All you need to do is complete this sentence...
"This week, for the Preparedness Challenge, I ___________."
You can leave a comment below or link up with your blog post with more details about how you met the Preparedness Challenge at your homestead. We love photos and great ideas!
For me...
This week, for the Preparedness Challenge, I packaged rice in mylar bags and food grade buckets, took inventory and reorganized my grains, and added more beans to my food storage! Yahoo!
What did you do?
I love this challenge, Amy! We are taking baby steps, for sure, so here goes...
ReplyDeleteThis week, for the Preparedness Challege, I added more beans to my inventory and ordered a new two-stage water filter. The filter is an undersink one, though, but now we get to move to our next "preparedness" savings goal of a small Berkey :)
Yesterday I found a clearance rack full of next-size-up clothes for my boy...his wardrobe for next winter is nearly complete.
ReplyDeleteI started work in the garden, planting soft-neck garlic for winter storage.
I donated 6 bags of clothes and 1 bag of groceries to the Outreach center, so other families can be prepared too.
And as you know, my husband repented and was baptized, so now he's prepared for eternity!
This week I have been cleaning out and up. Things in my home that are taking up valuable space that could be blessing someone else are now at the local thrift store. Also, spring is just days away and the weather has been kind enough to let us start on preparing the garden soil. Lastly, Japan's situation has brought to light the need for water storage again. You'd think living in California it would be a no brainer, b u t ... So the milk cartons will be filled for toliet flushing and washing, next trip to the store will start the fresh water storage. Thanks for the reminders that a little often will get a lot done.
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this Amy!
ReplyDeleteI bought extra rice this week to store. We are also taking delivery on our goat house today.
We went through our old camping equipment. We are selling stuff we don't use or donating it (hand pump water filter to an African mission) to free up more storage room. We located our emergency camp stove.
ReplyDeleteI have two good sources of water close. So, I'm not so much worried about stockpiling that. We are considering adding solar power and water cisterns to our home but that's a major capital project for down the road.
Does anyone know about stockpiling medications? The shelf life isn't that great on them (particularly on epipens for my kid) and replacing them often gets expensive.
This week for the Preparedness Challenge, I added a bag of brown rice and a bag of lentils to our grain storage container. Baby steps!
ReplyDeleteI just started couponing in the past two weeks. This week, I was able to begin our long-term prepping goals for our pantry by taking advantage of some sales + coupons plus help out our local food pantry and a family member who is without a job right now!
ReplyDeletehttp://goo.gl/kgAfM
It's been a dream to have us prepared, and this is my first big step towards getting past that month suppply - into building a 3 month supply for starters!
Funny that you should post something like this as we have been discussing with our neighbors what to do to be more prepared. One thing that I did do this past week is to make a couple of first aid kits. I purchased a couple of containers, added all the usual including antibiotic ointment, aspirin, etc.. This was due to my dad falling at my uncle's house, and they didn't even have any gauze in the house to wrap his arm. So I made a car kit for them, and one for us too. I am also going to make one for our kids. Good article!
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how excited it makes me to hear these comments!!! Wow!
ReplyDeleteAndrea, without a doubt, your husband's salvation and baptism are the is the best preparation one can do!! I went to sleep last night thanking God for this new news!!
Jaime, a new filter on my Berkey is probably my goal for this next week, too! Even if you have a water source, this is excellent to have on hand. I think I'll be talking about it on the next challenge.
I've got our freezer (unplugged right now) full of water jugs for washing/flushing, etc. and have been faithfully tending our one fruit tree (fig). I've also been couponing to build my pantry up, and my Handsome and I have been praying about adding flood insurance to our home. We live in a medium risk area, and have a moderate-to-low risk for hurricanes and tornadoes. I've also been working on drawing closer to my LORD, because in any disaster, that will be the most beneficial thing we can do.
ReplyDeleteThis week, for the Preparedness Challenge, I started CERT training with my son.
