Funny stuff and a cool website

THE FAMILY PREPAREDNESS SONG
Tune: Did You Think to Pray? Click to listen to Hymn #140

Ere you spent your family’s paycheck,
Did you think to save?
Just a little for the storage,
Just a little for the porridge
When the Times are grave,
Oh, how storage helps the faithful
When the Prophet’s words we heed,
So, if you would not be Fearful,
Plan what you will need.

When your neighbor tried to teach you
How to can and sew,
Did you feel in-ti-mi-da-ted
And your plans pro-cras-tin-a-ted?
Now you’re feeling low!
Oh, how empty are the cupboards,
Oh, how ragged are your clothes.
How you’ll wish that you had listened
When the “good life” goes.

Wheat and beans and salt and honey
May not sound so hot.
But if you are going hungry,
If your tummy’s cold and grumbly,
They can hit the spot.
Store some diapers for the kiddies,
Everything to see you through;
Cloth and patterns, thread and needles.
Store some long Johns, too.

If this topic’s repetitious
And you’re dull and bored,
When you’ve naught but empty dishes
And you’ve used up all your wishes,
You’ll wish you had stored…
Food that’s tasty and nutritious,
Cloths and bedding, tools and seeds,
Skills that guard your family’s future
Gather what you’ll need.
–Anonymous

I thought that song was funny, and true. I got it off this website which has sooo much info on preparedness stuff.. check it out!

http://pgward.org/ep/

72 hour kits

Here are the assumptions you need to think about when planning your 72 hour kits:

(These are general assumptions if you want to see what kind of emergencies are most likely in your area check out www.weather.com/ready click on the map to find what you should plan for)

Planning Assumptions

• Electricity will be out for 3-4 days.
• Drinkable water will not be available for 2-3 days.
• Telephone service will be out
• Gasoline pumps will not be working.
• Trees and debris or flooding will block some roadways.
• Minor medical services will be required.
• Emergency services (police, fire, and rescue) will be unavailable for 2-3 days.

Food
You should always have three days worth of non-perishable food (that does not require refrigeration.) Examples include: canned meats and vegetables, canned milk and juice, peanut butter, granola/energy bars, crackers, cookies, candy and food that meets special dietary needs. Your supplies should be checked and/or replaced every six months. (Review them when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.) Make sure to include a manual can opener and cooking utensils.

Drinking Water
Keep a minimum of three gallons of drinking water for each person in your household. In a disaster water may become contaminated or pipes may break leaving you without safe water.

Water for Cooking and Cleaning
In addition to drinking water, you also need three days worth of water for cooking meals and personal hygiene. Another gallon per person per day is the rule of thumb.

Medication
Have at least one week's worth of critical medications in case of emergency. In addition, a comprehensive first aid kit is critical.

Children
Emergencies can be overwhelming to kids. Have an activity kit ready for them. Suggested items are: favorite books, crayons & coloring books, stuffed animals, dolls, cards, board games.

Elderly
Physical strain is difficult for the elderly. They are especially susceptible to heat and dehydration. Take extra precautions to keep them cool and well hydrated. Make sure to stock up on all required medications. If you have a relative in an assisted living residence, learn about their plans for dealing with disaster and evacuation.

Mentally or Physically Challenged Individuals
Make sure to consider how mentally or physically challenged relatives condition will affect them during an emergency. If they take medication or require the use of specialized equipment, make sure that you have enough to last a week. If you don't live with this gingival, contact their local police department or caregiver and find out what local officials are doing to ensure their safety.

Pets
Not all shelters allow pets because of hygiene issues. Contact your local emergency shelters and find out their policy. If you are allowed to bring your pet, you will have to show a copy of their latest vaccination record. Also, make sure your pet has a leash, collar, ID tag, food, water, bowls for food and water, and a carrying case. DO NOT ABANDON YOUR PET. If your home is not safe for you, it's not safe for them. Locate pet-friendly motels nearby and keep their phone numbers handy. Have three days of food and water for your pet on hand.

