No More Games, We Must Prepare Now!
Today, I want to talk about some serious stuff concerning why we must prepare now! We have discussed it for years and had some interesting horrific situations in our country and the world continue to happen frequently! Preparedness at home should be front and center for all of us.
Here are some thoughts to contemplate: we have had hurricanes, tornadoes, school shootings, church shootings, wildfires, earthquakes, and illegal people crossing into our country and doing unimaginable crimes. Some of these people are arrested, and some disappear without being prosecuted.
We often think about necessary preparations due to these extraordinary situations, and forget that being prepared should include times when we get sick and can’t work, have a devastating accident, lose our job, and more.
New Orleans Attack
I’ve been listening to the news all day about the horrific death toll in New Orleans from a terrorist driving a truck into a New Year’s Eve celebration. Not only will some families have lost a breadwinner loved one, but others have personally been seriously injured. Who is left to take care of family members?
Las Vegas, Nevada Attack
Trump Hotel In Las Vegas, Nevada
My gut tells me that in the next 3-40 days, we may experience things we have never seen before. I hope I’m wrong. Most of us are prepared with food, water, antibiotics, OTC medications, and first aid kits. You also need a team; by this, I mean choose your neighborhood “team” wisely, if you haven’t already. We need to help look out for each other during the tough times!
This team will be your backup; your team will share and trade items with you and watch your back. You’ll need physical ways to protect your family; yes, I’m talking about protecting your family. No one else will.
The Government Will Not Deliver Food or Water
After a major disaster, the government will not deliver food, water, or first aid supplies to your home or community as quickly as you may think. We saw what happened after Hurricane Helene and all the people who are still struggling with housing and medical care. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can only do so much.
If possible, can you divide your team? I don’t have a team; I have Mark and me. But if you have a team, get together with your team and make assignments. We must be ready. Please keep your gas tanks at least 3/4 to full during this time.
I must be honest with you; I’m not physically going to be able to evacuate, and I will be “bugging in.” Years ago, I was ready and equipped to bug out, but then I realized I had nowhere safely to do so. Everyone is different, so we must make a plan ahead of time based on our circumstances.
We Must Prepare Now
Food:
Everyone will be responsible for providing the food needed for their family. Canned Foods I Highly Recommend You Store Don’t forget a manual can opener for all those cans. Consider the needs of the older people and infants in your family. Having infant formula is critical if it applies to you.
Water:
Most government agencies and groups like the American Red Cross suggest one gallon of water per person per day. I get thirsty thinking about only one gallon a day. Please consider four gallons of water per person daily for drinking, personal hygiene, washing dishes, washing your underwear, etc.
Don’t forget the water we need for our pets. For pets, you will need one ounce (30 ml) per pound. If your dog weighs ten pounds, you will need at least 10 ounces of water each day to stay hydrated. WaterBricks
Paper Products:
As I write this, I think about the fight over toilet paper at Costco a few years ago. I have the giggles because I remember neighbors who only had one roll. Who only has one roll of toilet paper? My cute friend was delivering toilet paper to several people. I had ten cases in my garage ceiling.
I’m not a hoarder. Those days are gone, and we no longer have a large garage space to store stuff. My food storage does fit into my tiny home. Oh well, life has changed since we moved up north.
Please stock paper plates, bowls, utensils, and cups for hot and cold drinks. I don’t like waxed cups because they do not last as long as heavier paper cups. They tend to melt together in the heat as well. Straws are fantastic; trust me and get some. Paper towels, toilet paper, and baby wipes. Another excellent item is Bathing Wipes.
Cleaning Supplies:
Bleach would be number one; if you have a septic tank, you will be in better shape than the rest of us. If your sewer backups, be prepared to sanitize and disinfect the area. Dawn soap is my favorite, but you should stock up on your favorites. I have about eight bottles of Dr. Bronner soap, which is fantastic. You can add water and make a great bottle of soap. Store buckets, rags, and garbage bags, you can never have too many.
