After you have accomplished your steps, reply to me ONLY and I will keep track. Something like:
“Done” – 4
I’ll take it from there
Our first 7 steps:
1. Make a list of replacements for items that use electricity. Get out the binder and note paper. Fold a piece of paper in half length wise. At the top of the left column write Uses Electricity, at the top of the right column write Replacements. Now write in all the items in your home that you listed as needing electricity (skip a line between each item -you will need the room). Across from each item list what you will need to replace that service. Your list might include: lights, refrigerator, freezer, oven, stove, dishwasher, well, washer, dryer, shower, furnace, air conditioner, radio, TV, telephone, clock, and can opener. Across from lights I wrote: glow sticks, flashlights, candles, and outdoor lighting (You know those solar landscape lights? You can bring those in at night and recharge them during the day.)
This takes 10 minutes max
2. Get a quart canning jar or other container and beginning today to empty your change in to the jar each night. This would be fun to do at dinner to help your family understand the concept of saving. You’ll be surprised, your children will want to join in too. It is amazing how quickly this will grow and trust me, you will not miss it.
(This is one year's worth....I'm taking it to the bank today!)3. Purchase or collect the items you will need to replace the loss of lighting and news access during a power outage. Make sure you have batteries if you are relying on flashlights for lighting needs, or portable radios, or your lap top to stay in touch. Store your batteries with your flashlights etc. but not in them. I like glow sticks because they are inexpensive, don’t need batteries, will provide light all night long without the dangers of a candle, and they can be worn by children to keep them safe as they wander around the house.
4. Go through your medications and discard any that are past the expiration date. Make a list of items you need to replace and post it next to your shopping list, watch the ads and purchase the items as they go on sale. Medications in pill or tablet form are good for a year after the expiration date. (This took about 30 minutes)
5. Place a light source next to every bed. If there were an earthquake or power outage during the night a flashlight or glow stick would help to keep your family safe. Since young children would be tempted to play with these items place these in the rooms of older, more responsible children.
6. Get a permanent marker and mark all the canned fruits and veggies you have in your cupboard with a X. Make a master list of what you have on hand. -
THIS IS THE MOST TEDIOUS -
BUT - it is the foundation of your shelf storage. PLEASE DO THIS!!!! You will be that much ahead in the coming weeks.
7. Print off the list of items to include in every good 72 hour kit and add it to your binder.
Remember your dated opened containers of items you purchase only occasionally. Label a page in your binder Items purchased Infrequently. List items and as you use them up and need to replace them note the date on the item and how long it took to empty it. Write this on your list. Now you can gauge how many of that item you will need in your three month food storage. If it took 1 week to use a tube of toothpaste you will need 12 tubes for a 3 month supply.
Just an example...