ReplyDeletePraise God, Andrea - that's wonderful news!!
ReplyDeleteI have just started to really think about this and take baby steps as well so what a timely post! This week I got 12 gallons of water and lights (lanterns and flashlights). My next mission is to get some food storage buckets and start filling them. I've been a little stumped on what to store though since a lot of the things I ahve read to store wouldn't get eaten in our house on a regular basis. I have a very particular eater (my hubby) and he wont eat beans, rice ect no canned fruit, only canned corn and green beans and meat and potatoes!
ReplyDeleteI inventoried my little freezer, my pantry and my home canned goods. We canned some meatballs for storage.
ReplyDeleteI have nothing to add about our "preparedness". I have always thought about it but it was always stuck on the back burner. Thanks for your inspiration to bring it to the forefront. I hope to be adding my own actions soon.
ReplyDeleteHi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI have added a first aid kit to my car and am looking into better water storage for long term. I would love a cistern too. I think our local extension has classes on them, going to check it out this week. Thanks! Oh yeah, and I added a roll of toilet paper to the kit in the car, coz you just never know when you will need that. :)
Yesterday I ran to the store for some dinner items...came across gallons of water for 89 cents...so I picked up two! It's not much...but it's a start!
ReplyDeleteThis week I printed out the lists of uses for Vinegar, Bleach, Epsom Salts, and Baking Soda.
ReplyDeleteThen I bought a large container of each. They are cheap and have many, many uses. I also bought a $3 solar light at Lowe's for the driveway entry. I think that I will buy more of these! They would make good "candles". A wooden base with a dowel holder could easily be made for them.
Great idea Amy. I think this week I will sit down and really start planning out what I am going to do each week. When I first entered the idea of homesteading (I was doing it long before I had a title for it) I didn't realize I would be so interested in prepping. I used to think it was for the radical people but now I am realizing it should be for all people. Back during Y2K I did prep a little but it was more because I was worried how people would respond at the slight abnormal event after midnight. So thank you for the challenge. I plan to jump in with both feet!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great topic. This is near and dear to our hearts. I hope to have time tonight to sit down and do a post on it. We are working hard in the yard and such so we will see. Thanks again for all of the valuable info. you gather in one spot!!
ReplyDelete"This week, for the Preparedness Challenge, I am preaching on being ready."
ReplyDeleteI'm a pastor, and the best preparedness is preparing for eternity!! He can see us through hard times here and now, and receive us to Himself in the sweet by and by!
I also got a dozen boxes, and like animalfarm12 above, I'm clearing out the unnecessary stuff in the corners and closets to make a little more storage space for preparedness items.
I haven't done any shopping since I took the challenge, but I'm going to order some tattler lids this payday. I picked up 6 dozen canning jars at some yard sales in the last few months, so I think lids are in order. My coin jar is now designated for a big pressure canner! :D
Thanks again! Be blessed!
Abby Jo @ Homestead Drying Racks.com
ReplyDelete"This week, for the Preparedness Challenge, I made homemade remedies for our family. Learning now makes is part of my preparedness plan! Check out our giveaway on "making herbs simple" DVD @ http://www.homesteaddryingracks.com/forgotten-way-blog.html I love this Blog! Its fun to be challenged together. God Bless
This weekend, I cleaned out the biggest closet we had and got it ready for some food storage! So far, I have some 3-gallon buckets of grains, sugars, oats, etc. but my next goal is to start filling with some vinegar, baking soda, salt, herbs, etc. Excited to finally have a place to put it all!
ReplyDeleteWell, in the last week or so I've added 8 more hens to the 8 we currently have (the new ones should start laying in about a month & then as you know I have more chicks coming). I gathered up some things to sell at a local consignment show this week which will hopefully provide me with some extra cash to use where needed. And best of all, today I attended a wonderful & informative free class (you're an awesome teacher btw, thanks Amy!) at the local nursery to get more educated & prepared for this years garden.
