What Disaster Scenarios Are You Preparing For?

The idea of preparedness goes many ways– from people who will hide under their beds when disaster strikes all the way to people who are able to be almost entirely self sufficient for many years. 

 

If you are reading this blog then you're probably somewhere in between.

 A good way to help you focus on your preparedness needs and to get really prepared is to know what types of disasters could happen to you and then to decide which ones could truly happen to you. A good way to get those ideas is to grab a notebook and make a list! Once you have that list in front of you, preparing is easy because you are focused on a specific event rather than just the vague concept of preparedness. Let’s take a look at the range of disasters for you to consider. 

 

Personal disasters – These include things like losing your job, getting told that your hours are being cut, getting injured on work and going on disability , having a change in your family 

 

Natural disasters – These can include any of the following events: hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, forest fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, crippling ice/ snow storm, etc. 

 

Extreme weather events – These events include both mega storms like Hurricane Sandy as well as long term weather events – like extreme drought that brings on really severe water restrictions and affects food crops/ prices as farmland wilts.

 

 Nuclear events –  From the reactor disaster in Japan recently to the possibility of a rogue nation launching a nuclear weapon, possible EMP attacks, dirty bombs, etc., the idea of a nuclear event is again on peoples minds.

 

 Terrorist attacks – These can happen anywhere as their purpose is to instill terror. If terrorism grows, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the targets change from high value ones like NYC to anyplace they can cause a terror event where a large number of people congregate – shopping, sporting events, schools, etc. – just to spread the idea of fear and lack of safety no matter where you live. 

 

Biological events – Whether natural or man made, the is always a chance of an epidemic or pandemic occurring. A particular virulent flu variant or a manufactured biological weapon are both very real possibilities. 

 

Economic collapse –  Will it cause hyperinflation, wiping out your savings overnight? Will it cause the stock market to crash, wiping out your 401K? A bank run? Supply shortages as no one wants to trade with us because of the instability of our currency? Runaway fuel prices? You get the idea.

 

 Collapse of civilization – This is the mega event that could be caused by a new world war or massive natural event like a super volcanic eruption or large asteroid impact event. As you can see, there are many types of events that could potentially affect your future. By taking a look at the list, you can decide which are likely and make definite preparedness plans for them.

 

Other events that we see as more remote but possible include an economic collapse on a larger scale, a long term drought (which happens fairly frequently here – but never super severe), and a potential nuclear event as there are nuclear reactors within 100 miles and if they ever get damaged and the wind blows the right way… it would not be optimal. 

 

So for us, we are fully prepared income interruptions by having a secure (and fully rotated) food and water supply to last the duration. We also have an emergency cash reserve to make sure we can make up any shortfalls for a long period of time. 

 

Make your own list of events that you believe could impact your lives. Then prioritize them in terms of duration. Once you have them prioritized, figure out what you would need to survive the shortest duration event and then gather that set of supplies. Once you feel you are prepared for this event, you can start working on longer term preparedness. 

 

Preparedness is a process and a journey that is best started by taking baby steps. Develop that small preparedness plan and then execute it. Then build on that for the next level of preparedness, etc. and soon you will be able to make it to the far side of just about any disaster than can hit your family.

 

 

35 Emergency Items You Should Buy Every Month

 

 

35 Emergency Items You Should Buy Every Month

 

You can never have enough. Anytime you get a chance or items go on sale that you know you will need , you buy it. 

Always be on the hunt for sales and deals. Fill your stockpile up for emergencies and lean times. 

 

 

 

Natural Living ~ Migraine Tea

This recipe for migraine tea is a reliable treatment for migraine. It is a good daily tea for migraine prevention. I think that it would be a great idea to start a medicinal herb garden. That way you have items on hand if you need them.

Combine :

6 parts rosemary leaves

4 parts peppermint leaves

4 parts lemon balm leaves

4 parts sweet violet leaves

3 parts feverfew

1/2 part sweet violet flowers

Mix this thoroughly and store in a glass jar away from light and moisture.