Personal Hygiene Items and Feminine Supplies
Menstrual pads, tampons, butt wipes, baby wipes, shampoo, bar soap, body wash, or whatever you use, get it in case stores are closed for weeks or months. Get extra for adult diapers, baby diapers, paper, or cloth. Fabric toilet wipes are fantastic since they can be washed and used again; my girls were raised with cloth diapers, so it’s not an issue for me in an emergency. Cloth Wipes
Cooking Devices:
If you purchased MREs that only require hot water, please remember that you’ll still need a way to boil that water and cook meals if we have a power outage from storms or our power grids are sabotaged. Please stock fuel if you can cook outside if you have lost power. Dutch Ovens are great in fire pits. How to Store Fuel. Butane stoves are reasonably priced. Butane Stoves and Butane Fuel.
What Are Some Other Items We Need to Consider?
As we’ve mentioned, every family is different and requires different preparation items, but here are a few additional items to consider for your home emergency kit:
- Blankets- a warm blanket for all family members can be a lifesaver
- Change of clothing – if you get wet or covered with mud you’ll be glad you have these
- Whistle
- Extra Batteries
- Hand Sanitizer
- Chargers for your cell phone and other devices
- Duct Tape
- Fire Extinguisher(s) – there are different kinds of fires to deal with
- Plastic Sheeting for shelter
- Prescription Medications
- Important Family Documents: could include deeds, insurance policies, bank and health records, etc.
- Basic hand tools like a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches
- Communication Device – NOAA weather radio, hand-crank radio, and walkie-talkies beside your cell phone
- Evacuation Plans
Final Word
This is a very short post about why we need to be prepared now, but I will be grateful if just one family thinks about stocking up tomorrow. Please pray for the families and first responders In New Orleans, Las Vegas, and other areas going through attacks. May God Bless this world.
Linda, we discussed several things yesterday. I had actually planned to do that stuff I sent anyway but the timing of the multiple events made it all the more important.
I was charging my weapons lights and my wife mentioned it and the events and I showed her that it was in my calendar and not just because of the events.
I keep telling folks the days of “over there” are done. We are no longer feared because our society has changed and weakened itself.
Prepare yourselves but also make a list of last minute stuff and distribute it between whoever you have available in the family or group. Everyone immediately fills up their vehicle at the first sign of trouble. Then split tasks like one person gets canned goods, one gets medical supplies, one gets animal food, one gets ammo and so on. Older kids perform child cares for younger so the tasks can be accomplished.
Get armed and stay armed. It’s not gonna solve everything but it’ll cure many an issue. No I can’t stop a speeding truck in a hundred feet with my Glock but he did get shut down when he stepped out to shoot everyone with handguns.
There will most likely be multiple events in the near future. If I’m wrong feel free to make fun of me later and we will all have a laugh.
Stay Safe
Hi Matt, this is why I wrote this post because of our conversation. Your idea of having a team is critical. I totally agree we will have multiple events, no one will be laughing, no one. Stay safe an we must all be ready for what’s coming. Linda
You are correct about being prepared and I did this for a number of years. As I’ve gotten older, 75, I have not kept up as well. Rotation is key, but some things I just don’t use. I have several butane stoves stored as well as butane canisters. I’m sure these canisters are past their prime. How do I dispise of them safely? We take garbage to a Convenience center. Wouldn’t these explode in their compressor?
Hi MtGrammy, call your local city waste management. I had to take mine somewhere. But there may be places you can drop them off to have them dispose of them. Linda
Totally agree that it feels like time is running out to be as prepared as possible.
Bad events do seem to be happening more and more often, so I’ve been anxiously adding to my LTS just in case. And with the promises made by the incoming administration I’m trying to be ready for chaos in the food supply chain as way too many farmers and meat processors use undocumented workers. Anything that is highly automated is probably safe, but items needing a lot of handling will be either hard to get or even more expensive.
I’ve been slowly packing as much meat as I can into my freezer and topping off my canned veggies. As well as getting more #10 cans of freeze dried meats and pre-made meals in case everyone gets sick at the same time. If everyone is ill, having the ability to boil water and add it to a couple of cups of mix to make dinner could be a life saver.
Between bad actors and crazy weather I want to be as prepared as I can be for the unexpected. As the old saying goes, hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
Thanks for all you do to spread the word about being ready for whatever comes our way. Wishing everyone the best!
I have felt for a while, I needed to finish anything not done. The whole world is off its rocker.
