Road Trip Time...Emergency Car Kits!

On the road...
It's road trip time here in Utah.  What could be more fun than to discover America in the family truckster?  But we all know that disasters can happen any time.  We've all been taught to have disaster and evacuation kits prepared.  We've learned how to deal with prolonged power failures and what to do in the event of an earthquake or devastating storm.  But what about when you are away from home...on the road somewhere?  I've read stories where people were stuck in snow storms or stranded in the desert when their cars broke down.  Many of the stories had tragic endings which could have been prevented by having an emergency car kit.

Having a well-stocked car will give you a lot more peace of mind and help you to stay calm and focus on what needs to be done.   Prepare your car now, by keeping your gas tank above half-full, check the weather and road conditions before a trip and keep up on the car's maintenance.  You may not have the chance to return home for your 72 hour evacuation kits...so you may want to keep a smaller version in the trunk of each of your vehicles.  I started with a medium size duffle and a couple of milk crates that will fit across the back of the cargo area of my SUV.  The car kit pictured is from  Emergency Essentials.

Car Kits might include...

• Emergency car tool kit which includes battery cables and a small air compressor. 
• Road atlas 
• First aid kit.
• Windup radio/cell phone recharger.
• Flashlights, headlamp and extra batteries. 
• Auto Buddy tool...this is a light, flasher, window breaker and seat belt cutter.  I keep this in the driver's side door.
• Folding shovel, window scrapers, lock de-icers.
• Jack, lug wrench, tire gauge and a fix-a-flat product.
• Gallon each of windshield washer fluid and anti-freeze.
• Bottled water and 3600 calorie food bars.  (Coast Guard ones are good)
• For warmth:  hand and foot warmers, 10 hour heat candles, water proof matches, extra hats, gloves, and ear warmers.
• For rain:  umbrella, rain jackets.
• Quilts or blankets.  I have a heavy denim one.
• Extra cash (small bills and coins).

This is just a basic list...what I started with.  I am sure there are other things to consider...like if you are traveling with children.  It's hard to prepare for everything...but you can prepare for the most likely.

Don't let this be your next family vacation! =D

Have fun this summer, Sisters!

PS...Send me a Postcard!

Welcome to a New Year!

Happy New Year, Sisters!

This will just be a short post...or it won't get done...lol!  I have so many New Years goals and projects that it's killing me to leave them to work on blog posts.  I have just a couple of things to share.  The following list, "Build Your Food Storage With Only $5 a Week," has been floating about Provident Living Land for a few years now.  Many things may cost more than the promised $5, but it's a way to get started.  I am picking up my 6 lbs. of salt tomorrow.  I have most of these things already, but I figure, what the hey?  It never hurts to have more than enough. For the January "Eating an Elephant" goal, check the right hand side of the post.  It will be there under "Featured Post."

A New Tip to Try...

Best Garment Whitener!

I found this on Facebook and though I haven't tried it yet, you may want to give it a go.  I cannot guarantee anything.

Combine 48 oz. powder Cascade with 3 lb. Oxi Clean White Revive.  Mix all together and store in a container.

To Wash:

Fill a kitchen sink or plastic storage container with hot, hot water and add 1 cup of Cascade/Oxi mic, 1 capful Persil Pro White Technology Power Pearls and 1 cup white vinegar.  Let garments or any white items soak overnight or several hours.  May want to give them a few stirs.

Next:

Drain and finish them with a rinse cycle in your washer, then dry.  Seriously supposed to make them whiter than anything the person who posted this has tried.  We'll see...lol!

Happy January!!

Thankful November Bite...Eating an Elephant!

Thanksgiving Bite!

I am still chuckling over this month's elephant!  On a whim I went to Pinterest and typed in "Thanksgiving elephant" without much hope of finding such a thing.  Well, what do you know...look what popped up!!  I admit I snorted a bit of Diet Coke through my nose...good thing I don't have a trunk...lol!

