Preparing for an Ice Storm

(Photo I took in Cary, NC in 2001 or 2002, I can't remember.)

We have lived here for almost 23 years, and have gone through several big ice storms and snowstorms. Even a few inches of snow is bad here, because there are no snow plows to clean off the roads, so after even a relatively small snowstorm the roads all turn to ice.

When a winter storm warning is announced, make sure you do all your laundry and have lots of foods that don't have to be cooked. You probably won't have any power for a few days, so you will also need a source of heat.

Don't worry about the food in your fridge and freezer, it won't thaw out with the temperature so low.

Once Wayne was out of town and I tried to cook homemade biscuits laid on top of the fireplace shovel, holding it above the fire. My arm got so tired and so hot from the fire that we ate them half raw.

My friend stepped out of her door after an ice storm and fell on the ice and broke her arm and had to make her way to the hospital in a 4-wheel vehicle. My son and daughter both broke their hands sledding on the same day during a snowstorm, we also had to find 4-wheel drive vehicles to take them to the doctor.

Our electricity was out for only one or two whole days, but during some of the events our phone was out for longer. Other people's electricity was out for up to 3 weeks, depending on where they lived.

Our water supply was fine, I was even able to take a shower because we had a gas water heater, but the bathroom was ice cold.

Panic buying in England, Dec. 3, 2010

Hey, this could happen here too.  Make sure you have food storage and water storage, and keep more than a half a tank of gas in your car at all times---You'll be glad you did.

http://www.tntmagazine.com/tnt-today/archive/2010/12/03/big-freeze-food-and-fuel-run-out.aspx

"Big Freeze:  Food and Fuel Run Out", Dec. 3, 2010

Food and fuel were running out in some parts of Britain as the big freeze continued to make deliveries impossible.

Supermarkets were battling to keep their shelves stocked with staple foods such as bread and milk and petrol retailers were running low dry on fuel as lorries struggled to complete deliveries in the icy conditions.

The Independent Petrol Retailers Association warned that up to 500 independent petrol retailers in Scotland and the east of England risked running dry by the weekend.

It stated that road tankers have been unable to leave the main terminals from two refineries from the Total SA (TOT) refinery at Lindsey and from the Jet refinery at Killingholme,  both on south Humberside, effectively "cutting the supply chain off at its knees".

Panic-buying was also adding to the problem as consumers stocked up on essentials.

Consumers have also been stocking up on shovels, water bottles and thermals as the big freeze continues to bite.

Marks & Spencer reported a 121% increase in sales of thermal clothing in the past week while Sainsbury's said it had increased its stocks of long-life UHT milk which has seen a 20% rise in demand.

Although the weather is expected to improve slightly over the weekend, further freezing conditions are forecast for next week.

read more: http://www.tntmagazine.com/tnt-today/archive/2010/12/03/big-freeze-food-and-fuel-run-out.aspx#ixzz17RvGBYyK

Water Filtration Bottle

The Church is now offering a water filtration bottle on lds.org.  One water bottle with two filters is $22, and will filter 100 gallons.  These would be great for Christmas gifts.

http://store.lds.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product3_10705_10551_21003_-1__196989

As a price comparison, I saw a Katadyn Hiker (a different style of water filter), on sale on beprepared.com for $44.99 in November, and it would do 200 gallons.  I think the usual price is $64.95.

Twas the Month Before Christmas

Twas the Month Before Christmas
Twas the month before Christmas
And all through the house
The storage was low
Hardly a crumb for a mouse.
The shelves were about empty,
Oh, what a plight!
The wolf’s at the door,
And no money in sight.
All the children were nestled
To keep warm in their bed,
Hoping that before long
They surely would be fed.
The prophet had counseled
“Each one be prepared,”
We had procrastinated the day,
Why hadn’t we cared?
ALAS! “Twas only a dream”,
But that didn’t matter
I jumped from my bed
Making a loud awful clatter.
Away to the basement
I flew like a flash,
Stumbling over boxes and bottles,
Along with some trash.
As I surveyed my storage,
With eyes all aglow
The security of filled bottles
All straight in a row
Filled my heart with a warmth
And my eyes with a tear
To think I had food
to last us a year.
This feeling of warmth
And security too,
Is what we as your friends
Wish for you.
So put gifts of storage
Under each Christmas tree
For those on your list,
Is our warmest plea,
Give honey, give sugar,
Give flour or wheat.
Give milk, give salt,
Give something to eat.
And you’ll hear them exclaim,
When Christmas is here,
“Thank-you so much,
It will be a good year.”
~~Author unknown

"Home Storage: Build on the Basics", June 1989

“Home Storage: Build on the Basics,” Ensign, Jun 1989, 39

The article was published in the Ensign in June 1989.

