Monday, November 20, 2006

Back to Basics

if you don't know quite where to start... try this list of basic food storage items and quanitities.

for Word version,
request by e-mail: rogneva@cut.net
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Back to Basics
WATER
Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least two weeks. (14 gallons)
You can store water in pop and juice bottles, but not in milk or Clorox bottles.
Ceramic filter bottles turn dirty water into drinking water.
Store water in the dark to prevent algae growth.

WHEAT AND GRAINS
400 lbs. per person, lasts 20+ years.
Golden 86 is easier to digest.
The cans at the dry pack cannery are ideal for storing grain. If you want to sprout grains, leave out the oxygen absorbing packet and mark it as sprouting wheat.
Two or more grains combined or added to legumes creates a complete protein.
Millet is a complete protein.
Consider allergies and the ability to digest whole grains, you may want to consider storing some rice.
Lasts 3-4 years.

LEGUMES
60 lbs. per person
Beans get hard after about one year but they can be sprouted. The dry pack cannery gives a life span of 6-8 years in the can or pouch. They also have dry refried beans. Canned beans would be convenient.

MILK
16 lbs. per person. Lasts 3-5 years.
Don’t throw out old milk, it can be used to make “chicken” or cheese.

HONEY OR SUGAR
Sugar lasts 20+ years, 60 lbs. per person
Honey is rich in nutrients and has antibiotic properties. It gets hard but can be melted.
(Bee’s wax candles kill germs and purify the air.)

OIL
16 lbs. per person, lasts 8-10 years. (This is not enough.)
Crisco in METAL CANS- large size to buy at warehouse clubs. Grocery store size is in a paper can. It requires no refrigeration. Canola oil does not last long.
Margarine will last about 6 months without refrigeration.

SALT
8 lbs. per person, lasts 20+ years.
Salt is healing, cleansing and preserves meat (you may want to buy extra.)

GARDENS AND FRUIT TREES
Should be counted as part of your food storage.
Seeds need to be stored if you can grow a garden.
Tools for gardening are needed.
Canning supplies.

Storage suggestion, items acquired one month at a time:
§ Water
§ Wheat
§ Milk
§ Oil
§ Honey, sugar
§ Salt
§ Legumes
§ Other needs- toilet paper, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary products, dish soap, laundry soap, first aid, matches, spices, canning supplies, medicine, cloth diapers, garbage bags, etc.

bean-bag slow cooker



perfect for camping or power outages. fueled by boiling water. i have a pattern that you can use, just bring your fabric over and cut it at my house. e-mail for an appointment: rogneva@cut.net

dehydration: recognition & treatment

dehydration results from excessive loss of body fluids. dehydration may follow episodes of diarrhea, vomiting, prolonged fever, and any condition where there is a rapid and extreme loss of body fluid. some signs of diarrhea include: frequent bowel movements that the person cannot control, watery stools, little urine or dark yellow urine, more than normal thirst, dry mouth and tongue, sunken fontanelle, sunken or dry eyes, fast, weak pulse, flushed/dry skin, skin that does not spring back immediately when pinched, lethargy, irritability or confusion. if someone has two or more of the signs of dehydration, it is important to restore fluids as soon as possible. a simple oral rehydration solution can be made by mixing the following ingredients:
REHYDRATION FORMULA
1/4 tsp real salt
1/4 tsp no salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 1/2 tsp sugar
mix into 4 c water

give the person small sips of the solution every five minutes, even if he vomits, until he begins to urinate normally. the drink can be given with fruit juices as a flavoring. the person may also drink green coconut water, thin vegetable soup/broth, or the water in which rice or barley has been cooked.