November...A Month for Gratitude

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I just want to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you that read and support this blog.  Blogs are funny things...a cross between an online newsletter, a magazine article and a personal journal.  It can be many things depending on who writes it and who their audience is.  This year I have focused mainly on preparedness.  I hope the monthly "Bites" have been helpful...especially if you and your family are just getting started.  Some of the suggested storage goals may have been a little too much for the monthly budget to handle.  I understand.  The purpose is to make suggestions for the month and we each do as much as we can.  Every little bite helps...right?  So if the goal is 100 lbs. of wheat per person, even if you just get 100 lbs. total (or just 1 bucket) you are that much closer to completing your storage goals.  

November Goals...

President Brigham Young

"The time will come that gold will hold not comparison in value to a bushel of wheat."

--Pres. Brigham Young

Spiritual Goal:

Have personal prayers and scripture study every day.

Provident Living Goal:

Make a goal of reducing your family garbage by recycling more.

Storage Goal:

• 100 pounds of wheat per person.
• 1 #10 can juice mix with vitamin C per person.
• Hand/shower soap.
• Light bulbs.
• At least one month prescription ahead for all doctor prescribed medication.

72 Hour Kit:

• Soap.
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste.
• Infant needs.
• Feminine needs.
• Disinfectant.
• Aluminum foil.

Grateful for the Harvest.

"Y Prepare?"  Stake Preparedness Blog

If you are not already following the Stake Preparedness Blog, you can easily receive updates in your email by visiting www.yprepare.com and filling in your email in the subscribe box.  It's right there at the top of the article.  The following links are for the last four posts...in case you missed them.

Highland Central Stake FRS/GRMS Frequencies and Radio Instruction Video

http://www.yprepare.com/highland-central-stake-frsgrms-frequencies-and-radio-instruction-video.html

Practical Hazmat Protection--Accident Mitigation

http://www.yprepare.com/practical-hazmat-protection-accident-mitigation.html

Emergency Cleaning Bucket

http://www.yprepare.com/emergency-cleaning-bucket.html

Shelf Life of Commercially Canned Foods

http://www.yprepare.com/shelf-life-of-commercially-canned-foods.html

Grateful for the Peaceful Beauty of an Autumn Day.

I have so much to be grateful for this year...

Bless you, Dear Sisters!

Workshop...Dutch Oven Cooking!

Dutch Oven Cooking!

What better way to enjoy autumn...or be better prepared?

Workshop and Demonstration

• Wednesday evening  September 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Highland Central Stake Center Picnic Pavilion (if weather permits...if not, will be held indoors.)
• Taught by Larry and Jeanie Walker...authors of several books on Dutch Oven Cooking and long time Highland residents.
• Helpful instruction, live cooking demonstration, recipes and yummy samples.
• Adults 12 and over please.

Every month members of the Stake Preparedness Committee get together to plan and discuss ways to help our ward members be more prepared in all aspects of their lives.  This workshop is open to all members of the stake and whoever else might be interested.  The Walkers have been doing this for many years and are expert Dutch oven specialists.  They were at the Preparedness Expo this past weekend.

One of the books they have published.

Preparedness Blog and Calendar

The Highland Central Stake has an official preparedness blog  Y Prepare?  Mike Parry is the administrator.  He and his contributors have prepared links to resources to help us with our preparedness goals.  It's very important that each of us visit this blog and sign up on the right-hand side for email updates.  That way any time the blog is updated, you will know and be able to access the new information.

Across the top of the blog are links to subjects like food storage, 72 hour kits, gardening, health, etc.  One of the links is Events Calendar.  The calendar will list classes, workshops and other upcoming events pertaining to preparedness.  If you haven't been to the blog, please take a minute to look at it.  I know you will be glad to be able to access the resources they have put together for us.

Miscellaneous...

• Case Lot Sales are going on right now.  Macy's ends this Saturday.  Smith's ends tomorrow.  I love these sales.  They're perfect for filling up my rotating can organizer in the pantry.  The lower price per can makes it easy to store the suggested 90 days of "food my family will eat."

