out. There is no reason preparing can’t be fun and affordable.

I am still in need of other businesses to highlight. During these difficult economic times we either need to save more money or we need to make more money. Each Wednesday we talk about saving money. I would really love to be able to help those who need a little help getting the word out about their businesses, and making more money. Some of these home businesses may even give you an idea that will work for you. Please send me an email at: carolyn@Totallyready.com if you have or know of someone who has a business they are trying to get off the ground.

Now to our Seven Steps…ONE MORE WEEK! I know some of you have just discovered us and are just beginning. If you have any questions please let me know. For those who are finishing up here goes:

1.  Add disinfectant wipes to your cleaning supplies. These will be very important during a pandemic and you will want some in almost every room. We will talk about that more in our pandemic planning. For now, just stock up.

2. Purchase rubbing alcohol to use to disinfect thermometers.

3. Print off several copies of the Ground to Air Rescue Signals form. Place these in your car kits and 72 hour kits. They can literally save your life.

4. Early in our preparations we completed a photo inventory around our home. I put off doing an inventory of our food storage because most of us didn’t have much to inventory. Now we do. Next week when we finish up I will review what we have accomplished, it’s truly amazing! This week take your camera and take pictures of your food storage. Send these on to your out of state contact to include with your other inventories. You want to get paid back for your food storage too if there is a disaster, so you’ll need proof.

5. Find a food storage buddy. Our goal has always been to be ” Totally Ready for whatever comes” which means having at least a three month supply of the foods we normally eat. We have made a start but because we have also been working on other aspects of emergency preparedness we have not reached our goal. We will do that in 2009. A buddy will help you to stick to the plan, give you someone to share recipes with, provide you with someone to share volume purchases and furnish you with another set of eyes to watch the ads for bargains.

6. Add disinfectant wipes to your workplace kit. These are valuable not only during a pandemic but just for everyday use after someone else uses your work area. Wipe down the computer keyboard, desk top and phone and you can avoid many infections.

7. Review your home owner’s insurance policy.For some sample questions to ask: http://blog.totallyready.com/HomeOwnersInsurance.pdf

That’s all for now…

1. Written a will and made our funeral arrangements known to our family, or at least written them down. We have mailed this information to our out of state contact.

2.  We have worked on our car kits and added: a rain poncho, lighter and phone list.

3. We have completed our Pet Kit.

4. We have begun  Pandemic  preparations and added: large plastic garbage bags, rope, clothes pins and patient medical form.

5.  We have added to our food storage: 3 cans of fruit per person, 1 can of vegetables per person, 10 pounds of rice or pasta, 10 pounds of sugar, 10 cans of milk and paper plates, cups and bowls. We have also added vitamins and completed a three month supply of deodorant, shave cream, TP and toothpaste.

6. We have added to our workplace kits: an orange safety vest, food, shoes, tooth braush and toothpaste, prescription medications, over the counter pain relievers,  emergency phone numbers and $10.00.

7. Around the house we have: cleaned out a cupboard to make more room for food storage, purchased a battery powdered clock, counted our blankets to be sure we have at least two heavy ones, per person (the number of people you would shelter during a pandemic or when providing refuge after a natural disaster) on hand,
purchased a good hand operated can opener, tried a new recipe, shared a food storage recipe, changed furnace filters, cleaned gutters, checked the batteries in our smoke alarm, checked our battery supply, discussed budgeting for preparedness with our family, gone without electricity for a few hours to test our preparedness and prepared a hot meal without electricity.

I am sure some of us have not completed every step but, as in the past if you have some that still need completing use this week to accomplish a few more. You may have family home who can help you clean out a cupboard, and even build a few shelves! You will be heading to the store for last minute items so throw in a few extra cans of fruits of veggies or add some more paper products to your cart.

The most important prepraedness step you can do this week is to discuss with your family any family members who may need your help to prepare for a pandemic or who will need to be taken to someone’s home when that ocurrs.

