Here we go again. Just some ramblings of this summer.
Coming up again is that darn Preparedness month. September is soon around the corner. This year we are really happy with where we sit as far as homesteading and prepping. Our gardens did, and still are, very well. Our end of winter venture of starting a chicken flock was a bust when we put our first batch of 20 9 week old chicks outside. On night 4 a critter got in and killed them all. It was a horrid sight. Luckily, my DH couldn't bear having a house full of crying girls, and we were still able to get chicks from the feed store at the end of spring. With a much more updated wire heavy house, we haven't lost any. We also invested in a dog, Bandit. 75% Great Pyrenees, 25% Anatolian Shepard, his birthday was May 1st, 2015. Unfortunately with this bunch of 20 chickens, we ended up heavy on the roosters, 14 in fact. So we're looking forward to a full freezer soon. Their about breeding size, and I sure hate beaten up hens. My DH has also started dieting and, at this time, quit smoking. He's lowered his CARB intake, and has lost many pounds. Even with him not wanting to stop and grab food all the time, even I've lost weight. I've also moved on from my soap making and into using Essential Oils for ailments. We don't typically have much ailments in our home besides the regular cold and flu. They pass pretty quickly though. Even though we have a wide range of medicine, we try not to take anything unless absolutely needed. That's what I like most about the Essential Oils. If they lose their potency, I can make more. If I run out, I can make more. I should add that even as I haven't exactly done my own oil excretion, I did get many annual herbs into my side planters. Lemon Thyme, lavender, and oregano. They are doing so much better than I expected also. My strawberries took off like crazy. I got 2 barrels of asparagus in. So a few things that I wont get to see until next Spring, but I'm really looking forward to it.
Be Weather Ready
Here we go. It's that time again in Oklahoma, or at least the peak time. Severe storms and tornadoes!
Do you have your own routine that you do before bad weather sets in? You're here, so you can't possibly wait until the last minute to prepare your home and family. Do you have a plan that everyone knows, or is it just a big chore list the day before? Us, everyone is involved. We start to get weather ready two to three days in advance. One is because between work and school and normal home life, it just gets too busy to do it all at once. Also, here in Oklahoma, you never know when the weather will change unexpectedly. During tornado season last year I gave a small class of how to be more weather ready. It benefited me in having to actually make a list out of the things we do naturally. Normally we do the same things, but do tend to forget a task or two. We don't want to ever just survive, we want to luxurious. :) After I made the list, I couldn't help but post it up in each bedroom. In both rooms we have one wall dedicated to placing posters and whatnot permanently. So it was very easy to just mod podge it at eye level.
Anyways, making more people weather ready and aware is what I love to do. I love talking prepping for just about anything, and hearing about what other clever ideas are out there. So I thought that I would share our To Do Before A Storm checklist with you. Feel free to ask any questions on why I had something on the list.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-3 DAYS BEFORE:
1. Fuel up vehicles and clean interior. Check oil, tires, wiper blades.
2. Check cellar. Bug bomb if needed.
3. Fill or check water jugs.
4. Fill or check oil lamps. Find places for them.
5. Check batteries in radio, tune in station.
6. Check BOBs. Set by door.
7. Find flashlights, check batteries, and make easy to find in each room.
8. Freeze gallon jugs of water for freezer and fridge. This helps keep your food cold longer when the power goes out.
9. Buy bottled water, quick foods, pet food, baby items, paper plates and utensils, toilet paper, paper towels, etc... Anything that will make life easier when power or water goes out.
10. How are we heating or cooling our home. Firewood, pellets, fans, ice, etc...
11. Are we restricting half of the house.
12. Check windows for drafts and so they open smoothly. Make sure they are locked.
DAY BEFORE:
10. Clean entire house. Trash, laundry, dishes, bathroom, fridge, bedding.
11. Everyone bathed.
12. Charge all electronic devices.
13. Cook big meal and refrigerate the rest for tomorrow.
14. Secure all outside items. This includes trampolines. Trampolines are a very big threat in high winds. Normally 3 anchors will keep them down.