• Today I began to update and rotate the food in my 72 hour kit back packs.  I am at a bit of a dilemma.  My 72 hour "bug out" kit is getting unwieldy.  It may take several trips to load the stuff into the car.  So I decided to change the contents of the back packs so that we can just grab them if there is little to no time to dally.  If time allows, then we can go back for the duffle of tools and emergency stuff, the sleeping bags and the backpack of freeze dried entrees.

• It's very important to rotate the food every 6 months...at General Conference time is a good rule of thumb.  I hadn't done it for over a year and the saltines and little cartons of Goldfish crackers were positively rancid.  I store a package of saltines inside a Pringle's can.  I don't know if I'll ever get the weird smell out of the can...lol!

This was just a quick post to let you know about the Dutch Oven class.  I hope you can make it!

Eating an Elephant...Goals for August and September!

Back-to-School Bites...Monthly Goals!

I apologize for being so late publishing the monthly Provident Living goals for August.  I've had some painful dental issues and visiting grandchildren the past few weeks.  So I have decided to give you the goals for both August and September.  This is such a busy time of year, getting the children off to school and taking care of our gardens...getting the fruits of our labor canned and stored for the winter.  I love this time of year!

August Goals!

Back-to-School!

"For the moment we live in a day of peace and prosperity, but it shall not ever be thus.  Great trials lie ahead...and we must prepare ourselves temporally and spiritually..."

--Bruce R. McConkie

Spiritual Goal:  

Have Family Home Evenings with family every Monday.  Make sure at least one Monday each month is set aside for doing something really fun for the whole family.

Provident Living Goal:  

Learn to preserve food in a way you haven't tried before.

Storage Goal:

• 100 quarts fruit and vegetables per person.
• 24 pints of jam or jelly per person.
• Feminine needs.
• School supplies.
• Pet supplies.

72 Hour Kit:

• I can tuna per person.
• 1 can pork and beans per person.
• 1/2 pound dried milk per person.
• 2 packets hot chocolate per person (or 1 large can per family).
• 2 instant soup packets per person (rotated every year).
• Disposable plates, cups, bowls, and flatware.
• Pet supplies...include dishes, leash, and extra water.

September Goals!

There is nothing so satisfying as a filled pantry.

"There is no person who knows the real purpose for which this welfare program is being instituted, but hardly before sufficient preparation has been made the real purpose will be revealed, and when that time comes, it will challenge every resource of the church to meet it."

--Harold B. Lee

Spiritual Goal:

Have family scripture study together every day.

Provident Living Goal:

Review your will if you have one.  make any needed changes.  If you do not have a will, make arrangements to get one.  EVERY adult should have a will.  Plan and carry out a FHE on the importance of preparedness.

Storage Goal:

• 10- #10 cans (35 lbs. total) powdered milk per person.
• 25 pounds canned or dried potatoes per person.
• 50 quarts fruit or tomato juice per person.

72 Hour Kit:

• I pound dried fruit or trail mix per person...or fruit leather.
• 1 package (4 per box) saltine crackers per person.
• 1 (4 per box) package graham cracker per person.
• 2 liters tomato or orange juice per person.
• Rotate these items every 6 months.

We are thankful for the harvest!

Remember to visit the Stake Preparedness Blog...Y Prepare?

Have a lovely fall, Sisters!

Eating an Elephant...July Goals!

Eating an Elephant!

This little elephant is red, white, and true blue!

July Goals...

"Ye Latter-day Saints, learn to sustain yourselves, produce everything you need to eat, drink or wear..."  President Brigham Young

Spiritual Goal:

Take the family names you prepared last month to the Temple.

Provident Living Goal:

Make a goal to eat healthier.  For example:  less sweets, more fresh fruits and veggies, less meat, more fiber, etc.

Storage Goal:

• 50 lbs. honey or sugar per person.
• 10 #10 cans (35 lbs. total) powdered milk per person.
• 2 toothbrushes per person.
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Infant needs...formula, baby food, diapers, Tylenol, etc.