#1. Set aside a time this week to go without electricity. If it is 20 below, even better. Nothing will help us to understand where we still need to work on our preparations than trying it out. Our advantage now, if we really get into trouble and find we are completely unprepared we can flip a switch and get the heat or air conditioner going. When the emergency really arrives we will not have that luxury. Decide today when your drill will occur. It should be at a time when family members are at home. Place tape over the light switches, a note on the TV and microwave and live without for at least a few hours. Make note of any real inconveniences you need to address later. Remember if you are on a well you will be without water and without the use of the toilet, at least you will need to be prepared with water to flush. Keep track of what you discover. If your children have a Christmas break this week or next it is the perfect time to get them involved and to get a real picture of what life would be like with no TV, internet, or game stations to amuse them. Fight the urge to “just use the heat or air conditioner”. You will discover which rooms can be closed off and where you need to think of ways to cut down on the heat (or cool air, for you summer folks) going out or unwanted drafts coming in.

#2. Prepare a hot meal without electricity. You may need to be creative in the way you use your fireplace, outdoor grill or outdoor fire pit. Again a fun thing to do with kids.

#3. Check your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors to be sure they are working and have fresh batteries.

#4. Check your battery supplies. You know someone will get a Christmas of Hanukkah gift that requires them. Now is a good time to make sure you have plenty in case of a power outage.

#5. Add paper products to your emergency supply. You know you will need extra when family and friends visit this holiday season so purchase twice what you think you will really need.

#6. Spend an hour with your kids talking about money. Yuk! I know, but if we want to raise kids who are self reliant and who have their priorities straight we need to take every opportunity to educate them. This season is the perfect time to talk about making sacrifices of what we WANT now, so we are prepared to buy what we NEED later. Help them to understand there may not always be money to purchase all our heart’s desires and we need to work and budget and have a plan. When we complete our Seven Steps in a few weeks I will begin talking about how we can raise self reliant children. Being prepared for emergencies is an important part of the plan if we truly want to be able to care for all our family needs when the going gets tough. My generation raised some very dependent children who have felt entitled. Now the 20 and 30 somethings are discovering that was not good parenting. On behalf of my generation, I’m sorry. Let’s do better going forward. The happiest 20 and 30 somethings I know are the ones who know how to work hard, save what they earn, look for bargains and wait for what they want rather than charging it. So start this week to set the stage for self reliance in our kids, next year.

#7. Copy the Pandemic Patient Form and add it to your pandemic section of your binder.

Click here to download the Pandemic Patient Report Form

Please report back what you discover this week about yourself and your preparations.

1. Finish purchasing a three month supply of pet food. We have already done some of this so check you inventory and get the rest of what you will need. If you have several pets and can’t afford to get the food for all of them choice one or two pets and complete their supplies.

2. Purchase a large box of plastic bags for kitchen trash. You will use this as part of your pandemic preparations. Kitchen compactor bags are excellent for this use.

3. Clean out a cupboard and throw away or give away any unused items. You are making more room for your emergency supplies. Before you bring holiday gifts into your home get rid of some things.

4. Try a new recipe. Here is an appetizer from Can Can Cooking.

Cowboy Salsa
1 can black-eyed peas…..1 can black beans…..1 can corn….. 1 can Mexican style diced tomatoes…..1/2 Cup chopped onion …..1/2 Cup chopped green bell pepper …..1/2 teaspoon garlic powder….. Tortilla chips

Rinse and drain beans. Drain other canned foods. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Let stand at least one hour before serving. Serve with tortilla chips.

5. As you purchase the ingredients for your holiday treats purchase double and add it to your food storage. Remember, comfort foods are a must for great food storage.

6. Add $10.00 in small bills to your workplace kit. Most of us rely on credit and debit cards which may not work during an emergency.