When you need it , measure a tablespoon into a tea infuser and steep in a mug of hot water for 5 minutes. Drink. 

 

Mistakes Preppers Make When Prepping

 #1: You Only Prepare For One Kind of Disaster

  #2: You Store All Of Your Eggs In One Basket

 #3: You Don’t have A Bug Out Bag or A Get Home Bag

  #4: You Don’t Prepare Your Family

  #5: You Procrastinate

  #6: You Focus On Gear and Supplies More Than Skills

  #7: You Tell Everyone About Your Preparations (Loose Lips Sink Ships)

  #8: You Don’t Inspect and Rotate Your Food and Water

  #9: You Don’t Take Personal Hygiene and Sanitation Into Account

 #10: You Don’t Have a Backup Plan (and a Backup Plan to Your Backup Plan)

fire starter

 

Food Storage Recipe - Banana Bread Cookies (No-Bake)

Banana Bread Cookies

 If you love banana bread than there is no doubt that you will absolutely enjoy these cookies. Banana pudding and walnuts and oats are the main ingredients in this amazingly delicious recipe. Great on a hot day because there is no baking involved.

NEED:

 2/ 3 cup Milk

1 cup Light Brown Sugar

 1 cup granulated Sugar

1 cup chopped Walnuts

 ¾ cup Butter

 3 ½ cups quick cook Oats

1 small box Banana Cream Instant Pudding Mix

1/ 3 tsp Cinnamon

 ½ tsp Vanilla Extract

 Combine the milk, butter, sugar and cinnamon in a pot. Bring to a boil. Let it boil for about 2 minutes; make sure to stir occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in the banana pudding mix. Add vanilla, oats and walnuts. Let sit for about5 minutes. Drop spoonfuls of mixture onto waxed paper. Press lightly on top.

Let cookies set.

Food Storage Recipe ~ Hamburger Macaroni Casserole

Easy enough to make and the whole family loves it.

 

NEED:

 

1 8 ounce package of macaroni

1 pound of ground beef

1/4 of a green pepper , chopped

1 medium onion , chopped

1 can of diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon of  catsup

1 can of mushroom soup

Shredded cheese

 

Cook the macaroni and then drain.

 

Brown the ground beef ,  green pepper, and onion until beef is cooked thru. Drain the fat off of it.

 

Add tomatoes, macaroni, and catsup. Simmer for a 30 minutes. 

 

Pour into a large baking dish, add the mushroom soup, stir to mix well.

 

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

 

Sprinkle the cheese over top and bake for another few minutes , until the cheese melts.

Food Storage Recipe ~ Hobo Dinner

I love this recipe. My mom used to make this a lot when I was growing up.

NEED:

1 pound of ground beef

2 medium potatoes, quartered

2 medium onions, quartered

2 carrots , sliced

2 tablespoons of butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Shape the beef into 4 patties and place on sheets of foil.

Top with some of the potatoes, onions, and carrots.

Wrap tightly.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Season with the salt and pepper and serve.

I love my instant pot

Being sent one of the instant Pot was the best thing that could have happened to me. This is one of the most amazing kitchen appliances that I have in my house right now. I can do anything in it and it is so easy to use. I actually made the best rice that I have ever made in my life in this Wonder Pot. I also baked a blueberry "muffin" in it. Just trying it out , I whipped up a package of blueberry muffin mix and poured it into this and pressed the bake button. It was that easy. Even though they weren't in muffin forms , it was great and only lasted a few seconds after I had took a picture of it.

                                                   It is so easy to use! Some of the features of it are :

             At 3.2 Qt it is the perfect size for a small meal.

             Programmable digital controls that are very easy to use. Just press the button for the type of cooking that you are doing and it does the rest itself. Perfectly.

             Very easy to clean and quick release of food in the non-stick inner cooking pot. I baked a blueberry "muffin" in mine and turned it over onto a plate and the "muffin" came out instantly. I then used a dish rag with hot water to wipe it out.

