Seven Steps Week 26
Can you believe we have been at this for 6 months now. We are at our 1/2 year mark! I know money is tight for all of us right now so if you can only afford to some of the things we are doing that’s fine. This is meant to be a help not another guilt trip or burden. If you copy the steps each week, add them to your binder and cross off the ones you complete it will be easy for you to see later what still needs to be done. Keep saving your change and don’t be afraid to ask for a case of food or pandemic supplies or a 72 hour kit for your birthday, anniversary or one of the holidays. Tell your sweetie not to buy chocolate but rather a case of brownie mix. Then you can get your fix during a time when there is no money for chocolates. This week:
1.Practice building a shelter. There are many websites which can help you with directions for a lean-to, tents or even snow caves (wrong time of the year for that in most, but now all of the world). If you purchased your tarp(s) last week of if you have an old one around practice using that so you can see what else you may want to add to your Grab and Go kit to make creating a safe shelter easier. This will also help you understand how many tarps and ropes you may need to accommodate your family’s needs. Besides this is a great activity with the kids especially for those of you who have cut back or cut out a family vacation this year.
2. Purchase cooking utensils for your Grab and Go Kit. This is a great time of the year as the barbecue utensils are on sale. You will want long handled items just in case you end up having to cook over a fire.
3. Purchase a set or tow of white sheets. I was going to have you do something else this week but then I read the Sunday ads and noticed lots of sheet sales. If you remember the Seasonal Bargains sheet you copied, you will know July is a great time for white sales. White sheets are important in preparing for a pandemic. I know we haven’t heard much about that lately but the threat of a pandemic always exists so we want to be prepared. Decide which two room you would turn into “hospital” room for those who are ill. Purchase at least one set of white sheets for the beds in those rooms. During a health emergency you will want to wash sheets in hot water, soap and bleach to be sure all the germs are killed, thus white sheets.
4. Add 2 cans of vegetables per person to your food storage. I noticed this week vegetables are on sale at two of our Pharmacy stores and at one of the grocery store in town. Hopefully you can find them on sale where you are also.
5. Make or purchase a holiday gift. We are spreading out our expenses by doing this and thus preparing so the holiday season doesn’t have us incurring large debts. If you know someone who loves to barbecue now is the time to find great buys on everything from aprons to marshmallow roasting forks. Holiday fabrics are on sale now. It’s a great time to make table runners or some other Halloween, Thanksgiving , Christmas or Hanuka gifts. Use your imagination.
6. Make more room for food storage. If you are running out of space now is the time to create some more. We will be adding more food to reach that three month supply so be ready.
7. Take time to catch up on one or more of the Steps you have missed.
Good luck!