72 Hour Kit:

• Prepare blankets...the silver foil ones.
• Gather items to entertain your family and include in kit: UNO cards, coloring books and crayons, cross-stitch kits, etc.  Be sure to include paper and pencils
• Camp stove or portable BBQ and fuel.
• Mosquito repellent.
• $25 cash.

July is such a patriotic month and also a month  when we think about our pioneer ancestors.  During WWII it was considered patriotic to be frugal and learn to make do with the resources one had at hand.  Those who were wasteful often went without some of the necessities.  Things like shoes, bedding and automobile tires were rationed, so folks learned to take good care of the ones they had. 

Our pioneer grandparents arrived in the valley with only those things that they could carry.  Many precious and lovely heirlooms were left behind.  They had to make do with what they had.  If a plow or shovel broke or a pair of sewing scissors, there was no way to replace them until the next company of freight wagons arrived from back east.  Things gradually improved with the coming of the railroad, but people learned to provide for themselves just as Brigham Young asked of them.

Happy Pioneer Day, July 24th!

Note:  The link to the Stake Preparedness Blog is located on the sidebar to the right.

June Goals...Eating an Elephant!

A Big Bite of June!

Summer Time! 

Time for Ice Cream and Provident Living

It's summer vacation and the kids are home.  Most of us are frantically juggling our jobs, household responsibilities and children's activities like circus performers.  Who has time to worry about preparedness at a time like this?  If we thought we lived in our cars during the school year, we might as well add pillows, blankets and a mini-fridge to the sports equipment and over-due library books in the back of the van...we're not going home any time soon!  The last thing we want or need is the Provident Living Lady nagging us about our food storage goals.  We know we're busy...too busy to have to worry about the "END OF THE WORLD"...that's for when we get older and have more time.  Only grandma's (who also do all of our family history research) have time to worry about all that preparedness stuff.  By the way, I just realized that I might not live long enough to reach the 25 year use-by-date on my food storage.

Last evening at the Stake Preparedness Committee meeting, the talk was about water storage and other related topics.  One of the women in my group was almost in tears as she testified about how deeply she feels the need to help the women and men in her ward realize the importance of being prepared.  She talked about how disappointing it is to try and arrange classes or demonstrations for ward members and having them show little or no interest.  She feels strongly that we should harken to the words of our church leaders...it's all a matter of obedience and accountability.  They have counseled us for years and lately the warnings have been stronger.  Are we going to be the family that has to ask their neighbors for help with food in a time of crisis...or will we be the ones in a position to be a blessing to their neighbors?  As hard as it is to find the time...or interest...it is important.  It's just a matter of obedience to counsel and getting started...eating the elephant one bite at a time.

June Goals...





"We will see the day when we live on what we produce."--President Marion G. Romney

Spiritual Goal:
Prepare at least one family name for temple work.

Provident Living Goal:
Make a goal to have 6 months wages in savings for emergencies.  Write out a realistic goal to make it happen.  (Note: A few of the other wards have as a goal for this month to have at least $100 in small bills as part of your 72 hour kit...lots of "ones."  Nothing is more worthless than large bills in a time of emergency!)

Storage Goal:
First aid kit - should include scissors, knife, thermometer, measuring cup, medicine dropper, hot water bottle, triangular bandages, soap, matches, razor blades, needles, safety pins, adhesive tape, elastic bandages, paper bags, gauze bandages, bicarbonate of soda, Ipecac syrup (induces vomiting), ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, calamine lotion (insect bites and sunburn), rubbing alcohol, diarrhea remedy, antibiotic ointment, first aid instruction book, prescription medications, waterproof matches.

Note:  Emergency Essentials is having a sale right now on 72 hour Emergency Kits, Car Kits, and 100 piece First Aid Kits...up to 52% off.  Here is the link:  Emergency Essentials

72 Hour Kit:
Container for holding kit.  Large garbage can with wheels OR backpack for each family member recommended.  Find a place in your home that is easily accessible for storing the kit.  You need to be able to grab it at a moment's notice to leave you home.  Note:  Your first aid kit is also part of your 72 hour kit.  Your 72 hour kit is also part of your general storage.  But your general storage CANNOT be part of your 72 hour kit.

