LESSONS LEARNED FROM JAPAN EARTHQUAKE

I have been horrified by the extent of damage that has resulted from the multiple events going on in Japan. It has spurred a lot of thought on what I should be doing better, and a lot of prayer on their behalf.

I found an excellent article on the potential earthquake risks here in the USA, and some great ideas on what we can do to prepare ourselves from Crystal over at www.everdayfoodstorage.net. Take a look:

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/2011/03/12/lessons-to-learn-from-japans-earthquake/food-storage-recipes

MARCH PREPAREDNESS GOAL-or, how to use your tax return!

With world events being what they are, I have been really thinking about what I need to work on with my preparedness. As I have sought for answers, I have found I have much yet to do! I have heard some great ideas on how to use your tax return (or a portion of it) for preparedness purposes, and I plan to do some of these:

1. Set aside some money for your emergency savings fund. (Recommended by LDS church leaders and Dave Ramsey: 6 month to a years' supply of savings)

2. Buy the basics; bulk up on your years' supply (wheat, sugar, milk, salt, legumes, oil, etc.) These are the items that are projected to skyrocket with pricing in the next several months. Good sources: LDS dry pack canneries and case-lot sales, which should be happening in the next few weeks at Associated Food Stores. Macey's always has a ready supply of these goods also.

3. Work on your 3 mo. supply of foods, foods you would like to have in an emergency, not just "survival" foods. Focus especially on proteins like peanut butter, meats i.e. tuna, etc. I also love canned soups for an easy and filling back-up.

4. Buy a first aid kit. This is one of my goals this month! I have been doing some research on this and there are TONS of resources on the internet. One reliable source would be the American Red Cross. They have kits for home, car, pets, business, etc. In the event of an emergency, I can see a first aid kit being invaluable.

5. Buy a fire extinguisher. Again, look on the internet for zillions of options. They are not terribly expensive, and it's a good idea to have one on each floor. If you could stop a small fire in your home, you could save yourself a lot of problems with smoke and water damage at the least. With this, it's a good idea to test your smoke detectors to be sure they are operating. And have I mentioned...batteries!

6. Another of my goals is to get another filled propane tank for back up cooking fuel. Around $40, these are a little pricey, but I know if I don't use the fuel in an emergency situation, I can always use it for summer barbeques!

7. And, last but not least, I've been putting off the secondary heating monster long enough; time to pony up the cash for a small woodburning stove to have as a back up (which of course means I need to have some wood put aside somewhere). We have way too cold of winters to be without heat. If anyone has a good contact for me in this area please leave a comment!

Don't get overwhelmed; pick one or two of these items that you really need to work on and just do it! You will find peace knowing that you are preparing for that "rainy day," even just a little at a time.

GREAT PREPAREDNESS BLOG TO CHECK OUT

This is an excellent new blog that I am really liking. Just a disclaimer that most of the material is based on LDS teachings. Check it out and enjoy:

www.AllAboutPreparedness.blogspot.com and/or www.MormonMomsWhoBlog.blogspot.com

FEBRUARY PREP GOAL

So as you can tell I got faulty info last month about the case lot sales. Sorry bout that! Got me off the hook having to go shopping :) I did, however, buy a boatload of frozen berries from the wet-pack cannery and they are sitting happily in my freezer, so I count that as my food storage goal for the month.

As for the batteries, I used newspaper insert coupons to get some great deals from Smiths on batteries. (Coupons were for Duracells) I feel SO much better having a good stock of batteries around.

My goals for this month:
1) Now that I have stocked up on batteries, I need to make sure all the smoke detectors have batteries, as well as the flashlights around the house. (With kids in the house it is absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to keep the flashlights in batteries I tell ya.) I like to keep an extra set of batteries with the flashlights also, so when the power goes out I can have light without the feeling around in the dark situation.

2) I am also participating in the 10 day food storage challenge from www.everydayfoodstorage.net, which is a great introduction to food storage or a good refresher for those seasoned folks. I am a big fan of Crystal, who hosts the site, she knows a ton about food storage. Bonus: you can enter to win a Bosch mixer if you sign up for it, and it's FREE! Go check it out!

A NEW YEAR, A NEW START! JAN. GOAL

As you may have noticed, I am already behind in 2011 :) Let's just say, despite all my good intentions, I have a newborn and snuggling with her has been foremost on my list these days. So...sorry if I'm lacking on updating my totally awesome and sophisticated (haha) blog.

That said, it's time to get to work! It's a great time to re-commit to your preparedness goals, and I will again be posting my monthly goals for all to see...you are welcome to join in.

JANUARY PREP GOAL:

1) Case-lots are coming again! I love them! There are a few items I want to get for my 3 mo. supply, but since my food storage room is pretty short on space at the moment, I will go easy on my shopping and my budget. I'm shooting for $150 this go-around. I want to focus on items that will make entire meals, like:

Chili
Peanut Butter AND Jelly
Tuna AND mayonnaise (can go with crackers or bread)
Beef Stew
Instant Potatoes (can top with chili or stew or chick noodle soup)
Soup AND crackers
Oatmeal AND dried fruit (make sure to have powdered milk also)

2) My other goal is to restock batteries. This is something I truly do not like to buy, but I also do not like being out of them (especially when the smoke detectors start beeping in the middle of the night...grrrr). So I am going to do some research to find them in bulk and stock up. DH insists they be high-quality, also, not store brand. If you have any ideas please pass them on. I'll let you know what I found.

EMERGENCY PREP CLASS IN LOGAN

This looks like it will be really informative, hope you can make it!

The USU Extension Office in Cache County will present an Emergency Preparedness class about creating a family emergency plan is case of a natural or man-made disaster. We will also discuss how to use your food storage in your daily diet. The class will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Cache County Administration Building Multipurpose Room at 179 North Main, Logan. The cost is $3.00 per person or $5.00 per couple and includes handouts, binder, and food storage recipe samples. Phone 752-6263 for reservations.

DECEMBER PREPAREDNESS CHALLENGE

It's truly the most wonderful time of year! I've had a great year working on my preparedness and I hope you have also. I hope you have taken a few steps, however small, to finding that peace that you experience when you know you have laid up in store for your family.

After much reflection to determine my goals this month, I have decided that I will do a little organizing and inventoring, but overall, I will be enjoying the season with my family and a new little babe. What could better invite the spirit of Christmas? I have much to be thankful for this year; my efforts have been richly rewarded and I look forward to continuing in 2011.

Have a most wonderful, merry little Christmas filled with the Spirit of the Season.