JUST BEFORE or DURING THE STORM:
Fill up the fridge. Make extra tea and koolaid.
Make sure highly used electronics are at full charge.
Turn off unused lights, unplug any items rarely used.
Turn up the cool settings on fridge and freezers. Remember to turn back down after storm has passed.
Turn off the home computer and surge protector.
USE THE BATHROOM!!!
WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT:
Find the flashlight. Give everyone a flashlight.
Wait 30 minutes before calling the electric company.
Try to avoid opening the fridge as much as possible. Grab the tea and koolaid, and set on the counter. (This is to keep everyone from having to continuously opening and closing for a drink)
Turn off all light switches that were being used, except for one.
If you weren't watching or listening to the news, turn on a Weather radio to wait for news. If you were close to a tornado when the power went out, seek shelter. Take your BOB and portable radio.
If it's easily accessible, turn off gas valves and unused circuit breakers.
Lock the doors.
Turn off the hot water heater breaker. This keeps the heater from burning up if it empties when water is out.
DON'T run in to use the bathroom! Remember that the toilet has to be filled again for the next person. Use it wisely. Throw toilet paper in the trash can. Go outside if you can. Take the top lid off if you need a reminder to not flush.
Put snacks and drinks on the counter where everyone can find them.
Only light and place lamps and candles in rooms that will be heavily used. Don't overdue it and burn the place down.
Have a designated area in the house where everyone can gather and spend their time being bored. Keep everyone on the same page of what's going on. Get comfortable.
If you have phone or internet connection, let friends know that your power went out and how everyone is doing.
OTHER things to know:
Turn vehicles around for easy loading and escape. Cover windows with a blanket to keep from hail damage.
Think about what to eat first, and how to cook meals.
Know, or program phone, your electric company outage number.
Have cash on hand in small bills.
Have personal documents and medical info handy.
Know how to wash your hands with minimal water. Trickling a water bottle over vigorously rubbing hands together. No need to use half a gallon of water for a rinse.
Get a state map.
Have a weapon handy if possible. I would advise to keep it on you at all times, or at least if you have to go outside. Looters are getting very popular now during storms.
Darken windows so not to draw attention if you live in a well populated area.
Dust off the board games, or something to keep you from boredom.
Make sure fire alarms work.
Don't forget a long lighter for candles and lamps.
Take pictures of items if you have home insurance. Or if strapped for time, walk through the house taking video of rooms.
Make sure your first aid kit is stocked.
A headlight is very handy when cooking.
Put a BOB in your vehicle. Food, water, blankets, cash and coins.
Use mirrors to move candle lights. Unless you plan on going to sleep until power returns, know the sweet spots of the house on how to get the most from your temporary lighting.
Generators are noisy, and require fuel to run. On that same note: their like flashing signs to looters. Normally not necessary if plans are in place. Usually when used, they are only connected to a light and a tv. Make sure you have extension cords to reach. Chain them to something secure if possible.
A box of vinyl or latex gloves is very handy when handling items that get your hands dirty. When there's no running water, it's worth the $5 at Harbor Freight.
SHOPPING LIST OF FOOD IDEAS:
Crackers, goldfish or animal crackers, chips, rice cakes, granola or protein bars, mixed nuts, canned soups or pasta meals (heat and eat), canned or fresh fruits, juice, cookies, hard candy, bread, eggs, regular or boxed milk, Vienna sausages or other canned meats, fruit snacks, ramen noodles in the cups, water flavor packets, pop tarts, soda pop (but only as a treat).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hoped you picked up some info you could use. Thanks for reading!
originally published 11/11/14
modified 4/3/15
Do you have your own routine that you do before bad weather sets in? You're here, so you can't possibly wait until the last minute to prepare your home and family. Do you have a plan that everyone knows, or is it just a big chore list the day before? Us, everyone is involved. We start to get weather ready two to three days in advance. One is because between work and school and normal home life, it just gets too busy to do it all at once. Also, here in Oklahoma, you never know when the weather will change unexpectedly. During tornado season last year I gave a small class of how to be more weather ready. It benefited me in having to actually make a list out of the things we do naturally. Normally we do the same things, but do tend to forget a task or two. We don't want to ever just survive, we want to luxurious. :) After I made the list, I couldn't help but post it up in each bedroom. In both rooms we have one wall dedicated to placing posters and whatnot permanently. So it was very easy to just mod podge it at eye level.
