Emergency Item Lists

I am constantly adding to my pantry and my emergency supplies.  Here are a couple lists that I found that may help you, too!--Tiffani

p.s. I have heard about the CERT program put out by FEMA.  I am going to check out this valuable training, it was recommended to me first hand by someone who has taken it.

This author (article & list came from this link) came across some advice from someone who has experienced a long term emergency first hand.  This advice could help a person prepare not only for their well being, but also mentally prepare them for getting through the nightmare of a long term emergency.

Advice From a Sarajevo War Survivor:
Experiencing horrible things that can happen in a war – death of parents and friends, hunger and malnutrition, endless freezing cold, fear, sniper attacks.
1. Stockpiling helps. But you never no how long trouble will last, so locate near renewable food sources.
2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.
3. After awhile, even gold can lose its luster.  But there is no luxury in war quite like toilet paper.  Its surplus value is greater than gold’s.
4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity – it’s the easiest to do without (unless you’re in a very nice climate with no need for heat.)
5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without heating.  One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy – it makes a lot of the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible.  Only needs enough heat to “warm”, not to cook. It’s cheap too, especially if you buy it in bulk.
6. Bring some books – escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more valuable as the war continues.  Sure, it’s great to have a lot of survival guides, but you’ll figure most of that out on your own anyway – trust me, you’ll have a lot of time on your hands.
7. The feeling that you’re human can fade pretty fast.  I can’t tell you how many people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne.  Not much point in fighting if you have to lose your humanity.  These things are morale-builders like nothing else.
8. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches

Emergency Items That Disappear First
1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy…target of
thieves; maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 – 12 months to become dried, for home
uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile
ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice – Beans – Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR
PLASTIC ONLY – note – food grade if for drinking.
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is
difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cook stoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous
without this item)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk – Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman’s Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes…buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. {“Strike Anywhere” preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Work boots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, “No. 76 Dietz” Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience;
Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting – if with
wheels)
49. Men’s Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers,
etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles…Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soy Sauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soup base
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. “Survival-in-a-Can”
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress’s
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens

The list : 101 Barter Items by M.D. Creekmore on Monday, August 31, 2009 (found here)

1.Coffee
2.Sugar
3.Salt
4.Pepper
5.Hard candy
6.Paperback Bibles
7.Kitchen Matches
8.Needles and sewing items
9.Nylon cord
10.Duct tape
11.Cigarettes
12.Pencils, paper, note pads
13.Toilet paper
14.Tooth paste
15.Soap
16.Rubbing alcohol
17.Peroxide
18.Aspirin
19.Baking soda
20.tooth brushes
21.Reading glasses
22.Liquor
23.Socks
24.Tarps
25.Tools for gardening
26.Condoms
27.Wooden matches
28.Skills
29.Hand Tools
30.Boyscout Manual
31.22.LR ammunition
32.12-gauge shot shells
33.Water Filters
34.Firewood
35.Coleman Fuel
36.Knives
37.Manual Can Openers
38.Vegetable Oil (for cooking)
39.Lighter Fluid
40.Charcoal
41.Diapers
42.Washboard
43.Vitamins
44.Tampons
45.Thermal Underwear
46.Aluminum Foil
47.Garbage Bags
48.Paper Towels
49.Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid)
50.Clothes Pins
51.Fishing Line
52.Fish Hooks
53.First Aid Kits
54.Batteries
55.Spices
56.Solar Calculators
57.Belts
58.Flashlights
59.Lightsticks
60.Garbage Cans
61.Toothbrushes
62.Toothpaste
63.Nail Clippers
64.Mosquito Repellent
65.Duct Tape
66.Rope
67.Candles
68.Sewing Supplies
69.Non Scented Bleach
70.Canning Jars and Lids
71.Knives
72.Sharpening Stones
73.Bicycle Tire Tubes
74.Bicycle Chains
75.Air Pump (don’t trade the pump trade the air)
78.Board Games
79.Playing Cards
80.Mousetraps
81.Baby Wipes
82.Razors
83.Tang
84.Gloves
85.Underwear
86.Glue
89.Broad Brim Hats
90.Files
91.Pad-Locks
92.Laundry Detergent
93.Kerosene
94.Tea
95.Axes
96.Slingshots
97.Binoculars
98.Disposable Lighters
99.Magnesium fire starters
100.Plastic sheeting
101.Over The Counter Medications

Tamara's Giveaway!

Tamara Price the author of this book is giving away a free copy of her book.  Here are the details from her blog:


"With Mother's Day just around the corner, I wanted to offer a free book as a wonderful gift! If you have a copy for yourself already, I'm sure you can think of a special mother who would love to receive one as a gift. Full of tips and ideas to make life a lot easier for moms, my book is a perfect gift. So, if you are interested in a FREE copy, just leave a comment on this post. In your comment, please share a bit of provident advice that could help all of us. Do you have a trick that helps you stick to a budget? What is your favorite food storage item and why? How do you work food storage items into your daily cooking? What tip could help us all prepare just a little more for emergencies? I'm sure you can think of more than one item that would be appropriate to share.

To be entered into the drawing a second time - mention this giveaway on your Facebook page, Twitter or personal blog and then leave an additional comment telling me that you did so.