A 72 hour kit as seen on Pinterest.

I have copied this for my family and store it in the little utility closet at the back of my pantry.

It's all portable and ready-to-go!

You Might Be Interested in....

Do you know how to use these tools?

A class or demonstration/workshop on canning methods and equipment is being held this Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Hollowcrest building.   If you're new to canning and would like to learn some interesting tips, they would be glad to have you attend.  The tools for canning may look a little intimidating at time...I used to have a fear of exploding pressure cookers! 

Thank you, Sisters!

Eating an Elephant...May Munch!

May Munch!

"The revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah." --President Ezra Taft Benson

Spiritual Goal:
Share a Book of Mormon with a non-member

Provident Living Goal:
Make a specific provident living goal and plan to exercise it regularly.  Example: Make a plan for your family where to meet or how to get in contact during a time of emergency.  Go over it in FHE from time to time.

Storage Goal:

• 100 pounds variety cereal grains...rice, quinoa, oatmeal, cornmeal, etc. per person.
• 24 rolls paper towels per person.
• 24 packages flavored gelatin per person.
• Garden seeds.
• 1 small bottle olive oil (for consecrating).
• At least one month ahead on prescriptions for all doctor prescribed medications.

72 Hour Kit:

• Battery powered radio.
• Battery powered light.
• Batteries.

Y Prepare?  New Stake Preparedness Blog!

Even woodland creatures know how to prepare.

I am the ward provident living specialist on the stake preparedness committee.  The committee meets monthly to share information about what each ward is doing to promote preparedness.  We are then supposed to share this information back to the ward and educate the members.  If there are classes, workshops, or other important resources  we are to let you know about them.  I use this blog for that purpose.  Mike Parry of the 14th Ward has published a blog for the use of the Stake.  It's called Y Prepare? and will be a wonderful resource for us all.  http://www.yprepare.com is the link.  It is also on the sidebar of this blog along with other LDS bloggers.   The most recent topic is 72 hour kits, so I hope that you will visit this blog as soon as possible and add it to your Favorites.

I will still be doing the monthly goals, along with information from the stake and other resources I think will be helpful.  Thank you, sisters, for your support and encouragement!



Eating an Elephant...March Provident Living Goals!

Eating an Elephant...

March Goals!

"The Lord has warned us of famines, but the righteous will have listened to the prophet and stored at least a year's supply of survival food." --Ezra Taft Benson

Spiritual Goal:

Have family prayer at least once a day.  Twice is better.

Provident Living Goal:

Learn a new skill or read a book pertaining to your career.

Storage Goal:

• 50 cans of soup, stew or chili per person.
• 5 pounds of salt per person.
• 20 pounds of fat, oil, or shortening per person.
• Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, storage bags, etc.
• At least 5 gallons of water per person--recommended is 14 gallons/person for 2 weeks.

72 Hour Kit

• 1 pound dried fruit or trail mix per person (or fruit leather).
• 1 package soda crackers per person (4 per box).
• 1 package graham crackers per person (4 per box).
• 2 liters tomato or orange juice per person. (to be rotated every six months...at conference time.)

Also make a goal to always have the fuel tanks on ALL vehicles at least half full.

Backyard Chickens...

Anyone wasting spending time on Pinterest these days will notice there is a lot of interest in darling chicken coops and tips for raising chickens in your own backyard.  It seems a lot more of my neighbors are getting on board...judging from the number of enthusiastic roosters I hear crowing each morning.  I know I wouldn't mind an adorable playhouse coop in my back yard.

This one is so cute!

The Stake Preparedness Committee is looking for ideas for workshops or presentations on things like gardening, food storage and other self-reliance topics.  Why not a class on chickens...the ins and outs...the do's and don'ts?  I know my husband is starting to show an interest and he would gladly attend something like that.  Is there anyone in the ward who would be willing to lead a discussion on chickens?  We could have it here at my house or at the church if it's available.  If so, I could let the committee know and we could invite interested people from other wards in the stake.

