Our fourth prep challenge in September is to buy emergency preparedness books, a gas shut-off key, and a can opener. Keep a small library of preparedness books on hand to help you during a disaster, since you may not have access to the internet during a power outage. I prefer the less wordy books.
Buy an Emergency Preparedness Book
Whatever book you choose, READ it! Save money, and buy it used.
Survival Mom: How to Prepare Your Family for Everyday Disasters and Worst-Case Scenarios by Lisa Bedford. This book is well researched, and easy to read. Check out her website too.
Just In Case: How to Be Self-Sufficient When the Unexpected Happens by Kathy Harrison. “Learn how to inventory and rotate your food supply, pack an evacuation kit, maintain communication with loved ones, and much more.”
Prepare Your Home for a Sudden Grid-Down Situation by Ted Riley. Learn “easy immediate short-term solutions to see you through the first few days of disaster” including cooking, finding clean water, toileting, communicating with the outside world and more.
Buy a Gas Shut-Off Key
- Find your gas meter and learn when and when not to shut it off from your local gas company website.
- You could always shut off the gas with pliers if you can get to them but make your life easier during a disaster by attaching a gas shut-off key tthe meter so it’s always there.
Buy a Handheld Can Opener
- Many of us use electric can openers, but those won’t work when the power goes out. Keep a handheld can opener in your kitchen drawer just in case.
- Clean your can opener. TheKitchn.com teaches you to put your can opener gears in in a mason jar, then fill to the gears with vinegar. Soak for a few minutes (or an hour). Brush off the rust and gunk with a toothbrush, and dry.
These few preparedness goals could make a huge difference in an emergency. Hope you buy a preparedness book, a gas shut-off key, and a handheld can opener if needed.
Best wishes and be safe!
Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer
Purchase my food storage and emergency preparedness items in my Etsy shop.
