Here’s what we’re working on this week (Nov. 18 – Nov. 24):
INVENTORY: Condiments
Look over your supply of these items. Things such as mayonnaise ketchup, salad dressing, vinegar, etc. Decide if you have enough. You may only need a 3-month supply of most. Look at expiration dates and bring older usable items to your kitchen counter so you will use them up.
STEP 1: 3-MONTH FOOD STORAGE per person:
1 box stuffing mix (optional)
1 15 oz. can of yams
If you don’t like these items, store something else. Don’t just think of this supply as only for a disaster. You may suddenly lose your job. Having a supply on your shelf will be useful.
STEP 2: 2-WEEK SUPPLY OF DRINKING WATER:
Accumulate 14 gallons of emergency water per person. That’s about 4×24 ct. cases of 16.9 oz. bottles. If you refill your own containers, they need to be changed every 6 months; whereas commercially bottled water can be stored indefinitely. But it will taste better if you use it periodically, then buy more. Water is an absolute necessity! You will need more for hygiene, cleaning and cooking.
STEP 3: FINANCIAL RESERVE OR EMERGENCY FUND:
Start small, but be consistent. Add $2.00 or more per person each week. And only use it for emergencies.
STEP 4: LONGER-TERM FOOD STORAGE:
Do this step if you have completed STEPS 1, 2 and 3. Throughout the year I will suggest long-term items in STEP 1 with (LT) after their name. You can purchase a 3-month supply or a larger amount for your long-term storage. These items can be stored for 20 – 30+ years. For instance, if you want a 1 year supply of sugar, multiply the amount in STEP 1 by 4 which would be 40 lbs. of sugar per person, etc. The choice is yours.
HOME STORAGE: Window cleaner
A refill size is the least expensive to purchase and can be found at most grocery stores.
72-HOUR KIT: Add $10 + into an equipment fund. (see below)
AUTO EMERGENCY KIT: Add $10 + into an equipment fund. (see below)
EQUIPMENT FUND: Many of you have been working on your 72-hour kits and auto emergency kits with me for the past 9 months. So, for the next 12 weeks you will see a suggested amount to save for a more expensive equipment item to be purchased at the end of December. However, if you are not ready to do this and want to continue building 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 GOAL: Winter gloves and hat.
Look through your supplies. Is it time to replace yours? Kids grow quickly.
PREP GOAL: Free week. Enjoy time with your family!
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.
If you want to see the entire month, go to the November Monthly List.
You are never behind if you take one step forward.