To be entered into the drawing a third time become a public follower of this blog and leave me yet another comment. (You could combine all your comments in one post if you'd like. Just be clear that you've done all three requirements so I know to enter your name 3 times in the drawing.)

For those of you who have already received a copy of my book, post a review on Amazon.com and I will enter you a fourth time into the drawing. (I know you know a spectacular mom who would love getting my book from you as a gift, or maybe you are like me and you'd love one copy for the kitchen drawer and one to stay clean and pristine on your bookshelf far away from dirty cooking fingerprints!)

At any rate, everyone can have lots of chances to win so start spreading the word!

A winner for the FREE book will be chosen at random on April 27th (This gives you a little more than a week to spread the word!) and then announced on this blog the next day. Pass the word on to family and friends so they can get in on the fun."

From Tiffani:  I have a copy of this book.  It has been by my side since it was published.  Check out my amazon review here.

To enter the drawing go to her blog, All Things Provident.

Grateful for a Wood Stove

I am grateful for a wood stove, even more so after we received the first two months of heating bills using propane which totaled around $930.00 (I'm not kidding - I was sick about it).   And that was heating our home to 64 degrees at night and 66 degrees during the day.  I guess propane is a very expensive way to heat a home, something we learned the hard way.  I have wanted a wood stove to have for emergencies, so with this house my wish was granted!  But instead of saving it only for emergencies, we use it daily.

The closest natural gas pipeline is around 0.2 mile away but the gas company estimated it would cost 30K to bring it to us, which is definitely out of our price range! 

We ran out of wood yesterday, so it has been a little chilly.  But luckily we got some more wood delivered today so we can have a warm home and fire!  It reminds me of the good ol' Alaska days when I was younger.  We were always hauling in wood for the stove.  My dad built a gigantic wood box out of our wooden doors.  It wasn't anything pretty but is sure did hold a ton of wood.

Meet the Wonder Wash

I found this little handy gadget at a garage sale Monday! We were driving home from a family activity when my eye caught a garage sale sign, so I had to stop! I bought this Wonder Wash for $5.00. I might have to get it out some time when I'm bored and see if it really works. So now I have a mini stove with oven, drying rack, lots of food, sleeping bags, tent, dutch ovens, emergency heat candles, a heater buddy, stored water, and now a little mini washing machine!

Here is the information I found online about this item:

This portable washing machine requires no electricity, which saves money in energy bills. It is also portable, which enables you to use in places that don't have electricity.

When you are in a hurry to wash a few items, this washing machine easily solves the problem of having to wait around for your electric or gas washing machine to complete a full load of laundry or feel bad about only washing a few items at a time.

Made of plastic with no mechanical parts, the hand powered washing machine comes assembled. Just attach the handle and go! It can last a lifetime and requires no maintenance.

How it works:

Insert your dirty laundry along with a measured amount of water and soap (instructions are included that list the appropriate amounts and temperatures)

Secure the lid, but do not over tighten

Turn the handle approximately one turn per second

Once the washing is done, release the pressure of the lid by slowly turning the knob

Rinse your laundry either in the portable washing machine after draining the dirty water or in the sink

Then hang the clothes to dry!

How much it holds:

Load Size	1 Pound	2 Pounds	3 Pounds	4-5 Pounds
SOAP	1 tbsp - 0.5 oz	2 tbsp - 1 oz	3 tbsp - 1.5 oz	4 tbsp - 2 oz
WATER	1.5 quarts	3 quarts	4.5 quarts	6 quarts
TIME	1:00 min	1:15 min	1:30 min	2:00 min

Five pounds of clothes is equal to approximately 10 shirts or 2 pairs of jeans. Avoid overloading the washing chamber and only tighten the screws a moderate amount. The washing machine is durable and sturdy, and it will last for a long time if you exercise common sense while using it.

Food Storage Baby Steps

I know that many people struggle with food storage because they don't know where to start or how to do it. So to help answer your questions, I found a blog called "Food Storage Made Easy" that helps break food storage down into baby steps. First you get an overall breakdown and then you tackle it piece by piece - click here for the baby steps.

Here is a quick overview of this blog, the video is less than 5 minutes and it shows you the many useful tools on their blog! I love their tools and baby steps tabs - check it out for yourself.

I would love to know where are you with your food storage and your next step!

#10 Can Emergency Candles

Yesterday we (Sioks and me) made emergency candles in #10 cans. Fay told me she was doing this and graciously invited me to join their project. These candles can be used for heating a 12x12 sized room in an emergency setting or even used for cooking food. I have always worried about how we would heat our home if we had no electricity for an extended amount of time, especially in the winter.


I would love to have a wood burning stove (and a huge stack of wood) for that very purpose of heating and cooking. Instead we have two gas fireplaces, that I don't think would be very useful. I have a heater buddy (for indoor or outdoor use) that would come in handy and now a dozen of these candles!

Paraffin wax cut down into 2 1/2 lb blocks from a 10 lb block.

Melt the wax on a very low setting.

That was Brandon's job!

Add 1 1/2 lbs sawdust to 2 1/2 lbs melted wax. Mix together and add a wick.

Here is a picture of the three of us at 11:30 pm! We were troopers - we worked for hours in their garage and we had a great time.

I found a blog with a posting with her instructions and pictures of making these candles, click here if you are interested.