Anyways, making more people weather ready and aware is what I love to do. I love talking prepping for just about anything, and hearing about what other clever ideas are out there. So I thought that I would share our To Do Before A Storm checklist with you. Feel free to ask any questions on why I had something on the list.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-3 DAYS BEFORE:
1. Fuel up vehicles and clean interior. Check oil, tires, wiper blades.
2. Check cellar. Bug bomb if needed.
3. Fill or check water jugs.
4. Fill or check oil lamps. Find places for them.
5. Check batteries in radio, tune in station.
6. Check BOBs. Set by door.
7. Find flashlights, check batteries, and make easy to find in each room.
8. Freeze gallon jugs of water for freezer and fridge. This helps keep your food cold longer when the power goes out.
9. Buy bottled water, quick foods, pet food, baby items, paper plates and utensils, toilet paper, paper towels, etc... Anything that will make life easier when power or water goes out.
10. How are we heating or cooling our home. Firewood, pellets, fans, ice, etc...
11. Are we restricting half of the house.
12. Check windows for drafts and so they open smoothly. Make sure they are locked.
DAY BEFORE:
10. Clean entire house. Trash, laundry, dishes, bathroom, fridge, bedding.
11. Everyone bathed.
12. Charge all electronic devices.
13. Cook big meal and refrigerate the rest for tomorrow.
14. Secure all outside items. This includes trampolines. Trampolines are a very big threat in high winds. Normally 3 anchors will keep them down.
JUST BEFORE or DURING THE STORM:
Fill up the fridge. Make extra tea and koolaid.
Make sure highly used electronics are at full charge.
Turn off unused lights, unplug any items rarely used.
Turn up the cool settings on fridge and freezers. Remember to turn back down after storm has passed.
Turn off the home computer and surge protector.
USE THE BATHROOM!!!
WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT:
Find the flashlight. Give everyone a flashlight.
Wait 30 minutes before calling the electric company.
Try to avoid opening the fridge as much as possible. Grab the tea and koolaid, and set on the counter. (This is to keep everyone from having to continuously opening and closing for a drink)
Turn off all light switches that were being used, except for one.
If you weren't watching or listening to the news, turn on a Weather radio to wait for news. If you were close to a tornado when the power went out, seek shelter. Take your BOB and portable radio.
If it's easily accessible, turn off gas valves and unused circuit breakers.
Lock the doors.
Turn off the hot water heater breaker. This keeps the heater from burning up if it empties when water is out.
DON'T run in to use the bathroom! Remember that the toilet has to be filled again for the next person. Use it wisely. Throw toilet paper in the trash can. Go outside if you can. Take the top lid off if you need a reminder to not flush.
Put snacks and drinks on the counter where everyone can find them.
Only light and place lamps and candles in rooms that will be heavily used. Don't overdue it and burn the place down.
Have a designated area in the house where everyone can gather and spend their time being bored. Keep everyone on the same page of what's going on. Get comfortable.
If you have phone or internet connection, let friends know that your power went out and how everyone is doing.
OTHER things to know:
Turn vehicles around for easy loading and escape. Cover windows with a blanket to keep from hail damage.
Think about what to eat first, and how to cook meals.
Know, or program phone, your electric company outage number.
Have cash on hand in small bills.
Have personal documents and medical info handy.
Know how to wash your hands with minimal water. Trickling a water bottle over vigorously rubbing hands together. No need to use half a gallon of water for a rinse.
Get a state map.
Have a weapon handy if possible. I would advise to keep it on you at all times, or at least if you have to go outside. Looters are getting very popular now during storms.
Darken windows so not to draw attention if you live in a well populated area.
Dust off the board games, or something to keep you from boredom.
Make sure fire alarms work.
Don't forget a long lighter for candles and lamps.