FOR KIT:
9 oz real salt
11 oz no salt
1 box baking soda
4 1/2 c sugar
in one-gallon bag

Source: Basic Self-Reliance, 109-12.

grains for babies

equal parts of oat groats, hulled barley, brown rice, and hulled millet. mix these grains together and grind very fine.

baby food:
1 Tbsp grain mix flour for babies
1/2 c water, heat slowly for about 5 minutes
add applesauce, bananas, peaches or any other mashed fruit.

you can start with two grains and add more as the baby gets older.

car kit idea list

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request by e-mail: rogneva@cut.net
subject line: car kit idea list

if nothing else, tuck a flashlight and a blanket under the seat.
*****

CAR KIT IDEAS
ALWAYS KEEP GAS TANK HALF FULL

Water purifier, Water, Sanitation kit, Under wear, socks, Good walking shoes/boots, cold weather clothes (polypropylene), Radio/batteries, Medicines (anti-plague & Rx’s, Masks (N-95), Gloves (cold weather, leather, Dr., etc.), BDU’s (Levi is not good for cold weather), Balaclava (hat that covers face), Strike anywhere matches (put in plastic container & store in plastic bag, put striker on lid), Leather man, knife, silverware, can opener, cup, Space blanket, small tent, Hammock, blanket, bedroll, Military rain poncho, Heavy plastic, Needles, safety pins & dental floss, Fishing kit, Carabineers & finger saw, Flint & magnesium, Consecrated oil, Sardines w/ pop-open lid, Mosquito net for hat, JB weld (2), Super glue, Small packets of salt, pepper, sugar, Note pad & pencil, Money (silver rounds, quarters for phone, small bills), Emergency contact phone numbers & phone card number, Binoculars, Re-hydration kit, Mirror, Flashlight, First aid kit (cayenne pepper), Life sprouts (2 heavy ziplock bags, 2 white wash cloths), Food (granola bars, dried fruit, beef jerky, cereal bars), 20-ft. nylon cord, high-pitched whistle, duct tape, butane lighter, hygiene kit (toothbrush, comb, soap, feminine supplies, etc.), Scriptures, Laxative, anti-diarrhea, Baby wipes, sunscreen, chapstick

Dr. Schultz anti-plague formula

put the following in the blender in equal portions: horseradish, white onion, garlic, ginger root, habanera peppers (hottest you can find). add: apple cider vinegar almost to the top of the blender. blend. place in jars. the older it gets the more powerful it is. store on the shelf.

whole wheat pilaf

take 2 cups of whole wheat, wash several times; add 4-6 cups of cold water (some wheat absorbs more water.) let stand in a cool place for 18-24 hours then put in a crock pot with a little salt for seasoning. simmer on the lowest setting for about 10-12 hours. now melt 1/4 to 1/3 cup of butter in a skillet and add 1 large onion, chopped fine, and simmer. don't brown the butter and onion. this takes about 30 minutes. add butter and onion to the whole wheat the last 2 hours. it keeps in the freezer well.

canned meat

contributed by LaVon Nelson
cut meat into chunks and brown; add bay leaf and basil. put meat and meat juices in a pint jar and pressure.

contributed by Anna Hendrickson
cut raw meat into chunks and pack into a pint jar with a bouillon cube and pressure for 1 hr 15 min at 12 lbs. pressure.

canned chicken or turkey
cut poultry up and steam or boil until about 1/2 cooked, pour meat and juice into a pint jar leaving 1" room at the top. pressure for 1 hr 15 min at 12 lbs.

canned fish, contributed by Mick Finn
clean fish and cut off the heads, tails, and fins. freeze until you have enough fish to can a batch. freezing will help the skin come off when you are ready to can. thaw the fish only enough to peel the skin off keeping the flesh frozen so it doesn't fall apart. cut pieces of fish the size to fit in a pint jar. pack in as many as you can fit. you may add salt or olive oil, but it is not necessary. the fish will form a liquid as it cooks. place in a pressure cooker for one hour at 12 pounds pressure. this may vary according to altitude.

aged garlic

peel garlic and place in a jar. boil white distilled vinegar, add a bit of salt and pour over garlic. let cool for 30 minutes. place a piece of wax paper on it and then screw on the lid. put away for one week, then open up the lid and fill the jar full again with more boiled vinegar. put away for a minimum of six months. two years is best, the older it gets, the more powerful it becomes and the less odor it has.

