I spent the day uncovering my desk from the pile of paperwork, graduation announcements, medical bills, report cards, newsletters, etc. that had become Mt. Everest during the month of May. At the bottom of the pile I discovered the iPhone car charger I had purchased in April!
Now that the kids are out of school it’s time to regroup. I know some of you are facing the same challenge right about now. So let’s get back to work on our food storage and preparedness.
As the summer heat increases don’t forget to stock up on water. Water has to be #1. So if you haven’t done that, think again. It is absolutely necessary. You’ve heard me say it before, and I will say it again. You can’t live without it. If you don’t have any water stored, set a goal this week to pick up a case of drinking water. Stash it under a bed, or each person’s bed.
“In hot conditions with no water, dehydration can set in within an hour. A baby locked in a hot car or someone who is physically overexerted in the heat without replacing fluids can actually die in a period of several hours.” How Stuff Works
Some of you do better looking at my monthly food storage lists and some do better week-by-week so you don’t become overwhelmed. The choice is yours. And remember, pick and choose what you can do. You don’t have to do everything!
EMERGENCY FUND: Set aside $2.00 or more per person each week and all year long.
2-WEEK WATER SUPPLY: Accumulate 14 gallons of water per person
(or 4×24 ct. cases of bottled water per person).
3-MONTH FOOD STORAGE:
10 lbs. of rice or 2 #10 LDS cans
Since this is part of your 3-month supply, you can store part of it in your pantry in a container like Rubbermaid, Tupperware, or something from IKEA. If you buy small bags, just stock up on a few more. If you eat brown rice, then put that in a container, and perhaps pick up a couple of cans of white rice to store long-term. Brown rice does not store well long-term.
NON-FOOD: Paper towels. Perhaps a 1 month supply. These are very useful in emergencies. Those living in small apartments may only need a few extra rolls. If your goal is 3 rolls, learn to always keep 3 rolls on the shelf.
INVENTORY: Look over your spices. Even if you added some last month, look over your supply. Are you low on anything? Read about my 52-Week Inventory List.
72-HOUR KIT: A pair of pants and a shirt. Could be something right out of your closet. I’m picking up some sports pants from the DI for each family member because they fit easier in our backpacks. We already have matching yellow T-shirts.
AUTO KIT: Toss a small roll of paper towels in your car.
EQUIPMENT: Sprouting equipment. You can even use a mason jar! This is a new venture for me. and something I won’t do everyday. Go to SproutPeople.org and watch some great how-to videos.
PREPAREDNESS GOAL: Fall-proof your home. It is National Safety Month, so check out NSC.org and learn how to prevent slips and falls in your home.
If you prefer prepping with the monthly list, go to this pdf copy of The June 2012 List.
MY CURRENT GIVEAWAY: Four lucky winners will receive my upcoming “12-Month Food Storage Organizer.” Go here for more details. Thanks everyone for your input. I love it!
And if you haven’t participated in the poll on the top right sidebar, please do so! Much appreciated.