Another Tasty Bite!







Eating an Elephant...February Goals!

Eating an Elephant...

February Provident Living Goals!

"There is a wise old saying 'Eat it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.'  Thrift is a practice of not wasting anything.  Some people are able to get by because of the absence of expense.  They have their shoes resoled, they patch, they mend, they sew, and they save money.  They avoid installment buying, and make purchases only after saving enough to pay cash, thus avoiding interest charges.  Frugality means to practice careful economy."

--James E. Faust.

Spiritual Goal:

Schedule time each day to read with your family from the Book of Mormon.

Provident Living Goal:

Plan and carry our a FHE on home fires. Include planning an escape route and practicing it.

Storage Goal:

• 100 pounds (total) pasta and flour per person.
• Hand grain mill.
• Thread, needles, buttons and zippers.

72 Hour Kit:

• 1 gallon water per person.
• Scriptures.
• Personal documents--genealogical records, wills, passports, insurance, contracts, birth certificates, Patriarchal Blessings, etc.

Pinterest Tip...Water Storage.

In this Pinterest tip, the woman above, turned off her water taps for 48 hours to see the effect this would have on her family and to learn how really prepared they were to live without running water.  In the link she shares the lessons that she learned from this experience.

Read about it here:  Living Without Running Water.

Emergency Essentials...Tub Liner

My Tip...Aqua Pod Tub Liner from Emergency Essentials

I purchased one of these babies a few months ago.  I think this is ingenious!  You put this in the tub and fill it full of water.  It holds 65 gallons which is a 14-day water supply for a family of four.  It's like a bladder or a big balloon...nothing can get into the water to dirty it.  The liner itself is very compact and takes up very little storage space...you could keep it under the bathroom sink until needed.  It also includes a siphoning pump.  Of course, there would need to be some warning that water service was being shut off.  One of the best features is the price...regularly $29.99, it is now selling for $23.95 at Emergency Essentials.  Click here Aqua Pod Emergency Water Storage.

Hope you enjoyed today's "bite."

Eating an Elephant...Provident Living!

One Bite at a Time!

I have been called to be a ward representative to the Stake Provident Living Committee.  I have never lost my interest in Provident Living over the past few years, but I have been able to use this blog to share new ideas on that topic.  I am excited to be able to share even more with you in the months to come.  Since we are a diverse group of Latter-day Saints we will of course be at different stages in our preparedness plans.  Some of you are just getting started.  It can be discouraging to compare your pantries to the Ready-for-Battle storehouses of us old "War Horses," but never fear!  Every seemingly impossible task or never-ending journey can be accomplished one step at a time.  I like to think of the task ahead as "Eating an Elephant."  And how does one do that?  One bite at a time!  So when you see a blog post with the heading "Eating an Elephant," you will know that I will be sharing with you goals and tips for that month.

January

New Year...New Preparedness Goals!

January Goals

"Let every head of household see to it that he has on hand enough food and clothing and, where possible, fuel also for at least a year." --J. Reuben Clark, 1937

Spiritual Goal:

Hold Family Home Evening (FHE) every Monday for one month

Provident Living Goal:

Review you retirement goals.  Are you putting enough aside to be able to support yourselves and do the things you want to do when you retire? 

Also:  Change the batteries on your smoke alarms.

Storage Goal:

• 24 cans of meat or fish per person
• 1 gallon of bleach per person
• can opener
• laundry detergent

72 Hour Kit:

• Gather a change of clothing including underwear and shoes for each family member--include warm coats and boots, or have them immediately available.
• Axe, shovel, bucket and utility knife.
• $20 in cash.
• $5 in change for pay phone (lol...if one can still be found)

That is that for now.  Some of you may think this is a bigger bite of elephant than you can swallow...not to worry...getting started is the hardest part.  I always feel encouraged at the first of the year.  I want to be more organized and it feels good to accomplish a goal.

Knives and Forks Ready, Sisters!

That Elephant Looks Delicious!