Food
One of the most important things you can do to be prepared for an emergency is to have adequate food supplies on hand.Stockpiling non-perishable food is a great way to be prepared for anything from a short-term power outage to a long-term disaster.
Canned goods
Canned goods are a staple in many households because they are a quick and easy way to get a nutritious meal on the table. But with so many different types of canned goods available, it can be hard to know which ones are the best to stock up on.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right canned goods for your pantry:
-Check the expiration date: Canned goods can last for years, but they do have an expiration date. Make sure to check the date before you buy, and try to buy cans that won’t expire for at least a year.
-Look for damage: Avoid canned goods that are dented, leaking, or otherwise damaged. These cans could be contaminated and could make you sick.
-Choose canned fruits and vegetables carefully: Some fruits and vegetables can lose their nutrients during the canning process. To get the most nutrients, choose canned fruits and vegetables that are labelled “low sodium” or “no salt added.”
Non-perishables
While you may not be able to store everything you need for an emergency, stocking up on non-perishable foods is a good place to start. Non-perishable foods are those that have a long shelf life and don’t need to be refrigerated. Canned goods, dried fruits and nuts, and powdered or packaged foods are all examples of non-perishables.
When choosing non-perishable foods, it’s important to select items that you and your family will actually eat. There’s no point in stockpiling food that will go to waste because no one likes it. Similarly, it’s important to rotate your supplies so that the food doesn’t go bad before you have a chance to eat it. The best way to do this is to use the oldest items in your stock first and then replace them with new items as needed.
Here are some ideas for non-perishable foods to include in your emergency stockpile:
Canned goods: soups, stews, vegetables, fruits, beans, meat
Dry milk powder
Canned or packaged juices
Coffee and tea
Condiments: salt, pepper, sugar, spices, vinegar, ketchup, mustard
Cooking oil
Flour and baking powder
Granola bars or other packaged snacks
Peanut butter and jelly
Home-canned goods
The process of canning food at home dates back to the early 1800s, and was originally developed as a way to preserve food for long voyages. The process involves sealing food in airtight containers and then heating them to a high enough temperature to kill any bacteria that could cause spoilage.
Home-canned goods are a great way to enjoy seasonal produce all year round, and can also be a fun and rewarding DIY project. If you’re new to canning, start with something simple like jam or pickles. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Choose fresh, ripe produce for the best flavor.
- Start with small batches until you get the hang of things.
- Follow directions carefully, as rogue ingredients or incorrect processing times can lead to food poisoning.
- Inspect all canned goods before eating, and discard any that show signs of spoilage (such as bulging lids or leaks).
Water
One of the most important things you can store for a crisis is water. The rule of 3’s says you can only live 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter, but only 3 days without water. While you can live without food for quite some time, water is absolutely essential to survival. So, how much water should you store?
Storage
Water can be stored in a variety of containers, but it is important to choose the right one in order to maintain the quality of your water. Glass, stainless steel, and food-grade plastic are all good choices for water storage. Avoid using containers that have been used for toxic chemicals, as these can contaminate your water. Additionally, be sure to clean your container thoroughly before using it to store water.
Filtration
There are a number of ways to filter water, but not all filters remove the same contaminants. Be sure to select a filter that is appropriate for the water you’re trying to purify. -Pump filters -Gravity filters -UV light purifiers -Distillers
Purification
One of the most important things you can do when preparing for an emergency is to stockpile clean water. Depending on the situation, you may need enough water to last you and your family for days, weeks, or even longer. That’s why it’s important to have a plan for purifying any water you come across, whether it’s from a stream or tap.
There are several different ways to purify water, and the best method to use will depend on the quality of the water and what resources you have available. Boiling is one of the most effective methods and can be done with nothing more than a pot and a heat source. If you suspect the water may be contaminated with chemical pollutants, however, boiling will not remove them and other methods will need to be used.
One popular method for purifying both Virus & Bacteria as well as many common chemical pollutants is SODIS, or solar water disinfection. This method uses ultraviolet light from the sun to kill contaminants in the water. To use this method, you’ll need to expose the water to sunlight in a clear bottle for at least six hours.
Another common method for purifying water is distillation, which can be done using equipment as simple as a pot and a cloth. This method works by boiling the water and then collecting the resulting vapor on a cloth, which leaves behind any contaminants that were in the water.
Whichever method you choose, it’s important to have a plan in place so that you can be sure your family has access to clean drinking water in an emergency situation.