Hi Janet, the whole world is off its rocker, each day seems to get worse. Stay safe, stay healthy. Linda
Hi DMWalsh, I totally agree with you, hope for the best but prepare for the worst. I believe we have a rough few years coming! Thank you for your kind words, my sweet friend. Stay safe, Linda
What you and Matt said, in spades. If it isn’t already taken care of on your list, do it now. Time is not on our side. Godspeed to all. May God bless everyone.
Hi Terry,, time is not on our side, we must prepare quickly. God Bless everyone, Linda
Can’t really add much to what all you above have said. Matt has the guide to start with and the rest of you have added to that. I just read an article that indicated there are most likely another 1,000 Al-Qaeda Fighters embedded In US for next attack. Seems likely based on the two recent horrible events. Everyone stay alert and practice extreme situational awareness. Stay away from crowded areas and big cities if possible.
Hi Harry, I agree, its not worth going to these parades or games. We need get this country cleaned up ASAP before those 1000+ Al-Qaeda Fighters embedded go crazy in the US. Stay away from crowds and large cities. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Linda
those that go to houses of worship need to be armed- or have security teams, they are considered soft targets like schools and day cares.
Denise, you are quite correct. That is why I am always armed, even during regular church attendance. I do not exit my house without a sidearm.
Hi Harry, I love hearing this, thank you. Linda
Hi Denise, I totally agree with you. Linda
Happy New Year to All!!! I too am getting ready for whatever. We may be having SNOW on Monday; it depends on which the way the wind blows. I will be as ready as I can be, my DIL and I are going to BJ’S Saturday morning to get water, tissue, paper towels, laundry soap, etc. Be safe and warm and enjoy the weekend!
HI Mildred, I’m glad you’re going on Saturday, my sweet friend. Stay safe and be aware of your surroundings. Get in and get out and get home. Linda
I spent New Years Day assessing all the storage spots in my house and making sure the space is being used most efficiently. Just by rearranging and changing a few things and putting useless items out for donation I was able to add a lot of easily accessible storage to accommodate more emergency storage. Some of the less accessible spaces are still good but being “out of sight, out of mind” I’ve added notes of what’s there to the lists on the clipboards in the main areas. Having adjustable shelves means you can set them up to suit your various containers without wasted space or having to fill in with random stuff. It’s amazing what you can fit under couches and beds if you raise them up a bit (also makes them easier on old knees!)
Hi Alice, I hear you on the old knees, I have a pair as well! LOL! As you may know we moved up north and downsized big time. So we are decluttering with things we would normally hand onto but there is no room. I realize it will be a blessing to our girls after we die to just get one dumpster to empty our house instead of two! LOL! It actually feels goof. Less is best. Linda
On Glenn Beck’s show this morning a man said there are going to be many attacks in our country this year. He said that our military has people now that don’t agree with the American way of life as was shown in New Orleans and Las Vegas. That, in itself, scares me!
Hi Paula, yikes, I will have to go watch that show. I know a lot of people who do not agree with what is going on in the US. May God help us get through this. Linda
I’m not scared, but I am concerned for people not prepared. I’ve been preparing since 9-11. We will be bugging in as well. I do need to refill my 5 gallon water bottles. I’ve been saving my gallon plastic bottles of Hawaiian punch I buy for the grand babies and great grands. We try to keep extra paper goods on hand. We live close to a lake so we can get water. I have a small still to distill water with. We have propane fireplaces and stove. We are also planning on container gardening this spring. We have canned foods, dried foods and I do know how to can and dehydrate. Some of our Prepper children live 1/2 mile down the road from us. I’m not sure if any of the neighbors are preppers are not. I have made washable lady cloths several years ago. I’ll be using my older towels to make personal wipes with, but we also have hand held bidets. Got them from Amazon years ago. We have most of what we need. Not all I want though. Times are getting bad and won’t get better anytime soon. My moto is “prepare for the worst but hope for the best”.