              This little Wonder Pot has 6 cooking modes ~ Steam tray, rice, stew, bake, soup, and stir-fry.   It came with a steam tray , a rice measuring cup, and a serving spoon for the rice. Super idea to have home goods that do more than one thing. Great way to cut down on items taking up too much space. This doesn't take up a lot of space and can do all of the things of 6 different tools in one item.

              It automatically goes into the warm setting when the cooking time is done so your food stays warm and fresh. I cooked some saffron rice in ours right when I got it and it was the best rice that I have ever cooked in my life. I will admit that. My rice is not good when I just cook it in a pot. Hard pieces etc. Everyone in the house was amazed at how good the rice was and how fluffy. They really did not think that I had cooked it.

                                

Camping Gadgets For Geeks

We all know that geek that also loves to camp, here are some great gadgets for them:


 Great for all of your other gadgets that you happen to have with you while you camp. The Power Bank Fast Charging is lightweight, silent, and can charge a cell phone at virtually the same rate as your 110 at home.



The SteriPEN Adventurer Opti UV Water Purifier is a Compact handheld ultraviolet light (UV) water purifier designed specifically for outdoor/expedition use. -Reusable for up to 8,000 liters. It destroys up to 99.99% of harmful bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.



You have to take a shower even when you are camping, and this Solar Shower Bag, RISEPRO 10 gallons/40L Solar Heating Camping Shower Bag with Temperature Hot Water 45°C Hiking Climbing XH07 is the one to get. It is durable and can heat up water in about 3 hours.



This BioLite CampStove Bundle with CampStove, Portable Grill and KettlePot Attachments and USB FlexLight  is something for everyone to get , even if you are not a geek! You can cook on it and it generates enough electricity to charge lights, phones, and other personal devices. It has a lot of other amazing attachments to get for it for lighting and more. 

Food Storage Recipe - Bean & Bacon Soup From Scratch

 I love Campbell's bean and bacon soup , but was wanting some that is low cost and taste better. 

NEED

1/2 a pack of  Bacon

1 cup diced yellow onions

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup diced celery

2 cloves garlic minced

4 cups chicken broth

3 cans 15 oz each Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed

salt and pepper

1 can 8 oz tomato sauce

 

 Fry up the bacon in your stockpot.

 

Drain most of the grease off after the bacon is done.

 

Add the onion, carrots , celery, and garlic to the pan with the bacon and saute a bit to get the fragrance of the onion and garlic. 

 

Add the broth , beans, and tomato sauce. 

 

Season.

 

Bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer. 

 

Simmer for a bit. 

Food Storage Recipe ~ Cheese and Bean Quesadillas

Ever since my oldest son has moved out , it has just been my Little man and me. Been having to just cook for us 2 is easy and we love the same foods. This is one that we have had 2 times in the last week.

NEED:

1 can of pinto beans, rinse and drain them

1/2 cup of salsa

1 teaspoon of chili powder

4 , 10 inch, flour tortillas

Shredded monterey - jack cheese

Sour cream

Put the beans into a bowl and mash them up with a potato masher if you have one.  You can also use a fork.

Stir in the salsa and the chili powder.

Cook over medium heat until hot.

Spray some oil onto a pan and heat a tortilla on it until it is lightly browned. Trun it over and spread some of the bean mixture onto the tortilla and some of the cheese.

Top with another one of the tortillas and carefully turn over , brown that tortilla a bit.

Put on your plate and cut into 4ths.

Serve with sour cream.

YUMMY!

 

Food Storage Recipe - Baked Beans Ole

Quick dish to make.

Need:

1/2 pound of ground beef

1 small chopped onion

Minced garlic clove

2 (16 oz) cans of pork n beans

1 cup picante sauce

In a skillet cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until done and drain.

Stir in  the remaining ingredients.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and then simmer for about 10 minutes.

Stir occasionally.

Serve

Food Storage Recipe - Corn Flake Biscuits

Yummy biscuits!

Need:

1/4 cup of melted butter or margarine

1 cup crushed corn flake cereal

2 cups biscuit baking mix

1/2 cup cold water

Spread half of the butter in your baking pan.