"chicken" patties

4 c hot water
3 c powdered milk (not instant)
1/2 c white vinegar

put 2 c. water in saucepan; bring to boil. add remaining water and dry milk powder to blender. blend and pour into boiling water. over medium heat, stir and slowly add vinegar until milk curdles, adding more vinegar 1 tsp. at a time, if necessary, until mixture forms large, fluffy curds. do not boil. rinse in hot water. fry for 30 seconds on each side and then soak in your favorite chicken seasoning for 30 minutes. bread with your favorite breading and lightly fry.

how to bottle butter

melt the butter in a microwave or on the stovetop. pour into hot sterilized jars. you may also put the butter in jars and melt them in the oven on low until the butter melts in the jars. place the sterilized lids and rings on the hot jars and they will seal themselves. to prevent settling shake the jars when they get to room temperature. then put the jars in the fridge for a half hour to set. when the butter has cooled the jars can be stored in a five-gallon bucket with cardboard between the jars and rows to prevent breakage when the bucket is moved. a bucket will hold 35 half-pint jars. one pound of butter fills three half-pint jars. official shelf life of bottled butter is 2-3 years.
hint: if butter goes rancid you can heat it until the why separates from the butter, then run a paper towl over the whey to remove it. let the butter cool and solidify again.

survival bread

2 c oats
2 1/2 c powdered milk
3 1/2 oz pkg. jell-o orange or lemon
3 Tbsp honey
3 Tbsp water
1 c sugar

combine oats, powdered milk and sugar. in a medium pan, mix: water, jell-o and honey. bring to a boil. add dry ingredients. mix well. (if the mix is too dry, add a small amount of water a teaspoon at a time). shape dough into a loaf (about the size of a brick). place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. cool. wrap in aluminum foil to store. this bread will keep indefinately and each loaf is the daily nutrients for one adult.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

72-hour kit

IMPORTANT!
INFORMATION PACK

INCLUDES:
EVACUATION CHECKLIST will remind you of things you need to do when you are under stress and may not be able to think clearly.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM has general information about your medical facts, blood type, disabilities, allergies, eyeglasses, etc.
NEXT OF KIN included on emergency information form.
PERMISSION TO TREAT FORM for each child under the age of 18 years in case you are separated from the child and he/she needs immediate emergency medical treatment in order to save his/her life. This form needs to be placed in the kit the child will be using and near the top of the kit so emergency triage staff doesn’t have to search it out.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM fill out when you leave your home and place in the mailbox or on the door if you have time. (pick up a blank form at the post office)
PHONE LIST (include some change for phone calls)
o Bishop ____________________________________________________
o Ward address_______________________________________________
o Stake address_______________________________________________
o Contact relatives (include at least one out-of-state)
Name/phone_____________________________________________
Address________________________________________________
Name/phone_____________________________________________
Address________________________________________________
Name/phone_____________________________________________
Address________________________________________________

Five Steps to Peace:
1. Think it through
2. Build the kit
3. Be Alert and Be Aware
4. Have a Plan
5. Rehearse the Plan

“…if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”
(D&C 38:30)

EVACUATION CHECKLIST
Be familiar with this list of items before an emergency strikes.

IF TIME PERMITS:

TURN OFF UTILITIES- IN THIS ORDER:
ELECTRICITY
GAS (attach gas shut-off wrench to unit; aluminum wrench so it will not spark)
WATER (know where to turn off the utilities. Have the proper tools needed attached to the units or close by)

LOAD 72-HOUR KITS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS (make sure that everyone in the household knows where his/her kit is located and how to use all of the items in the kit.)

TAKE TENT OR SHELTER

LEAVE EVACUATION NOTICE

TAKE SUFFICIENT CASH OR CHANGE

TAKE LEGAL PAPERS, WILL, DEEDS, ETC.