Hi Deborah, I totally agree with you, prepare for the worst but hope for the best. You have the personal hygiene covered thats awesome. I hope to start a new raised bed garden this year, it all depends on the money. Things have tripled in price. Our income had not. I can only do what I can do. Stay safe and stay well, my sweet friend, Linda
We have the buckets and the seeds. Worst case, we dig dirt from the yard. I can ask our neighbor about his cow manure for fertilizer. LOL He has about 10 or so cows. We have plenty of space. We’re also talking about where to store potatoes and such. I hungry for fresh vegetables! It’s what I grew up on. Beans or peas, cornbread, potatoes, mashed or pan fried, fresh tomatoes and onions. We had meat about twice a week. Well breakfast always had bacon or sausage, eggs and homemade biscuits. I need to learn to make biscuits. I can make bread! And rolls, but not biscuits, yet. I can make scratch cornbread too, without measuring. LOL That took a while to learn.
Hi, Deborah, you can make cornbread without measuring, you are fantastic! Oh man, I wish we had bacon or sausage with eggs and homemade biscuits every morning! I grew up on that, it sounds so good! If you can bread and rolls, thats awesome! I made so many dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls over the holidays, I’m a little burned out right now! LOL! I’ve thought about those garden bags I’ve seen on amazon. I love fresh vegetables, all. kinds. Hopefully we will be able to get our gardens going in the spring. Linda
Last year, I purchased grow bags and love them. I wasn’t successful with my gardening – had to leave my place during the hottest part of the summer and no one to water them consistently. What I purchased was VIVOSUN 5-Pack 10 Gallon Grow Bags, Thick Nonwoven Fabric Pots with Strap Handles, Multi-Purpose Rings, for Low Stress Plant Training Fruits, Vegetables, and Flowers $24.95 for 5 bags!! These are HEAVY duty felted bags. They have handles as well as grommets (I thought with the really strong winds (up to 80mph gusts at times) that I might have to zip tie the bags together!! When I emptied the soil at the end of the season, I let them dry out and then I was able to brush any residual soil out of them. Now they are ready to refil and reuse!!
Hi Leanne, thanks for the heads up, I will look at those once we get closer to spring. I’m writing a post for tomorrow (updating) about Sun Ovens. Wow, they are getting hard to find. I’m glad I have mine. Whew! Linda
Deborah, please be aware if your neighbor sprays his pasture for weeds, ie uses a weed and feed formula, that manure will contain residues that will affect growth of especially night shade plants… and it will carry over in your food .
Jess from roots and refuge farm bought some compost that was supposed to be organic about 2 years ago- and it killed her tomato plants… There are ways to clear toxins from the soil, and it takes time Billy from perma pastures farm is in process of doing three different things on different plots that have serious contamination of metals and all kinds of nasties, his starts with a compost tea…you tube video’s are out…so that some info is available.a timeline for clean up is not clear and he is doing extensive testing to verify his results.
If you have no basement/ dry storage area and you have a dry hillside( clay/sand mix?) you can do Keel(s)… for potatoes, onions and turnips / each separated. they have to be dry, we used to layer the bottom of ours with sand and straw/ sage grass, and cover veggies with a thick layer of the same,then a layer of something to keep the water out- a rubberized barrier, and more hay/tin, or fiberglass cover over that… we always fixed an easy access point.. and had veggies thru til spring.- it we stored enough.
Hi Denise, great reminder on the manure. When I was growing up thats all we used. But I’m not sure it had all the bad stuff back then. Linda
Denise, he doesn’t spray anything, but I will ask first. He sells his extra cattle. He has calves every year and sells them when they’re old enough. But, that being said, thank you for reminding me to ask.
Vinegar and bleach jugs are good to use too…both are disinfectants.so jugs are safer than city water. which now many cities have gone to a chlor. derivative known to poison cats…hummm wonder if safe for children or infants.???
I am praying that you folks are wrong about there being more attacks coming. I think we are prepared even if the one child who lives in town joins us. What worries me is all the crowds that will be in DC later this month when Trump takes office. There will be a huge celebration outside and then multiple balls and parties rest of the day.
Like many here, we will be shelting in place. Due to an injury my left leg I cannot walk far at all, I doubt I could make more than a city block. We have several ways to cook food: gas grill; single burner butane stove; gas camp stove; fire pit with cast iron. In addition we have our camper where we can cook.
