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.
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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