I Can't Believe It's Food Storage

Has anyone else seen this book? I've had it for awhile now and I love it! It has some of the very best recipes for food storage. It focuses mostly about powdered milk, powdered eggs and a recipe called magic mix. I've put some of the info on here before and if you would like to have it all together, I really recommend getting this book! It is available at deseret book, amazon, seagull book and cosco. Enjoy!

New Years Goals/Resolutions

I am just curious about whether or not anyone has made any goals about their food storage. I would love to hear them and know if there is any way I can help out!

Case Lot Sales!

There are several case lot sales starting tomorrow! Maceys and Smiths and lots of other stores. I know Maceys will also have emergency preparedness items on sale too. This is a great time to get your water barrels cheap! Let me know if you are going to need my drink water hose to fill them.

Wonder Box

I just found this really fun crafty idea! This wonder box will cook your food for you after you just bring it to a boil! It works alot like a crock pot but it doesn't use any electricity so it is a great emergency item. Here is the like for the instructions and ideas.

http://ourldsfamily.com/wonderbox/

Winter Storm Survivial

http://www.thereadystore.com/blog/1067/winter-storm-survival/?utm_source=rne_ep101_20091228&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EP101&utm_content=click

This link will take you to The Ready Store website and a list of ways to make sure you will survive in a winter storm if their is an emergency. It is a great way to get some ideas of things that you may want to get to help your family get prepared in the case of an emergency. I know we live in a desert, but we have terrible snow storms and really cold winters. Make sure you will be safe and prepared in an emergency!

Organize a 3-month food supply

Ambu® Res-cue CPR Mask Kit

I found these on sale for $22.25. If I order 5 of them I can get free shipping. Does anyone else want to order one with me? I was remembering the CPR class we had for enrichment about a year ago and thought this would be great to have. Let me know! I think the sale ends this week.

Ambu® Res-cue CPR Mask Kit

The Ambu Res-Cue Mask is designed to provide protected recue breathing for any patient (any age group) and may also be used with a resuscitator. The Ambu Res-Cue Mask helps protect rescuers in an emergency situation. Prevents direct contact with patient's mouth, nose and face and helps overcome hesitation to start resuscitation. Transparent dome allows rescuer to visually check for patient's lip color and vomitus. Measures 13.5 x 11 x 4.5 cm. made of 100% latex free material. Made of durable plastics for easy cleaning and long product life.

● Made of durable plastics for easy cleaning and long product life.
● Transparent dome allows rescuer to perform easy visually check.
● Protect rescuers in an emergency situation.
● Helps overcome hesitation to start resuscitation.
● Recommended by health care professionals.
● Trusted quality from First Aid Only - in business for 20 years!

Kit includes:
(1) CPR mouth barrier w/transparent dome
(2) Exam quality vinyl gloves, 1 pair
(2) Alcohol prep pads
(1) Instructions

HELP!

Okay, I am teaching a class on food storage organization next week for our Enrichment night. I need some ideas. What kind of help do you all need with your food storage? What do you think I should teach? Any ideas or thought would be so helpful. Thanks in advance!

Solar Ovens

I am wondering if anyone else is interested in Solar Ovens. I watched a special on them on BYUTV and I am hooked! Just the idea that I won't have to store extra fuel to cook seems like heaven to me. I was thinking I might try to find a company that will give us a group discount. So far they are ranging from $200-$280, but I'm sure I could get it cheaper if we buy lots. Anyone else interested? The brand I am looking at is called a Sun Oven. I am trying to figure out how to make a DVD from my recording on my DVR so that I can share all of this information with all of you! Let me know your thoughts!

Preparing for a Pandemic Flu

I found this article on The Ready Store website. I thought it might be of great use to all of us. If you are interested in tracking the swine flue outbreaks, go to www.cdc.gov.

Preparing for a Pandemic Flu


As you know, cases of the Swine Flu have begun to appear, first in Mexico, then the U.S. and now around the world. Back in 2006 we had the Bird Flu scare and without extreme measures being taken in Asia we would have had a worldwide flu pandemic. A pandemic is defined as an “epidemic over a large area” typically involving multiple countries if not the world. In the case of the Swine Flu, it is occurring around the world due to the ease of worldwide travel. As we have been told, this could easily turn into a pandemic flu that impacts the world as a whole.