Now that you have some assumptions in mind here are some ideas as to what to have in your 72 hour kits...

https://registration.weather.com/ursa/ready/form

Now I know what you are thinking... this is gonna be a lot of work.. but I must say start small... after Tyler and I got married. Our 72 hour kits started in a gallon sized Ziploc bag.. and all it had it it was free stuff we had taken from a hotel room, a sewing kit, shampoo, conditioner, travel sized soap, etc. From there we got back packs: (and no we still don't have everything, but a good start)

That is the next thing to think about... where and what are you gonna store all this good stuff in:

I like the backpack idea, but have figured out... there is a lot of stuff to put in a back pack.. at some point the boys are going to have to carry some of their own stuff, of course a great idea came from my sister in law: she has a back pack for everybody and they are all stored in a rolling tote(Rubber maid hard plastic): so if she can she just throw the rolling tote in the car and go, if that isn't possible they roll the tote as far as possible and then carry the backpacks from there. If rolling isn't a good idea, they put their back packs on and get a move on... Tyler and I love the idea of "rolling with the punches" wheels would make it a lot easier, especially for the elderly who can't carry much! (Of course if sheltering in place is he best option, then you don't have to take your packs anywhere)

I personally have a stroller in my car as well as at home waiting if I need it. with little ones who can't "carry their own weight" this is a must! Carrying your children is not a very good plan if you plan on getting very far or getting anywhere very fast!.. (of course if flood waters are deep-strollers won't work)

So find out what emergencies you need to plan for, how you are gonna store it, and where, then start collecting- most of the stuff you already have around your house. Now for the first-aid kits, the best way to get started is to go buy a kit already put together at wal-mart (or other like stores) they usually cost about $10 and have all the essentials named in the link above.. (gloves, antacids, bandages, gauze... etc) if you want to add to it.. great!.. but it will get you headed in the right direction)

And you have to remember if you are told to evacuate.. do it! There are always thing outside of your 72 hour kit that most people would want to take if the idea is the your house will not be standing there when you get back: (things on my list)


1. the dogs- People and pets are the most important!
2. my pictures- Everything can be replaced except pictures
3. our fire box with all the important documents (some important docs should be in your 72 hour kits too)
4. any extra water

And one hint to always be prepared: keep you gas tank on the top half- you get better gas mileage and you might be able to get a little further if needed.
Oh and other good links to check out:

Ready.gov - they have a great place for kids to "get ready too!"
FEMA.gov - they have a plan for ya
beprepared.com - they have already-made 72 hour kits that you can buy or just steal ideas from

ok so this is already mondo long so I will be adding more posts later: I know there will atleast be posts on car kits, office kits, school kits and the like.. have any specific quesitons about what is stated above or what is to come... just leave a comment for me.. thanks! and good luck packing!

And the winner is...

72 hour kits/ car kits/ office kits/ school kits.. So look for that coming soon! Thanks to everybody who voted!.. I will get on that soon.. Then I might follow up with the household items (room by room) and the food basics (what to store and where).. I haven't decided...

3 month supply -extras (5/5)

So on top of stuff you need in all your recipes it is a good idea to have this type of stuff lying around for good measure!

Drinking Water!!
Bleach

Baking powder
Baking soda
Cornstarch
Oil & shortening
Corn meal
Yeast
Spices
Bouillon
Things that your family always needs: ketchup, mustard, toilet paper..etc

As well as having a financial reserve..

So what else have you stocked up on for good measure? As always... fill me in on your secrets so others can partake!

Next series?... should it be on good household items to keep around?... any other ideas?

3 Month Supply- Snacks (4/5)

Now I know this is the one you all have been waiting for... because well, I love snacks!

So the easiest great recipe I have snack wise is:

Cake mix cookies
1 box cake mix- (any flavor our favorite is white)
2 eggs (powdered work just find)
1/2 C. oil

Mix all together drop by tsp on to baking sheet bake at 350 for 8 min (just a little brown around the edges)

I am always trying new cake flavors with different mix-ins- butter sctoch chips, heath chips, nuts, anything really (this recipe is one of 1000 reasons why I hope to have 52 cake mixes in my food storage one day)

Chex Muddy Buddies or puppy chow (whatever you wanna call it)
9 cups chex mix
melt: 1 cup choc chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 c margarine
1 tsp vanilla
pour over chex
once good and covered pour 1 1/2 c powdered sugar over and shake well.

Best Brownies
1/2 C butter/margarine
1 C. sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 C flour
1/3 C Cocoa
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Heat oven to 350 grease 8 or 9 inch square pan
Stir together butter sugar and Vanilla, Add eggs beat well with spoon, stir together cocoa, baking powder and salt, gradually add egg mixture, beat until well blended stir in flour, spread evenly into pan
Bake 20-25 minutes or until brownies start to pull away from sides.
They are so good... do not double the batch! it doesn't turn out the same! doesn't even need frosting!

