For week 16, gather condensed soup as well as other suggested items.
STEP 1: 3-MONTH SUPPLY (per adult) – Condensed Soups 10 cans.
Tip: Condensed soups have been around for generations. They are useful in casseroles, crockpot meals and many other recipes. Consider varieties such as tomato soup, chicken noodle, cream of mushroom or chicken. Check out CampellsSoup.com for some you didn’t even know existed. A few varieties are usually available during the case lot sales in Utah. Also find some at Sam’s Club and Costco year-round, though they are a bit more expensive. Check your grocery ad for a good price and stock up on your favorites. If this is a staple for your family, you may want to stock up on more. Personally, I gather several cases twice a year.
Shelf Life: Cream of mushroom or chicken 2 – 5 years; tomato soup – 12 – 18 months. Check the label.
STEP 2: DRINKING WATER – 14 gallons water
FEMA recommends 1 gallon per day of drinking water per person. That’s about 4×24 ct. cases of bottled water per person. “You will also need water for food preparation, bathing, brushing teeth, and dish washing. Store a 3-5 day supply of water (at least 5 gallons for each person).” FEMA
Tip: Stock up this month! It’s everywhere today, but it may not be tomorrow. Buy more to replenish what you use. Small bottles are for short-term storage, so slowly go through your supply and replenish. More durable food grade containers are for long-term storage.
Shelf Life: small commercially prepared bottles store indefinitely. Other containers need to be refilled every 6 months. Store off your cement floor on 2×4’s or on a shelf.
STEP 3: FINANCIAL RESERVE (per person) – $2.00 +/- per week
Tip: Add to your fund each week for emergencies. Keep some in the bank and some cash in small bills at home.
STEP 4: LONGER-TERM SUPPLY (per adult) – Nothing this week
OTHER STORAGE ITEMS
SANITATION ITEMS – Disinfectant Cleaning Wipes
Tip: These are definitely a convenience, but if you were without water, these would be useful for quick sanitation cleanups. These are also great for camping, everyday use and during disasters.
PREPAREDNESS GOAL – Family Home Evening Lesson on Emergency Sanitation and Hygiene
Tip: Does your family know how to handle sanitation issues in a disaster? Consider preparing a lesson to teach your family. Check out “Personal Hygiene and Handwashing After a Disaster or Emergency” at this CDC link. The Handwashing Station pdf is a great visual. Review what to do after a flood as well.
EQUIPMENT GOAL – Trash Bags
Tip: Trash bags are extremely useful after a disaster. If trash service were suddenly interrupted, you will be grateful you had some large bags on hand. Animals and rodents will be looking for food, so make sure you have covered trash cans as well.
WEEKLY INVENTORY – Cleaning Supplies
How: Check your cleaning supplies such as bleach, disinfectant cleanner, laundry soap, ammonia, etc. for breakage, and replenish if needed.
Good luck on your weekly goals. You CAN do it! Here is the printout of the April 2013 Food Storage List. If you are new around here, go to my START HERE page.
Do you have any tips on gathering the items on this week’s list? Please share.