I recommend that you regularly go to the www.CDC.gov website (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to review their updates on the Swine Flu. I am not a doctor or scientist who studies viruses, but they have experts that do. You will get your best, most accurate information there. Getting your information only from the news media might induce unnecessary fear or complacency. Right now, it is especially critical that you get your info from reliable sources.

One of the biggest challenges with a pandemic flu situation is the possibility of a quarantine being imposed. Typically a quarantine is imposed within a limited area like a home, neighborhood or city (like with Mexico City). During quarantine you will need to be prepared to remain indoors with your family for a period of days or multiple weeks. That means you will be relying in part on your Shelter in Place supplies to help you get through that time. With that in mind here are some items I would make sure you have on hand:

Respirator Masks – Have at least a good N95 mask, not just a simple dust mask. A mask will prevent germs carried in the air to enter your body. Keep in mind a mask is only as good as the seal it creates around your nose and mouth. I recommend that you change your N95 mask daily. N95 is a rating provided by NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) which is a division of the CDC, and it means that 95% of all particulates that are .2 microns or larger will not penetrate the mask. An N100 rating means the respirator will prevent 100% off all particulates that are .2 microns or larger from passing through the respirator. One major issue to consider with any mask or respirator is that over a period of a few days you will have build on the outside of the mask that can slough off onto your clothes. So change your masks regularly.

Here is a great article explaining the difference between an N95 respirator and a basic surgical mask: "Respirators for Public Health Emergencies"

TWO WEEK FOOD SUPPLY – Have at least 2 weeks worth of food in your pantry or stored food. You may not be able to get to the store or the store may not get replenished as workers are unable to get restock. So make sure you have plenty of food.

STORE CLEAN WATER – Just in case the water supply gets contaminated, make sure you also have a 2 week supply of stored water on hand. 1 gallon of water per person per day.

FIRST-AID, HYGIENE AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES – Because hospitals and medical facilities get overwhelmed in a pandemic, you will be caring for your own more than likely. Make sure you have adequate first-aid, hygiene and medical supplies like latex or non-latex gloves, medicines, hand sanitizer, soaps and if possible antiviral medication like Tami-flu.

I don’t mean to overstate the urgency, but I think the worst kind of disaster, aside from a radioactive disaster, would be a viral pandemic. It is worse than an earthquake, hurricane, tornado or any other type of natural disaster. So, make sure you are getting prepared as best you can.

How to store your food

There are several ways to store your food. First, however, you need to decide where to store it. The cooler the place, the longer your food will stay fresh. The ideal place will stay between 32 and 70 degrees and will stay dry. Also, keep it off the floor! The area should have less than 15% humidity, and should be well ventilated to prevent condensation of moisture. A 9' X 12' room should provide enough space for a family of six to store an 18 month supply of food. Remember to check your area regularly to watch for insect or rodent infestation and water damage. Dispose of any food that has gone bad.

Okay, now for what to store your food in. There are several different options. For dry food here is what you can do:

4 1/4 gallon bucket will hold approx. 30 lbs
5 gallon bucket will hold approx. 40 lbs
6 gallon bucket will hold approx. 50 lbs
Dry Pack #10 cans
1 gallon Mylar bags (need a sealer)

The approximate weight depends on the food density!

There are several ways to control infestation and keep your food fresh.

Dry Ice - Place a few inches of grain in the bottom of your bucket. Then place 3-4 oz of dry ice on top of the grain. Fill the remainder of your bucket with grain leaving approximately 1/2 inch for head space. Place the lid on top of the bucket (without sealing) for approximately 20-30 minutes. (This process can take up to 1 hour. Feel the bottom of your container. If it is still cold, the ice is not yet evaporated.) When the dry ice has completely evaporated, seal your lid on tightly. If container bulges after sealing, slightly loosen the lid to release the pressure. Then re-seal. Items that can be used with the dry ice: Grains, flours, beans, lentils, split peas, oats, oatmeal, pasta, dry milk, dry soup, mixes, cornmeal, and popcorn.

