52 Weeks Of Prepping

[woodyz]

OK! This is your first week of 52, Start Prepping

Remember this list to buy is a starting point be sure you only buy what you will personally use and don't forget allergies. Substitute where needed with a like amount

readynutrition.com/resources/week-1-of-52-two-weeks-of-food-and-water_06042011/

Week 1 of 52: Short Term Emergency Food Supply (List 1)

FEMA suggests that each family have a 2 week supply of food and water for their home. Starting a food supply does not have to be a budget breaker. By slowly accumulating emergency supplies, you will not feel the financial “burn” compared to having to pay for everything up front. Therefore, keeping in mind what type of emergencies that you are planning for, if there are any family members with medical needs, how long you want your food supply to last, and so on, will help you make the best choice for your family.

Taking time to read the nutritional information on the back of the food source and knowing other considerations, will help a person make the best choices for their needs. If a person needs to use their stashed food supply, having foods high in vitamins, nutrients, and proteins will provide their body with what it needs for needed energy and mental clarity.

Preps to Buy:

 1 gallon of water per day for each family member or Datrex water pouches(Ensure that you have enough water for 2 weeks and remember that having more water stored up is better than being short on this essential supply).
 2 jars of peanut butter
 2 cans of juice per family member
 2 cans of meat per family member (tuna, salmon, chicken, Spam, etc.)
 2 cans of soup or stew for each family member
 3 non-perishable items such as saltine crackers, graham crackers, etc.
 1 hand operated can opener
 Permanent marker
 Additional supplies for infants or elderly – 2 weeks worth (diapers, wipes, children’s medication, formula, protein/calorie drinks, prescription medications, extra pair of glasses)

For those who have pets:
1 large container of dry food – This amount should last 2 weeks or longer

Action Items:

 Date perishable goods with a marker
 If possible, set aside $20 to use for emergencies
 Make a disaster plan and decide what types of disasters you are planning for (weather related, natural disasters, economic or personal disasters)
 Decide upon an out-of-area contact who can coordinate information with friends and family members.
 Once the out-of-area contact has been decided, email or call the newly designated emergency contact and provide phone numbers and names of family members for them to call.
readynutrition.com/resources/week-1-of-52-two-weeks-of-food-and-water_06042011/

[woodyz]

Week 2 of 52: Hardware List

Welcome to week 2 of our 52 Weeks to Preparedness series, which focuses on finding cost-effective ways to get you prepared for disasters.

This week we are going to focus on investing in basic hardware items. In later weeks, we will add additional hardware items to the list, but this week we are going to focus on laying a foundation.

A good rule of thumb when planning for emergencies is that a person is only as good as their tools. Good, quality tools are a sound investment and can last a lifetime if they are properly cared for. When purchasing hardware items such as the ones provided in the list below, take take to read online product and customer reviews before you make an investment. Also, avoid these 8 Rookie mistakes often made by preppers.

Preps to buy for Week 2:

33-gallon garbage can or- a sturdy storage box to hold disaster supplies
Flashlight with rechargeable batteries or a hand-crank flashlight for each member of household that is over the age of 6. (Don’t forget extra batteries for the flashlights). Flashlights should also be purchased for each car, as well.
Batteries in multiple-sizes.
Paracord
Duct tape
Bic lighter and matches – to be stored in a waterproof container
Multi-tool
For furry friends, purchase a leash, or pet carrier and an extra set of I.D. tags.
Action Items:

1. Involve your children in your family preparedness efforts. Educate them on the different types of disasters and on your family’s disaster plans. Check out websites like Ready Kids for methods to teach your children about what to do in an emergency.

2. You should ask your child’s school and/or day care about what their disaster plans are. Here are a few questions that I asked our school:

How will you communicate with a child’s family during a crisis?
Do you store adequate food, water, and supplies for a disaster?
Are you prepared for a shelter-in-place situation?
If you have to evacuate, where would you go?
3. Find up-to-date pictures of each family member in case one of them gets separated from you during a disaster event, put the pictures in a waterproof or Ziploc bag, and place it in your emergency kit.