ReplyDeleteThis week, for the Preparedness Challenge, I pickep up a 6 gallon bucket of hard red winter wheat, an extra 6 gallon bucket & gamma seal lid, and an extra bag of dried beans at the grocery store. I also put some items for sale on craigslist. Will use that money to purchase more preparedness items.
ReplyDeleteForgot to add, that I also ordered a big roll of Agribon 19...we're going to try hooping & covering some crops to extend our growing season & keep out pests, bird, & varmits until the plants are more established.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest thing I did this week to be prepared was to finally have my woodstove installed! This is a major relief after having lived through a week without electricity last winter. I sent my children home with big boxes of canned goods. I'd like to remind everyone that it's important to keep your car filled with gas. I learned this lesson about a decade ago when a tornado took out the electricity for five days and we were trapped in our little town because the gas pumps wouldn't work. The grocery shelves were pretty bare by the time we got electricity. Oh! And to keep a Bible with your emergency supplies. Man does not live by bread alone.
ReplyDeletei dont have a linky to post above so i am going to link here
ReplyDeletehttp://andababy.blogspot.com/2011/03/hope-for-best-prepare-for-worst.html
but basically we started to dig out for the garden this week and sat down and discussed what being prepared meant for us.
Y'all are my heroes!!
ReplyDeleteBaking Soda has played a part in my plans this week. I made homemade hair rinse and decided to buy some bulk for homemade cleaners and such. Also, peanut butter was on sale and purchased several as it is a good source of protein...
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful idea...
Thank you...
My first order of mylar bags came this week so i have to figure out how much stuff I need to have so I can open the oxygen absorbers and fill everything up. The potatoes in our garden sprouted this week. "Food storage made easy" has a great site just for this.
ReplyDeleteThis week we started planting potatoes and greens in our garden. Also purchased extras at the grocery store to put in the pantry.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Diane
This week, I purchased a few extra bags of dry beans and rice to add to our stock! Baby steps for me too. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis week we:
ReplyDelete-saw the first plants push up in our garden
-started a vast amount of seeds indoor
-added to our canned food storage
-discussed a new grain order with business also in mind
-dehydrated mushrooms
-began getting 12 gallons of fresh milk from the Amish
-made butter
-made yogurt
-made buttermilk
-and now we are researching ways to can milk and butter
-researched pressure canners and found one ready to order with my CSN credit!
-have about 25 pounds of red potatoes and 7 pounds of sweet potatoes to dehydrate
=bought more bottled water
-we also need to order new filter for our British Berkfield
-joined the Prudent Pantry on Facebook and was introduced to aquaponic farming--fish and produce...check that out!
This week for the preparedness challenge, I dug out my list of things for a "72 hour kit". I'll be working on gathering supplies in the next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteAnita, I need some of those vitamins you're taking! WOW!! That's an impressive list! Way to go!
ReplyDeleteAmy, your blog is greatly appreciated! This week for the preparedness challenge, I added to our food storage, read about companion planting, finished planning for the summer and fall vegetable gardens, and started planning for the summer herb garden. I planted carrot seeds (never tried growing carrots before) and sweet onion transplants two weeks ago, and I'm hopeful the carrot seeds will germinate.
ReplyDeleteThis week, for the Preparedness Challenge,
ReplyDeleteI got a month ahead on medicines we might need in case of a disaster. We also bought 2 calves that we will raise and have one for beef and sell the other to pay for it all. We also finished the greenhouse and extended our gardening by introducing another garden to our land.
Where does one find these mylar bags? I need some to store, thanks
Jan, USA Emergency Supply carries the mylar bags. You'll find their ad in my right side bar near the top. Good company!
ReplyDeleteAt the grocery yesterday, I added these to my regular purchases:
ReplyDelete- 2 large cans of tuna
- 4 pounds of 'sturdy' pasta rotini, farfale)
- 2 pounds of dried beans
- 4 cans of vegetables
I also planted strawberries, lettuce, radishes, shallots, and chard.