Take pictures of items if you have home insurance. Or if strapped for time, walk through the house taking video of rooms.
Make sure your first aid kit is stocked.
A headlight is very handy when cooking.
Put a BOB in your vehicle. Food, water, blankets, cash and coins.
Use mirrors to move candle lights. Unless you plan on going to sleep until power returns, know the sweet spots of the house on how to get the most from your temporary lighting.
Generators are noisy, and require fuel to run. On that same note: their like flashing signs to looters. Normally not necessary if plans are in place. Usually when used, they are only connected to a light and a tv. Make sure you have extension cords to reach. Chain them to something secure if possible.
A box of vinyl or latex gloves is very handy when handling items that get your hands dirty. When there's no running water, it's worth the $5 at Harbor Freight.
SHOPPING LIST OF FOOD IDEAS:
Crackers, goldfish or animal crackers, chips, rice cakes, granola or protein bars, mixed nuts, canned soups or pasta meals (heat and eat), canned or fresh fruits, juice, cookies, hard candy, bread, eggs, regular or boxed milk, Vienna sausages or other canned meats, fruit snacks, ramen noodles in the cups, water flavor packets, pop tarts, soda pop (but only as a treat).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hoped you picked up some info you could use. Thanks for reading!
originally published 11/11/14
modified 4/3/15
Preparing for Winter
Here in Oklahoma, our winters are sporadic. Throughout the season it snows, freezes, gets hot, and sometimes it just rains a lot. We never pack up our summer and winter clothes since we use them all year long. The only thing that we do know, is that it never snows in the summer time here. On occasions we have those bursts of freezing temps for a few days, which causes power outages and frozen pipes.
Anyways, We all know what a normal winter should bring. Here's a list to help you get started if you haven't already. Be smart and stay Prepared.
Your vehicle. I always start off with your vehicle, because if you can't stay in your house for some reason, then you can always load up and go to a family members' house.
Please take note that this list is all optional. Everyone has a different setting and preference. This is my basic To Do list.
Check the necessities! You should do this at the start of every season.
--Brake fluid
--Transmission fluid
--Radiator fluid (know which kind you need!)
--Oil
--Window washer fluid (the kind for winter, or add a little bit rubbing alcohol to a full tank)
--Check your wiper blades. Just replace them if you live in OK. The heat already killed them. :)
--Check your exhaust for leaks (Most any local muffler shop wont have a problem checking your exhaust. If there is a problem, ask them if they will show it to you.)
--Check all tires, even the spare. Make sure their at the right pressure. Replace tire if the tread is gone. Please don't put other people at risk by driving on sleds.
--Check that all lights are working.
--Check the belts, and replace if needed. I keep a spare serpentine belt in my VEDC.I do know how to install it. ;)
To have in your vehicle.
--Your emergency bag (Should have most of your needs already. Snacks, flashlight, firestarter, toilet paper, etc...Most things that you would like to have if you were stranded, or camping)
--Blanket (I like the cheap fleece blankets, and their easy to store)
--Ice scraper/De-icer (NEVER pour warm or hot water on your iced over windows. They will either break or you just poured water into every crevace that will now freeze)
--Gloves (Pretty much anything not fluffy will help)
--Bottled water (I keep a tote with bottles to drink, and then an Ozarka gal bottle for anything else)
--Add hand warmers and ice walkers to your emergency bag.
--Road salt (I keep a small coffee can)
--Shovel, if you can spare the room. I'm in search for a small compact shovel that isn't over $20. Also smaller than the ones that you pick up at Walmart. It has to fit into my rear door with my jack.
--A road map. Know the snow routes in your area. Snow routes are the first places that get cleared in bad weather. Usually roads that let emergency vehicles get anywhere around.
Preparing your Home for Winter
--Everyone hates to do it, but ya gotta clean them windows to let some sun in.
--If your using a fireplace or pellet stove, make sure to bring your fuel close to grab. I always hated going out to chisel ice and snow off the firewood at the back of the yard. Pellet stoves are neat, but rather than bring in a bag of pellets, buy a trash can and place it on the porch or in the laundry room. Pour the bags into the can and get you a scooper. It helps.