GENEALOGY-FAMILY HISTORY

TAKE EYEGLASSES & SUFFICIENT MEDICAL NEEDS NOT IN
72-HOUR KIT

DRIVER’S LICENSE

MAKE PROVISIONS FOR PETS AND ANIMALS

BEFORE LEAVING NOTIFY POLICE, IF POSSIBLE

LOCK DOORS

POST CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR NOTE REVEALING DESTINATION

NOTE: KEEP A MINIMUM OF ½ TANK OF GAS IN ONE OR MORE VEHICLES AT ALL TIMES.


EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Name:________________________________________________________________________________
Gender: M / F Age:____________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________ County:_______________________ State: _____________
Phone number: _____________________ Spouse’s name: __________________________________

MEDICAL CONDITIONS:

MEDICATIONS YOU ARE TAKING (be specific):

BLOOD TYPE:

DISABILITIES & ANY APPLIANCES YOU USE (wheelchair, crutches, etc.)

ALLERGIES OR CHRONIC ILLNESSES:

NEXT OF KIN OR ANYONE TO BE NOTIFIED:
Name:
Address:
Phone:

Name:
Address:
Phone:

YOUR DOCTOR:
Name:
Address:
Phone:

RELIGIOUS PREFERENCE:
Clergyman Name:
Phone:

PERMISSION TO TREAT
FOR MINOR CHILD

I, (we) _____________________ (and) ____________________ of ________________________ County of _________________ State, do hereby proclaim that I am (we are) the natural parent(s)/legal guardian(s) having legal custody of _______________________________, a minor, age ______, who resides with me at ________________________________________ in the City of _____________________, County of __________________, in the State of ______________, to consent to any X-ray, examination, anesthetic, medical or surgical diagnosis or treatment and hospital care, to be rendered to the minor under the general or special supervision and on the advise of any physician or surgeon licensed to practice in the State(s) of __________________ when the need for such treatment is immediate, and when efforts to contact me (us) are unsuccessful.

This authorization is to be effective from ____________ to ___________.

Dated this _________________ day of __________________, ________.


______________________________ ______________________________
Signature of Parent(s) or Legal Guardian

Expiration Date ___________________

Child’s Doctor ______________________________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________ Phone ______________________________
Child’s Allergies, if any:

Medications Child is Taking:

Any special conditions, diagnosis, or other helpful information:


SHELTER
*WOOL BLANKET wool does not readily burn and will keep you warm even if it is wet. Synthetics such as fleece will melt right into the flesh and skin if it gets too close to a heat source and cause severe burns.

*PLASTIC DEW CLOTH a piece of lightweight plastic sheeting large enough to cover an area you need to sleep on. This is to provide a moisture barrier between you and the ground in case you have to sleep outside. It can be used as a protective shelter from the rain if needed. Can be used to line a hole dug in the ground to catch water. Many uses for plastic dew cloth.

*PLASTIC TUBE TENT there are times that some kind of shelter will be required. These tents are usually large enough for 2 adults and are not expensive. They are usually made of fairly heavy plastic and are usually 10-12 feet long and require a rope to connect them to two anchors such as trees, etc.

*ROPE usually 50 feet nylon parachute-cord type. This is used to anchor the tube tent and for innumerable other uses; very lightweight.

*MYLAR SAFETY BLANKET will offer protection under extreme weather (cold) conditions. When wrapped in this blanket up to 80% of your body heat will be reflected back to your body. Could possibly save your life in very cold conditions. Is also cooling in hot weather.

*POCKET KNIFE-LEATHERMAN get a good quality pocket knife. This may be the most important piece of emergency equipment you will prepare. Have on of the pocket sharpeners to go with it. It is small and lightweight.


FUEL PACK
LIGHT * HEAT * WARMTH

*WATERPROOF MATCHES will still light under damp conditions.

*BUTANE LIGHTER back-up fire source.

*CYALUME LIGHT STICKS the only safe source following an earthquake. (Especially good for providing comfort to children. Provides a continuous source of light for 12 hours. Cannot be turned off when activated. Cannot be reused. Totally safe for children to handle. Need to watch the dates and replace them when expired.)