Garage Sale Finds

The girls and I garage sale every Saturday morning. This morning I was lacking sleep because April and I chatted until the wee hours of the morning, like teenage friends! I am too old for that anymore, nevertheless we had a great visit.

Today I found just a few items, even though there were lots of garage sales. I love neighborhood sales but they can become overwhelming. When I start getting tired, I drive by more than I stop. I know the girls have had enough when they beg to stop and they want to go to the local Farmer's Market (which is also a Saturday tradition) for tamales.

Cute skirt for me $1.00 - watch for it at church!

Another cute skirt for me!

The girls found these little handmade treasures. The yellow baby chick nestles inside the mother. $0.05

Here is the whole family!

At the very first garage sale the girls found brand-new Webkinz for $0.50 each. They both still had their tags with the codes for Webkinz world! These can cost up to $10 each in the store, so they were thrilled.

We found some more Build-a-Bears for $0.50 each! They will add these to their massive collection. We have bears and clothes galore.

I bought these camping cookware pans that nestle inside each other. I thought they would be great to add to my emergency preparedness supplies. The lid flips over to be a frying pan when you attach the handle. $5 I have found many emergency preparedness items at garage sales - I love it because it saves me a lot of $$$.

I bought this cool jar for Paul to take to work to be his cookie jar - for his clients. Now I just need to bake him some cookies! $1


I found Porter this Rubix- type snake. Do you remember these from a long, long time ago? He has played with it all day. Cost $0.05!

I found a few other miscellaneous items, including the DVD of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a childhood favorite but nothing else really impressive. I did find an item that I am saving for Christmas for one of the girls - I can't tell or show you because they will see it here! It was brand new with the tags. It's a great way to spend a small fraction of the money and still find them nice gifts.

Are you a garage sale shopper, too?
My sister in Texas is the master and she can find the best things for almost nothing!

Have We Heeded His Counsel?

I love the parable of the Ten Virgins because it reminds me that I need to continually add oil to my lamp so that is lit when Christ returns again. This oil is added drop by drop as we are faithful in keeping the commandments of God. (Here is a great article, "Oil in Our Lamps"). The March 2009 Ensign had several great articles discussing this topic, it is an excellent resource. Here is a list of the articles with links:

March 2009 Ensign

The Parable of the Ten Virgins- the Ensign has some great pictures and explanation of the oil, the lamp, the vessel, and the Bridegroom. (you can click on the picture to see it larger)

I took photos of the Ensign itself with my camera.

More articles from the March 2009 Ensign:
Becoming Self-Reliant--Spiritually and Physically
Home Storage: A New Message
The Celestial Nature of Self-Reliance

Today I was able to teach for about 20 minutes in our 5th Sunday combined RS/Elder's Quorum meeting about self-reliance/provident living. I have poured hours of my time into reading and researching many talks and I have been greatly taught - what a privilege!

I like this story that Marion G. Romney shares about how self-reliance and freedom go hand in hand.

“In our friendly neighbor city of St. Augustine great flocks of sea gulls are starving amid plenty. Fishing is still good, but the gulls don’t know how to fish. For generations they have depended on the shrimp fleet to toss them scraps from the nets. Now the fleet has moved. …

“The shrimpers had created a Welfare State for the … sea gulls. The big birds never bothered to learn how to fish for themselves and they never taught their children to fish. Instead they led their little ones to the shrimp nets.

“Now the sea gulls, the fine free birds that almost symbolize liberty itself, are starving to death because they gave in to the ‘something for nothing’ lure! They sacrificed their independence for a handout.

“A lot of people are like that, too. They see nothing wrong in picking delectable scraps from the tax nets of the U.S. Government’s ‘shrimp fleet.’ But what will happen when the Government runs out of goods? What about our children of generations to come?

“Let’s not be gullible gulls. We … must preserve our talents of self-sufficiency, our genius for creating things for ourselves, our sense of thrift and our true love of independence.”

The practice of coveting and receiving unearned benefits has now become so fixed in our society that even men of wealth, possessing the means to produce more wealth, are expecting the government to guarantee them a profit. Elections often turn on what the candidates promise to do for voters from government funds. This practice, if universally accepted and implemented in any society, will make slaves of its citizens.

We cannot afford to become wards of the government, even if we have a legal right to do so. It requires too great a sacrifice of self-respect and political, temporal, and spiritual independence."

He continues by talking about when we are self reliant we are able to serve others.

"...How can we give if there is nothing there? Food for the hungry cannot come from empty shelves. Money to assist the needy cannot come from an empty purse. Support and understanding cannot come from the emotionally starved. Teaching cannot come from the unlearned. And most important of all, spiritual guidance cannot come from the spiritually weak."

President Benson has said, "Too often we bask in our comfortable complacency and rationalize that the ravages of war, economic disaster, famine, and earthquake cannot happen here. Those who believe this are either not acquainted with the revelations of the Lord, or they do not believe them. Those who smugly think these calamities will not happen, that they somehow will be set aside because of the righteousness of the Saints, are deceived and will rue the day they harbored such a delusion.

The Lord has warned and forewarned us against a day of great tribulation and given us counsel, through His servants, on how we can be prepared for these difficult times. Have we heeded His counsel?"

In 1 Nephi 3:5 we hear about Nephi's older brothers response when the Lord asks them to get the plates. "And now, behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord." Do we realize that this commandment of becoming self-reliant also comes from the Lord? Do we think that this is too hard, not important, or doesn't apply to us today?