I also gave one of my favorite snack recipes in an earlier post see here. I have plenty more including a wonderful sticky bun recipe but I figured that this would get us started... more emergency preparedness coming soon... do you have any questions or suggestions... let me know!

3 Month Supply - Lunch ( 3/5)

So for lunch it doesn't seem probable to have 3 month supply of bread around (although it does freeze well), so I have all the stuff to make 3 months of bread, including 3lbs of yeast that I store in the freezer... on top of the bread stuff it is really easy to store the following:

Tuna, canned chicken, canned ham- the stuff you buy in the store now has 2011 or 2012 exp dates
Miricle Whip/ Mayo
Peanut butter (or other nut butters)
Jelly
Cheese (can be frozen)(for those die hard grilled cheese sandwich eaters-Tyler)
Butter(can be frozen or canned)
Canned soup
Canned/dried Fruit

Basically I have sandwiches or soup planned for lunches, but I was thinking the other day that Tortiallas store pretty well in the freezer and we could could have wraps as well. I Always think to throw in a fruit on the side- dried or canned- it will help off set nutirents you aren't getting in the event of an emergency, or loss of job or whatever else comes our way! I have been thinking that maybe I could have the stuff to make pasta salad (simply salad in a box or just noodles and italian dressing) for side dishes or even crackers for the kids- What do you think? Have anyother ideas for me? ( and bags and bags of chicken nuggets not an options-(Kevin)

3 Month supply- Breakfast (installment 2 of the series of 5)

So for breakfast I have things like:

Add water only pancake/waffle mix
Syrup (sugar water flavoring)
Canned apples to put on top of the waffles
All the stuff for granola

Powdered milk
Frozen/ powdered juice
Canned/frozen fruit ( have to have fruit some where)

(and yes this is the same recipe I posted earlier)

Granola

Mix:

4 cups regular oats

4 cups quick oats

½ cup wheat germ

1T. Cinnamon

½ cup chopped almonds

½ cup brown sugar

½ flaked coconut

½ cup powdered milk

½ cup honey

½ cup light corn syrup

1 ½ tsp. Vanilla

2 T. Water

Melt wet ingredients in microwave 1 min; stir halfway through.

Pour over dry mixture

mix.

Pour into two shallow baking pans and bake until lightly toasted, for chewy granola 15 minutes, for crunchy 25-30 min.

(300 degrees) Add dried cranberries or raisins… eat plain or in milk!

Breakfast for us would be a little monotonous (although we all love granola and Tyler loves pancakes and waffles)... what do you think I could add? (adding bags and bags of malt-o-meal cereal... not an option(sorry Ty)

3 Month supply- Dinner

So lots of people haven't heard that the Church has changed their stance on the 1 year supply thing. They no longer wish us to have one year supply of the basics, they want us to have three months of the stuff we eat everyday and then 9 months of the basics on top of that. ( the good thing about this is everything rotates pretty quickly) So I am going to start posting some of the recipes that I have been stocking up on as part of my Three month supply. If you have any easy recipes that use shelf stable ingredients and use some the basics(rice, beans, wheat...etc.), leave them in a comment for me and everyone else can partake! The way I did it was to start with dinner and choose 7 meals that I can make 12 times. (7 days in a weeks, 12 weeks in 3 months) So I can easily grab an extra of something I need for these recipes every time I head to the store. (I try to choose things that can store on a shelf or in the freezer, I try not to use recipes with sour cream, eggs, and milk, unless I am willing to used the powdered kind.. cause who knows what kind of conditions we would need these things in.

Now for 4 of my dinner meals I chose my Sweet & sour Chicken with rice, my homemade chili and corn bread, spaghetti or other shaped pasta with bread sticks, and Taco chip dip. I always stock up on frozen vegetables when they go one sale (canned works too) so that in the event we had to live on this stuff we could get some vegetables in with dinner.

Let me know if you have any good ones! Down the road a little, I will post what I have done for breakfast, lunch and snack time...(even adults need snack time) So stay tuned!