Shelter
One of the most important aspects of prepping is having a shelter. This could be anything from a small tent to a large RV. If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters, it is important to have a shelter that can protect you from the elements. There are a few things you should consider when choosing a shelter.
Tents
There are a few considerations when choosing a tent for your family. How many people will it Sleep? Is it durable enough to withstand being in the woods? How easy is it to set up and take down? We have found that for most Families, a 8-10 person tent is just right. It will comfortably sleep 6 and if you have small children, they can sleep in there with you. If you have older children, they can have their own tent. If you are car camping, weight and size are not as big of an issue but if you are camping in the back country, those become more important factors.
There are three main types of tents: dome, cabin and convertible.
Dome tents are the most popular type of tent for camping. They are easy to set up and take down and are very stable in windy conditions. Dome tents come in a variety of sizes from 2 person all the way up to 10 person.
Cabin tents are larger than dome tents and usually have more than one room. They are perfect for larger families or groups who want a little more space when they camp. Cabin tents can be difficult to set up and take down so be sure to read the instructions carefully before you head out on your trip!
Convertible tents can be used as either a dome or cabin tent depending on how you set them up. They offer the best of both worlds but can be more difficult to set up than a traditional dome or cabin tent.
Tarps
A tarp, short for tarpaulin, is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material, often cloth such as canvas or polyester coated with polyurethane, or made from plastics such as polyethylene.
Tarps are used for a variety of purposes. In construction, they are used as a ground cover to protect the site from erosion and as an enclosure to keep materials dry during construction. In recreation, tarps are used as sunshades and rain shelters. In transport, tarps are used to cover and protect loads on trucks and trailers.
Sleeping bags
Most camping sleeping bags are synthetic filled, meaning they are cheaper, dry out faster if they get wet, and are easier to care for than down-filled sleeping bags. Down-filled sleeping bags are more expensive, but they pack down smaller, insulate better (especially in wet conditions), and last longer.
There are three types of camping sleeping bags: rectangular, semi-rectangular, and mummy. Mummy sleeping bags are the most popular because they are lightweight and have a small packed size. They are tapered at the bottom to reduce weight and increase warmth by eliminating dead space that your body heat would otherwise have to warm up. Rectangular sleeping bags are the heaviest and least efficient in terms of warmth per weight but they offer more room to move around inside and can even be zipped together with another rectangular bag to make a double. Semi-rectangular sleeping bags falls somewhere in the middle—they’re not as tapered as mummy bags so they weigh a bit more but they offer more room than mummy bags.
Most camping sleeping bags have a temperature rating that indicates the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average camper warm. But keep in mind that these ratings are based on tests conducted in laboratory settings with test subjects lying on their backs in a stationary position—not exactly like real life conditions! In reality, you will probably generate less body heat than the test subjects so it’s always best err on the side of caution and choose a bag that is rated for temperatures 10-15°F lower than what you expect to encounter.
Clothing
One thing you’ll need for prepping is a good supply of clothing. Clothing can help you stay warm, dry, and protected from the elements. It can also help you blend in or stand out, depending on the situation. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing clothing for prepping.
Seasonal
Depending on where you live, the climate can have a big impact on the type of clothing you need to have in your prep supplies. If you live in an area with four distinct seasons, obviously you’re going to need different types of clothing for each season. Clothing for extremely cold weather will be very different than clothing for hot weather.
If you live in a more temperate climate, you may be able to get away with less seasonal clothing in your prep supplies. However, even in a temperate climate, there can be drastic differences between summer and winter. Make sure you have at least some basics like long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes for each season.
In general, it’s a good idea to err on the side of caution when it comes to clothing in your prep supplies. It’s better to have too much than too little. And remember, if the power is out for an extended period of time, doing laundry will be a lot more difficult, so you may want to have more clothes than you think you need.
Layering
One of the best ways to stay comfortable in cold weather is to dress in layers. Clothing made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and spandex wick away moisture and dry quickly. They are also lightweight, so you can wear more layers without feeling bulky.
In very cold weather, start with a layer of synthetic fabric next to your skin to wick away sweat. Add additional layers of synthetic fabric or wool for insulation. An outer layer of Gore-tex or other waterproof/breathable fabric will protect you from wind and rain.
Footwear
There are many different types of footwear available on the market today, and it can be difficult to know which type is right for you. In general, there are four main categories of footwear: running shoes, walking shoes, cross-training shoes, and casual shoes. Each type of shoe is designed for a specific purpose, and choosing the right shoe will help you get the most out of your workout and avoid injury.