4. Prepare a personal information card for each family member.

5. As a family, discuss your emergency meeting places, contacts, and plans. Give your children the opportunity to express their feelings and to ask questions so they fully understand the disaster plan.

6. For family members who have special needs, ensure that those needs are accounted for in your emergency plan.

[cajunlady87]

My wish is for someone to make this thread a sticky. It would be good for newbies and great refresher reading material for slow readers like me to keep going back to.

[ColcordMama]

I got to the party late so I unsticky-ed it and then sticky-ed it back again. Now I feel so useful. You're welcome.

[thywar]

Jan 26, 2016 19:33:27 GMT -7 ColcordMama said:

I got to the party late so I unsticky-ed it and then sticky-ed it back again. Now I feel so useful. You're welcome.

Which is why in week 27 they suggest large coloring books and colors to give the older folks something to amuse them and occupy their time. Feeling useful is feeling blissful. This prevents them from wanting to lead armed patrols.

[ColcordMama]

Actually, I'm about to publish my own coloring book on Amazon. It's not like all those other boring kaleidoscope books. Mine is of finely detailed drawings of teeny tiny houses that elves might have built. I'll get right back to it after I finish our latest foray patrolling the foothills of Phoenix.

And I bet most of you think I'm kidding...

[woodyz]

Week 3 of 52: Emergency Medical Supply (List 1)

Experts suggest that each home have a basic medical supply that is unique to your family’s needs. We all have our fair share of band-aids and antibiotic ointment, but do you have medical supplies that can stop dehydration or bleeding, or diarrhea? In the event of a major disaster, such as a hurricane or earthquake, if someone in the home is injured, emergency responders cannot always get to the injured victims in time. Therefore, having necessary medical supplies in the home could save someone’s life if they need immediate medical assistance.

Keep in mind that medicines can break down and spoil if they are subject to natural elements such as moisture, temperature fluctuations and exposure to light. Did you know that aspirin has a tendency to begin breaking down when it is exposed to a slight amount of moisture? Find an area in the home that has easy access and preferably located in a cool, dark area that is out of children’s reach. Also, check expiration dates periodically to ensure the medicines are still good to use. The below list of items will serve as a foundation for future medical supply lists.

Preps to Buy:

Antacid
Aspirin or non-Aspirin pain reliever
Stool softeners
Kleenex
Electrolytes
Feminine hygiene supplies
Disposable hand wipes
Band-aids
Antibiotic ointment
Extra baby needs (diapers, wipes, pacifiers, bottles, medicine, etc)
1 week of prescription medications
Extra pair of reading glasses (optional)
Action Items:

Buy a local and state map to put in your vehicle.

Create an evacuation route in case you have to evacuate your town due to a disaster. Map out mulitple escape routes to fall back on. Click here to know the signs of when to evacuate/bug out your home or community.

Sign up for a CPR/First aid class with your local area Red Cross or through your local Emergency Management Service department. For those of you who are short on time, you can find online disaster skills training courses that can be done in the convenience of your own home. Click here for a list of organizations that provide online emergency education courses.

readynutrition.com/resources/basic-medical-supply_13052011/

[woodyz]

Week 4 of 52: Communications

We have all witnessed a “communications down” scenario when going through natural disasters. One thing that all of these natural disasters have in common, besides the disruption of our daily lives, is that they are immediately followed by an almost total loss of the ability to communicate with the outside world. Power is lost, telephone services are discontinued, and cell phone service is either non-existent or is so congested that no one can get through. When experiencing these “communication down” situations we realize how vulnerable and dependent we are on the system that failed.