*HAND AND BODY WARMERS these are especially helpful where babies, elderly or the infirm are to be considered. Depending on the brand, some may be used for three consecutive days when returned to the original package after temporary use. Can be inserted under clothing but not against the skin of elderly people. Can be used in the blankets of babies. There are some on the market that can be reused over and again. They are activated by snapping a coin-type insert in the solution. When the time expires for its use the packet becomes hard. Boil it and it is ready to use again, just snap the coin.)

*TWO 15-HOUR CANDLES least safe source of light; cheap source of light and can be shared. NOT SAFE for children. Must be used with caution. Not to be used if there is any possibility of a gas leak present or other flammable substances near.

*FLASHLIGHT & BATTERIES can be used for intermittent signaling if needed. Can be turned off and used when needed. Provides a good light source… but only lasts as long as the batteries. To recharge alkaline batteries: slit the sides, soak in vinegar for an hour, and seal with duct tape.
or NEW LITHIUM FLASHLIGHT guaranteed for a lifetime and give off excellent light. They recharge when shook and are good for 100,000 charges.

NEWSPAPER a couple of pages of newsprint folded tightly can provide a cheap backup for those not desiring or able to start a warming fire with fire starter or kindling; does not add weight to your pack. Also can be a backup for toilet paper.

SPARKLIGHT TINDER QUICK also a backup. This is a small kit which contains a flint and tinder to light fires. Backpackers usually carry this kit in the back-country. It is small and guarantees a spark to light a fire.

ALCOHOL STOVE AND ALCOHOL a good cooking source and very reasonable. Uses regular alcohol for a fuel source and is very compact, lightweight and the alcohol can be used in medical applications. Can be used to heat water for babies’ formula, etc.

PERSONALIZED MEDICATIONS PACKET
PERSONALIZED MEDICATIONS- IMPORTANT These medications should be packaged in a separate airtight container, each medication wrapped individually to avoid absorption, for each kit or person for which the kit is intended- one person per container… DO NOT MIX! Include: patient’s name; physical description of medication, expiration/ purchase date, dosage instructions (time, with food, water or juice, etc.) with strength; doctor’s name; other pertinent information such as indications & specific instructions.
ROTATE MEDICATIONS TO ENSURE POTENCY: TABLETS, 1 YEAR AND LIQUIDS, 6 MONTHS.

EXTRA PAIR OF EYEGLASSES, if necessary.

CONSIDER SPECIAL NEEDS
If you are preparing a kit for a person with disabilities, take into consideration a plan of evacuation with consideration of mobility. You may need to stay where you are. If forced to evacuate, be ready to implement the plan as efficiently as possible. Provide a specialized kit to remain with that person and instructions for use.

PREPARE MEDICATIONS FOR FOUR DAYS include vitamins in each kit.

***NOTE***
If you are allergic to BEE STINGS- include a treatment kit along with instructions on how to use it. (Time is essential to treatment.)
If you have ASTHMA, ALLERGIES OR OTHER CONDITIONS- include information relating to causes and treatments. Include your usual medication and instructions. Remember you may be separated from your caregiver- leave detailed instructions to ensure your chances of receiving proper care.
Include all of your emergency information in your personal medication pack as well as in your general information pack. DARE TO BE REDUNDANT!

*POTASSIUM IODIDE or POTASSIUM IODATE this item would be needed in case of a nuclear accident or attack. It should be taken for a period of time from the first, second, or third day of the attack or accident through the 14th day following. (The thyroid gland takes up iodine from the air. This medication saturates the thyroid to block the possibility of picking up radioactive iodine from the air after an incident.)

*PAIN RELIEVERS Tylenol, Ibuprofen, aspirin- your choice.

*POTABLE AQUA water purification tablets. This particular brand will remove giardia cysts as well as other contaminants from water. One bottle will purify 25 quarts of water.
(and PA+) to remove objectionable taste left in the water. It neutralizes the effect of the water purification tablets in the water.

COUGH DROPS comfort item under certain conditions.

INSECT REPELLENT optional depending upon geographical location.