Running shoes are designed for, you guessed it, running! They are usually lightweight with good cushioning to protect your feet from the impact of running. If you are a serious runner or are training for a race, you may want to consider investing in a pair of high-quality running shoes.
Walking shoes are similar to running shoes but are typically not as lightweight or cushioned. They are a good choice for people who do a lot of walking or who need a shoe that can double as a casual shoe.
Cross-training shoes are designed for activities that involve a lot of lateral movement, such as tennis or basketball. They usually have good ankle support and traction to prevent slips and falls.
Casual shoes are just that: casual! They can be worn for any occasion when you’re not working out and don’t need the support or cushioning of other types of footwear.
First Aid Kit
No one knows when an emergency will happen, so it’s important to always be prepared. A big part of being prepared is having the proper supplies on hand, and knowing how to use them. This section will cover the basics of what you need in a first aid kit, and how to use some of the most common items.
A first-aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment used to give medical treatment. There is no single standard first-aid kit; contents vary according to the knowledge and experiences of those putting it together, the differing first-aid requirements of the area where it may be used and variations in legislation or regulation. However, certain items are considered essential in all kits.
First-aid kits may be put together for personal use or for household use, and often contain more supplies than might be realistically used for the former. Kits designed for specific activities such as swimming, camping, hiking, hunting or cycling often focus on items that will be of more use in those particular situations.
Supplies
In order to be prepared for any first aid emergency, it is important to have a well-stocked first aid kit. Your kit should be stored in an easily accessible location and you should know how to use all of the supplies.
A basic first aid kit should include:
-Bandaids
-Gauze
-Adhesive tape
-Scissors
-Tweezers
-Antiseptic wipes
-Antibiotic ointment
-Pain relievers (such as ibuprofen)
-Cold pack
Training
There are a number of organizations that offer first aid training, and it’s important to choose one that is reputable and offers a course that is suited to your needs. Make sure to check the credentials of the instructors, and look for positive reviews from past students.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a first aid training course:
- Level of experience: There are courses available for both first-time students and those with previous experience. If you have no previous experience, look for a course that covers the basics. If you have some experience, you may want to consider a more advanced course.
- Course length: First aid courses can range from a few hours to several days. Consider how much time you have available and choose a course that fits your schedule.
- Certification: Many courses will offer certification upon completion. This can be useful if you plan on using your first aid skills in a professional setting.
Tools
As you begin prepping your supplies, you will want to make sure you have the proper tools. This includes food storage containers, a water filter, a fire starter, a first-aid kit, and more. In this section, we will go over all of the different tools you will need to prep your supplies.
Multi-purpose
There are a few key tools that every coffee addict needs in their arsenal in order to make the perfect cup of coffee at home. Multi-purpose tools are always a great choice because they can be used for multiple tasks, making them a more versatile and cost-effective option.
-Coffee grinder: This is perhaps the most important tool for making coffee at home. A good quality coffee grinder will grind the beans to the perfect consistency, allowing you to extract maximum flavor from your beans.
-Coffee maker: There are a variety of different coffee makers on the market, from single cup brewers to French presses. Choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
-Filters: If you’re using a drip coffee maker, you’ll need filters. Be sure to buy the right size and type of filter for your coffee maker.
-Measuring spoon or scoop: This is essential for making sure you use the correct amount of coffee grounds. Too much or too little can result in an overly strong or weak cup of coffee.
Survival
A good rule of thumb is to have at least a three-day supply of food and water as well as a way to cook it. This may seem like a lot, but in an emergency situation, you will be glad you have it. Here are some basic items that you should have on hand:
–Canned food: soup, vegetables, fruits, peanut butter, beans
-Dry food: rice, pasta, cereal, oatmeal
-Water: at least 1 gallon per person per day
-Manual can opener
-Blanket or sleeping bag
Communication
The most important tool for any coffee roaster is communication. No matter what roast you’re going for, you need to be able to communicate your desired results to your roaster. The best way to do this is to have a clear understanding of the different roast profiles and what they entail.
Knowing the different roast levels is also important when it comes to brewing coffee at home. Depending on the type of beans you use, the grind, and the brewing method, you may want to adjust the roast level to suit your preferences. For example, espresso is typically made with dark roasted beans, while light roasted beans are more suitable for filter coffee.