Great blessings are awaiting us, including being prepared for the coming of the Lord, peace, happiness, prosperity, self-worth and freedom!

Other great resources:
M. Russell Ballard, “Becoming Self-Reliant—Spiritually and Physically,” Ensign, Mar 2009, 50–55

Keith B. McMullin, “Lay Up in Store,” Ensign, May 2007, 51–53

Silvia H. Allred, "Principles of Self-Reliance," BYU Women's Conference 2008

Vaughn J. Featherstone, “Food Storage,” Ensign, May 1976, 116

Ezra Taft Benson, “Prepare for the Days of Tribulation,” Ensign, Nov 1980, 32

L. Tom Perry, “‘If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear’,” Ensign, Nov 1995, 35

Emily Freeman, "The Ten Virgins, " CD/Songbook

I especially like this CD soundtrack - the music is beautiful and touching. Here is the description from Desert Book:

"Rediscover the parable of the Ten Virgins with an enthralling presentation that provides a personal, latter-day perspective to the classic New Testament story. Beautiful words and music give an identity and an individual story to each of the Ten Virgins. Each possesses a positive quality or virtue that could be wisely developed. But as their stories unfold, the struggles of their daily lives present each woman with choices that determine her path.

Will she prepare herself with lamps trimmed and burning when the Bridegroom comes? Or will she procrastinate and find herself left outside and alone?"

Alternative Cooking Methods

This morning I took another class by Mary Ann Wilcox on alternative cooking methods. We each made our own cook top stove using two #10 cans, a wire hanger, a tuna can, an oven bag, cardboard, and wax.

You see that on one can we cut out a rectangle out of the can so we can slide the tin can burner inside. We did that using wire snips. We also made three holes in the back of that can to vent the smoke. They do create a lot of smoke - now I smell like a campfire!

Then with the other can you cut off the top and bottom pieces with a can opener. Then on one side you cover it with a piece of your oven bag, held to the top of the can with fishing string. And of course we added a handle so you can lift the can oven the oven tin. The nice thing about the oven bag is that it creates a window(just like your oven window) so you can watch the items cooking inside, like the chocolate cake we baked.

Here I am baking my cake. I have the damper covering most of the top of the tuna can cooker (which we made with rolled up cardboard stripes and wax).

Here I am only using the bottom can as a stove to cook a pancake. It turned out tasty!

This would be a fun family project - everyone makes their own cooker. Then you can bake cake, cupcakes, fry bacon, eggs, pancakes - the sky is the limit. (Save all your empty #10 cannery cans for this project!)

Solar Ovens
This is another slick method for cooking. You just need a sunny day - no matter if it is summer or winter.

Christianne brought her cool Sun Oven to show everyone. They use no fuel and can be used year round. They sell for around $250 (I found it here for $199 with $30 shipping. Here is a cool video showing this being used. Also check out the Sun Oven website for more information. I guess these are being used in Haiti as a cooking source.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Mary Ann showed us her make-shift solar oven using a foil dash protector (what are they called? - sold at stores like Shucks for $8.99 to keep your car from getting too hot). She folded it and then clipped it with the black metal paper clamps to keep it in this shape. Then she placed her pan with lid (darker color of pan is better cannot be stainless steel) inside an oven bag. The piece of wood is there just to keep it propped open. I want to experiment with this method this summer.

Hay Box Cooker
She also showed us her version of a hay box cooker, her favorite type of cooking. I forgot to take a picture of it so let's see if I can explain.

She just took her padded nylon cooler (larger one - can be a plastic cooler also) and first lined it with two foil emergency blankets in a cross pattern with the extra just laying over the edges of the cooler. Then she padded the inside with shredded newspaper (just run it through your shredder) about halfway full. Then she placed her medium sized pot with lid (you bring this pot with it's ingredients to a boil) on the newspaper and then added more newspaper to cover the top and fill the cooler. After it was stuffed full, she folded in the sides of the foil blanket as extra insulation to help it retain its heat. You can cook soups or anything else that you would cook in a crockpot in this fashion- you just need to bring the ingredients up to a boil first before placing in the cooler.

You can pack up the cooler and take it with you in the car and then have dinner a few hours later, if you want!

Please feel free to ask any questions - we had lots of questions during the class. It was definitely a fun, informative class. I look forward to putting this in practice, plus I now have my own stove top cooker!

Food Storage Finds

Today I took a trip to Costco for sweet peas, the girls have been begging for them. But it turned into a food storage adventure. I found a cook camp oven that I thought would be nice to have.

Here is what I found at Costco:

• 45 lb. Lehi Roller Hard White Wheat in Bucket $14.99 (great price- 15.89 with tax) That would be equivalent to 8 cans from the cannery which would total $20.80. The advantage is that it is already vacuum packed and ready to store!
  

• Stainless Steel Portable Camp Oven with two burners $149.99 (runs off propane gas!)
  

• 25 lb. All purpose flour $5.99

• 25 lb. Sugar $14.44

• 32 oz. Red Star Active yeast $3.89 (I store my extra bags of unopened yeast in the bottom of my freezer).

At Walmart I found some dehydrated food items - I think it is on the end cap of isle #21 (if I remember correctly).
These items are in #10 cans (like the cans from the cannery).