Having alternate communication devices on hand during a disaster can help maintain some sort of communication, as well as help maintain a sense of self reliance during difficult times. Have at least one of the following alternative communication systems:

Wind up radios
Emails (if there is a power source)
Amateur radios
Family radio services offered by the FCC
CB radios
When making your choice, you should examine your own needs and match them with the appropriate communication system.

Here are some criteria for setting up an emergency communication system:

It should be easy to operate.
Have effective range.
Have a modest amount of protection against interference.
Be inexpensive (low initial cost, low maintenance cost and no monthly fees).
Be readily available.
Be able to operate “off the grid”.
Preps to Buy:

Wind up radios
Amateur radios
Family radio services offered by the FCC
CB radios
Signal flares, flashing beacon (I bought mine at a camping store but there are also many varieties on Amazon.)
Lightsticks
Compass and whistle for all members of the family over the age of 6.
Action Items:

When a hurricane threatens an area, the city suggests families back up important documents e.g., personal ID, security card, I.D. cards for the kids, proof of residence, insurance information, medical records, bank and account information, and place the documentation in a waterproof container or reasonable plastic bag.

Don’t forget to include documentation records for your pets, e.g., IDs, immunization records, and medications. Having this information prepared and set aside will help save precious time when preparing a home for a disaster.

readynutrition.com/resources/communications_20052011/

[woodyz]

Week 5 of 52: Pet Care

Our furry friends are more to us than just pets, and for many of you, they are a precious family member. Caring for them during a disaster is extremely important. You need to know that when an unexpected storm occurs, many of our animals face anxiety just as we do. Knowing how your pet will react before, during and after a storm is the first step in ensuring their safety. Making sure that you anticipate your pet’s needs during an emergency because it will help them cope with this disruption into their daily routines. Also, have a pet survival kit and a pet first aid kit set aside for your pet, as this too ensures their safety.

Preps to buy:

Extra harness, leash, and/or carrier
ID tags with your contact information
1-2 week supply of food for all pets (if not already bought in week 1)
2-5 gallons of water for each pet
Pet first aid kit
Current vaccination and medical records for each animal (contact your veterinarian).
2 weeks worth of medication for each animal (if applicable). Note: Pay attention to the expiration date and routinely rotate medicines to ensure they are not wasted.
Action Items:

1. Decide if your pet(s) will be going to an animal hotel, sheltering in-place with the family, or staying at another home. Make arrangments before the disaster is imminent.

2. If you haven’t purchases a pet survival kit, make your own. In addition to the items listed above, you will need the following:

a. Cat litter/pan or doggie pads

b. Can opener

c. Food dishes

d. First aid kit

e. Additional supplies required for where the pet will stay.

3. Ensure that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.

Note: If pets do not have their shots up to date, then pet hotels will not accept them.

4. Get a rescue alert sticker. It will alert rescue workers that a pet is inside the home. When displaying this sticker, ensure that it is placed in an area that is visible to rescue workers.

5. Verify that ID tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pet’s collar. Attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site (if possible).

Note: If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home.

Make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes to include in with your family emergency photos.
Ensure you have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness for your pet so that if he panics, he can’t escape.
6. Have a current photo of your pet to include with your family emergency photos.

7. Be sure to have a pet carrier, leash, or harness, if you pet is prone to panicking.

readynutrition.com/resources/pet-care_27052011/

[woodyz]

Week 6 of 52: Evacuation Preparedness

his week, we will concentrate on the evacuation aspect of preparedness. Many who have first hand accounts of mass evacuations from Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita will tell you that it is not fun. When we think of evacuations, we typically think of the mass exodus we witnessed on television with the aforementioned storms. Depending on the area you live in, there are times when evacuations are more localized and require you to leave your community or town. Being that I live in Houston, I not only have to worry about hurricane season, but I also have to worry about chemical leaks from the refineries in this area. If a refinery emergency were to occur, I would have to leave immediately, thus giving my family only a few minutes to evacuate our home.
Having a pre-assembled bag with basic survival needs in place will expedite the evacuation process, as well as keep things running smoothly. The main goal of having a 72-hour bag is to be equipped to survive for three days. Therefore, keep your basic survival needs in mind: food, water, shelter, clothing, sanitation, medications/prescriptions. In addition, I would also pack some extra emergency money or a credit card with enough money for gas and lodging in case you run into a monetary issue. Click here to get more details on preparing a 72 hour bag.