1. Sweet & Sour Chicken
8 oz apricot preserves
1 C. Catalina dressing ( I heard the Russia dressing works well too)
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
mix together and pour over chicken breasts and bake at 400 degrees until cooked through,serve on top of rice and with vegetables (stir fry mix is always good with this one)

2. Homemade Chili
Brown 1/2 to 1 lb of ground beef (or buffalo if you have it) drain, add:
1 can (15-16oz) dark red kidney beans (rinsed)
1 Can tomato soup
1/2 can water
1 TBSP chilli powder
onion or onion powder to taste
(feel free to add stuff like frozen corn or anything else you like in your chili)
Warm through and serve with cornbread

Cornbread
Mix:
1/2 C. Whole wheat flour
1/2 C. White flour
1 C. Corn meal
4 TBSP sugar
1 TBSP baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

then in seperate bowl mix:
2 eggs
1 C. milk
1/4 C. oil

Stir wet and dry ingredients together just til moistened, (the less you mix the better)
Bake in greased 8X8 pan at 425 for 20 min or until toothpick comes out clean

3. Spaghetti or other shaped pasta
boil noodles, serve with sauce of your choice, I serve with bread sticks.. see below

Bread sticks
preheat oven to 350
add 1 TBSP yeast to 1 1/2 C. warm water
inseperate bowl mix:
2 TBSP sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3 1/2 to 4 cups flour (use whole wheat white or a mixture of the two)

Blend together and let rise for 10 min (if you have time if not just keep going) spread in to shortcake pan and bake for11-15 minutes then use a pizza cutter to cut into "sticks"

if you want to make spread, mix:
1/4 C. butter (melted)
1/4 C mayonnaise
1/4 C. Parmesan Cheese
1/4 tsp parsley flakes
1/2 tsp garlic salt
spread on top of bread sticks after baking

4.Taco Dip:
Brown 1 lb of ground hamburger (if you want to add taco seasoning go ahead)
while your doing that, in 9x13 pan spread a large can of refried beans into the bottom of pan... once the meat is cooked through place that on top of the beans, then spread a layer of salsa on top of meat then throw on a layer of cheese (cheedar or Mexican blend) on top of the salsa, then spread a layer of sour cream on top of that, cook in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes until warmed through... serve in tortillas or on tortilla chips.. a great frozen meal or for leftovers...

So let me know if you guys try any of these out, if you have any great recipes you are stocking up on, or if you want more!

Emergency Preparedness

I have gotton a request to answer emergency pprepardness questions so if you have any questions leave them on my blog or email me. Here was my first request.

"Okay, for your first "emergency preparedness" quest...I need to know what to do with strawberries (besides the usual freezer jam). Can you just freeze strawberries, or do they get mushy? Any recipes I should try?"

Well as for recipies the first one we always make with fresh strawberries is kinda like a strawberry short cake. You make 1 white cake mix in a regualr 9 x 13 pan, let it cool. Then you mix 8 oz softened cream cheese and 2 C. Powdered sugar, fold in 1 1/2 C. cool whip and 1 tsp. vanillla. Spread on top of cake. Then make 1 pkg Strawberry Danish dessert (top shelf-by the jello at wal-mart) according to the "fruit glaze" add 1 pkg sliced strawberries and pour over top, refridgerate and devour! It is heavenly and becuase it has strawberries I swear it is healthy! :) (this recipie is just one of the reasons why one day I hope to add 52 cake mixes to my food storage, I have so many recipies with cake mix in them!)

As for freezing strawberries yes you can! If you only want to make one thing of freezer jam now but know you will run out later, put just enough strawberries in a gallon size plastic bag for another batch- then freeze, so in January when you run out you can just pull out one bag and make a whole nother batch (thanks Saunya for the tip!) Think, you could keep enough for a few bathches!

As for freezing strawberries just to eat (think on top of yogurt, icecream, in your cereal, to eat plain or for the recipie above.) Cut the tops off and cut in half. Freeze away! I once heard a rumor that if you don't wash them before you freeze them the don't become as mushy, but I have never tried it. I personally just rinse in cold water before I freeze. I have also read that if you add sugar to your strawberries they keep their texture and flavor better than if frozen plain. As for me, who think strawberries have enough sugar, I leave them plain.

I hope that helped, if you have any other questions or need clarification let me know!

I also wanted to share the church's website on what families can do to prepare themselves for a pandemic. Very interesting stuff, if nothing else... just check out what the reverse quarentine is and figure out what it would take to do it!

http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,8041-1-4414-1,00.html