I bought these two cans to have on hand for cooking - I love dehydrated onions for cooking also.

• Whole egg $19.58
• Red & Green Peppers $10.22
• Celery $11.78
  
• Raspberries $27.87
• Strawberries $20.18
• Onions $12.12 (half that price at cannery)
• Blueberries $25.23
  
• Country Fresh Instant Milk $9.67

These next items were in 6 gallon buckets:

• 14 lb. banana slices 28.16 (that is $.50/lb)
• 44 lb white rice $38.72 (cheaper at cannery - at .$.56/lb instead of $.88 lb)
• Wheat 45 lb. $15.22

So you are probably asking, how do these prices compare to the cannery?

The cannery prices are probably the best prices you will find overall, simply because they don't make a profit like the stores. You may find that in a few items you can find a better price, but then you have to dry pack it at home. I personally like dry packing my food at the cannery and leaving/cleaning up the mess there! The cannery carries the very basic long-term storage food items. I would first focus on the basic needs before I think about adding more expensive luxury items.


#10 can prices:
Black Beans $4.45
Pinto Beans $4.65
White Beans $4.25
Non fat dry milk $7.05
White rice $3.20
Granulated sugar $4.65 (I like to store my sugar in 5 or 6 gallon buckets)
Hard red wheat $2.70
Hard White wheat $2.60
Apple slices $4.90 (Great snack for kids)
Carrots $7.10
Macaroni $3.30
Quick Oats $2.10
Regular oats $2.10
Dry onions $6.00 (I use this ALL the time - love it)
Potato flakes $2.85
Spaghetti (in pouch not can) $3.75
Refried Beans $3.75
Hot Cocoa Mix $6.60 (This is a family favorite)
White flour $3.05 (I store my flour in buckets, too)
Drink Mix $6.90

They also have these products available in bulk (ex. 25 lb. bags) that you can purchase anytime without an appointment. If you would like help getting to the cannery, give me a call!

How much do I need?

If you are curious how much your family needs you can go to the church website http://www.providentliving.org/channel/0,11677,1706-1,00.html and read more information. They have a calculator - but it is very broad and only calculates how many pounds total of grains and legumes. So I found another food storage calculator http://lds.about.com/library/bl/faq/blcalculator.htm that is a little more specific and helpful. I calculated all my family members as adults so I would have enough as they grew - but you can factor in their age if you would like.

More Local Classes and Products

I just dropped into Food 2 Store for the first time today. I was pleasantly surprised that they carry a variety of items. One thing I learned is that they teach various classes free of charge. The next class they are offering is a Dutch Oven workshop March 25th at 7pm.

They will be teaching how to use food storage items in a Dutch Oven (freeze dried or dehydrated foods). If you would like to attend, you need to RSVP to the store so they can have enough food samples for everyone.

He even mentioned that they will come teach Relief Society Meetings (aka Enrichment). I think they would be a great resource, I plan on using them in the future.

Drop into the store and sign up for their email notifications, so you will receive information about their next class!

Wheat Grinder Special and Class Schedule

Yesterday I took the milk class and left full of useful information. I am excited to put my new knowledge to work. There is a little cookbook with all the class recipes if you are interested (they sell for $10). I can pick one up for you next week or she will mail them out to you with an extra $2 for shipping. Tiffani

Wheat Grinder:

If anyone is looking for a wheat grinder, this one may work for you. Blendtec sells a wheat grinder (you may have seen the flyer at the cannery about this grinder) that they are offering at an extra great group rate of $150.00 (that price already includes sales tax.) Mary Ann Wilcox has offered to pick up the orders in Utah, which saves each person $18 in shipping costs. She needs any orders and payment prior to March 22nd. She plans on picking them up during spring break. This is a great price, better than the group rate that you can get from the cannery flyer. If anyone is interested, please contact me if you are interested.. Here is a link to the Blendtech site for more information about the blender and pictures.-

Provident Living Classes:

Mary Ann Wilcox teaches a variety of classes in her home. Today I took her class "Make it With Milk" and learned how to use dry milk from the cannery to make yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream, evaporated milk, condensed milk, ice-cream and how to use it in many other recipes. We were able to taste the many things that she made, oh it was delicious! I'm excited to put my learning to use. To sign up for a class, just email me and I will give you her phone number. Space is limited so reservations are needed.

There are more classes that are being offered - take a look at the list below. The classes are each $5.

March 25th- Clean House in 45 minutes a Day (9am-noon or 7-10 pm) This class focuses on setting up time saving routines that will streamline your cleaning activities while providing a laboratory for learning industry, character and service. Anti-clutter principles, and systems for handling laundry, home maintenance and deep cleaning will be presented. (I am signed up to attend).

April 8th - Emergency Living (9am-noon or 7-10 pm) How would your family adapt to living in quarantine for several weeks or months, or stay in your home after a national disaster until utilities and water are restored? Come learn what you need to survive, how to conserve your resources and use alternative methods of cooking and providing heat and light.

April 15th - Gluten - Meat from Wheat (10 am - noon or 7-9pm) Learn how to make gluten from wheat flour and use it in your own recipes. Hamburger, sausage, beef jerky, roasts and steaks are gluten products that will be demonstrated and sampled. Gluten is easy to make, a great meat substitute and extremely economical. One pound of cooked (gluten) hamburger costs 14 cents.