Sprinkle half of the crushed cereal in the bottom of the pan.

Mix the water and baking mix until it forms the dough.

Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto that cereal.

Drizzle with the remaining butter.

Press the remaining cereal into the biscuits.

Place in the 425 degree, preheated, oven.

Bake about 10 to 15 minutes.

Food Storage Recipe - Chocolate Chip Pie

Chocolate Chip Pie

NEED:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2/3 cup heavy whipping cream

  2 cups milk chocolate chips

1 container whipped topping

1 graham cracker pie shell

½ cup mini milk chocolate chips

 Over medium heat, bring the heavy whipping cream to a slight boil in a small saucepan. 

Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and remove from the heat. 

Continue to stir until blended.

 Pour into pie shell and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour. 

Combine the milk chocolate chips with the whipped topping.

 Pour on top of semi-sweet chocolate layer.

 Return to the refrigerator for an additional two hours.

Right before serving the pie, sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top. Enjoy!

 

Eco-Friendly Rain Barrel: Save Money in 8 Steps

 

 

Eco-Friendly Rain Barrel: Save Money in 8 Steps – Your Projects@OBN

 Having a rain barrel is a great way to save money and keep your garden watered.  '

Kids Camping Kit - Top 5 Items For Your Kids To Pack For Their Camping Trip

The top five items for your kids to take with them on their camping trip:

1. Toys. I don't mean their whole toy collection here, but some books and games which will make your kids feel at home, especially at bedtime.I wouldn't let them take their latest toys or any electronics. Toys have an easy way of getting broke or lost.
   



2. Flashlight. A flashlight for night times is crucial. Your children will be out in the open most days so this will make them sleep deeply. To get them to drift off easier a bedside light is great. Often most kids' flashlight double up as a little lamp; this is the best buy in my view.



3. Disposable camera. This is excellent as it makes your little one feel all grown up by taking their own pictures of their camping adventure, even if they do come out a little wonky or blurry. It is also good as they can then use the pictures for show and tell at school.



4. Treasure box. By having a little treasure box this can be used for the kids to collect interesting findings on their camping trip. It could be stones they find or pine cones, anything they find of interest which is their own keepsakes of the holiday.



5. Rucksack. This is another great way to show your child to have their own independence. For trips out on your holiday they can take their own rucksack with their lunch, toys, pencils and crayons etc. it is exciting for children to be able to have their very own bag to keep their important items in.

Food Storage Recipes - Creamy Pineapple Pie

Creamy Pineapple Pie

Ingredients:

1 vanilla instant pudding mix

2 cups cold milk

3 tablespoons pineapple juice

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

2 cups whipped topping

1 traditional dough ready-to-use pie shell

Directions:

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the pudding mix, milk and pineapple juice together until thickened.

Stir in the crushed pineapple into pudding.

Pour into prepared pie shell.

Refrigerate for an hour before serving.

Serve each pie slice with a dollop of whipped cream topping.

10 in 1 Camping Tool!

Pretty neat tool that my son bought. It is 10 tools in one little item that will easily fit in his pocket when he hikes or whatever. It is a 10 in 1 Multifunction Outdoor Survival Military Camping Hiking Compass Tool newI have got to get one for each of us!

"Short Description: Compass: Measure for magnetic azimuth (Relative functions of compass: acquire data at horizontal and vertical level). Thermometer: Measure for ambient temperature. Hygrometer: Measure for ambient relative humidity. LED light: Lighting. Reflector: Call for help in country-side, reflect sunlight to sent out the light signal. Spirit level: Determine level condition. Item Description: Compass: Measure for magnetic azimuth (Relative functions of compass: acquire data at horizontal and vertical level) Thermometer: Measure for ambient temperature Hygrometer: Measure for ambient relative humidity LED light: Lighting Reflector: Call for help in country-side, reflect sunlight to sent out the light signal Spirit level: Determine level condition Whistle: Call for help in country-side, sent out the sound signal.(use tappet to push out the whistle from the third hole at the left side) Flint: Wilderness survival by make fire. Magnifier: Find a coordinate in a map. Ruler: Measure a distance (3cm length) Dimensions (L x W x H): 75 x 39 x 25 mm

Make a Decorative Indoor Fireplace and Emergency Heater Without a Chimney

 

 

Make a Decorative Indoor Fireplace and Emergency Heater Without a Chimney - HubPages

 

I am going to get one of these Chiminea this summer.Be ready for next winter.

