OCTOBER 2008 Challenge

Preparedness: THE VERY BASICS

Dear Sisters and Brothers,


The very basics items you need are food and water for 3 days AT LEAST ( the governement recommends 2 weeks worth), water being the most important. Have one gallon per person per day. Here is a saying to remember... You can live
3 minutes without air
3 days without water
and 3 weeks without food.
(Of course, if it is in the middle of a hot summer, you will need more water.)

The easiest thing to do is to buy bottled gallons of water. Buy canned food -it will not need to be cooked. You can eat it out of the can. You can cook or warm things up with your camp stove. Crackers have a 6 month shelf life, so if you have those, rotate them.

You should have sources of light such as battery or solar operated lanterns and flashlights and camping lights.
Candles are not recommended.
You should have a radio that is battery operated or solar operated.

Plan for things to do to pass the time...games, books, drawing, writing, etc.

We are advised by all government agencies and preparedness experts....to have water and food and other supplies for 2 WEEKS. BUT 3 DAYS' worth is a good start. If you get paid at the first of the month, which is coming in 6 days;
that would be a good time to purchase your 3 days' supplies. Instead of going to a movie and out to eat, buy your 3 days supply of water and any more canned goods you may need. It is worth the sacrifce

Find out the favorite canned foods of each family member...or go shopping together as a family for the food and water.

If the water coming out of your faucets is dirty, you can flush with it, but do not take showers. If no water is coming out of your faucet, you will need to "bag" your toilets with 13 gallon white trash bags. Lift the toilet lid, put the bag in and drap sides over the toilet bowl and put the seat back down.

A very good site is www.ready.gov