--If using any gas to heat your home, find out if they will do a free test to check for leaks. Most propane places will test before filling the tank.
--Make sure that you clear areas your heating source. Please watch those space heaters. We actually passed a housefire this morning in our local town. I hope everyone was safe.
--Cover your outside faucets and exposed pipes. I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but it is often overlooked because of the simplicity. Don't be the dumb person trying to repair a broken line in the freezing cold because you kept putting it off.
--If you have a wellhouse, the same goes for covering the pipes. Wrap anything exposed, make sure that you have appropriate room if you have to place a heater in the wellhouse.
--Clean off the porches. This may not be a big thing at the moment, but it will be to Mom/Wife. A clear area to knock the ice and snow off yourself before entering the house, will make Mom/Wife much happier to pick up your soggy wet clothing.
--On a windy day, check each room for drafts! Expandafoam or any sealers are good to invest in. Remember that you can get foam that doesn't expand, and then some that expands several inches. Baseboards and plumbing holes are usually the chill catchers.
--Change air filters, and check dryer and stove vent exits.
--Clean your gutters of whatever Fall brought you.
--Fill your outside water storage, if any.
--Roll up the waterhoses and make sure they are empty.
--Fill any holes dug by animals. This absolutely sucks when there's snow or ice on the ground.
--Rock salt for your walkway or driveway.
--Fill or check your water storage.
--Prep your preps. Stock up on items that you use a lot.
--Clean the ice chest out from the summer. If the power goes out, use the ice chest on the porch to keep your food in.
Anyways, We all know what a normal winter should bring. Here's a list to help you get started if you haven't already. Be smart and stay Prepared.
Your vehicle. I always start off with your vehicle, because if you can't stay in your house for some reason, then you can always load up and go to a family members' house.
Please take note that this list is all optional. Everyone has a different setting and preference. This is my basic To Do list.
Check the necessities! You should do this at the start of every season.
--Brake fluid
--Transmission fluid
--Radiator fluid (know which kind you need!)
--Oil
--Window washer fluid (the kind for winter, or add a little bit rubbing alcohol to a full tank)
--Check your wiper blades. Just replace them if you live in OK. The heat already killed them. :)
--Check your exhaust for leaks (Most any local muffler shop wont have a problem checking your exhaust. If there is a problem, ask them if they will show it to you.)
--Check all tires, even the spare. Make sure their at the right pressure. Replace tire if the tread is gone. Please don't put other people at risk by driving on sleds.
--Check that all lights are working.
--Check the belts, and replace if needed. I keep a spare serpentine belt in my VEDC.I do know how to install it. ;)
To have in your vehicle.
--Your emergency bag (Should have most of your needs already. Snacks, flashlight, firestarter, toilet paper, etc...Most things that you would like to have if you were stranded, or camping)
--Blanket (I like the cheap fleece blankets, and their easy to store)
--Ice scraper/De-icer (NEVER pour warm or hot water on your iced over windows. They will either break or you just poured water into every crevace that will now freeze)
--Gloves (Pretty much anything not fluffy will help)
--Bottled water (I keep a tote with bottles to drink, and then an Ozarka gal bottle for anything else)
--Add hand warmers and ice walkers to your emergency bag.
--Road salt (I keep a small coffee can)
--Shovel, if you can spare the room. I'm in search for a small compact shovel that isn't over $20. Also smaller than the ones that you pick up at Walmart. It has to fit into my rear door with my jack.
--A road map. Know the snow routes in your area. Snow routes are the first places that get cleared in bad weather. Usually roads that let emergency vehicles get anywhere around.
Preparing your Home for Winter
--Everyone hates to do it, but ya gotta clean them windows to let some sun in.
--If your using a fireplace or pellet stove, make sure to bring your fuel close to grab. I always hated going out to chisel ice and snow off the firewood at the back of the yard. Pellet stoves are neat, but rather than bring in a bag of pellets, buy a trash can and place it on the porch or in the laundry room. Pour the bags into the can and get you a scooper. It helps.
