http://everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com/

http://preparetodaynewsletter.blogspot.com/2008/11/keeping-warm-in-winter-weather.html

http://www.byub.org/livingessentials/files/139AdditionalResources.pdf

Watch this video on how to save someone's life if they collapse:

1. Obtain a suitable 72-hour kit container (backpack, duffel bag, garbage can w/ lid, etc.)
2. Check the batteries in your smoke detector
3. Place a flashlight next to your bed and one in an alternate location; check batteries
4. Add 1 1/2 gallons of water per person to 72-hour kit
5. Add $10 cash to 72-hour kit
6. Add a can opener to 72-hour kit
7. Add 2 cans tuna fish/canned meat to 72-hour kit
8. Add 1 large roll paper towels to 72-hour kit
9. Add 1 blanket to 72-hour kit
10. Add $10 cash to 72-hour kit
11. Add 4 rolls toilet paper to 72-hour kit
12. Add 1 bar of soap to 72-hour kit
13. Add stress relief factors to 72-hour kit (books, magazines, coloring books, games)
14. Add pocket/utility knife to 72-hour kit
15. Add $10 cash to 72-hour kit
16. Add 1 container of baby wipes to 72-hour kit
17. Add 1-2 changes of clothing to 72-hour kit
18. Add 48 ounces of non-carbonated canned juice to 72-hour kit (date for rotation)
19. Add 1 can of fruit, 1 can of vegetables to 72-hour kit (date for rotation)
20. Add $10 cash to 72-hour kit
21. Add 1 box of matches to 72-hour kit
22. Add hard candy (jolly ranchers, lifesavers) to 72-hour kit
23. Add 1 1/2 lb peanut butter to 72-hour kit
24. Add Ziploc bags (variety of sizes) to 72-hour kit
25. Add $10 cash to 72-hour kit
26. Check the batteries in your smoke detector. Practice escape routes.
27. Add 1 box of crackers to 72-hour kit
28. Add plastic utensils to 72-hour kit
29. Add a large candle to 72-hour kit
30. Add $10 cash to 72-hour kit
31. Add 1 lb. Graham crackers to 72-hour kit
32. Add flashlight to 72-hour kit; check batteries
33. Add disinfectant (betadine, bleach, sterile wipes, hand sanitizer) to 72-hour kit
34. Add paper cups to 72-hour kit
35. Add $10 cash to 72-hour kit
36. Add basic first aid kit to 72-hour kit
37. Add 1 lb dried fruit to 72-hour kit
38. add 1/2 lb non-fat dried milk to 72-hour kit
39. Add battery powered radio to 72-hour kit; check batteries
40. Add $10 cash to 72-hour kit
41. Add items related to individual medical needs to 72-hour kit
42. Add diapers, feminine hygiene supplies to 72-hour kit
43. Add toothbrush and 1 tube of toothpaste to 72-hour kit
44. Add hand shovel to 72-hour kit
45. Add $10 cash to 72-hour kit
46. Verify each family member's tetanus immunization is up to date
47. Add 1 large roll heavy duty aluminum foil to 72-hour kit
48. Add 1 axe to 72-hour kit
49. Add paper plates to 72-hour kit
50. Add $10 cash to 72-hour kit
51. Add 1-2 boxes pre-sweetened cereal to 72-hour kit
52. Add photocopies of personal documents to 72-hour kit (wills, insurance policies, birth certificates). Send 1 copy to family member/friend in separate location

Preparing for disasters

Experts believe that if a major disaster occurs we will be without electricity or natural gas for 5 months or longer. Unfortunately disasters occur all over the world, sometimes when we least expect it. As we learned from Hurricane Katrina and many others, Government assistance is 96 + hours away. Fuel is an often overlooked item when preparing for a disaster but a critical one. Fuel is a must to boil water, cook your food, heat your shelter & boost morale. Listed below are several fuel options:


Fuel Storage Guidelines

In an emergency you will most likely need to boil water, cook your food and heat your shelter. Proper ventilation is always necessary. Listed below are several fuel alternatives.


Insta-Fire

One cup of Insta-Fire will boil 2 cups of water in 10 minutes. It will light 75 brickettes in 10 minutes. It will also provide enough fuel to cook even the toughest of meals. It can also be used as a stand alone fire with 2 cups burning for approximately 45 minutes with occasional stirring. It is available in 1 cup containers and a variety of storage containers including 1 gallon bucket, 5 gallon bucket and 55 gallon drums. Long term storage is estimated at approximately 30 years.  http://www.instafire.com/home.htm


Wood

Raw, dry wood is a very good source of fuel especially when used in conjunction with Insta-Fire. Wood often becomes wet and unusable in a disaster. (Click here to see how to use Insta-Fire to light even wet wood). In rural areas wood may be readily available at a relatively low cost. Local permits may be necessary. In urban areas wood may not be as readily available and storage areas are limited. Be cautious when burning “used” wood that has a finish on it i.e. furniture & flooring, as it may contain deadly toxins.


Propane/Butane

Available in several sizes ranging from 1 pound to very large containers and is a good source for both heat and cooking. However, most containers have a “use by date” and therefore are not recommended for long term storage. An additional propane heater or stove is required. Storage restrictions generally apply due to its explosive nature. Check with your local fire department for storage restrictions in your area.


Kerosene/Heating oil

As with propane, a variety of storage tanks are used. Kerosene and Heating oil are good sources of heat for heating your shelter but generally not used for cooking. Also, as with other fuels i.e. propane and gasoline, storage restrictions may apply. Check with your local fire department for storage restrictions in your area.


Coal/Charcoal

Coal can be good source of heat and can be stored for a long period of time if kept dry. Generally messy to store, must be kept dry, proper ventilation is a must and can be hard to light unless used with Insta-Fire. Charcoal briquettes are a good source of fuel to cook but because it omits carbon monoxide it must be used outdoors. (Click here for a demonstration to light charcoal briquettes).

A three day supply of food and water, per person, when no refrigeration or cooking is available

Protein/Granola Bars
Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
Canned Tuna, Beans, Turkey, Beef, Vienna Sausages, etc
Canned Juice
Hard Candy/Gum
Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters Per Person)

Bedding and Clothing

Change of Clothing (short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.)
Undergarments
Rain Coat/Poncho
Blankets and Emergency Heat Blanks (that keep in warmth)
Cloth Sheet
Plastic Sheet

Fuel and Light

Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps, etc.) Don't forget batteries!
Extra Batteries
Flares
Candles
Lighter
Water-Proof Matches

Equipment

Can Opener
Dishes/Utensils
Shovel
Radio (with batteries!)
Pen and Paper
Axe
Pocket Knife
Rope
Personal Supplies and Medication

First Aid Supplies

Toiletries (roll of toilet paper- remove the center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush, etc.)
Cleaning Supplies (mini hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc.)
Immunizations Up-to Date
Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children's medication etc.)
Prescription Medication (for 3 days)

Personal Documents and Money (Place these items in a water-proof container!)

Scriptures
Genealogy Records
Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts, etc)
Vaccination Papers
Insurance Policies
Cash
Credit Card
Pre-Paid Phone Cards
Miscellaneous
Bag(s) to put 72 Hour Kit items in (such as duffel bags or back packs, which work great) Make sure you can lift/carry it!
Infant Needs (if applicable)—formula, bottles, pacifiers, baby food, diapers, wipes.