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Sunday, December 31, 2017

January is all about WATER STORAGE PLUS!

It's a new year, but Preparedness never changes!  The most important thing to have stored in the case is an emergency is still WATER.  Below you will find the MM Stake Self Reliance video about Water Storage.  Watch it again or watch it for the first time. 

So what is the Plus this month?  Some simple ways to figure out how much water you need to store and some basic tips.  But my #1 tip is - DON'T GET OVERWHELMED!!!  Just do SOMETHING.  Buy one case of water and slide it under your bed.  Now you're more prepared than you were before.  See- one step.  Then take another!  You can do this!

A great goal for this month is to start or add to your water storage.  In the video there is information about how to store water, what to store it in, and info about rotating your stored water. 

Another goal is to store something for filtering and purifying water.  Don't know what to store or how to use it?  The video will also teach you about filtering and purifying water (and how they are different) and what to store so you can use "found" water like rainwater or ditch water in an emergency.

You will also learn about saving and using water in your lines at home, and how to keep your home water from getting contaminated in an emergency. 

This is the longest MM Stake Self Reliance video for a reason - it's information that is essential to survival.  Take a half an hour to watch it and set goals for your family to get prepared with water this month.  You can do it if you take it one step at a time!



Here is some information from preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com.  The author has some simple tips.  You can also find more information in the FEMA handout here FEMA link

(I store 4 cases of bottled water per person in our family for drinking, and additional water in containers for food preparation and hygiene.  The cases of water are easily stored under beds.)

How Much Water Should I Store? 
• A 2-week supply for each person.
• 1 gallon per person per day, or 14 gallons per person. This is a minimum! Store more for infants, elderly, ill people or people living in hot environments.
• Plan to use water for drinking, food preparation and hygiene.
• Never ration water. Drink amount needed today, and find more tomorrow.

What Are The Best Water Containers? 
• Commercial bottled water with an expiration date is the best way to store water. (I write the expiration date on the plastic of my cases with a permanent marker. And stack the newest expiration date on the bottom and the oldest on top. Then restack as more is purchased.)
• However, if storing your own, use a food grade container such as a plastic soft drink bottle. Not plastic milk containers (they are too biodegradable). Remember to label the date.
• Or a container similar to this blue 5-gallon stackable container which weighs 40 lbs. when filled.
TheReadyStore.com

• Consider how you will empty and refill your containers.
• (I use other containers for food preparation and hygiene, and bottled water for drinking.)

How Do I Prepare & Fill My Own Containers? 
• Don’t use a container that has held toxic chemicals.
• Clean bottles with dishwashing soap and water. Rinse completely
• Add solution of 1 t. non-scented liquid chlorine bleach to a quart (1/4 gallon) of water. Swish solution in bottle so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing bottle, rinse out the sanitizing solution with clean water.
• Fill bottle to top with regular tap water. (If water utility company treats your tap water with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the water to keep it clean.) If the water you use comes from a well or water source not treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid chlorine bleach to each gallon of water.
• Tightly close container using original cap and being careful not to touch (contaminate) inside of cap with fingers.
 • Write date on outside of the container so that you know when you filled it.
• Replace water every six months.

Where Do I Store My Containers?
• Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
• Best temperature is 59 – 86 degrees .
• When there are extreme hot and cold temperatures in the winter and summer months, bring water inside.
• Keep water containers away from solvents and gasoline, paint thinners, household cleaners, etc.
• If storing on cement floors, raise containers with 2 x 4’s if possible - avoids the containers leaching materials from the concrete.
• Store it where you can get to it easily after an earthquake.

Where Are Safe Home Sources of Water? 
• Safe water sources include water in your hot-water tank, pipes, and ice cubes. (see links here on how to get the water out of pipes)
• You should not use water from toilet flush tanks or bowls, radiators, waterbeds, or pools/spas.

Where Are Safe Outside Sources of Water? 
• Be sure to treat water according to the instructions in the brochure listed before drinking it.
• Rainwater, streams, rivers, and other moving bodies of water. Ponds and lakes and natural springs
• Avoid water with floating material, an odor, or dark color.
• You should not drink flood water.

How Do I Treat Water? 
BOILING 
• Boiling is the safest method of treating water. In a large pot or kettle, bring water to a rolling boil for 1 full minute, keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. Let the water cool before drinking.
• Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers. This will also improve the taste of stored water.

CHLORINATION 
• You can use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleaches, colorsafe bleaches, or bleaches with added cleaners. Because the potency of bleach diminishes with time, use bleach from a newly opened or unopened bottle.
• Add 16 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. The water should have a slight bleach odor. If it doesn’t, then repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes. If it still does not smell of bleach, discard it and find another source of water.
• Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products (sold in camping or surplus stores) that do not contain 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not recommended and should not be used.