7. Add a section for Pandemic Preparations to your binder, copy the Pandemic Prep posts and add them to your binder.

#1. Now is the time to find sales on many things so this week check the ads for a battery powered clock. When the electricity is out it seems time goes very slowly so be prepared for all the “what time is it” questions. I purchased a clock for my mantel, which I love. It serves two purposes, emergency prep and room beautification. Any inexpensive clock will do, just be sure to keep the proper batteries on hand.

#2. Count the blankets in your home and ask yourself if there were a power outage for a long period do you have at least two per person to wrap up in. Don’t purchase them now unless you find a really great sale, as they will be on sale in January. If someone asks what you want for Christmas you might consider blankets. Hopefully, by now you have given the list we made several weeks ago, of items from our Seven Steps that you could not afford to purchase, to family who you receive gifts from.

#3.Purchase canned milk. It should be on sale this week so stock up. Remember you can replace one pound of powdered milk with 10 cans of evaporated milk. Purchase at least 10 cans this week.

#4. Purchase 10 pounds of sugar and don’t use it for holiday baking! This is for food storage.

#5. Purchase rope (75 feet in good, large family, get two) and clothes pins for laundry in the event of a power outage.

#6. Add wooden matches or a lighter, or both, to your car kit.

#7. Make a list of emergency phone numbers and add it to your emergency kit at work. These should include the numbers for doctors, the local hospital, police and fire department, building security and management, children’s school, spouse’s office and your out of state contact person.  Also include the address for your office. Several years ago we were having a meeting at our church and one of the women passed out. I ran to call 911 but I had no clue what the address to the building was. I knew the street and began describing all the landmarks around until the operator was able to communicate exactly where we were to the fire fighters and ambulance. Be sure to include the address for any other buildings where a loved one might be trapped or in need of help. If a spouse were to communicate there was a problem at their workplace or a child’s school you would need this information to get help to them. Unfortunately, invasions of offices and schools have happened and terrorism is still a real threat.

On that pleasant note…remember, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear”

With all the preparation that goes on this week for that feast and all the parades and football games we will keep our goals simple.

#1. When you are shopping for all those last minute items pick up a bottle of vitamins and add it to your storage.

#2. As long as you are in that section of the store purchase a bottle of your favorite anti-inflammatory, pain killer and add it to your work place kit.

#3. As you gather with family let them know of all you have accomplished this year toward your goal of being prepared. Brag a little, they may just think, “if she/he can do it so can I”!

#4. Let your family know of your concern about a pandemic and discuss a plan for caring for your family and expended family when a pandemic arrives. Let them know you are following our Friday series “Pandemic Prep”. By following along themselves, it will help to calm their fears and also empower them with simple, yet vital, steps to be Totally Ready.

#5. Enjoy your Thanksgiving !! If you don’t live in the United States take this opportunity to call or write your family members and let them know just how much you are thankful for them.

Happy Thanksgiving !!!

Living in California and with a husband who works as a broker for food products I am very concerned about not only food prices but also food shortages. More and more growers are pulling out orchards as the government is limiting water supplies. The smelt in the San Joaquin delta will survive but at what cost to families on a budget? We will therefore be focusing much of our attention next year on food storage, gardening and preserving our harvests. For now, let’s finish up our Seven Steps.

#1. Change the filters for your furnace (air conditioner). This will save lots of money,reduce allergies, and help you to be prepared for the change in the weather.

#2. Add a pair of comfortable walking shoes to your workplace emergency kit. If you should have to walk home or to a shelter after an emergency you will want a pair of shoes that will make walking over any debris easier and safer. This is a great excuse to purchase new shoes. Take those old, comfy, ones to work.

#3. Add food to your workplace kit. In the case of a terrorist attach or lockdown you may need to feed yourself for hours or even a couple of days. All those snacks in the vending machine will be gone very quickly, even if you have the change to purchase them. A few high calorie energy bars would be great as you can take them with you if your emergency allows you to leave your office. You may also want to supplement them with some small cans of fruit or some crackers and cheese. Store canned foods with a pop top or add a can opener to your stash. Don’t count on the microwave being available. Store ready to eat foods.

