Tuesday, September 20 to Wednesday, September 21

Alright folks! YOU HAVE 2 DAYS TO PREPARE … OR NOT!

So if you really want to see if you’re prepared ignore this post and start the challenge in 2 days on the “practice” portion of the preparedness cycle. What is the preparedness cycle? Read this.

However, if you’re not sure if you’re ready, we have some things for you to do over the next 2 days. We felt like giving you a list and time to get ready would only be beneficial in the long run. These are things you may have been putting off so we’re giving you 2 days to “prepare”. Feel free to buy some of these things or locate them if you have them already. We have even made this list into a printable checklist so you can print if off and get right to it. We will see you in 2 days with our first “practice” scenario.

Here is what is in the printable checklist:

72 hour kits
-Replace clothes family members have outgrown
-Check and replace diapers
-Check food expiration dates and replace
-Check to see if you are missing supplies
-Do you have cash in small bills

Lighting/Power
-Locate flashlights
-Check batteries in all flashlights
-Charge any solar powered battery packs
-Charge all your electronic devices and keep them charged just in case you lose power
-Get solar outdoor lights, you can use olive oil in jars with wicks as well
-Pick up a solar phone charger then you will still have power for your cell phone
-If you have to use a gas-powered generator, make sure to have a little extra fuel on hand; just be very careful where you put it, and be mindful of your local laws on how much you can have on hand at one time

Water
-Fill all your water containers
-Consider filling your waterbob (link) or plug your bath tub and fill it out
-Consider filling big rubbermaid totes with water but MAKE sure they are covered if you have young children around
-Have a rain barrel to collect water you can use to flush toilets

Family Communication/Planning
-Keep a list of emergency numbers handy, along with family members’ phone numbers. —-Write them down if you only have them stored in your phone
-Have an emergency escape plan from your home and make sure all family members know it and know where to meet.
-Make sure you have and/or locate your radio to stay connected
-Prepare an evacuation list of things you would need to grab in case you need to evacuate.
-Have an emergency binder with all important paperwork ready to go
-Take pictures of every room and closet in your house – it makes a huge difference if you have to deal with insurance companies

Cooking
-If you have a gas grill, make sure you have a full tank of propane
-Check and replace other types of fuels
-If you need internet for instructions on how to use any of your powerless cooking tools go online and print the instructions now
-Make sure you have and/or locate a non-electric can opener

Food
(If you haven’t started on the food part of your food storage, 2 days is hardly enough to prepare. You’ll just have to wing it or see how you do with this one)
-Have lots of non-perishables on hand
-Turn fridge and freezer to a colder setting
-If you have extra space in your freezer, take containers or zip-loc bags full of water and fill in the extra space
-Make a few meals and snacks that will last without power
-Have enough food and litter for your pets

Sanitation/Health
-Improvise an emergency toilet with a bucket lined with a bin bag and some sawdust or cat litter to cover the contents after each use
-Have your prescriptions filled
-Do your laundry now, so you have clothes that are dry and clean. Locate items necessary to do laundry by hand.
-Find your glasses so you don’t have to deal with contacts in an emergency
-Anyone with an oxygen tank – make certain you have 1) a travel tank 2) a generator or means to operate your home device

Other
-Have books and other non electric entertainment like board games ready for everyone
-Fill your gas tank
-Don’t forget to pay attention to fire prevention measures. Have your extinguisher handy

Remember to get everyone in your house involved. Then in 2 days we will be back with scenario 1 on Thursday, scenario 2 on Friday, and scenario 3 on Saturday! MAKE SURE to visit the event page on Facebook to discuss your progress and share tips. Click on “discussion” on that page.

We will also be posting a lot on instagram (@foodstoragemadeeasy) over the next few days so join along #fsme7daychallenge

-Jodi Weiss Schroeder
http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net