 

 

The Best Vegetables to Grill

Zucchini or Summer Squash

Grilling these vegetables over an intense heat loosens excess moisture concentrating the delicate spring flavor and aroma of the squash. I like the way it grills the inside thoroughly without burning the outside skin, making it super delicious.

Peppers

Even without the sun, we like grilled peppers. After seeding, I cut them into halves and put on the grill. My children like wrapping them in foil after drizzling with olive oil. The blend of the locked in moisture, flavor and aroma makes the whole side dish powerful and very appetizing you sure would be asking for more.

Endive and Raddichio

Endive and radicchio are bitter by nature and are tempered by the intense heat of the grill while cooked with the leaves together. But this makes me one of my best salads. I just leave the lettuce in wedges for a more composed presentation and chop the leaves before tossing the rest of the ingredients together. I toast walnuts in a dry pan until fragrant and make a fantastic nutty, citrus vinaigrette and Parmesan cheese to offset the bitter lettuces in my grilled vegetable salad.

Eggplant

Full of fiber and antioxidant and promoting phytonutrients, I too consider eggplant a staple and a very effective meat substitute. Simply brush slices with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper then grill. We sometimes rub minced garlic all over the eggplant for a fabulous garlicky tasting side for dinner.

Asparagus

Fresh asparagus brushed with a little sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, and pepper gets its very best flavor and crunch as it is grilled cooking the asparagus quickly over high heat. Since the stalks easily fall down between the grill grates, we make it fun lining them up and use toothpicks to put them together in two places, top and near the bottom, or I use my grill pan.

Potatoes

Potatoes are amazingly comfortable. I partially cook mine by simmering them before grilling so they only need to be seared over direct heat to create a golden brown crust. Grilled this way, the potatoes will have almost the texture of French fries by the time they're done. Who wouldn't enjoy golden on the outside, fluffy and cakey on the inside?

Have you tried combining slices of just the available veggies you have in your pantry, put them in a grill pan, toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar then grill for a couple minutes on each side? Trust me; you will not only get veggies nicely marked by the grill, but a taste that you will keep relishing time and again.

Food Storage Recipe - VERY QUICK LUNCH & YUMMY

Cook 2 packs of Ramen Noodles separately , don't add the seasoning. I always save the seasoning so can use in other recipes, etc.

In a skillet fry up some sliced smoked sausage links , cut up, and some peppers and onions.

Add the noodles and some soy sauce to taste.

That's it!!

Super fast and easy!!

20 DIY Solar Water Heater Projects - DIY Crafts

 

 

 

20 DIY Solar Water Heater Projects - DIY Crafts

 

Hot water to have a hot shower will be so nice to have in an off-grid situation. 

 

An Off-Grid Washing Machine

I had to get a new off-grid washing machine and I found this one online for a really great and low price. The  Non-Electric Portable Compact Mini Washing Machine is perfect! It will wash 5 pounds of clothing and wash them quick and with very little soap.

High-density polyethylene chamber

Wash up to 5lbs of clothing

5 minutes per wash

Capacity: 3 Gallon

Product dimension: 16 x 12 x 11in

 

 

Don't let the need for electricity or plumbed-in water pipes stop you from clean clothes.

In the space of just five minutes with nothing more than power from your arm, this hand-cranked unit washes a 5lb load in just a few minutes.

The high-density polyethylene chamber will let you store up to 5lbs of clothing. This can wash 15 pairs of socks, five t-shirts, three shirts, or a pair of jeans pre load. That is impressive performance from this compact washer.

The clever design creates a high pressure wash to lift stains and dirt from your clothes for a fast and efficient wash that uses far less water than even hand washing (and obviously no electricity). 