Oxygen Absorption Packet- Place inside container and seal.

Freeze - Keep food at 0 degrees F for four days. Then place in container and seal.

How to store water

First of all, if you have stored your water away from sunlight, in a clean, bacteria free container, your water will remail pure indefinitely. So, if possible, store it safely from the beginning and you have no problems!

If you do need to purify your water, there are a few different ways to do it.

Bleach- Most bleach products contain soap. The bleach will purify the water, but the soap in it can make you very sick! Buy only bleach with no additives. Use 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water. Stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water doesn't have a slight bleach odor, repeat steps and let stand for an additional 15 minutes.

Boiling- This takes at aleast 10 minutes. It is very simple and effective, but it uses a lot of fuel.

Iodine- This cannot be used for more than 3-4 days or it will cause thyroid problems in women.

Purifiers- These are great, but they are very expensive.

Chlorine- This is the way the cities do it. It is effective and very cheap. Chlorine and a test kit are available at pool stores. 55 gallon drums are the best way for cleaning water over night. Properly treated water will retain a slight clorine smell. To remove the chlorine taste, cover and let stand for 24 hours. Chlorine is a gas and will evaporate. (Remember to measure and test the chlorine before you allow it to evaporate. If there is no measurable chlorine you may still be susceptible to bacteria.)

Aerobic Oxygen- Destroys harmful bacteria, is non-toxic, is safe to use and stores 5 to 10 years. Check your local nutrition center.

Remember to purchase a siphon pump for your 55 gallon water drums!

An easy alternative: Alum - sprinkle alum into your container of water stirring constantly. This will purify water and give it nearly all the freshness of spring water! Use 1 tsp. Alum for 4 gal. of water.

Getting your food storage organized

I have been trying to find ways to get my food storage a bit more organized lately. you might have noticed a few posts I have made on making your own can rotation systems. I wish we had wood working equipment so I can build one of the wood ones! I am wondering if any of you have ideas or pictures of your food storage that you would like to share with all of us. We all need ideas!

Making your own can rotation system

http://mormonfoodstorage.blogspot.com/2008/09/pantry-paragon-or-how-to-make-your-own.html

I found this blog where she shows you how to make your own rotation system for your cans! It's awesome! I can hardly wait to try it out. Let me know what you think!!

Reconstitution

Apple Slices:
1 cup dry apples to 1/2 cup water yields 2 cups fresh apples.

Beans: 3 cups hot water and 2 tsp baking soda per 1 cup beans. Soak overnight; drain, rinse, and cool.

Carrots: Use 1 cup carrots to 1 cup ice water. Let stand 20 minutes.

Fruit Drink Mix: Add 1 cup drink mix to enough cold water to make 2 quarts. Blend well.

Hot Cocoa: Use 1/4 cup mix per 3/4 cup of hot water. Blend smooth.

Potato Pearls: Add 2 cups hot water (+180 degrees) to 1 cup potato pearls. Stir briefly, cover and allow to stand 5-10 minutes.

Chocolate Pudding: Add 1 1/2 cups mix to 2 2/3 cups water. Blend. Chill 15 minutes. Serves 4.

Vanilla Pudding: Add 1 cup mix to 2 cups water or milk. Blend. Chill 15 minutes. Serves 4.

Oats-Rolled: 2 cups water to 1 cup oats and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring water to a boil. Add oats and stir. Cook 2 minutes.

Rice, White: Use 2 cups water and 1 tsp salt per cup of rice. Cook, covered, about 15-20 minutes.

TVP: 1 cup TVP, 1/4 cup Tamari or soy sauce, and 3/4 cup water. Heat water to boiling, turn heat to medium and add TVP. Cook until water is absorbed. This can be used in any recipe that calls for ground browned beef (lasagna, chili, etc.)

Soup Mix: Soak overnight. Add 1 cup soup mix to 3 quarts water or meat broth. Add vegetables, meat or bouillon as desired. Simmer for 45 minutes. Season to taste.