Preparing a bag for evacuations takes more time than one would think. Taking survival needs into account is one thing, but trying to collect prescriptions, children’s special items, and personal documents can be frustrating if you were under time constraints. Preparing ahead of time for evacuations will cut down on the headaches, and keep you one step ahead.

Preps to buy:

Backpacks for each member of the family (make sure the backpack has multiple compartments and pockets)
Water containers for each family member. Alternatively, you can purchase water containers with filtration devices inside them.
Water purification tablets
Food for three days (remember foods that are lightweight and high in calories)
Mylar blankets or bivvy for each member of the family
Tent, tarp or some sort of alternative shelter
Season appropriate clothing (3 days worth)
Fire starters
Waterproof matches and Bic lighters
Charged cell phone or alternate communication
Maps of the city and state (if you have not already purchased)
Flash lights for each bag with extra batteries
Mess kit and utensils for each family member
Don’t forget to pack items for pet needs. In additions, some other items to include in your evacuation packs are a first aid kit, hygiene items (toilet paper, deodorant, feminine products, shampoo/soap), and personal documents.

As well, pack a get home bag and store it at the office or in your vehicle in case you are stranded.

Action Items:

1. Create an evacuation plan including an emergency meeting area for family members, multiple evacuation routes, a list of emergency phone numbers. Having this checklist on hand will keep an evacuation as organized as possible.

2. Assemble evacuation packs.

3. Place packs near an emergency exit or in an easy to access area.

4. As a family, discuss the evacuation plan, and include a discussion on the protocol and emergency exits.

[woodyz]

Week 7 of 52: Basic Home Security

Everyone wants to believe that they are safe and sound when they latch the windows and lock the doors. We even experience an added security boost when we live in an expensive neighborhood, a home with a security system, and an active neighborhood watch program. Today, we would all love to have Gladys Kravitz (Bewitched) as our next door neighbor. In reality, security gadgets can protect the outside of your home, but it’s meaningless if you cannot protect what’s inside. People can still be mugged, burglarized, and attacked simply by opening the door to a stranger or by leaving vulnerable areas of their home exposed. I’m going to ask you a question. Have you ever placed a key under a mat? I ask this because we all have placed the spare key under the mat at one time, and the burglars know that trick. It is not my intention to promote fear, but to awaken you to potential hazards. You want to make breaking into your home difficult.
Designing a home defense system that includes multiple security layers is a proactive way to protect your home, family, and belongings. Security layers are preventative measures that will advertise to intruders that they should avoid your home altogether. The more layers you have in and around your home, the less likely a criminal is going to choose your home as his/her next “job.”

Layer 1: The Outside Layer. This layer comprises the outer perimeter of your home, the landscaping, and security features (e.g., flood lights, motion detectors, gates, doors, locks). Installing preventative measures around your home will advertise to anyone staking out your neighborhood that you mean business. Walk around your home and distinguish where the vulnerable areas are. Making some minor adjustments to the outside of the home can help secure it from the outside-in. By planting thorn-bearing plants, bushes and trees around the vulnerable and exposed areas of the home can help secure the property. One of the most vulnerable areas of your outside perimeter are the windows. One heavy lawn chair can easily be tossed into a window, thus shattering it and creating an easy entry. Investing in shatter proof window film may be a solution to this potential problem.

