We take so much for granted these days. Due to specializations, our lives for the most part have become extremely easy and comfortable in comparison to decades gone by. We have become dependent on the support received from a large community, state, nation and world to provide our food, clothing and shelter. Each of us may have skills in our own narrow field, but what we don't know is left in the hands of others to do for us.
How many people actually grow their own food (and I mean ALL of it)? And if you had to, could you make your own clothing? Would you have the necessary tools, fabric and skill?
Canning Supplies
What about water, and power and sewer - what if our utility services were not available? And how about medical care? Dental care? Vehicle repair and maintenance?
In uncertain times, a wise person makes preparations. They know that security comes from being independent and accept responsibility for themselves and their family, taking steps to become as self reliant as possible.
So where to start? It's a big undertaking if this is the first time you've really thought about the possibility becoming self-reliant. It will take some thought and effort, expense and some basic lifestyle changes. It's important, however, that you realize that it doesn't have to be done all at one time. You just need to get started - today.
INFORMATION - Make A Plan
The first step is to come up with a plan. Something this big cannot be done without a roadmap. Haphazard attempts will only lead to overspending and missing a major piece of the puzzle, which will only show up in the event of a true disaster.
ASSESS POSSIBILITIES - Prepare For Specific Events
It is easier to make preparations when you know what the potential crisis might be. Take time to list the possibilities and what would happen if they occurred. How would they affect you and your family? What can you do to lesson their impact?
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Natural Disasters - earthquake, tornado, winter storm, drought, flooding, fire Income Limiting Disasters - business closing, firing/layoff, physical injury, death of income-earning member of family Government Disturbances - government controls, deficits, hyper-inflation, price controls, rationing Civil Disturbances - breakdown in law and order, rioting, utility/transportation disruption, looting Terror Attack - biological, chemical, nuclear attack, invasion, martial law
While it's not prudent to dwell on the worst case scenarios, it's only logical that if you prepared for the absolute worst, then you will be amply prepared for all events. However, cost and time are important factors. My advice is to focus on the most likely in the beginning and then build on your plan from there.
For instance, if you live in an area that experiences tornadoes on a regular basis (like we do in tornado alley) then a good investment would be a storm shelter, emergency provisions like non-perishable food and water and medical supplies.
If you live in an area prone to winter storms, an emergency kit in your car, complete with water, food/snacks, blankets, etc... would definitely be at the top of the preparations list.
COST - Finding the Funds
Most people don't have extra money just sitting around for emergency preparations, so you may need to be creative. Here are some tips that can help you get started with limited funds:
Compare prices and shop the ads - most businesses have sales, liquidations and close-outs on a regular basis. If you carefully watch for these sales, you can pick up many items for prices well below retail.
Discount/Wholesale/Factory Outlet Stores - these are becoming much more prevalent and can help you stock up for less.
Buy In Quantity - this can be a key money saver. Bulk is almost always cheaper in just about everything, particularly food. Keep in mind, however, that bulk food products are sometimes heavy and difficult to store. Rotating becomes more challenging as well. While there are definite price advantages, weigh the pro's and con's of small packaging versus large ones... (example: can you actually eat 80 ounces of canned beans in a sitting if you don't have refrigeration to store the left-overs?)
Garage Sales/Flea Markets - finding things such as a camping stove, tarps, gas cans, etc ... at a yard sale can save lots of money. Take advantage of your neighbor's desire to clean out the garage and get some of the things you need for pennies on the dollar.
Nickel ads/Craigslist - keep your eye open for great deals in ads such as "Thrifty Nickel" or even your local newspaper. Search your area online Craigslist for items as well.
Auctions/Estate Sales - many times garage sale items are one step from the landfill. Auctions/Estate Sales, however, are normally entire household sales of items that were still in use but no longer needed due to a death in the family, a move overseas, etc.
Grow A Garden - there are so many benefits to this one that I couldn't even begin to name them all. It is the most key step to self-sufficiency and control over your own livelihood by growing your own food.
Create A Budget - actually sit down with pencil and paper and evaluate what you spend each month. Most people can find extra funds to place towards their plan if they really want to. It may require eating out less, or passing up some video rentals or social activities, but it can be done.
EDUCATION - Learn What You Need To Know NOW
It is always wise to develop new skills on a regular basis. Start with things like gardening and harvesting your own food. Canning/preserving your produce is a natural second step. There are lots of things that you can learn now that will be helpful in the long run:
First Aid - start with a simple first aid course, then advance to CPR and even EMT Basics. Midwives' training is also advantageous in the event that you are called upon to assist with the delivery of a baby. Any medical training would be highly desirable.
