I've always wondered what would happen if I left items for a long period of time- how long does it take to make things spoil, go bad, rot, fall apart, or disinegrate. 

This blog talks about the effects that time, humidity, and temperature had on a storage unit that was left alone for 11 years.  When they came back to the unit they were able to see the condition of their belongings.  Read the blog to find out more about it.  Very interesting and good to know what will last and what won't last.

Alternatives to Gasoline/Diesel

How many times do you fill your gas tank each week?  How much money do you spend filling up your tank? 

I've often thought about my dependency on the oil companies to provide me my gasoline to commmute to and from work, to buy groceries, run errands, go on trips, and to visit family and friends.  As much as I love my Prius, which gets about 45 mpg, I am still heavily dependent on others to supply my fuel.

I ran across this blog and found this man's reasearch very intriguing.  I love it when other people do the research and tell us what works best!  This saves me the time, effort, work, and know-how ;)  I suggest that you read this blog if you are interested in alternative fuel for your vehicle.

Free Giveaway!

Check out this blog for a free giveaway.  The book is titled: "Family Preparedness Handbook", and it sounds like a good book to read to prep you for any emergencies that may lie ahead.

GO HERE for the giveaway!! 

(Contest ends July 11)

Home Invasion

When I read this terrifying story, it really jerked me into reality.  I have NO idea what I would do if someone broke into my house.  I have no thought out plans, nor have we talked about this topic at all. 

Anyone is in danger of a break-in, no matter how invincible you may think you are.  Dee and I are going to have to sit down and discuss the best options to fit our house, family, and needs.

This story raises questions:
1. How are you going to protect yourself in the event of a break-in?
2. Do you have a weapon you can use?
3. Are you strong enough to fight someone off?
4. Do you have skills for hand combat, firing arms, or anything else that would aid in your survival?
5. Are you in shape to either fight your opponent or run?
6. Do you have a good hiding place?
7. Do you have your phone near you at all times in order to call 911?

It's good to think about these things and at least have some sort of plan in mind (whether you end up using it or not).  Being over prepared is better than not being prepared at all.

Backing up your important documents

In an emergency, it is important to have all of your personal documents with you, safe and sound.  This would include your copies of your birth certificates, passports, driver's licenses, identificaiton cards, medical records, medicinal needs, car titles, house title and deed, computer files, e-books, proof of insurances (health, house, car),  family pictures, social security card, and any other documents you find valuable and important.

I read an article stating that it would be best to have a flash drive that is water-proof, bomb-proof, and kid-proof.  This may seem a little extreme, but in the event of another "hurricane katrina" or other natural disaster, you would be guaranteed to have your important documents and files safe and accessible.  The flash drive that the author suggested is found here.

Basha/ Shelter

Watch this video for some cool knot tips to build a temporary "tent" out of a tarp.  A tarp and long rope would be good to have in your supplies. 

- Basha (poncho)

Solar Ovens

Here are some cool ideas for making ovens and using the sun to cook your food:

Using a tire and glass:
http://solarcooking.org/images/tirecooker.jpg

The collapsable box:
http://solarcooking.org/plans/collapsible-box.htm

To pasteurize water or milk:
http://solarcooking.org/plans/spasteur.htm

Using a shoe box:
http://www.uberpest.com/cooker.html

Antiseptics

Watch this video about antiseptics.

Say WHAT?!

Here are some inventive things you can do with tampons and condoms (other than their original purposes).  Seriously, check it out.  You never know when this information could come in handy.  The last item is for the ladies... never tried it but it sounds like a good tool to have around.

Tampons

Condoms

Wiz ("she-wee")


Need I emphasize the fact that all three of these would be handy to have in times of emergency???

How to navigate without a compass

- How to know when the sun will set (nice to know for daily living)

- How to find North and South with a wrist watch

- How to find North and South with a stick

- How to find North and South using the stars

Feeding your infant in an emergency

How are you going to feed your baby in the event of a crisis?  What if you can't get to a store that has formula?  What if you can't breastfeed, you if the breastfeeding mother died?  How will your child survive?

I was reading an article about a mother who was breastfeeding her 8 week old baby.  In her article she mentioned the catastrophe of the Chinese earthquake in 2008 (watch this video).  During that time, thousands of babies needed to be fed.  Fortunately, there was a wet nurse who went around and fed as many babies as she could.

The author then began to wonder what she or her husband would do in the event that breastfeeding and formula was not an option.  She researched and found this recipe below.  She seriously cautions NOT to use it for an extended time, and only in emergency situations, but that it will sustain your baby for a limited time. 

(Another important thing to consider is that most women can lactate, especially if they have given birth or breastfed before. Adoptive mothers lactate all the time. Use that as an option before this recipe).

Mix:


2 - 12 oz. cans of evaporated milk
32 oz. water
2 Tbsp. Karo syrup
3 ml. Poly-Vi-Sol vitamins

As a precautionary step, it would be wise to have these ingredients on your storage shelf.  The author also suggested having a battery operated breast pump (with spare batteries) on hand.  It is better to be prepared than to not have the necessary ingredients later.

Utility shut-off

In case of an emergency, it is important to know how to shut off your gas, electricity, and water.  Learn where your shut-off valves are, and know how to disconnect them.  This knowledge could come in handy in the event of a natural disaster situation where your gas pipe is leaking, the water lines burst, or there were problems with the electrical outlets.

Keep prepared!