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 less wordy books.
Buy an Emergency Preparedness Book
Find a book and 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 well researched book is 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. From your local gas company website, learn when and when not to shut it off . You don’t have to turn it off with every disaster.
- You can shut off the gas with pliers, but attaching a gas shut-off key to the meter will save time.
Buy a Handheld Can Opener
- Electric can openers won’t work when the power goes out, so keep a handheld can opener on hand to open those cans of food.
- TheKitchn.com teaches you to clean a dirty can opener. Fill a mason jar 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 difference in an emergency. I hope you buy a preparedness book, a gas shut-off key, and a handheld can opener if needed.
Stock up your way!
Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer
Purchase my food storage and emergency preparedness items in my Etsy shop.
