Seven Steps Week 6
Before we begin with new steps for this week I think we should review what we have accomplished. I was very excited when I compiled the list to see all we have done in a few weeks. By the end of this week we will have assembled:
72 Hour Kits: whistles, clothing, TP, diapers, light sources,1 backpack, paper products and important documents(birth certificates and drivers licenses).
Around the House: shoes under the beds, light source next to the bed, designated a food storage area, stored some water and have bleach for purifying water and cleaning after a disaster.
Emergency Food Supply: 1 days worth of fruits and vegetables, ingredients for 5 favorite meals, ingredients for 3 desserts, oatmeal and pancake mix. In other words a 3 day supply for the whole family. May not sound like much but it is. It’s the amount emergency agencies say is the minimum to have on hand……72 hours!
Out of State contact: We have established a contact person, developed a phone tree, and have items ready to mail to our contact.
Important Documents: Drivers license and birth certificates
Schools: We have researched our school’s plans and discussed them with our children. Re searched the television and radio stations that will broadcast emergency information for our area.
Electricity: We have one the thing left to do and we will have checked off all the items we need to be prepared for a power outage! We have light, water, fuel for cooking, liquid laundry detergent and a way to dry our clothes (rope and clothes pins), battery operated clock, paper plates and other items for serving food, and a battery operated clock.
$$$$$- You have saved money in your change jar. Mine has $12.32. Not bad since I didn’t miss it at all and it was just me. My husband never remembers to add to the jar. I need to work on that. I am going to spend mine on this weeks items.
Can you believe it! Impressed? You should be. Just think of all you have done and how long you have thought about how important this is and now you are doing it! Wait till six weeks from now…..you will be amazed.
This week there is quite a bit to purchase. If cash is a little tight consider having breakfast for dinner a night or two. Much cheaper than the meat and potatoes kind of meal.
1. Add the appropriate paper plates, bowls and utensils to your 72 hour kits. If you are planning to add energy bars and/or MREs to your kit you will only need the utensils as the MREs can be eaten directly from the pouch. The remaining products are for your home storage to use during that power outage, a natural disaster or a medical emergency. We have had a bout with bronchitis here and have used paper products to keep from spreading the germs.
2. Purchase a large box of oatmeal or other hot cereal. This goes on the storage shelf remember….not for use now.
3. Purchase a large bag of pancake mix. Add to the storage shelf!
4. Add a roll of TP to your 72 hour kits.
5. Purchase ingredients to make 5 of your favorite meals using the list of favorite meals you created with your family. Date them and place on your food storage shelf.
6. Teach your family how to turn off the gas, water and electricity coming in to your home.
7. Purchase 1 gallon of unscented bleach. Label: Emergency Cleaning and place with your storage.
That’s it. You can take care of 4 of them with one trip to the store leaving you more time to catch up on any previous steps you may have missed. Good luck and remember to check in and let us know your questions or progress.
This month submit a comment and be entered in to our prize drawing for 10 Bright Orange Safety Vests. These are great for in your 72 hour kits and an absolute must have for every car. I suggest one per seat belt in your vehicles. Then, if you get stranded and have to walk or wait for rescue everyone is protected.
Unbelievable! I actually had the majority of this week’s Seven Steps purchased, completed, and “in the bag” without even going to the store. It was fun to realize that I am indeed getting prepared. Thanks for all your suggestions. They’re great!
I am excited to see all of the progress that we have made in just six weeks! Thank you for outlining this in a way that keeps it realistic, even for my busy schedule!
Is it ok to purchase plastic plates, utensils and cups to put in? I know to clean them we’d need to store more water, but that would be easier than storing a bunch of plates, etc. for 3 days. Wouldn’t it? I guess water does weigh more so maybe it wouldn’t be a good idea.
I would store paper. It will take up much less room that the added water you would need to wash dishes of any kind. I have stored some sturdy paper plates but most of them are the cheap variety, thin. I found some plastic holders like the wicker paper plate holders, and use those to give support to the thinner paper plates. Besides who wants to wash dishes if you are in crisis mode? The next few months are a great time to add paper. It will all be on sale for summer barbecues. When you purchase cups remember to get some that can hold hot drinks. If the electricity goes out during a winter storm you will want a hot drink. If I were going to plan to wash anything it would be the eating utensils, I like real silverware.