Monday, April 23, 2012

Hope For The Best...Prepare For The Worst.......

I have given thought over the past few years to the question of what would happen to the citizenry of this country in a true national emergency---a situation where there is no electricity or gas or water available in individual homes.  What would we do?

There are a number of scenarios that could lead to such a crisis.  I'll leave that speculation to others.

Of importance to me is the incredibly important question:  WHAT WOULD WE DO?

It's funny how we just don't want to think about that.  It's odd how our first reaction to this topic is that this is a subject for the lunatic fringe, because it is insane to think that could occur in the 21st century.

On the other hand, any casual student of history will  readily testify that these circumstances have happened over and over throughout our time here on this relatively insignificant planet.  You can read history books or you can read the bible.....and the same theme of mankind being subjected to all manner of severe deprivation is present time after time.

So why wouldn't we as individuals prepare for that?  It isn't difficult.  But it sure would be difficult if we were UNprepared.

I have done some research and come up with a list of supplies to stockpile for such an emergency.  Please realize that this list pertains only to me---your needs may be far different.

---Water                                                               ---Batteries
---Canned soup, Chicken, Tuna (in oil), Chili, Fruits, Beans, Vegs, Gravy (for flavoring)
---Salt, Pepper, other spices                                 ---Coffee, Tea
---Tissues (Toilet, Kleenex, Towelettes)              ---Duct Tape
---Soap, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Laundry Detergent
---Deodorant                                                         ---Floss
---Paper Plates                                                     --- Matches (Lots!)
---Electronic Fire Starters                                     ---Candles (Lots!)
---Alcohol, Drinking Variety (excellent for bartering)
---Plastic Sheeting, Tarps (for water collection, shelter, etc)
---Water Containers                                              ---Vitamins
---Aluminum Foil                                              ---Guns and Ammo
---Bleach (a varietyof uses)                               ---Crossbow + Bolts
---Alcohol, Non-Drinking Variety                    ---Short wave Radio
---Water Purification Tabs                                ---Tang or Kool Aid
---First Aid Kit                     ---Magnifying Glass (for starting fires)
---Hand or Baby Wipes (saves water)

NOTES:  I have researched canned goods.  In general, I find that canned food that has been stored at moderate temps will be edible for long (decades) periods of time.  The color and texture may change, but the nutritional value will remain.  Most commercially available canned foods have a published shelf life of two years, but as long as the cans are not bulged, dented or otherwise damaged, the contents should remain edible.  However, it is a good idea to smell before consuming!



C-Rations, WWII Era
ANOTHER NOTE:  When I was in army basic training in 1965, I was surprised/astonished to see that the C-Rations we were consuming had a manufacture date from 1943 to 1945.  Their quality was outstanding to the point that, if I had not seen the boxes they came in with the date stamped on them, I would have thought the canned goods were new.  My favorites were the canned franks and beans and the canned fruits.  My point is---don't worry too much about spoilage if you keep the canned foods in a moderate temperature.

ADDITIONAL NOTE:  Home canned goods are said to have a much shorter life-span. 

The above is a short list.  It would be impossible to include every necessity or desire, but maybe this'll getcha' started.

Many people are stocking a little bit each month, as their budget allows.

Have you ever needed to buy a necessity right after a hurricane or ice storm?  It's quite a shock to walk into a store and see that the shelves are bare.  Well, the scenario I envision is much, much worse.  




15 comments:

  1. Something to think about. Maybe I don't need to be so concerned about expiration dates. I usually take products from the back when I go grocery shopping. I always do this with milk, I want the freshest date for milk. You brought up some products and ideas I had not thought about before ... I have such a long to-do list today that is about all I can handle right now.

    It should make for interesting reading to see what your followers think about this subject.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Come what may, I need INTERNET! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. And Clint, my blog has a new address and it is on my profile. Thank you Clint.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think one of the most important parts of being prepared for a disaster or emergency is have KNOWLEDGE. I think too many people rely on a stock pile of goods but never give any thought into practical aspects. Everyone always seems to have a stockpile of toilet paper, but where do they think the waste and paper will go when there is no sewage or water grid working and the garbage man doesnt make a stop at your house during a national emergency? Poor sanitation will kill you faster than a lack of food. Having supplies is great, but everyone needs to have the knowledge of how to support themselves if the need should arise. Where would you get heat, hot water, clean water, what to do when your supplies run out, how to cook on an open flame, where can you have a fire without burning your house down, basic first aid- without the help of Google :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. A most sobering thought Clint. of course Water is a must and plenty of tinned food.
    We have only ever had one hurricane years ago so I always keep a well stocked cupboard, fridge and freezer.

    Thanks for the visit. I was spoilt for choice with songs for the Everly Brothers, I do like your favourite.

    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
  6. My uncle was a researcher with NASA during the first moon landings. He sent us loads of samples of the dehydrated food they would use. My parents still have some from the time of Neil Armstrong's first moon walk and it's supposed to be still good. I'm not going to try it, though...

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think it is a good idea - I don't have all this - but I always buy two of things. What made you think of this today? sandie

    ReplyDelete
  8. I do not think about those types of situations like most people I just go with the flow but if something happened would I panic maybe or maybe not............

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dad, i am not sure if it is right or not to plan this intricate on something that may or may not happen in our lifetime. But, i do believe in faith. I do know that everything happens for a reason, and to love life to fullest. And, most importantly, know tha
    t you are loved.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I do think about this...my husband bought a financial newsletter 2 yrs ago...and it predicted almost everything that has come to pass...like the OWP for example...and the next prediction was riots and food shortages....
    I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

    ReplyDelete
  11. YOu know... I have never even thought of this.... I guess what ever would be would be... maybe not good...??? I don't know I also believe that everything happens for a reason... and HE will supply all my needs..who know maybe I"m wrong and should use by head? hmmm guess time will tell...

    ReplyDelete
  12. It is a shame that more folks don't take disaster planning seriously. You've compiled a great starter list. I hope all is well. Blessings...Mary

    ReplyDelete
  13. On this island you are always prepared, because it still can happen that the electricity is gone. So you have always candles and a lighter at home. I remember last year when it was gone for round about three days (cause of the storm). But cooking with gas I can make my morning coffee...so I do now.

    Have a great day

    greetings

    ReplyDelete
  14. Clint it's always good to have a bit of back up on hand, I don't know how much good it would do though if we were to lose our power and water in -40, we'd all freeze to death. I guess I'd best get that wood burning fireplace sooner than I anticipated, ya never know.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Don't forget some beef jerky, great protein, light and easy to carry.
    We got a aviation fire starter, you scrape one side with a knife to get a few shavings then strike down the other side to make a spark. No need for matches but we have a stay-dry match safe too. Keeping it all in a nice vintage ammo box. Where's that cave?

    ReplyDelete

---