I have been putting off ordering water bricks and I need to do that now. We are pretty much homebodies and I doubt that is going to change. One problem is that if we have to go somewhere to get water, I don’t know any place that is close. We’ll have to go a distance. We do have a wagon and can carry the water once we get there. I think there is a large pond on a nearby golf course. We would have to really filter it but it is water.
If we have to evacuate, we will take our camper and have to head to a warmer climate. Nebraska is not a place we want to stay in a camper in the winter.
HI Topaz, I hope we’re wrong, but all indications are we are heading into more situations. Whatever they may be in our particular city. The WaterBricks would be a good choice plus you have a camper, bingo, that’s awesome! Having some water in your camper is a blessing. Having your leg injury may be a blessing. You must shelter in place if need be. I’m on oxygen now 24/7 I have no choice. I have never smoked or vaped but I now have lung disease. Good grief, I would never have guessed this. But things could be worse, our food and preps are where we live Topaz. We can do this! Linda
Topaz, we are all praying we will all be wrong too.
Great ideas!! It’s never to late to get prepared. One type of item I didn’t see mentioned, Solar items. Anywhere from a generator, stove/heater, radio, flashlight, USB charger bank, etc. Because if things go south, batteries/propane/gas for grilling run out, but the sun is almost everyday and free.
As far as water goes if you wonder about the safety, remember you can run it thru a couple coffee filters doubled up and boil it. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. At altitudes above 5,000 feet (1,000 meters), boil water for three minutes. Let water cool naturally and store it in clean containers with covers.
If you have a reverse-osmosis for your kitchen water. Run it for 2-3 minutes a week. To clean out the tank and filters. Also on the item where the water goes out take a Q-tip and stick it up the item and roll it around a few times. If dirty use a clean end and do it again until your happy.
Hi Barb, I have reverse osmosis and love it! Great reminder on solar items, boiling water tips! Thank you! Linda
Linda – this is so appropriate at this time in our lives. Fortunately, those of us who are regular readers of your blog are, for the most part, prepared at least to some degree. I know that I need a better way to store water, and I do have some water bricks but not nearly enough. I am nowhere near a water source so if the water in town is cut off, I would be in dire straits. As for food, cooking, sanitation – I feel well prepared. Unfortunately, the people who REALLY need to be reading your blog are the ones who only have a week’s worth of food on the shelf!
When this last election was over, I stated, “The election is over, good or bad. Now let the chaos begin.” Those of us who are prepared don’t have to worry as much, but we do still need to be diligent with what we have and what plans we are making.
So, worst case scenario – I will get to my daughter’s home if at all possible. They have 2 wells on their place and solar to operate their wells if needed. They also have chickens and a steer for fresh food as well as a huge garden area. I have started taking some of my LTS out to their place as they have a lot of storage room. What I want to do with my daughter earlier than later is to take a lot of the meat, fruits and veggies they have in their freezers and can, dehydrate and freeze dry as much as we can. Since she is pregnant, I am sure a lot of that work will fall on my older grandkids and me. But she wants as much shelf stable food as they can possibly have on hand in case the power is disrupted. I will be keeping my rotational foods here at my house, though. I don’t want to be stranded here in town with nothing!!!
I was at the dollar store here in town today. I was able to pick up 5 fleece blankets for $25 – they are kid sized but figure those will be for the grandkids! I might go back tomorrow, though and get 2 or 3 more for my car winter essentials or purchase one of the larger ones for $20. I have also ordered some things from Azure Standards in larger quantities than I normally would (not inexpensive but non-gmo and organic!).
One thing I didn’t see in this post is $$$ I think that while most of us have cash on hand as part of our preps, someone who is less prepared might not think of the need for cash on hand. I want at least enough to purchase gas for my vehicle if there is the ability to pump gas. If computer systems go down but there is power, cash will be king!!
Oh and don’t forget the barter items!! Necessary in my book!!
Hi Leanne, what a blessing to be so close to your daughter now. Yay! Barter items are necessary for sure! Linda
take 2 of those kid sized blankets and make it bigger for adult length getting several alike could mean 2 ft added to 2 or 3 by using one as a sacrifice…depending on need.