How to make an Emergency Water Filter | Five Gallon Ideas

 

 

How to make an Emergency Water Filter | Five Gallon Ideas

 

Having as many ways to get clean water will be a life saver. You have to have clean water to drink. 

 

 

 

Keep Adding To The Food Stockpile

 

To keep a food storage going you have to add to it more than you use it. I buy something each week , sometimes just a can , like , Mountain House #10 Can Beef Stroganoff with Noodles . Or a few cans of peanut butter. It really doesn't matter what it is that you buy - as long as your adding to the food storage!! When you need it - it will be there!!

I have been adding to mine weekly. Some weeks I add more than others. Depends on other bills and such. You don't want to go homeless or not pay your bills to have a food storage. That would be no good. 

 

 

How to Make a Rain Barrel From a Trash Can | Hometalk

 

 

 

How to Make a Rain Barrel From a Trash Can | Hometalk

 

Planning on doing this. I want to have maybe 2 of them - one rain barrel at each front corner of my house. Hope. At least one of them for sure. Will help me with the garden and other stuff around the house.  

 

 

Shrink Your Gocery Bill

If you don't live under a rock , then you have probably noticed how expensive the groceries are getting. Things I usually buy are sky rocketing. It is 2 times and sometimes 3 times more each week for my grocery budget. That is just for the basics that I buy. Using my food storage as a base , I still have a sky high bill.

These tips can help shrink your grocery bill. Every little bit helps.

Use a list and stick to it. I have gotten really good at planning out my meals for the week and sticking to a list. This has saved a lot. Get an easy to use meal planner. That will help so much.

NEVER shop for groceries on an empty stomach. Shopping hungry makes for a lot of impulse buying. Which adds a lot to the bill.

Leave everyone home when you go to the grocery store. You will be able to focus more on finding bargains and using coupons etc.

When you see something on sale that your family uses a lot of , buy as much as you can. Adds to your food storage and saves money in the long run. You will have it on hand and not have to buy it when the price goes back up to the higher price.

Buy store brand as often as possible. This has saved our family a lot.

Check the store ads each week and use your store savings card. You can save a lot doing this. Also use coupons as much as possible. I don';t rely on them because they are usually for items that are higher priced even with the coupon, but sometimes I have coupons for free items that save money for us.

 

17 Best Vegetables for Bucket Gardening

 

 

 

17 Best Vegetables for Bucket Gardening

 

It is finally getting to be that time of year to be able to start a garden. I am doing so much this season.

I am growing everything. Going to put in the plot that I have in my back yard , going to use buckets with some items to grow, and put some stuff along the front of my house. Full sun items in front.  Grabbing as many seeds as possible to grow. Growing extra to be able to help my family.

Food Storage Recipe - Chicken Tamale Pie

This is great for just using one skillet. No extra pans or dishes to wash.

Just throw it together and cook.

NEED:

1 can of cheddar cheese soup

1 can of tomato sauce

2 cans of chicken

3/4 cup of uncooked instant rice

2 cans of tamales

In the skillet combine the cheese soup, tomato sauce, chicken, and rice.

Cover it and let it simmer over low heat for a few minutes.

Place the tamales over the mixture and recover.

Cook until it is heated through.

Food Storage Recipe - Easy Fast Spanish Rice Dish

 This is such an easy meal. 

All you need is a package of Spanish rice mix and about half a can of black beans. You can also add any kind of meat. The one in the picture I had added about 1/3 of a package of chirizo to. 

Place everything in a baking dish with the 2 1/4 cup water. 

Bake until it is thickened up and done. 

Put some shredded cheese on top and place back in oven until that melts. 

Serve. 

I didn't have any tortilla chips so I placed a couple of tortillas on a pan and baked them until they got crispy. 

You could dress this up anyway you want.

 

How To Get Endless Hot Water Without Electricity

 

 

How To Get Endless Hot Water Without Electricity

 

Having hot water can make all of the difference in being comfortable.  If you have a rocket stove then it will be easy to have an endless supply of hot water.