Here is what we are working on this week:
INVENTORY: Freezer. Discard old items and inventory what more you need. We do this every three months.
3-MONTH FOOD STORAGE per person: 1×28 oz. peanut butter, almond butter or other nut spread you like to use. Check the expiration date on the container to see how often you should replace unopened containers. Write the date an opened container if you don’t use it quickly.
2-WEEK WATER SUPPLY: Accumulate 14 gallons of water per person (or 4×24 ct. cases per person). Pick up a case for $2.50 at the case lot sales this week!
EMERGENCY FUND: Start small, but be consistent. Add $2.00 or more per person each week.
HOME STORAGE: Cold medicines. Buy a 6-month supply assuming everyone will get sick at least once during that time. Consider ages of family members. Suggestions are cough drops, fever reducers, pain relievers, head colds meds, etc. You get the idea. Next week we gather pain medicines, but you could do both at the same time. Try buying store brands or use coupons.
72-HOUR KIT: Save $10 + into an equipment fund. (see below)
AUTO EMERGENCY KIT: Save $10 + into an equipment fund. (see below)
EQUIPMENT FUND: Many of you have been working all year long on your 72-hour kits and auto emergency kits. I tried to get you prepped over the last 9 months, so for the next 12 weeks you will see a suggested amount to save for a larger equipment item to purchase at the end of December. However, if you are not ready to do this and want to continue to build your emergency kits, go back to my older monthly lists and look for items you want to purchase each week. We will start over again in January.
1. Decide on an item such as one of the following that you want to save for:
Electric Pressure Cooker $100, Pressure Canner/Cooker $100, Tent $150, 2-Burner Outdoor Propane Stove $100, Volcano Cook Stove $100, Indoor/Outdoor Heater $100, Electric Wheat Grinder $250, Chain saw $200-300, Solar Oven $300, KitchenAid Mixer $300, Bosch Mixer $420, or Generator $800+
2. Divide the dollar amount by 12.
3. Put aside that amount each week.
4. Purchase your item at the end of December.
EQUIPMENT: Additional smoke alarms. Do you really have enough?
PREP GOAL: Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. This should be done monthly. It’s simple and quick to push the test button to see if the batteries still work. Show your older children how to do it. Never assume your alarms are all working as this may cost you your life. Put a reminder on your calendar. And keep spare batteries on hand for your type of detectors.
HOW TO USE THIS LIST:
1. Decide on a monthly or weekly home storage budget.
2. Realistically decide what you want to gather or do from the list.
3. Multiply amounts by number of family members.
4. Adjust amount for younger children.
5. Adapt, adapt, adapt. These are only suggestions. Pick and choose.
6. Each week look for store sales that match your goals.
7. Carry your list with you or put it on your cell phone notepad.
You are never behind if you take one step forward.