DISTILLATION 
• While the two methods described above will kill most microorganisms in water, distillation will remove microorganisms that resist these methods, as well as heavy metals, salts, and most other chemicals.
• Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. The condensed vapor will not include salt or most other impurities.
• To distill, fill a pot halfway with water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot’s lid so that the cup will hang rightside-up when the lid is upside-down (make sure the cup is not dangling into the water), and boil the water for 20 minutes.
• The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled. 




Sunday, November 26, 2017

How to Provide Heat and Fuel in an Emergency

This month it is getting colder, so it's the perfect time to think about how you would stay warm if an emergency would occur right now.

Please watch the short video on Heat and Fuel Sources here before you read on - you will want to know why these things are important and which one you want to focus on.


The goal for this month is to store enough fuel to take care of your family for a 2 week power outage.  If you want to do more...great!  But for now focus on these 2 weeks.

Options:
Gasoline - store with a stabilizer like Sta-Bil that you find at Home Improvement or Automotive stores.  Add the stabilizer so it lasts longer.  Make sure you keep your gas tank at 1/2 full or above.
Propane- Store one 5 gallon tank and make sure it's full.
Firewood - Hove one cord stored somewhere on your property
Charcoal - Store five 12 pound bags of charcoal (and make sure you have a place you could use it outside.
Kerosene - Find an inexpensive kerosene heater on the online classifieds.  Store enough kerosene for 2 weeks use.
White gas - Store up to 5 gallons.  Can't be used indoors.
Lamp oil - Store with your oil burning lamp
Butane - Store 15 cans for 2 weeks of use.  Can use used indoors for cooking.
Batteries - Store all sizes, and store them out of the appliance they are used in.

Remember Safety first - provide enough ventilation to replenish your oxygen anytime you are using an open flame.





















Friday, October 27, 2017

November's topic is Communication.  This might not be something you think about when preparing for an emergency, but in an emergency, if you have these communication lines in place, it will save you a lot of worry and time.

Watch this month's video for some ideas on what to work on and come back here for the forms I talk about on  the video...





Family Plan - it's so important to have a plan in times of an emergency.  There is nothing more stressful than worry about family members. 

Here is the link to find the following documents: Family Plan Documents
Emergency Contact Sheet - fillable - a short form you can put in a wallet or send with a child
Family Emergency Plan Template - this is a short form with info on it for you home
Family Emergency Plan Master List - this is a longer multi-page document for storing all of your important information

In the video we also talk about communications tools - a battery run AM/FM radio.  A great source for that is thrift stores!  Everyone is getting rid of their radios, so it's prime pickings for you!  If you are interested in HAM or amateur radio, you can find info at this link:
Find an amateur radio class here

The last thing the video talks about is sheltering in place.  The information and supply list can be found here:Shelter in Place info

And the two goals this month are:
1. Create a Family Plan
2. Learn who your block captain is



Sunday, September 24, 2017

Can you believe it's October already?  The chill in the air certainly gives it away!  Speaking of chill, this month we are talking about clothing you should store for an emergency.   Check out this month's video here:



I know, clothing is certainly not the first thing you think of when thinking of emergency storage, but it is something you ought to spend a little time on.  Staying warm and dry - or cool and protected from the sun, may be the thing that keeps you well in an emergency. 

It is important to layer.  The air between the layers traps the heat and keeps up warm.  Layers that you should store for your family members are :


1. An inside thermal layer
2. A wool sweater
3. A synthetic fiber light weight jacket
4. A Water-proof, wind-proof coat
5. Gloves, Hat, socks (wool), underwear
6. Lightweight, waterproof boots

A great place to find all of these layers is at a thrift store.  For pennies on the dollar, you can clothe your family.  Remember to store multiple sizes for children.  And a great tip for boots - buy them out of season online.  you will find great deals on name brand items.

Make sure to store items to wash and dry clothing - laundry detergent, a washing bucket with plunger, clothes pins and a clothes line.

Home-made laundry soap recipe
1 bar shaved or grated  bar soap (Dr. Bronner's Castile, Ivory or Fels-Naptha)
1 C borax
1 C washing soda
Mix together thoroughly for several minutes.  Store in a sealed container with a small scoop.  Use 1 T per load.





Friday, September 8, 2017

September's topic is how to cook during an emergency - and what to store so you can.  In the wake of the hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes and fires raging through the country right now, these topics seem very timely.

If you missed any of the previous months, go back and check them out!  They are a quick way to get useful information.  And it's information you will need if any of these emergencies come closer to home.