Layer 2: The Inside Layer. This layer comprises the inside of your home. Taking some small preventative measures (e.g., home alarm system, web cams, emergency protocols, and emergency phone numbers) can help secure the inner sanctity of your home. A person who is prepared for a burglar or home invader is well-equipped with knowledge of their home’s security features, how to get additional family members to safety, and, as a last resort, how to use a weapon. Teaching family members what a home invasion is and the emergency protocols associated with this will help each family member understand what to do if this situation occurs.

Layer 3: The Personal Layer. This layer is the most critical because it is based around all of the protocols, defense training, and emergency plans you have already established. The personal layer is the only layer that you can take into the outside world. When you are walking and someone tries to mug you, you will use your defense training and emergency protocols to deal with the attacker(s). Recently, there have been news reports about mob attacks at stores and on some personal property. Perhaps if the store owners had utilized all of the protective layers the outcomes would have ended differently.

Consider installing a safe room. A safe room is a great starting point for preparing a personal layer. In addition, it may be the last effort to defend yourself and your family. Although it is a personal preference to have a gun in the home, having multiple techniques of defending yourself would be prudent. Learning self‑defense to incapacitate your attacker or attackers through rapid response techniques would a great course for the entire family to take. There are many different forms of self‑defense courses available: Krav Maga and Wing Chun are two popular courses. In addition to using your body as a weapon, there are other weapons that can be used to defend yourself, such as the following:

Pepper spray
Fire extinguisher
Hot coffee
Lamps
Metal baseball bat
Salt in the eyes
Butcher knife
Preps to buy:

Your security items should fit your personal choices and budget. Therefore, I will not make any suggested preps. I do hope that you will make some suggested improvements to your already existing home security. With the increase in crime, jobless rates, and increased food prices, home break-ins are likely to be on the rise. At the very minimum, you could buy these low cost items:

Window alarm systems.
Combination or key locks for the backyard fences.
Infrared (IR) floodlights to illuminate the property (These can be motion-sensor activated).
Ensure that your doors and locks are reinforced.
To read more information on different types of security features and locks, here is some suggested material:

Home Security: Securing the Doors

Home Security: Securing the Windows

Action Items:

1. Create an emergency protocol and discuss it with your family members. Be sure to include a list of emergency phone numbers and escape routes.

2. Create a safe room where family members can retreat to if there is a break in. Ensure that the safe room has a phone line, and if you have a gun in the home, ensure the gun is in the room. Please make sure that the gun is locked and put away so small children do not have access to it.

3. Install some outer preventive layers such as the following:

Ensure your doors are strong. (A hollow-core metal or solid wood door is best.)
If your doors are comprised of glass, install a double cylinder lock to reinforce the strength.
Install 1-inch deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
Install locks on the back fences.
Infrared (IR) floodlights to illuminate the property (These can be motion-sensor activated).
Put a peep hole in the door.
4. Install some inner preventative layers such as the following:

Burglar-proof your glass patio doors by setting a pipe or metal bar in the middle bottom track of the door slide. The pipe should be the same length as the track.
Put an anti-lift device in your windows.
Add an intrusion detection system.
Position hidden web cams strategically throughout your home. Place the computer that is monitoring the locations in a hidden spot so the criminals cannot walk off with it.
Sign family members up for a self-defense course.
If you have a gun, go to gun range. The only way you will be an accurate shot is if you practice on a regular basis.

[woodyz]

Week 8 of 52: Emergency Sanitation

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if your trash wasn’t picked up each week? Have you thought of how you dispose of it? What would happen to your town if trash was left to sit out in the sun to bake for weeks on end without anyone showing up to take it away?
The odor alone would be enough of a nightmare to face, but what about what is inside the trash itself (i.e., dirty diapers, contaminated medical supplies, rotting meat and food)? This type of situation would cause E. coli and bacteria to invade most everything that you touch. If a situation like this was allowed to fester, the potential for diseases and epidemics would create an entire new disaster to be dealt with.