COMFORT PACK
*WASHCLOTH in a zip-lock bag to keep it isolated if it has been wet. It can be returned to the bag after use to isolate it from dry items and keep it from collecting germs.

*HAND TOWEL in a separate zip-lock bag to keep it dry and sanitary.

*TOILET PAPER in a separate zip-lock bag to keep it dry and sanitary, free from contaminants.

*SANITARY NAPKINS everybody gets ONE or TWO (even the men and boys) to be used for a medical compress. If applicable, add enough for three days. Include plastic bags (or wrapper) for disposal or containment during prevailing conditions.

*BAR OF SOAP in a separate zip-lock bag or a travel soap container to protect food from absorbing the perfume smell. Pack away from food.

*CHAPSTICK will provide protection and comfort if you are required to be out in the elements for a prolonged period of time.

*WET ONES provide an instant, disposable source to clean hands, face, noses, some wounds, babies, etc. Use of these will save your washcloth and hand towel. They are germ-free as packaged and extremely convenient.

*BABY WIPES if applicable &/or preferred. These are a necessity if preparing a kit for an infant or small child. They are larger and thicker than Wet Ones.

*COMB/BRUSH comfort item that can be used to remove debris out of hair if necessary.

*TOOTHBRUSH & HOLDER comfort item and tool to remove parts of broken teeth. The holder can be used to contain flex-straws with the toothbrush. Not a life or death item, however, it is important for hygiene to help sustain health and emotional well-being.

TOOTHPASTE: travel-size tube or baking soda. Not required.

LOTION may be a necessity depending upon geographic location or harsh conditions including sun, wind, or salt.

DISPOSABLE RAZOR is a comfort item and medical tool. Can be used to shave area in preparation for lesion repair.

DEODORANT could prove to be both a comfort and emotional item if confined with numerous persons in a shelter. Can also use baby powder or cornstarch.

SHAMPOO is a comfort item that can be used to wash contaminants or debris from hair.

TRAVEL KLEENEX may be necessary for small children.

EMERY BOARD to avoid being stuck with an irritating torn fingernail which can be an aggravating detriment to progress.

CORNSTARCH/TALCUM POWDER for diapering. Protects the skin from irritation, chafing & severe burns. Be sure the container is closed securely &/or put in a zip-lock bag to prevent it from “crawling” into every part of your kit. Corn starch can also be used to comfort sore feet from wearing wet shoes too long.

FLEX STRAWS include three or four of these inside the toothbrush holder. These can be valuable in administering water or other fluids to a person injured and unable to hold his/her head up.


SANITATION PACK
*SEWING KIT should include the following: 2 threaded needles, 10 assorted sized buttons, 2 large safety pins, 3 medium safety pins, and 4 small safety pins. Also, a single-sided razor blade, several thumb tacks. For thread, cut 2 small pieces of cardboard (3/4” by 2”), cut two small notches on each side. Wrap 5 yards of thread around each notch- four different colors for a total of 20 yards of thread. Can store efficiently in an empty 35 mm film container.

*PLASTIC BAGS both large and small. These can be used for wet clothes, trash, protective rain shelter, human waste, etc.

*PAIR OF RUBBER GLOVES

SLAKED LIME (sometimes called “builder’s lime”) can be used to treat human waste; dead bodies under conditions where proper disposal is not an immediate option. Should be labeled “POISON” and “DANGEROUS” Should never be included in children’s kits.

6 CLOTHES PINS can be used for anchoring the shelter and hanging wet items.

½ CUP LAUNDRY DETERGENT may come in handy if you have the room and can afford the extra weight in your kit. Close tightly and pack with other soap.

FIRST AID PACKET
*FIRST AID BOOK (pamphlet)

Just suggestions- must be modified to your particular needs, experience and family situation. Choose items that you think you may need to sustain you until help arrives.

*DISPOSABLE CPR FACE MASK this provides a protective barrier between you and the person receiving CPR. Can be purchased from medical supply houses, home health and the Red Cross.

*FRENEL LENS is an important item. It is a flat pocket-sized magnifying lens. Can also be used to start fires if there is enough direct sun.