Having food storage is wonderful, but if you don't have a way to cook it, it's not much use.  So make sure to store some essentials for cooking in am emergency.  Check out all the info first on the video here:




To store:
Long-handled utensils
Oven mits for taking pans out of fires
People-powered cooking devices (can openers, etc)
Pans with metal handles (cast iron is very good)

For cooking, we talked about three options:
1. Your indoor wood burning fireplace (make sure your flue is open)
2. Butane stove
3. Thermal cooker (you do need another heat source for the first 15 min)

Most cooking will be done out of doors.
1. Your BBQ grill - make sure your propane is full
2. Your outdoor firepit - perhaps store a grill or grate for use over the fire
3. Coleman stove with Coleman fuel
4. Solar cooker
5. Volcano Stove (maximizes your fuel)
6. Rocket stove (very little fuel needed)

Here are the cookbook links again. (They are also found in the side bar to the right) PLEASE print this off or call Copy Tec in Pleasant Grove and ask for the Mount Mahogany Cookbook (under my name - Michelle Jorgensen).  Do it before you need it!
Mega Food Storage Cookbook links

September GOAL: Assess which cooking utensils, pans and devices you already have.  Pick one more to add to your storage.

Monday, July 31, 2017

August and important information about Sanitation

This month we get to talk about something that we would rather not talk about!  Sanitation.  And the reason we are going to talk about it is it may be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.  The advances in life expectancy in the last 100 years are due in a large part to increased sanitation and hygiene.

There are a lot of resources on the Highland Utah Stake website I've posted at the bottom that you can go to for more information, and I encourage you to do so, but for the basics on what to store and how to use it, watch the video here about Sanitation for an Emergency.


 You'll learn how to convert your toilet to a "dry toilet", how to dispose of the waste properly, and some things to store in a portable sanitation kit.


For more information, go to the  Highland Utah Stake Website You will find info on everything from how to build an outhouse to how to make your own laundry soap.  Check it out!

Popular links:
Sanitation Workshop
Sanitary Napkins Pattern
Flannel Cloth
A Years Worth Of Laundry Soap for under $30

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Hello again!  Time to learn about Light and Heat!

I took June off because of too much summer fun, but I'm back at it this month with great information about Light and Heat.  These are two items that you might not think about in an emergency - particularly right now in the middle of a hot summer - but they are two you will notice immediately if an emergency were to occur.

We are very reliant on our electric lights and heaters, and we aren't used to doing without them.  So this month, watch the video about what to know about lighting sources, including the three rules of using open flames.  I will also explain why it's important to plan for an alternative heat source, and last, common items to store that can provide light.  (and how many candles it REALLY takes to light a room - you might be surprised!)
Video about Light and Heat

Items in the Lighting Kit I talk about in the video:
Emergency or Survival candle
Regular Flashlight
Wind-up flashlight
Strike Anywhere Matches
Solar Lantern (bonus if it has a USB output to charge electronics)
Chemical Light Sticks
(I made these for Christmas gifts last year and they were a big hit!

Your goal this month is to:
Store something for light (candles and a solar lantern would be great)
Find an alternate heat source for your home (wood stove, propane or kerosene heater)

Have a great month and enjoy the sunshine!

Monday, April 24, 2017

May is all about 72 hour kits - and more!



This month is all about 72 hour kits!  This is something we have all heard about, and you may have worked on it at one time, or may be starting from scratch.   Wherever you are in your 72 hour kit preparation, this information is for you!

The idea of 72 hour kits may be overwhelming, so I suggest you start with this video to get an idea of what your first reachable goal should be for your family.  Then check back here for all the links to the lists and kits I talk about, as well as other helpful information you will need as you go along. 


Simple 72 hour kit list (easy if you don't know where to start!)
 72 hr kit-basic

Detailed 72 hour kit lists - three from different sources if you would like to compare
 72 kit list
72 hr kit
 72 hr kit and sirvival backpack list

Detailed description and explanation of items in a 72 hour kit
Ideas for food for 72 hour kits (detailed)

Emergency Car Kit List
Car Emergency Kit
Get Home Bag List
Get home kit
Every Day Carry List
 Every Day Carry Kit
Emergency Contact Card
 Emergency Contact Card
Emergency Contact Sheet
Where to go to create a Family Emergency Plan
Fill-in template from the Red Cross for a Family Emergency Plan
Family Emergency Plan Template

Shelter in Place Information - if there is a widespread emergency and you need to stay sheltered at home, this is some good information to know.
Shelter in place

This month's goal - get one of these kits made for your family!





Saturday, March 25, 2017

April is all about Gardening!