No one really wants to discuss sanitation because it’s an unpleasant and dirty subject; however, it is one of the most important areas to focus on when preparing for a disaster. In a disaster where water resources are compromised, people within a 50 mile radius could be adversely impacted by illness and disease just if one person handled the trash improperly. When trash cannot be picked up, it must be burned or buried by you; however, municipalities cannot risk contamination to the water source or soil from people who incorrectly bury their debris, so it is important to know how to properly dispose of your waste products.
If you find yourself in a situation where toilet paper is not available, you may have to resort to a more natural method of being hygienically clean. Below is a list of toilet paper alternatives for an emergency situation.

Toilet Paper Alternatives

Leaves
Phone books
Unused coffee filters
Corn cobs (That’s right- Corn Cobs)
Dilapidated kitchen towels (no longer used for cleaning).
Bed linen strips
Mail order catalog
Don’t forget that women need to have sanitation items stored for emergencies. Prevention is the key to spreading communicable diseases, so prepare appropriately. If water services are interrupted during a short term emergency, consider these alternatives:

Clean and empty the water of the toilet bowl out.
Line the bowl with a heavy-duty plastic bag.
Once the bag has waste, add a small amount of disinfectant and deodorant (e.g. cat litter) and securely tie the bag and dispose of it.
A large plastic trash can (lined with a heavy duty bag) can be used to store the bags of waste. Once waste services begin, the city will come and collect these.
If waste services do not begin, then you may need to consider burning or burying your waste. If you decide to do so, there are factors you need to consider. Click here to learn more.
Long Term Disasters

Sanitation during a long term disaster requires the same sanitation supplies used in a short term disaster; however, a more permanent structure, (e.g., a latrine) must be put into place for long term use.
Having a sanitation kit ready for a disaster is essential to keeping your family and neighbors healthy. These kits fit easily into a bucket, and they are affordable. Also, having a natural alternative to cleaning yourself is a proactive way to prepare for better sanitation practices. This article shows you ways of making your own hand sanitizer by using natural ingredients.

Your suggested preps to buy this week will specifically target creating a sanitation kit.

Preps to buy:

Disposable bucket or luggable-loo
Toilet paper (1 roll per family member for each week)
1-2 rolls of paper towels
Diapers for infants
Additional infant supplies (baby wipes, diaper rash cream, etc)
Rubber gloves
Sanitation items for women (at least one- month supply)
Garbage bags with twist ties ( i.e., to line toilets or luggable-loo)
Bleach
Cat Litter or absorbent material (i.e., saw dust or dirt)
Baking soda (for eliminate odors)
Vinegar
Shovel
Soap or antibacterial cleanser (one per family member)
Action Items:

1. Create a sanitation kit for your family.

2. If you are preparing a sanitation kit with infants in mind, ensure that you have accounted for their short- and long-term needs (see list above).

3. Familiarize yourself with different methods of handling the sanitation problems that arise during short- and long-term emergencies.

[woodyz]

Week 9 of 52: Emergency Medical Supply (List 2)

A lot goes into being medically prepared, so this will be a reoccurring theme throughout this series. We will start with gathering the basic first aid supplies and then slowly begin accumulating more advanced medical preps and learning alternative medical therapies towards the end.
This week I would like to urge all of you to purchase a few medical reference books. Buying multiple reference materials gives you a broader spectrum in how to provide different types of medical treatment – not all medical emergencies should be approached the same way. I recommend starting with When There is No Doctor and When There is No Dentist, but here are some other great references:

Wilderness Medicine
Medicine for the Outdoors
A Barefoot Doctor’s Manual
Field Guide of Wilderness & Rescue Medicine
Wilderness Medicine, Beyond First Aid
Don’t forget that there are some good eBook references out there. I found First Aid Full Manual on Scribd which would be a great place to start looking for more material. If you are out there and come across some other eBook references, please feel free to share it with me and our readers.