I am a single person, and live in a small space, so my needs and storage challenges will not be the same as those with families in a larger space. I've been at this a while though, and picked up these tips along the way:
- I drink a lot of juice, and find the cleaned out plastic bottles perfect for holding staples such as sugar, dried pasta and beans. You can see what's in them, the plastic keeps bugs out, and they pour easily when using the contents.
- The cloudy plastic milk bottles are not suitable for storing water. They are meant to degrade over time, and will leak. (learned that one the hard way) I'm going to try the still cloudy, but much thicker plastic bottles vinegar comes in (that I now use for fabric softener and cleaning house)
- Augment your stores with some serious storage basics like dry milk, butter and cheese powder, etc. from places like "Preparedness Pantry."
This week for the preparedness challenge, I planted 175 seed potatoes.
ReplyDeleteFirst it was the religious community that said hard times are coming. There were comments like, “America will have her revival…on a platter of ruins.” I wondered what a platter of ruins would look like, then I saw Haiti and then Japan. There was this comment, “Bride of Christ WAKE UP. Church WAKE UP! People are going to be standing in bread lines.” And I thought, “Whose bread lines? Government? The gov. does not give out the Word of God, which is what sews up the holes of poverty in people’s pockets. A church bread line will be needed. But the church looks just like the world, in debt and unprepared.” Now the “get ready” instruction has gone secular and can be heard daily on cable news. And yet I’ve watched people put off preparing, putting their energy into planning and traveling on spring break vacations, thinking 1) I’ve got time and 2) It’s probably never going to happen.
I’ve had two dreams this calendar year. The first was that our family (and others) had been enduring hard times for an extended period of time. My pantry stock was operating at 50% it’s usual level. In my dream I said, “I’m so glad I squirreled away every possible bit of food that I did!” and then immediately I woke up, blanketed in seriousness and I understood that I need to stock like my life depends on it, because it does.
My next warning came a few weeks later. I dreamed that I was in the parking lot of a home improvement store, where I was looking at many fruit and nut trees that were for sale. Standing in front of cherry trees (which were just a smidge taller than I am) I was contemplating buying them. Then in the dream God said to me, “Don’t mess with these trees. Buy the biggest trees you can afford!” And then I had understanding that there would not be time for these small trees to mature and bear fruit before trouble arrives. And I woke up, again blanketed in seriousness.
For those just starting, my advice is to pray and ask God to reveal to you what you are going to need to mitigate risks in the days ahead. As you get understanding, write it down and understand exactly what you are trying to accomplish. Know what your goal looks like.
For me, should we lose municipal water, I know where my secondary source of water is, have had it tested, and know how to clean up contaminated water as a third option (Crown Berkey with extra filters).
Food: 30 days ready to eat foods that don’t require cooking (like tuna, peanut butter, crackers, canned Hormel ham and chicken, protein shakes, dry breakfast cereal, powdered milk, dried fruits, etc.)
Then intermediate storage foods…Not 8 cans of green beans but 8 cases. Purchase by the case.
Then longer term storage foods: Not one bucket of grain but 50 buckets. Lots of honey and yeast and dough enhancer and salt. Think bigger.
No money to do this? Pray for God’s assistance, as He is FOR you and not against you. Commit your plans to Him. He will help you. For example: He let me win a drawing of $500 from a newspaper giveaway, to be used at a grocery store. Get creative: Have a garage sale…it gives you cash AND frees up space.
Heat: Wood stove (which also allows for cooking in saucepans on top and mine has an oven for baking). In the garage, there are LARGE propane tanks with 1600 hours of cooking time for my Coleman camping oven/cooktop for summer (when I don’t want to heat up the house with the wood stove).
What will your money look like if the dollar collapses? Will it now be silver? Ammo? Bartering with beans? Need more info? Check out survivalblog.com and scan it daily for articles that address the areas where you desire more info.