#4. Add a toothbrush and toothpaste to your office kit. I would be miserable if I couldn’t brush my teeth for a day or two.

#5. Add one can of fruit per family member to your food storage. This week cranberry sauce, pie fillings and pumpkin are on sale. Stock up on those if your family likes them. They will not be cheaper than they are the two weeks before Thanksgiving.

#6. Clean out the gutters. Be prepared for winter storms and avoid problems by beginning the season with clean gutters.

#7. Add an anti inflammatory to your medical supplies. I have seen them this week in a few ads: buy one get one free. You will need these throughout the year and they are a part of our preparing for a pandemic.

1. Add rain ponchos to your car kit and to any other kits which still need them. Right now we are clearing out the child’s ponchos at Totally Ready so if you need some for the kids get them now before they are gone. When they are gone we won’t be ordering more.

2. Add a safety vest to your kits at work and to any other kits that do not already have them.

3. Add 10 pounds of grains to your food storage. Right now flour is on sale in preparation for the holiday baking season so it is a great time to stock up. Determine which grain you need more of and add that. Oatmeal has also been on sale with the weather getting colder so check out the grains on sale at your store this week and add at least 10 pounds.

4. Try a food storage recipe. Following is a good one using your stored grain, oatmeal.

Granola

3 1/2 cups Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup honey
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup diced dried fruit

Heat oven to 350°F.

In large bowl, combine oats and nut, mix well. Combine honey, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon, mix well. Pour over oat mixture; mix well. Spread evenly on rimmed baking sheet with has been sprayed with a cooking spray.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown, stirring every 10 minutes. Stir in dried fruit. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.

5. Add one can of veggies per family member to your food storage.

6. Make or purchase a preparedness or food storage holiday gift.

7. Post a favorite recipe which includes a grain to the comments section here.

The following are a few links to articles about the current state of food supplies and food prices. Check out what others are saying.

http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081109/BIZ0102/811090314

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20081109-171187/FAO-warns-of-rise-in-food-prices

http://www.wwnytv.net/index.php/2008/11/08/grocery-prices-expected-to-rise-by-7/

1. As our first step today I would like you to read the following articles which are the candidates own summary of who they are and what they stand for.  One of the most important steps we can take is to elect a president who will help us to avoid the emergencies that are avoidable.

http://www.wsj.com/article/SB122567508079392051.html?mod=article-outset-box
http://www.wsj.com/article/SB122567490887592021.html?mod=article-outset-box

2. Vote

3-7 Catch up on any steps you may have missed in the past. Next week we will focus again on seven specific steps but for now get caught up.

Prop 2 would require ranchers to “free” their animals, uncage them. This spells disaster for consumers for several reasons. There are several issues to consider as you consider your vote.

1. As of this moment California has the strictest laws regarding ranching, animal cruelty and food safety. Laying hens are placed in cages and when they lay an egg it drops into a troth and is collected. If this law is enacted chickens will roam without a cage. When an egg is laid those collecting the eggs can easily miss one. As consumers will will not be guaranteed the eggs we purchase are fresh, as we will have no way of knowing how long an egg may have been sitting on the ground before it was collected. Those collecting the egg will likewise have no idea if it was a new egg or one they missed the day before.

2. Egg producers work on small margins and will not be able to finance the changes, especially now with the banks cutting back dramatically on loans. This will cause the producer to lose his farm or be forced to move out of state.

3. We will have to import eggs from other states. This will dramatically increase the cost.

4. It will force some to import cheaper eggs from Mexico. We all remember salmonella and with very lax sanitation laws in Mexico this is a great concern.

