Comments on: Preparedness Rule #1

By: LizLong

LizLong — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:58:08 +0000

Personally, I took one area at a time. I started with first aid because it looked the easiest to me. I picked up items everyone already knows – band aids, neosporin, peroxide, etc – until I had a good stash. Then I started on a more in -depth kit. I added blood absorbing things like QuickClot and sanitary napkins that aren't in most first aid kids, braces (knee, elbow, wrist) that I might not usually have, etc. I kept researching more and adding to it (SAM splints and finger splints) until I felt that I had most of what was advised. Then I moved on to camping / survival items. One area at a time, so I didn't get totally overwhelmed, because I was at first. Once I had most of one category done, it made me feel more comfortable and confident starting on the next area. Also, I ordered seeds and did yard work at seasonally-appropriate times.

Just like TheSurvivalMom says – baby steps!

By: LizLong

LizLong — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:49:22 +0000

I'm not sure. It's the one Costco sold a few months ago. They usually have pretty good quality items and we've never had a problem with them. I figured I could buy that one, or try to do research and end up forgetting. It's not too hard to get to. I just pulled it out of the basement. I got a dozen HUGE pears from the grocery store (thank you for shopping with us, and OOPS! we overbought on these) last week. They should be ripe by now, so I'll need to try it now. I can use just a few as well. I think it's a NESCO, but I'm not sure without looking. I bought the vacuum sealer from Costco last week so I can seal them as soon as items are done now.

By: TheSurvivalMom

TheSurvivalMom — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:39:13 +0000

Those are excellent suggestions, Julie! Small preparedness steps add up in no time. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge.

By: juju_mommy

juju_mommy — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 21:17:41 +0000

Clair – I felt the same way when I started becoming "aware" and wanting to prep. The main way I started was to just pick up extra canned goods and staples at the store when shopping. This is a good idea no matter what. I'd always shopped ahead, stocked up on sales, etc. but a desire to prep just encouraged me to continue and step-up my efforts. The other way is to start emergency kits. 1) For the home: You can take a plain old tupperware bin thing stock with supplies (basic things but expand depending the emergencies that you expect you may face in your area 2) For the car: Stock a backpack with first aid supplies, flashlight, extra set of clothes and shoes, an easy-to-fix meal, bottle fo water, pocket knife, tarp, etc. and keep it in your trunk for emergencies. Every time you make a shopping trip, pick up an item on your supply list to add to your kits.

Remember, IMHO, prepping is more a mental thing to me. Its a way you THINK. It's being aware of the possibilities. Not worrying yourself to death over them but not being nieve…. Take it one step at a time.

By: TheSurvivalMom

TheSurvivalMom — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:30:07 +0000

Hi Clair! Welcome to my blog and the world of preparedness. If you feel overwhelmed and even panicky, let me assure you that all of us went through that stage. The important part is to become educated and then take baby steps until it becomes second nature. I've tried hard with this blog to not overwhelm or scare my readers and still give plenty of small tips and suggestions for become more prepared and self-reliant. Feel free to email me with questions, and I'll be happy to work with you one on one.

By: Clair

Clair — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:26:14 +0000

This is so overwhelming. How does one get started?

By: TheSurvivalMom

TheSurvivalMom — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:36:49 +0000

What kind of dehydrator do you have, and is it stored in a handy location? I know that whenever I have to hunt something down or if it's complicated to use, I never use it. My little NESCO dehydrator is a workhorse, and I can use just one or two trays if I only have a small amount of food to dehydrate.

By: LizLong

LizLong — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:11:00 +0000

I got some really pretty snap dragons, too, for the kids. And I swear (cross my heart) that I WILL actually start using the dehydrator! Including on the herbs, if I don't kill them before they grow big enough. (Fingers crossed on that one….)

By: TheSurvivalMom

TheSurvivalMom — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:04:03 +0000

I've found that once you get into the swing of things, preparedness becomes second nature. I worry about it a lot less, and that makes it easier to focus on what I would still like to do. Thanks for the comment!

By: TheSurvivalMom

TheSurvivalMom — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:02:45 +0000

Anyone, anywhere can take steps to become more self-reliant, and you're right. You're better off with the knowledge and skills than you were before. None of this goes to waste, especially when we pass all this along to our kids and grandkids. You're right about the debt, too. It cripples families and nations alike.