From Brigham Young’s time to the present day, latter-day prophets have counseled Church members to store food for times of need. Recently, the First Presidency spoke again on this subject:

“We continue to encourage members to store sufficient food, clothing, and where possible fuel for at least one year. We have not laid down an exact formula for what should be stored. However, we suggest that members concentrate on essential foods that sustain life, such as grains, legumes, cooking oil, powdered milk, salt, sugar or honey, and water. Most families can achieve and maintain this basic level of preparedness. The decision to do more than this rests with the individual.

“We encourage you to follow this counsel with the assurance that a people prepared through obedience to the commandments of God need not fear.” (Letter to priesthood leaders, 24 June 1988.)

If families would think in terms of storing only foods basic to survival, or if they would supplement the food storage they already have with the basics to build it up to a year’s supply, the task would be simpler than they might think. They would then be prepared for food emergencies.

A year’s supply of food storage is beneficial in several ways:

1. It provides peace of mind as we obey the counsel to store.

2. It helps ensure survival in case of personal or natural disaster.

3. It strengthens skills in preparing and using basic foods.

Once you have stored the basic food items, you need to regularly include them in your daily meals.

What are some of the Calamities?

General Conference Oct. 1973, in the Ensign Jan. 1974, p. 68

"Prepare Ye", by President Ezra Taft Benson.

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=bef5d2b9ae76b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

What are some of the calamities for which we are to prepare? In (Doctrine and Covenants) section 29 the Lord warns us of “a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth.” (D&C 29:16.) In section 45 we read of “an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.” (D&C 45:31.) In section 63 the Lord declares he has “decreed wars upon the face of the earth. …” (D&C 63:33.)

In Matthew, chapter 24, we learn of “famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes. …” (Matt. 24:7.) The Lord declared that these and other calamities shall occur. These particular prophecies seem not to be conditional. The Lord, with his foreknowledge, knows that they will happen. Some will come about through man’s manipulations; others through the forces of nature and nature’s God, but that they will come seems certain. Prophecy is but history in reverse—a divine disclosure of future events.

Yet, through all of this, the Lord Jesus Christ has said: “… if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” (D&C 38:30.)

What, then, is the Lord’s way to help us prepare for these calamities? The answer is also found in section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants, wherein he says:

“Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;

“And also gave commandments to others. …” (D&C 1:17–18.)

He has also said: “Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.” (D&C 1:37.)

Here then is the key—look to the prophets for the words of God, that will show us how to prepare for the calamities which are to come.

And I will add my testimony here, if we look to the prophets and get our food storage, get out of debt, have financial reserves, we will be blessed during the hard times to come.

Let's do these things because they are right- Kimball, 1977

Ensign » 1977 » November

Welfare Services:
The Gospel in Action
President Spencer W. Kimball

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=51c51f26d596b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

As you know, in the recent past we have placed considerable emphasis on personal and family preparedness. I hope that each member of the Church is responding appropriately to this direction. I also hope that we are understanding and accentuating the positive and not the negative.

I like the way the Relief Society teaches personal and family preparedness as “provident living.” This implies the husbanding of our resources, the wise planning of financial matters, full provision for personal health, and adequate preparation for education and career development, giving appropriate attention to home production and storage as well as the development of emotional resiliency.

I hope that we understand that, while having a garden, for instance, is often useful in reducing food costs and making available delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, it does much more than this. Who can gauge the value of that special chat between daughter and Dad as they weed or water the garden? How do we evaluate the good that comes from the obvious lessons of planting, cultivating, and the eternal law of the harvest? And how do we measure the family togetherness and cooperating that must accompany successful canning? Yes, we are laying up resources in store, but perhaps the greater good is contained in the lessons of life we learn as we live providently and extend to our children their pioneer heritage.

Think of the learning that accompanies a family council on the family budget. How do Mom and Dad feel when a teenage son who, because he is included and understands the budgeting process, volunteers part of his summer’s income to help replace that tired refrigerator?

We speak of literacy and education in terms of being prepared for a better occupation, but we cannot underestimate the present pleasure of our reading in the scriptures, Church magazines, and good books of every kind. We teach of emotional strength in terms of family prayer, kind words, and full communication, but we quickly learn how pleasant life can be when it is lived in a courteous and reinforcing atmosphere.

In like manner we could refer to all the components of personal and family preparedness, not in relation to holocaust or disaster, but in cultivating a life-style that is on a day-to-day basis its own reward.