Carpentry - you may not need to go as far as building your own house, but having some general carpentry skills could prove very helpful. Learn how to safely and properly use tools and how to do basic maintenance/repairs to your home.
Cooking - so you know how to cook? But can you cook on an open fire or a wood-burning stove? Learning different ways to prepare food (other than microwaving or popping something in the oven) is a good idea, and it will take some practice to get it right.
Self-Defense - while it's not a comfortable topic, it's a realistic one. When times get hard, people get desperate. It's important to learn how to take care of yourself, your family and your property. This includes learning how to use a gun as well as hand-to-hand combat techniques such as martial arts or self-defense. Check out your local YMCA or fitness centers for classes in your area.
Sewing - you may be able to have extra clothes as part of your plan (which I highly recommend) but there is sure to come a time when you have to mend a tear, patch a hole or replace a button. Having the right tools on hand and some idea where to start will make your life a whole lot easier.
Alternate Trade - you may be the best computer programmer in the tri-county area, but without power, no one really cares about their PC's anymore. What they may need more is someone who can change out an alternator in their pickup or dig and case a water well. Money will be of little value if there's no stores. Barter and trade of products or services will become accepted as the new "currency" in an economic breakdown. Any new trade you learn becomes a bargaining chip in your survival.
Basic Survival Skills - in the very worst case scenario, you may be called upon to build a shelter, find clean water and feed yourself with limited or no means. If your particular disaster situation leaves you stranded and waiting to be rescued, it is imperative that you learn the 5 basic survival skills: Building fire, shelter, signaling for help, finding food and clean water, and first aid.
REFERENCE BOOKS - Build Your Library of Knowledge
Having a good home reference library is recommended. You may not know how to do everything immediately, but if you have books that teach you the necessary skills, you can always reference them when needed.
Look for survival books to get you started. There are many crisis preparedness and survival guides written for a variety of situations. Pick the ones that discuss topics that would most likely occur in your area. For instance, if you live in Missouri, I doubt that you are terribly concerned about hurricanes... but winter storms are always a possibility.
When you are at an estate sale and run across a stack of nursing college books for 50 cents each, consider adding them as well. Most of the medical basics are the same, even if the books are old. You can always supplement them with an up-to-date general medical guide.
There are many books these days on the topics of sewing and canning that can easily guide you through the steps when needed.
Each of the tips above could easily be expanded into articles of their own, but this will get you started as you make your plans. There are so many factors and so many unknowns that make crisis preparedness a challenging undertaking. It can be done with a good plan and a strong desire to be ahead of the game. Don't get caught unprepared.
Christmas Sales Norpro 2478367600456 7-Piece Home Canning Set 201
Dec 11, 2011 23:50:26
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Christmas Sales Norpro 2478367600456 7-Piece Home Canning Set Feature
- 7-piece canning set provides the essentials needed for canning at home
- Steel canning rack holds 7 pint- or quart-size jars; sterilizing rack holds 12 lids
- Also includes 2 stainless-steel funnels, magnetic lid wand, jar lifter, and cheese cloth
- Dishwasher-safe funnels and canning rack; hand-wash all other pieces
- Measures approximately 10 by 8 by 24 inches
Christmas Sales Norpro 2478367600456 7-Piece Home Canning Set Overview
Capture summer fruits and vegetables at their prime for enjoyment throughout the year by canning at home. This seven-piece canning kit provides all the essential tools needed for getting started. A jar lifter, a magnetic lid lifter, two canning funnels, sterilizing rack, canning rack, and natural cheese cloth. To safely remove hot jars and lids after they've been sterilized in boiling water, use the jar lifter to pick up the jars and the magnetic lid lifter to easily remove the lids, with no risk of burned fingers. Choose from two canning funnels. The wide mouth canning funnel directs ingredients into the jar quickly and cleanly and offers a wide design that accommodates both regular and wide-mouth jars. The narrow 6 inch funnel is excellent for straining into narrow jars and comes with a detachable strainer. Also available is our sterilizing rack that holds 12 canning lids, and our canning rack which is designed to hold jars as you lower and raise them from your cooking pot. (Holds up to 7 quart or 7 pint jars; 12-inch diameter fits most pots- keeps jars from touching each other or the canner). Made of steel and features elongated handles on either side for ease of use.SAVE NOW on Christmas Sales Offers below!
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