--If using any gas to heat your home, find out if they will do a free test to check for leaks. Most propane places will test before filling the tank.
--Make sure that you clear areas your heating source. Please watch those space heaters. We actually passed a housefire this morning in our local town. I hope everyone was safe.
--Cover your outside faucets and exposed pipes. I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but it is often overlooked because of the simplicity. Don't be the dumb person trying to repair a broken line in the freezing cold because you kept putting it off.
--If you have a wellhouse, the same goes for covering the pipes. Wrap anything exposed, make sure that you have appropriate room if you have to place a heater in the wellhouse.
--Clean off the porches. This may not be a big thing at the moment, but it will be to Mom/Wife. A clear area to knock the ice and snow off yourself before entering the house, will make Mom/Wife much happier to pick up your soggy wet clothing.
--On a windy day, check each room for drafts! Expandafoam or any sealers are good to invest in. Remember that you can get foam that doesn't expand, and then some that expands several inches. Baseboards and plumbing holes are usually the chill catchers.
--Change air filters, and check dryer and stove vent exits.
--Clean your gutters of whatever Fall brought you.
--Fill your outside water storage, if any.
--Roll up the waterhoses and make sure they are empty.
--Fill any holes dug by animals. This absolutely sucks when there's snow or ice on the ground.
--Rock salt for your walkway or driveway.
--Fill or check your water storage.
--Prep your preps. Stock up on items that you use a lot.
--Clean the ice chest out from the summer. If the power goes out, use the ice chest on the porch to keep your food in.
Start The New Year off right!
Anyone looking for New Years Resolutions or maybe yearly Challenges? Try these on.
Ready Nutrition has a 52 Weeks to Preparedness blog. It's awesome! Not overbearing if you've got some start up on your preps. Even for the experienced Prepper, it's a reminder of all those To Do things that we never got around to doing. I would advise to bookmark it. It's worth it.
http://readynutrition.com/resources/week-1-of-52-two-weeks-of-food-and-water_06042011/
Struggling to make ends meet at Christmas time, then get slammed with taxes right after? It seems that right at mid-November we start the reaching point for cash. Not to mention that all the good Want products come out about this time. Birthdays, Christmas, home renovations for company, taxes, birthdays, birthdays, and birthdays. "sigh" Well if you haven't seen it yet, here is the 52 Week Savings Challenge. This is a great system that we use...normally making it at least to Thanksgiving. :p It does still help, and that's the important part. I do use it a different way though. Rather than a dollar number for whatever week it is, I do $10 a week for each first 10 weeks. $20 a week for the next 10 weeks, $30 a week for the next 10 weeks, and so on. It comes up to $1600 at 50 weeks I believe. However you want to use it is your deal, but if you have a problem putting money aside, this could help.
http://thebudgetnistablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/52weekchallenge-lg.jpg
So do you have a favorite yearly challenge that you would like to share?
Ready Nutrition has a 52 Weeks to Preparedness blog. It's awesome! Not overbearing if you've got some start up on your preps. Even for the experienced Prepper, it's a reminder of all those To Do things that we never got around to doing. I would advise to bookmark it. It's worth it.
http://readynutrition.com/resources/week-1-of-52-two-weeks-of-food-and-water_06042011/
Struggling to make ends meet at Christmas time, then get slammed with taxes right after? It seems that right at mid-November we start the reaching point for cash. Not to mention that all the good Want products come out about this time. Birthdays, Christmas, home renovations for company, taxes, birthdays, birthdays, and birthdays. "sigh" Well if you haven't seen it yet, here is the 52 Week Savings Challenge. This is a great system that we use...normally making it at least to Thanksgiving. :p It does still help, and that's the important part. I do use it a different way though. Rather than a dollar number for whatever week it is, I do $10 a week for each first 10 weeks. $20 a week for the next 10 weeks, $30 a week for the next 10 weeks, and so on. It comes up to $1600 at 50 weeks I believe. However you want to use it is your deal, but if you have a problem putting money aside, this could help.
http://thebudgetnistablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/52weekchallenge-lg.jpg
So do you have a favorite yearly challenge that you would like to share?
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