April 22- Alternative Cooking Methods (9 am - noon or 7 - 10pm) Learn how to create a solar oven, a slow cooker and a tin can stove top.

May 13th - Cooking from Your Car (10am - noon or 7-9 pm) Learn how to prepare camping, vacationing and in route meals from the convenience of your car, with appliances that can be plugged into your cars 12 volt power source, or used on your propane stove. A variety of menus and cooking methods will be demonstrated, along with a check list of basic food items from food storage, and equipment for a quick and hassle free getaway. This information also applies to cooking needs during a disaster evacuation.

May 20th - Grains (10-noon or 7-9 pm) Learn how to make whole wheat bread that rivals store bought in texture and taste; muffins, biscuits, pita bread, bagels, crackers, tortillas and hot & cold cereals.

May 27th - Summer Fun WITHOUT Breaking a Sweat (9 am - noon or 7-10 pm) Organize now for a carefree and fun-filled summer. Learn how to plan for every outdoor experience that opportunity affords you, with a minimum of equipment, preparation time, and plenty of food for a full day or weekend experience. Is money an issue? Attend this class and receive a list and directions to great places to go where the only cost is a little imagination, an eye for adventure, gas to take you within 50 miles of Boise, and food for the days you’ll be gone. This class will help you make this summer one that your children or grand-children of all ages will want to repeat.

Vivian Is Getting Prepared

Tonight I saw Vivian with a baggie of granola bars. I asked her what she was doing with the food. She replied, "this is my emergency food" which she plans on storing in her room. I also saw her gather at least 6 individual servings of applesauce and a baggy full of cough drops. I guess these three foods are the beginning of her (second) 72 hour pack!

Funny girl, I guess she is learning from her mother to get prepared! She is the one that is usually with me when I grocery shop. This little lady is learning all my tricks.

Today I stocked up on Nabisco saltine crackers. Not that I had to have them, but they will be a nice addition to all my cans of Progresso soup and chili. I bought 30 boxes of crackers for a total of $6.80 ($5 of that was the cost of buying the newspaper for the Albertson's doubler coupons). One more item that I don't have to buy for a year. What's next?

Make it With Milk Class

I am so excited to take a class this Thursday called "Make it With Milk"- for only $5.00. It is a class taught by Mary Ann Wilcox - a lady that is full of information. I will come back with information to share with you! Just last night at a Stake Provident Living Meeting we tasted a delicious yogurt drink - made from yogurt using dry milk from the cannery. You can make a quart of yogurt for only $0.25! I will teach you how step-by-step - it sounded easy to me! Space is still available if you would also like to take this class or classes in the future!

Next week I am taking: Housekeeping -- A Clean House in 45 Minutes a Day

Look below for the classes that Mary Ann teaches:

Emergency Living

Eat Better for Less (3 hrs): A food management plan that will allow you to spend less time grocery shopping and make fewer trips to the store, spend less time in the kitchen (one hour per day total), and prepare well rounded, nutritious meals for less. Class includes meal planning, recipe organization, money saving tips, grocery store & kitchen efficiency.

A Grocery Store in Your Home - Food Storage Basics (2hrs): A food storage plan that is easy to implement for $10 a week. This easy plan addresses individual family eating habits, storage space availability, emergency situations, and cooking styles. The following points will be covered: determining what to store, how much to store, how to store, where to store, and how long you can store; as well as techniques for spending less time shopping, meal planning and preparing food. (Available for Relief Society Enrichment meetings)

Emergency Living (2 hrs): How would your family adapt to living in quarantine for several weeks or months, or stay in your home after a national disaster until utilities and water are restored? Come learn what you need to survive, how to conserve your resources and use alternative methods of cooking and providing heat and light.

Cooking from Your Car (2 hrs): Learn how to prepare camping, vacationing and in route meals from the convenience of your car, with appliances that can be plugged into your cars 12 volt power source, or used on your propane stove. A variety of menus and cooking methods will be demonstrated, along with a check list of basic food items from food storage, and equipment for a quick and hassle free getaway. This information also applies to cooking needs during a disaster evacuation.

Alternative Cooking Methods

These are hands on classes where you will make the stove offered at the class, cook an item to learn how to use the stove and enjoy a tasting table of various items made with the stove. Materials are provided by each attendee. A materials list is emailed with class confirmation. Cooking items and tasting table are included in class fee. These cooking options greatly reduce your cooking fuel needs in an emergency.

Tin Can Stove (3 hrs): A stove top cooker made from a number 10 can with a buddy burner fuel source (tuna fish can lined with cardboard and filled with wax). The top of the can may be used as a griddle or a pan can be placed on top of the can for stove top cooking. Tin can ovens will also be made from additional number 10 cans and used for baking.

Solar Cooker (3 hrs): 2 cardboard boxes (one inside the other) lined with foil, sealed with a glass window that uses the sun as the heat source.

Hay Box Slow Cooker (3 hrs): Any size ice chest lined with a solar blanket and stuffed with shredded paper. Food is brought to a boil on a stove and then placed in the ice chest and covered with shredded paper. The paper thermally cooks the food in 8-10 hours.