Press in to God for understanding of the times we are in and for ideas on how to keep your family well fed and secure. Then take action. I believe there is limited time remaining.
This week, I shared a recipe for a pancake mix that I made from my food storage in an attempt to eat out of our pantry more!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea for a blog hop! I was so excited when I saw a participating post from Jill at The Prairie Homestead in my reader. For some reason I wasn't subscribed to this blog (I've remedied that)and knew nothing. I added a link about a few things I've done this week. Thanks for this great resource! I look forward to many great suggestions from your participants.
ReplyDeleteIm putting up some new shelving and taking inventory of what Ihave! Ill get pics and a blog post as soon as Im finished(im running a tad behind this week!)
ReplyDeleteThis week for Emergency Preparedness I have started storing water for uses other than consumption. I am also starting a food storage plan with some additional canned goods.
ReplyDeleteFor those of you interested there is a Mormon lady who has an excellent blog on food storage and emergency preparedness...it is found here
http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/
I think this is a great topic. As we read what others are doing it may lead us to an area we had not thought of.
ReplyDeletePlease remember as we are doing all these practical task that the best way to be prepared is to be spiritually prepared.
This week, I bought a few extra cans of veggies, stored some of my rice in containers other than the bags it came in, learned how to make deodorant (Thanks for that post btw, I'm loving it!), and copied all of my important documents on to a secured flash drive.
ReplyDeleteWe've been working on getting our garden in workable condition, which requires a garden house over it to chicken and animal proof it. Its not ready for planting yet.......but its a little closer.........
ReplyDeleteI also researched what we might need for a radiation exposure tool chest and have added some of those things to our herb cabinet and will continue to add to this kit.
A broken arm spurred me to look into having emergency orthopedic supplies on hand as well.
I also purchased some first aid supplies but am planning a much larger online order so we are well stocked.
This week: Get my son's arm set and buy some comfrey plants for putting in the garden so we have a bone knitting herb freshly available to us.
This week I will be placing my 75 pounds of wheat, and 25 pounds of rice, finally into the appropriate gallon buckets. I will also clean and organize my office which is crazy full with boxes that use to be in storage (tired of wasting money each month). Then invetory closet pantry and see what is missing and or needing more of.
ReplyDeleteThis week I think I finally convinced my husband that we need to get more serious about prepping. I started a few seeds (SO late, but I'm still waiting on most of my seeds I ordered to get here!), found about 100 packets of seeds that expired back in 2009 (we haven't had a garden since then). I decided to go ahead and work on getting them started and see what happens. Any plants that produce make it not a waste. I've also started working on lists of things I need to do and buy. Got a LONG way to go!
ReplyDeleteThis week I purchased an extra bag of rice and downloaded a food storage planning worksheet from www.lovetolearn.net.
ReplyDeleteThis week I have prepped a plot for planting potatoes and onions. Also, I am almost ready to stop using the electric dryer completely.
ReplyDeleteI moved.Not the normal reply I am sure but we have been planning this since we bought the property in 2004. Out in the country, 18 acres, small apartment on it but I am here with the animals to get the garden in and get things going until my hubby can come out when retirement day arrives. Till then I will do what I can to get better prepared. But have to wait for the snow to leave to work on the garden, sigh. Adele
ReplyDeleteAdele - You win! LOL!! Seriously, you've made a BIG step in getting prepared! Congratulations and I hope the retirement day arrives soon so you're back together again.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you both!
Hi--I'm new to this blog, but I've been prepping so thought I'd share! This week, I added several cans of tuna, salmon, green beans, corn, tomatoes, and pears, 4 lbs of coffee, and four jars of peanut butter to my pantry. I also started tilling the soil in my garden to get ready to plant, and planted some lettuce, garlic, and onions in pots on my deck. My hens are cooperating by finally laying lots of eggs (I have 9 hens, 1 rooster, and 2 ducks), and one of our pigs helped by having a dozen babies!
ReplyDelete