*4 CLEANSING WIPES

*3 INFECTION PREVENTING WIPES

*3 or 4 TRIPLE ANTIBIOTIC SALVE PACKETS

*2 TELFA PADS

*6 BAND AIDS

*2 2”x 2” GAUZE PADS

*2 4” x 4” GAUZE PADS

*2 DISPOSABLE DUST MASKS

*6 Q-TIPS

*4-6 COTTON BALLS

*2 SANITARY NAPKINS

*2 PAIR RUBBER GLOVES disposable-type like the hospitals use.

*4 LARGE SAFETY PINS can be used to pin together a makeshift sling or cloth around a rigid object to make a splint.

*BAKING SODA for minor upset stomachs, insect bites or stings.

*SMALL ROLL OF ADHESIVE TAPE

*ROLL OF 2” GAUZE

*EYEWASH

COMMUNICATION and SAFETY
*SMALL SENSITIVE TRANSISTOR RADIO with EAR PLUGS have an extra set of batteries. Know which stations broadcast emergency information. Teach the children how to operate the radio and recognize when they should be still and quiet.

*PLASTIC WHISTLE will not stick to your lips in freezing temperatures. Use to let someone know you are alive or to call for help. Children should be instructed when not to use as well as when to use it.

*NOTE PAD, PENCIL & INK PEN for leaving notes. Secure with thumb tacks from the sewing kit.

*DUCT TAPE it only takes a small amount. Wrap around a pencil or stick.

*RED FLAGGING TAPE can be used to mark a path. Roll off about 5 yards and secure it with a rubber band.

TIN FOIL one yard.

MESH FACE NET can be valuable in areas where mosquitos and bugs are prevalent. May be a necessity depending upon geographic location.

FOOD PACK
Remember that you need to provide food with good balanced nutrition that stores well. Also, the more protein as in meat products you pack, the more water or fluids you will need. In extreme cold, you will need more fats to maintain body heat. Plan for 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. Fluids are important and weigh heavy.

CONVENIENCE PACK
This can be as little or as much as you would like. You may have a Sierra Pack with utensils, cups, etc. or you may want to use the following in any way you please. With children it can tend to have a calming effect to be able to identify with some of the trappings of home. If this is your aim you may include the following: paper bowls packed with instant oatmeal, small sturdy paper cups, napkins, plastic spoons, forks and knives, individual packets of sugar for cereal, salt and pepper, and some form of treat a couple times a day. The trash can be used to start the fire.

EMOTIONAL PACK
An emergency can be an extremely stressful time. It is especially stressful on children. Remember that they may be too young to know exactly what is going on, you may not even know. Given the stress of the emergency, add to it fear, unfamiliar surroundings, no T.V., no Nintendo, no recreational outlet or other toys, modified food and diet supply, the possibility of no water, heat, light or telephone… and the situation could turn into a greater emergency than the one at hand. Plan ahead for the possibility of any or all of the above. Include small games, a small ball, crayons, color book, string for cat in the cradle, a book for you or the teens, crossword puzzles, hand held puzzles, or a hacky sack. Include hard candy that stores indefinitely, maybe some packs of instant cocoa or Tang, gum or tootsie pops. If you can spare the weight you might include a can of pop or small can of juice in their kits, after all it is fluid and will help them know that things will be better soon if they can experience something from normal life. Be creative!


EXTRA CHANGE OF CLOTHES
When preparing children’s kits, remember to update the kits often as their sizes change rapidly. Prepare accordingly considering your locality and the weather. Items to consider: winter gloves, hats, scarves, and socks. Have a good pair of walking shoes handy to put on. Remember emergencies happen at any hour anytime… studies show that many injuries happen because people run out without shoes sometimes through broken glass, nails, sharp metal, etc.