Home Management

Clutter-free Living – More Space without Remodeling (3 hrs): Learn principles of organization that can be applied throughout your home in a systematic way that eliminates clutter, saves space and minimizes cleaning. Class includes a “how to” manual, and a home tour showing application of various principles of organization. (Available for Relief Society Enrichment meetings)
Housekeeping -- A Clean House in 45 Minutes a Day (3 hrs): This class focuses on setting up time saving routines that will streamline your cleaning activities while providing a laboratory for learning industry, character and service. Anti-clutter principles, and systems for handling laundry, home maintenance and deep cleaning will be presented.

Financial Freedom -- Getting Down to Business (3 hrs): In order to run a home efficiently, the paper trail needs to be handled like any business. Minimizing the paper shuffle, establishing a filing system, and organizing a functional office space will be emphasized. Learning the philosophy, principles and practices that will allow you to be “debt free on any income” will be also be presented.

Be Prepared for Summer Fun (3 hrs): Organize now for a carefree and fun-filled summer. Learn how to plan for every outdoor experience that opportunity affords you, with a minimum of equipment, preparation time, and plenty of food for a full day or weekend experience. Is money an issue? Attend this class and receive a list and directions to great places to go where the only cost is a little imagination, an eye for adventure, gas to take you within 50 miles of Boise, and food for the days you’ll be gone. This class will help you make this summer one that your children or grand-children of all ages will want to repeat.

A Place for Love & Sharing (3 hrs): The objective of this course is to create a positive atmosphere in the home that will encourage children to cooperate & fulfill the responsibilities that are required to have a home function efficiently. Methods for teaching children to invest in the family, care for personal possessions and learn obedience while building confidence, dependability, initiative and lifetime work ethics will be presented.

A Time & Place for Children to Work (3 hrs): This class will concentrate on assessing a child’s readiness for work, assigning appropriate tasks for their development stage and using methods of teaching that meet the maturity level of each age group.

Cooking with Food Storage

Dairy -- Make it with Milk (2 hrs): Every commercial dairy product can be made with powdered milk at 50-300% savings. Come learn how to mix milk that is comparable to store bought and make yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese, hard cheese, cottage cheese, ice cream, frozen yogurt and sweetened condensed milk. This is a taste pleasing class you won’t want to miss. (Available for Relief Society Enrichment meetings)

Gluten – Meat from Wheat (2 hrs): Learn how to make gluten from wheat flour and use it in your own recipes. Hamburger, sausage, beef jerky, roasts and steaks are gluten products that will be demonstrated and sampled. Gluten is easy to make, a great meat substitute and extremely economical. One pound of cooked (gluten) hamburger costs 14 cents.

Grains – Specialty Breads & More (2 hrs): Learn how to make whole wheat bread that rivals store bought in texture and taste; muffins, biscuits, pita bread, bagels, crackers, tortillas and hot & cold cereals.

Substitutions -- This for That (2 hrs): Out of an ingredient you need such as marshmallow cream, Chinese noodles, potato chips, salad dressings, sauces, and condiments? Come learn how to make your own from food storage with little cost in time and money. You’ll also learn how to substitute baking powder, gelatin, cornstarch and soy flour for eggs and how to cook with dehydrated eggs & egg whites. Receive tips on using butter buds in place of butter, applesauce instead of oil, etc.

Sprouting – Soups, Salads & Beans (2 hrs): Soup is the foundation of any food storage program. It is economical, nutritious, delicious, and reduces the number of meat dishes needed in a weekly menu. Learn how to grow and use sprouts in soups & breads, and for salads. Receive recipes to make your own dehydrated soup mixes. Taste a variety of soups that you can dump from several cans, heat & serve or make from dehydrated mixes.

Sour Dough – Everlasting Yeast (2 hrs): Learn how to make and use sour dough start to make breads, biscuits, English muffins, and pancakes. You will receive a start to take home along with a complete recipe book and instructions for caring for your start.

Cooking from the Cannery (2 hrs): The use of wet pack (meats will be emphasized) and dry pack items that can be purchased at the cannery to make a variety of delicious meals, snacks, and side dishes will be demonstrated. This is a great class for increasing your “meals in minutes” repertoire.
Dehydrated Foods - Just Add Water (2 hrs): How to use and prepare meals from dehydrated food products. Dehydrated foods are an important part of a food storage program. Because they are normally packaged in high quality cans they will withstand natural disasters. They contain only 2-3% moisture so they store for long periods of time (up to 50 years), do not need refrigeration, are light weight and easily moved.

Soup – The Best Economical Meals (2 hrs): A steaming kettle of soup adds a bit of old-fashioned magic to the kitchen. It will warm away chilly weather and the aroma brings a busy family to the table quickly. Soup is the foundation of any food storage program. It is economical, nutritious, delicious, and reduces the number of meat dishes needed in a weekly menu. Learn to make homemade soups that you can dump from several cans, heat & serve-- and dehydrated soup mixes that require more extensive cooking

Soybean Success (2 hrs): There are many soybean products on the market today. Learn how to use whole and ground soybeans and soy flour to make soy milk, nuts, and a variety of high-protein dishes.

A Time for Me (3 hrs): It is frustrating to balance the many roles you play (mother, wife, teacher, cook, housekeeper, accountant, nurse, community leader, personnel director, counselor, daughter) and still have time to meet your personal needs and goals. This class focuses on scheduling for success at any energy level and finding personal time to keep your “cup full”.