Gardening in an Emergency - it is important to know a few simple things

Throughout human history,  people have had to survive on what we call "Long Term Food Storage" foods.  Sailors on long ocean voyages, families living in polluted inner cities, famine or drought stricken areas - all of these people lived on limited diets, and they suffered from diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies - Scurvy, Rickets, Pellegra to name a few.

If you plan to survive on Long Term Food Storage in an emergency, you need to add vitamin rich foods to avoid disease.  Gardening will provide those foods.

Watch the video on Emergency Gardening here


One source of a Sprouting Seed Kit is:
Sprouting Seed Kit

You can also just buy sprouting seeds and use your own mason jar.  Here is a great source of seeds:
Sprouting Seeds

Which Seeds should you sprout?  Seeds that grow quickly like alfalfa, broccoli, radish and mung bean are great for early sprouts.  Any grain or bean will also sprout, and lentils and wheat are particularly good sprouted.

Which seeds should you save?
ALWAYS save Heirloom or Open-Pollinated seeds.   Hybrid seeds will not grow or will not grow correctly.  Do not buy seeds at the Grocery Store - they are probably hybrid.  Some great heirloom seed companies are:
Baker Creek Seeds
Territorial Seed Company
Johnny's Select Seeds
Natural Gardening Company
Seed Saver Exchange

 A source of an easy to store pack is:
Emergency Seed Pack

Which foods can be grown quickly?  Here is a list of the fastest growing seeds:
Fast Growing Vegetable Seeds

The Japanese Gardening Knife is found here:  (Great Mother's or Father's Day present!)
Japanese Gardening Knife

If you want more extensive Gardening Info, you can find a simple Organic Gardening Guide here:
Organic Gardening Guide

Sunday, February 26, 2017

March is about Long Term Food Storage

I know, we've been talking about Long Term Food Storage forever.  You might feel overwhelmed or even bored with it.  That's why we're here!  Check out the video below to learn tips and tricks about storage, some new ideas about what you can and can't store, and what you need to store to USE the food.


New to to Long Term Food Storage?  Your goal this month is to get started.   Would you like Food Storage for 4 people for less than $200??  Then you need to check out the recipe for Scotch Broth, a very nutritious, easy to store and cook mix of beans and grains. 

Don't know how much to store?   Use the LDS Online Food Storage Calculator.

Been storing food for awhile? Your goal is to get organized and make sure you have everything you need to use your stored food.  You can use these inventory sheets: Food Storage Inventory Sheet

Need some help knowing what to buy?  Here is a handy weekly purchasing plan to stretch out the purchase over one year's time.  The number each week is for one adult, so make sure you increase the amounts if needed for your family.  Weekly Purchasing Plan

And last but not least, make sure you store a food storage recipe book with your food.  It's not much good if you don't know how to use it!  You can go here to find the Food Storage Cookbooks.  The most simple and usable one is the first, Food Storage Only recipes.

The Lindon Home Storage Center is located at 940 W Center St, Lindon.  Most shelf stable foods can be purchase there for the lowest price around. 

2017 hours are :
Monday & Wednesday10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

 The Provident Living Website has some great tips about Long Term Food Storage as well. 

Happy Storing!


Saturday, January 28, 2017

February is all about Short Term Food Storage!

Gordon B. Hinckley said, “We have built grain storage and storehouses and stocked them with the necessities of life in the event of a disaster.” But those goods cannot help us if we cannot reach them. He continued, “The best storehouse is the family storeroom” (“If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear,” Oct. 2005 general conference).

The first thing to establish in a family food storage plan is Short Term Food Storage.  This is a 3 month supply of foods you eat on regular basis.

For ideas on what to store, where to store it and how to buy it on a budget, watch this months' video

Short Term Food Storage Made Easy

On the video, some food sources are mentioned.  Local stores are Winco, Maceys and Alpine Food Storage.  Great deals can also be found at ksl.com classifieds Farmers Markets and Fresh Produce Section.

Some other helps to download or print can be found below:
Short Term Food Storage Tips
3 month Sample Food List
15 little used places to store food

The goals for February are to establish at least a 1 month food supply, to get in the habit of buying something for storage during every trip to the store, and to figure out where to store your food. 

Enjoy your road to self reliance and we will be back next month with info on Long Term Food Storage!

P.S.  If you missed the February Stake Self-Reliance Newsletter, you can get it here:
February Stake Self-Reliance Newsletter

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Welcome to our Self Relianace Blog! January was all about WATER preparedness. Water may be the most important item to have stored for an emergency.

Please find our first video at the following location: Easy Tips & Tricks for Perfect Water Storage! - JANUARY '17

Also here are some documents that have been published to help you:

Jan- water storage basics.docx
Jan-Water from a water heater.docx
Stake Water Storage Suppply list.docx

More to come!