5. When laying hens are past their prime they are sold to food manufactures as an ingredient in soups and other foods. Manufacturers locate their plants near their food sources. If the egg industry moves out of state these manufacturers may follow, eliminating jobs. Jobs will also be lost as egg producers are forced to close their doors or relocate out of state.

6. Food prices will rise for those of you living outside of California as eggs become less plentiful because California is importing more.

7. Eggs are an ingredient in many foods. Manufacturers of cookies, pasta and other foods manufactured in California will be forced to raise their prices. If you live in Iowa and purchase cookies made in California. You will pay more.

The group promoting this proposition has found the most horrible conditions they could and sited those as examples of what is happening in the industry. They are just plain untrue. How do I know? Because for over 30 years our family was in the egg business. We are no longer but I can assure you this proposition is full of holes and very poorly written. It will be disastrous for California consumers. Please pass this information along to your friends and family and ask them to check it out for themselves. Then vote no on Proposition 2.

Now our Seven Steps:

1. This week we had a friend pass away. He was 40 and left three children. It reminded me how important it is to prepare for this inevitable step in our journey. Write a will. It can be very simple and done with a form found on line or you can go to an attorney. I suggest an attorney if you have dependent children or many assets. Be sure to specify who you wish to raise your children and why. At times a family member may not be the best choice and you will want to have your reasons in a legal document for a judge, just in case your family wants to contest the will.

2. Make funeral arrangements. Write down anything and everything that is important to you including where you want to be buried and anyone you want to participate in the services. Also make known your wishes for music and speakers if you have them.

3. Copy your will and funeral information and send it to your out of state contact and also the executor of your will. If you don’t want your contact to see the info seal it before sending it and sign the back so your signature overlaps the edge of the flap and the envelope itself. Then it can not be opened without it being obvious to everyone. If you can’t trust your contact with a sealed envelope you need to choice another contact.

4. Add a phone list to your auto kit and work place supplies. You may be surprised which numbers you don’t have programed into your phone. Be sure to include family, friends and medical providers.

5. Purchase or can 2 cans of fruit per person and add them to your food storage.

6. Make a Christmas gift. I have suggested several over the last few weeks. Make one this week.

Good luck…

1. Auto kit: We have placed a good pair of walking shoes, a shovel, whistle, mylar blankets, safety vest, work gloves, kitty litter, glow sticks, and wool blanket in the trunk of our cars.

2. Grab and Go Kit: We have added rope, wrench, goggles, and placed them all in a container.

3. Pets: We have added an emergency contact card, food and water to our pet supplies.

4. Documents: We have copied and added home owners insurance policy, power of attorney, guardianship, mortgage, and religious certificates, to our 72 hour kits and mailed copies to our out of state contacts.

5. Food Storage: We have added 1 can of fruit/person, ingredients for 8 meals, 10 pounds of flour, 2 cans of protein/person, a three month supply of oil, vinegar, mayonnaise,  salad dressing, mustard and ketchup, 1 bottle of juice/person, 1 month supply of feminine hygiene products, more water and coffee filters for treating water.

6. Work place: We have taken a first aid kit and extra water to work to keep in our desk or locker.

7. We have made a plan to wash and dry clothing in case of a power outage and purchased the items needed.

8. We have taught our children and begun practicing proper hand washing.

9. We have updated tetnus shots.

10. Around the house: We have added the airline travel article to our binders. Made 4 changes around our home to keep it more burglar proof. Placed glow sticks or a flashlight within easy reach in every room. Made room for our outdoor furniture in case we need to move it inside. Arranged with a friend to watch our pets in case we need to evacuate. Pruned trees.

11. First Aid kits: We have added bandages, a boy scout field book and anti bacterial cream.

There you have it! Awesome isn’t it? Normally I would give you this week off but because of the rapid rise in food prices I know many of you are working more aggressively on your food storage so this week we will do one thing.

Add a three month supply of the following items: Toothpaste, toilet paper, deodorant and shaving cream. That’s it! Use this week to catch up on items you may have missed.