Cheese powder: Using wire whip, mix 1/4 cup cheese powder to 1/2 cup milk or water. Do not add to hot liquid as it will lump.

Powdered whole eggs: Varies 1 Tbsp egg powder to 1 1/2 Tbsp water. Make a paste with a little water, then blend smooth, adding remaining water. 1 egg.

Dehydrated fruits: 1/3 cup fruit to 1 cup water. Let stand several hours. Equal to 1 cup fruit.

Margarine powder: Mix 1 cup powder to 1/4 cup water equals 1 cup margarine. One half cup powder, 1 Tbsp water and 1 Tbsp oil equal 1 cup margarine and mixes easily.

Powdered milk: General rule equals 2 cups powdered milk to 1 gallon water. Mix with wire whip or in blender. Refrigerate overnight.

Dehydrated vegetables: 1/3 cup vegetables to 1 cup water. Let stand several hours. Add a little pinch of sugar to improve flavor. In soups or stews, do not reconstitute before using.

Specials for March!

Here are the items we can get great prices on for the month of March! I need to get your order and money to me by March 20th. Let me know if you have any questions!

First, do you know where your gas shut off valve is located? You need to know where it is located in an emergency. Also, do you know how to shut it off? Do you have a gas shut off wrench? I found a deal on these wrenches for $5! It lists the instructions right on the wrench. If you want me to come over to your home and show you how to use it, let me know.

I am also getting Fettucini Noodles in #10 cans. They are normally $11.95 and we can get them for $7!

One more item! Freeze-dried Mozzarella Cheese!! These come in a #10 can and normally set for $44.95, we are get them for $25! As with any freeze-dried item they reconstitute wonderfully! This cheese even melts!

Time to panic?

NO! Don't panic about what is happening in the world. Yes there is much to be concerned about, but no need to panic and spend your life savings on food storage and emergency items. If you are doing what the prophets have told us to do, you will be fine. The LDS Home Storage Centers are seeing many of their items being sold so quickly that they can't keep up with the demand. This is because so many people are panicing. Get your food storage slowly, a little at a time as your financial means allow you to do. Don't go into debt and don't panic. If you are working on getting your food storage and being prepared, you need not fear. The Lord will take care of those of us who are doing our best to follow his counsel. So, just do it as you are able. If you are able, you can use some of your economic stimulous check to build up your reserves.

ICE your cell phone

ICE stands for in case of emergency. If you add a new contact to your cell phone that goes like this:

*ICE Mom

It will be listed first in the contacts on your phone. This will make is easier for emergency personal to contact who you would want them to in an emergency. I have two of them in my cell phone so I put them like this:

*ICE 1 Mom
*ICE 2 Sister

Keep yourself safe and make it easier on the ones who are helping you!

72-hour kits

Are you prepared to suddenly have to leave your house in an emergency? Start getting your 72-hour kits together. Have them by the front door, the garage or by each persons bed. Work on getting things your family would like to have slowly. Rushing out and buying it at once can drain your wallet! Decide first what you will put them in. Our family has backpacks that I bought for .19 each on a clearance sale right after the back school sales. Make sure you put plenty of water and food in each pack. As for clothing, this can be difficult to decide what to do. For an idea, our family each has underwear, socks and a pair of sweats. The sweats can easily be converted to shortsleaves and shorts, but can be warm during cold weather. Also, make sure that everyone leaves shoes and a pair of socks by their bed each night. This will help searching for in the middle of the night. When deciding on food, pack things that don't have to be cooked or are easy to fix. Don't pack chocolate! It melts easily and goes bad quickly. I suggest canned meats, soups, cereals, hard candy, etc. Also pack flashlights, pocket knives, blankets, poncho, whistle and anything else your family might need. Another great thing to do is make copies of all your insurance papers, vehicle information, medical information, birth certificates, etc and put them in a ziplock baggie in your pack. You never know if you will need this! Also, pack money in small denominations. Don't pack a $100 bill! You never know you will be able to use it! Pack 1's, 5's, 10's and 20's.