During short-term disasters, medical situations are inevitable and they can be complicated. It is imperative that you prepare for them if you want to keep your loved ones and yourself healthy. Considering your family members needs prior to a disaster event will help you be not only prepared but level headed too. When buying medical supplies, keep in mind family members who have preexisting conditions, allergies, or are accident prone. It is within your best interest to ensure that you have any and all necessary medications that require prescriptions before an emergency happens.

For short-term emergencies, you must have a well-stocked medical supply kits for your home and your vehicle. Pre-fabricated medical kits are available in stores; however, these kits tend to be overloaded with unneeded items (i.e., 500 band aids). Buying your own medical supplies allows you to customize your kit to fit your family’s unique needs.

Please note that medicines can break down and spoil if they are subject to moisture, temperature fluctuations, or are exposed to a light source. (For example, aspirin has a tendency to break down when it is exposed to a small amount of moisture.) Unless the medicine indicates otherwise, store medical supplies in a cool, dark place that is out of children’s reach.

Preps to buy:

Medical bag or back pack, tackle kit or container
Medical reference books or eBooks on handling medical crises
Sunscreen
Aloe vera
Insect repellent
Gauze pads in assorted sizes (3×3 and 4×4)
Sterile roller bandages
Antibiotic ointment
Expectorant/Decongestant
Syrup of Ipecac and activated charcoal
2-3 bottles of disinfectant (Betadine, isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide)
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Adhesive tape or duct tape
Latex gloves
Scissors
Tongue blades
Medicine dropper
Tweezers
Thermometer
Liquid antibacterial hand soap
Disposable hand wipes
Eye care (e.g., contact lens case, cleansing solution, eye moisture drops)
Action Items:

1. Create a first aid kit for the family. Ensure the kit is situated in an accessible location.

2. Take a basic first aid class, if you have not done so already.

3. Purchase a first aid manual

[woodyz]

Week 10 of 52: Dental Preparedness (List 1)

How many of us have dental supplies on hand? I’m guessing not very many of us. Dental emergencies can hit out the blue. Without a warning, pain and soreness can occur in the gums or teeth and cause an extreme amount of discomfort. Ensuring that you have some dental supplies on hand can help maintain healthy teeth and gums and assist in not further aggravating any existing dental problems.
Be proactive and take the time to schedule regular dental visits and develop good dental hygiene habits, and in doing this, it will ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. When your family dentist suggests elective procedures, take the opportunity to the extra mile for your teeth because the last thing you would want to face during a disaster scenario is a dental emergency. Two proactive solutions to maintain good oral health is to floss regularly and to invest in a water pick.

Anticipating a dental emergency is difficult to say the least, but, there are seven likely dental emergencies that could affect your health in a long-term emergency. To learn more about them, click here. I cannot stress how important it is to take your oral health seriously, and failure to treat a dental emergencies could result in one of the following:

Loss of the tooth
Mediastinitis
Sepsis
Spread of infection to soft tissue (e.g., facial cellulitis, Ludwig’s angina)
Spread of infection to the jaw bone (osteomyelitis of the jaw)
Spread of infection to other areas of the body resulting in brain abscess, endocarditis, pneumonia, or other complications
Dental experts have suggested there is a correlation between overall health and oral health. As a result, those that have a healthy diet tend to have healthier teeth and gums. Consequently, vitamins play a vital roll in oral health too. These 7 vitamins would be essential to have in a long-term emergency. In addition to a regimen of vitamins, having natural alternatives to turn to when dealing with oral pain would also be beneficial. Some natural alternatives to look into would be:

Valerian Root – pain reliever
Kava Kava – muscle relaxants and mild sedative
Passionflower – pain reliever
Clove oil – relieves teeth pain
Charcoal – can make a compress that relieves swelling and pain.
If a long-term disaster situation were to occur, many people would face malnutrition, be vitamin deficient, and have poor dental hygiene, as a result, they could face some painful dental repercussions that may become life threatening. Here are some dental preps to purchase this week:

Preps to buy:

Dental emergency resource
Exam gloves
Toothpaste (for 3 months)
Toothbrushes (for 3 months)
Floss (3)
Baking soda
Toothpicks
Mouth rinse
Hydrogen peroxide
Oral-gel
Cotton balls
Cotton gauze pads
Pain reliever such as Tylenol or Aspirin
Temporary cap filler
Instant ice packs
Dental mirror
Salt (for rinsing)
Clove oil (for toothaches)
penlight or headlamp
Action Items:

1. Go to the dentist and get an annual check-up and cleaning.

2. Start taking a vitamin regimen that will assist in oral health.

3. Begin brushing your teeth for at least 1-2 minutes, and teach your children to do the same.

4. Floss at least once daily.

5. Read your dental emergency resource to be familiar with treatment plans.

6. Read a dental emergency resource to be familiar with treatment plans.

Note: If you plan to have older adults staying with you during a short or long-term disaster, do not forget to anticipate their dental needs.

[woodyz]

Week 11 of 52: Short Term Food Supply (List 2)

When an impending disaster threatens our area, the first instinct is to run to the store and stock up on emergency food and supplies. However, everyone else has the same brilliant idea, which means emergency food and supplies will be in high demand and depleted if you didn’t time your trip to the store well. There is nothing worse than leaving a crowded store with no storm supplies and a disaster bearing down upon you.
Storing food for storms is not the only reason you should have an emergency food supply. In fact, due to current state of the economy, you are more likely to run into an emergency with a disappearing budget. Food prices have been soaring during the past few years, and there doesn’t seem to be any relief in sight. Have you considered looking at your emergency supply as an investment? Many of the food items you will be purchasing over the next year are considered commodities (e.g., sugar, wheat, corn, rice, etc). Why not make the investment and purchase food at today’s prices and consume at tomorrow’s higher prices?

Those of you who have water stored know that it takes up a lot of space. When storing a short term water supply, purchase the 5- or 10-gallon water containers. Note: The 5-gallon water containers are easier to organize if you place them on their sides and stack them.

Another suggestion is to reuse your juice and soda bottles. As long as the container is comprised of food grade plastic, it is safe to reuse; however, make sure that the plastic container is washed well before reusing. I recommend investing in a water filtration system. While water filters, such as Katadyn or even Berkey, are a little pricey, they can be used multiple times and would be a good preparedness item to have on hand in case of a longer-term emergency.

The following items will create a broad selection of foods that can be consumed in an emergency situation. You can create foods like biscuits and jelly, cereal and milk, oatmeal, sandwiches, soups, pastas, casseroles, etc. Constructing an emergency menu now before a disaster happens will enable you to see what foods you have and what foods you may need.

Preps to buy:

1 gallon of water per day for each member of the family (i.e., 1-2 weeks worth).
2 bottles of juice per family member
2 canned goods (e.g., meat, veggies, soup, and fruit) per family member.
1 each of the following food condiments: Peanut butter, jelly, honey, mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce
2 drink mixes/tea/coffee per family member
Spices (e.g., salt, pepper, taco seasoning, apple pie seasoning, etc.)
1 gallon of cooking oil
2 each of the following pre-packaged foods: beans, dried peas, rice, noodles, oats, grains, cereals and pasta
2 bags of flour (Note: Those of you who have wheat allergies, click here for alternatives.)
Ramen noodles
Powdered milk
Powdered potatoes
Infant Formula – Note: Call me crazy, but this has a huge amount of vitamins and nutrients and could be utilized for immune boosts.
Action Items:

1. Date perishable goods with a permanent marker.

2. Find a storage area in the home where emergency food supplies can be placed. Those who are living in small living spaces have rented air conditioned storage facilities to store their supplies.

3. Organize the food and begin creating a list of the items you have according to categories (e.g., condiments, baking supplies, canned goods, medical supplies, etc.).