It is a good winter tip to include a pair of women’s knee high nylon stocking to be worn layered under your socks for added protection to the feet. (The military suggests this)

CHANGE THE CLOTHING ITEMS IN YOUR KIT WITH THE SEASONS & SIZE CHANGES. IT WOULD NOT BE WELL TO GO THROUGH A WINTER EMERGENCY WITH SUMMER CLOTHING… A SUMMER EMERGENCY WITH WINTER CLOTHING… OR FOR YOUR SIZE 12 CHILDREN TO HAVE SIZE 4 PANTS AND SHIRT.

ADDENDUM
these items were inadvertantly left off the first printing

*PICTURE a recent picture of the person to which the kit belongs. There could also be a picture of that person in a family group picture with that person’s face being circled. This could help in identifying the rest of the family in cases where children are separated, lost or deceased.

PATRIARCHAL BLESSING a reduced-sized, laminated copy will give peace and comfort during a period of stress and crisis.

SUNGLASSES: if you are forced into the elements, these will protect you from the sun and also prevent snow blindness.

SMALL PERMANENT MARKING PEN if it becomes apparent that your life may be in imminent danger or if there are dead among or around you, use the marker to write their names, addresses or other identifying information on their arms.

TOOTHPICKS can be used to pick out broken teeth or other particles a toothbrush may not be able to remove. This is a small item with miniscule cost that adds no weight to your pack.

SMALL HAND SCRUB BRUSH to cleanse some wounds or to use in clean up after some rescue efforts where contaminants or moving the dead, or where thorough cleansing may be indicated.

COMPASS direction finder if you are forced to relocate or if you are in a wilderness situation in difficult terrain and forced to walk out.

RAIN PONCHO: protection from the elements in stormy conditions.

SMALL DROP FISHING LINE with SINKER and a SMALL AMOUNT OF BAIT this is a geographical item whereby you may be in circumstances where fishing may provide some food in a prolonged time until help arrives.

SUPER GLUE for use in some emergencies where cuts or other wounds need to be closed.

“WET FIRE” or HEXAMINE TABLETS can be used to start fires quickly and easily. Very cheap, safe and can be purchased at Army-Navy Surplus stores.

CABLE SAW These saws are very lightweight, take up very little space in the pack and are very efficient in sawing small limbs to construct shelter, cutting fire wood, and removing debris in a rescue effort.

SNAKE BITE KIT this is an item to be used in a geographical area where snakes would be a problem or where flood conditions may bring snakes.

COLLAPSIBLE SHOVEL there are small collapsible shovels which are very lightweight and compact. They can be used for trenching, building shelter or burying human waste. Be careful not to buy sub-standard quality that will break easily. The military types are the best quality and solution.

CAYENNE PEPPER stops bleeding.

*TWEEZERS for extracting glass, splinters and a host of other things from wounds.

BEE STING KIT if the person the kit is being made for requires one.

MIRROR- can be used for signaling.

550 CORD the inside of the cord can be stripped out and used to construct a travois, gillnet, shelter or to suspend caches. Can also construct a backpack with it. It is very strong. Can support 100’s of pounds.

WATCH not a digital- one with a face and a bezel. Timex offers one very reasonable. This allows you to measure the distance you have walked.

BUNGEE CORD

salt: why

Salt is a vital substance for survival of all living creatures, particularly humans. Water, salt and potassium together regulate the water content of the body. Salt is a natural anithistamine. It can be used to relieve asthma. Salt is a strong anti-stress element for the body. Salt extracts excess acid from inside the cells, particularly the brain cells. Salt is vital for maintaining muscle tone and strength. Lack of bladder control and involuntary leakage of urine could be a consequence of low salt intake. Look for a good quality of salt that has all the minerals available.

emergency heater

1 new quart-size paint can (available at paint stores)
1 roll of toilet paper
1 pint of rubbing alcohol

Remove the carboard roll from inside toilet paper. Squeeze toilet paper inside the can. Slowly and carefully pour the full pint of alcohol into the can over the toilet paper. Make sure you pour in the full pint. To use, remove the lid and light the alcohol. The alcohol burns not the paper. It should last about 8 hours. the can doesn't get hot. To put it out simply replace the lid. It can be refilled and used indefinately.