Provident Living

I was just called to be the Provident Living Specialist in my ward. Okay, I am calling for all of your help and ideas - please read.

• What great things is your ward doing in this area (food storage, emergency preparedness, budgeting, meal planning, freezer meals, couponing, cooking classes, etc.)?
• What would be helpful to you?
• What has been successful in your ward?
• Does your ward have a food storage or emergency preparedness plan?

I would love any and all feedback - please let me know if you have helped with any of this in your ward. Thank you!!!

Week #3 - Pandemic Preparation

Water – determine drinking the amounts you need for drinking and cleaning. At a bare minimum you should have 14 gallons of water per person.

1 gallon of liquid bleach and disinfectant cleaner

Liquid cleaners (soap, dish soap) – if utilities go out these will be easier than powdered cleaners

2 boxes of N95 masks for each adult in the household – make sure it fits firmly against the face. As long as hospitals keep these in stock, you should too.

Week #2 - Pandemic Preparation

Week #2
Oral Re-Hydration formula
Buy it or make your own:
• ¼ teas salt
• ¼ teas Lite salt (near salt at grocery store)
• ¼ teas baking soda
• 2 ½ teas sugar
• Combine these ingredients w/ 1 liter of sterile water. Suggest making up several of these
and save it in small baggies. Store in your kit. Taste before relying on this recipe – make
it palatable for your family.

Thermometer and alcohol to clean it
Prescriptions, pain/fever reducers, vitamins
First Aid kit – make sure hand sanitizer is included

I like to buy vitamins at Costco - plus I think they have a coupon for $3 each bottle. Many stores are out of hand sanitizer - so check the dollar stores. I bought some last week at Dollar Tree.


I need your help:
I don't have a thermometer. I need to buy one. Where is the best buy?

Swine Flu & Week One to Pandemic Preparedness

If you read the headlines of the newspaper or have watched today's news, you will notice that everyone is concerned about the swine flu. It traces back to Mexico but confirmed cases are popping up in the United States as well as other countries. The White House says it's not a time to panic, however they are taking protective steps if it worsens. Okay, I'm not saying to panic either, I'm saying let's get prepared. Thanks to Mom and Keith for finding a great 10 week Preparedness Challenge (click here for the full scoop). I will give you the details week by week (but if you are too antsy to get it all down just click that prior link for the FULL scoop)!

Week #1
2 buckets
1 box of contractor type garbage bags (To make your own porta-potty in case you lose utilities)
Kitty litter - 1 bag per/person. This can be used for absorbing all bodily fluids.
Extra garbage bags for soiled/contaminated clothing, towels or regular garbage disposal
Pet food/prescriptions, water – don’t forget them!

For more informating about the swine flu, look at these two sites:
Center for Disease Control (CDC) website here,
World Health Organization (WHO) website here

We are encouraged to prepare for a pandemic outbreak. The church has lots of useful information about pandemic preparation. Click the following link -Pandemic Preparedness Planning - I like it because it is broken down into different categories including:
Home and Family Preparedness
Personal Hygiene
Personal Protective Equipment
Infectious Disease Cleanup
Sheltering in Place
Social Distancing
Workplace Preparedness
Health Care Worker Preparedness

Hurricane Ike

This past weekend I have been following Hurricane Ike which hit Texas Friday night/Saturday morning. Tonya (my sister) lives in The Woodlands, just north a bit of Houston. Luckily her home was undamaged, but many families nearby had trees on their homes. Currently they have a family of seven staying with them because their home was severely damaged by a fallen tree. I just can't even imagine the aftermath of such a tremendous hurricane - they are feeling it now as they are living without power. They do have a generator which is keeping their fridge and freeze powered - but they only have a couple days worth of gas left. Gas is scarce, in any, in the area. Ryan is out all day helping other families and probably getting lots of use out his chain saw. Tonya was very prepared for this storm - but she will definitely get some first hand experience with brushing up on her survival skills and family home preparedness. Our prayers and thoughts are with them.

Below is an update from Keith (as of today) for those of you who aren't family that may be interested.

Hi Again:

At 3:30pm I visited again with Tonya about their circumstances and she reports the following:

The rains and wind have stopped for the most part.
Ryan is gone most of the time helping others.
Her cell phone was working at the time.
All are safe.
The sevenfold increase in their home is proving to be a challenge. With new faces and voices, naps, quiet time, meal time, even bed time is not the same.
From their local emergency broadcasts, electricity might be weeks away, gasoline is hard to find, and to be patient because the answers today might be different tomorrow.
They are concern because they only have about 3 days of gas left for the generator. They are not using gas from the vehicles in case they decide to leave.
Not having read his e-mail , Chase talked to Tonya earlier this after noon and called to report.
Observations:
Mom just tried to return Tonya call at 5:30pm, and no one picked up. While out power, cell towers would have to use emergency generator power like anyone else. Because gasoline in almost not available, they will not be capable of running cell towers 24/7. So calling them would be hit and miss. I think we would be wise to help them conserve battery time on their cell, by communication with each other if we hear from them.
Tonya is concerned if they choose to leave, not knowing for sure where to go, how things will be if left behind, and how long they will be gone. I encouraged them to prayerful about it, and not to decide too quickly.
Thanks for your faith and prayers in their behalf. Let us know if you have anything. Love ya, Keith