One last thing!! In our preps, we all probably have a number of over the counter (OTC) medications. Well, I have found an herbal preparation that I am absolutely sold on!! It is called Formula 303. You can get it on Amazon. It contains Valerian root, magnesium and passionflower extracts. I was introduced to this product by my chiropractor for muscle spasms. I took 2 doses (one after my appointment and one before bed) and NO MORE SPASMS!! This is something I will always keep in my medicine cabinet and in my preps. It is all natural and best of all: IT WORKS!! It also says: Formula 303 is a natural herbal tablet that has been providing natural relief for over 60+ years. It harnesses the medicinal properties of valerian root, passionflower, and magnesium to provide you with relaxed muscles, stress relief, and natural relief. And: Gluten Free, Non-GMO manufactured for almost 60 years in the USA, in an FDA registered and inspected facility in full compliance with current Good Manufacturing Processes.
Hi Leanne, oh this sounds awesome, I will order a bottle right now, thank you! Linda
Linda, what about one of those little machines that make oxygen and are about the size of a purse? Could that help you be a little more mobile in your home and yard? Lung disease can hit anyone and it really does limit life.
Hi Topaz, yes, I was approved for one of those and it sure helps but I’m still tethered to a machine and yes it looks like a purse but weighs about 5 pounds I think, correction 10-11 pounds. I also have the regular concentrator in the house which is the newer style and makes very little noise. Thank goodness. I can’t be any where near a gas stove or a fire pit, my oxygen tubing could become explosive. So I do as much as I without oxygen (quickly) and make dinner and Mark put it in the oven. Crazy life I have now. But life goes on. Linda
Linda, prayers for you! My sister is also on oxygen 24/7. It is what it is.
As for solar, we do have solar panels, but alas, no batteries. Someone wasn’t thinking right. That would be my husband. The panels are in the boxes in the garage. He does have good ideas, but no follow through and now isn’t able to put them up. Bargaining items? Maybe. Or could get son to install them. I’m not looking forward to what’s coming. We need to go back to the 50s or so. When Everyone had Victory gardens, and families were families and neighbors helped each other. These days we can’t always trust our neighbors.
Hi Deborah, thank you for you prayers, I need them. It is what it is for sure. What a shame about the solar panels, darn it. I don’t want Mark getting on a ladder let alone the roof. Deborah, I just read a story about a cow, yes a cow. The neighbors shared the cow, sold the cow to one another when one family was short on cash. The one cow gave milk to all the families involved. Their land was right next to each other. They had a schedule for each family to milk the cow morning and night. It ended up just being the neighborhood cow. People sharing and helping one another. I remember when I had neighbors I actually knew and loved. I haven’t been here long enough to love more than the few I have met. Victory Gardens would be a blessing, life was so good years ago. Life sure has changed. Linda
We’re as prepared as we can afford right now. It’s not enough, I get that. However, we’ve done “something” which is better than nothing. I’m trying to stock up on supplies (thank you Costco check!) but ouch, have you seen the cost of eggs again!? $10 – $12 a carton! Living next to California, we’re affected greatly by their bird flu issues. Costco has zero eggs at all now, Walmart almost nothing! We don’t go hardly anywhere anymore, especially crowds. I get antsy and nervous anymore. I just don’t trust people. New Orleans was a big wakup call, Las Vegas has always been a crazy town. The movies are the only place we go but even that has proven dangerous in the past. Sheez, what is this country coming to?
Hi Robbie, I totally agree with you and I was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. LOL! I have 2 sisters that still live there. I have always wanted to go to New Orleans to see the party stuff, not the alcohol, but what I’ve seen on TV. I won’t be going there now, nope. No big cities now. We have to have hope or we will be crushed. I’m counting on change in our government management and it can’t come soon enough. God Bless all of us. Linda
I feel there is not a minute to wait. I am upping our water storage. I fear the Niagara Falls/New York State Power Vista could be a attractive target. We cannot protect everyone we love, but we will do the best we can. Please everyone stay alert.
Hi Chris, I think people are realizing the need for water, I still can’t get BlueCan water for my daughter in California from Brownell’s, the cheapest place. Everyone is sold out on so many prepping items. I’ve heard power grids and military bases are on the top of the lists. But who really knows, stay safe and alert for sure. Linda