Let’s do these things because they are right, because they are satisfying, and because we are obedient to the counsels of the Lord. In this spirit we will be prepared for most eventualities, and the Lord will prosper and comfort us. It is true that difficult times will come—for the Lord has foretold them—and, yes, stakes of Zion are “for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm.” (D&C 115:6.) But if we live wisely and providently, we will be as safe as in the palm of His hand.

I hope that in our priesthood quorums and Relief Society meetings the concepts of personal and family preparedness are being properly taught and with the kind of positive approach that we all respond to.

Cannery trip on Dec. 14

I had to cancel the Dec. 9 trip, I am now going to the cannery with my son and his wife the morning of Tues. Dec. 14.  I am willing to pick up food for you (this offer is for Morrisville Ward, and Green Level ward if I have room), please contact me if you want to buy some.

Gamma Seal lids on sale

http://beprepared.com/category.asp?c=444&name=Gamma%2520Seals&sid=INEM923&EID=ALL1210&lm=emer&bhcd2=1291399336

These lids are on sale at Emergency Essentials for $6.49 each.   I really like having these Gamma Seal lids on my food storage buckets.  They screw on and off, and I only keep them on the buckets that I am currently using.  (All my other unopened buckets still have the standard lids, you have to get those off with a special tool or break all your fingernails.)

I only own about 7 of these, in all different colors.  To attach them to a bucket, you have to take off the old lid, hammer the new ring onto the bucket, and then screw the removable center on and off.  The ring is on there permanently.  When the food inside the bucket is gone, I will dump more food in.

More problems for sugar crop

I just got a heads-up on something that has just happened to threaten next year's sugar beet crop.  Do you have your year's supply of sugar yet?  And remember, if sugar shortages happen, all other foods with sugar will go up:  cake mixes, candy, barbecue sauce, etc. 

--Amy

Federal judge orders sugar beet stecklings destroyed

http://www.magicvalley.com/business/local/article_e46814f9-3cbf-5c7a-96d3-c0338b644349.html

A federal judge has ordered genetically modified sugar beet stecklings, which grow new beet seed, to be destroyed.

The decision raises questions about the 2012 seed supply and may have further complicate rules that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed for the 2011 growing season. 

Stecklings are root stock planted in the fall, uprooted during the winter and then replanted to produce seed the following season.....

The beet industry has argued that a complete ban on the Roundup Ready technology until May 2012, when the full environmental impact statement is slated to be completed, will cause significant disruptions to half the domestically produced sugar supply. A USDA report estimated that up to 37 percent of sugar beet production would be lost under a ban. Beets provide about half of the domestically produced sugar.

Old Margarine Powder, Old Milk Powder

I decided to start opening every old can in my food storage.  I figured it would either be good, and I would eat it, or it would be bad, and I would throw it away, thus clearing a space for some new food storage.

So I opened this can of margarine powder from 1988, and used this milk powder from 1991 (which I knew was good, because I've been using it for a few months already.)

I made some buttercream frosting, from powdered sugar, margarine powder, milk powder, and water.

My oldest son was visiting, so I offered him a snack of graham crackers with the frosting.  I was curious to see if he would notice any difference with the taste.  He ate it happily with no comment.

So, the verdict is that 22 year old margarine powder still tastes fine in buttercream frosting.

Provident Living Challenge for December

Do one of these by the January evening Relief Society meeting and get a prize!

Challenge #1:  Count up all the weight of your shelf stable “grains”.  Determine whether you have a three month supply, which equals 100 pounds per person.  If you count it all, you get the prize.

This would include wheat, rolled oats, hot cereal, cold cereal, crackers, graham crackers, macaroni, egg noodles, spaghetti, cornmeal, cake mixes, white flour, rice, brown rice, minute rice, pancake mix, popcorn, alfalfa sprouting seeds, etc.  Anything that is made of grains. If you want to, you can also count the bread in your freezer, but that is not technically “shelf stable”. 

Remember, the church teaches us to get a three-month supply of things we normally eat.  The “grain” group of foods takes up the most space, and you should already have a lot of it.

STORAGE:  What are you doing to keep out bugs?  

Your three-month supply is usually in normal grocery store boxes.  These need to be rotated regularly, they can be easily invaded by bugs.  Or, the bug eggs might already be inside them.  One lady said that she wraps the box openings  of her cake mixes with clear packaging tape, to prevent bugs going in or out.  She said she would rather have one box with bugs instead of all of the boxes getting ruined.

Flour, cornmeal, rice, pancake mix, etc, which come in big bags need to be dumped into canisters or large Tupperware containers so the bugs can’t get inside.

I am assuming that your long-term storage (wheat, rice, etc.) is in sealed #10 cans or in large plastic buckets to prevent bug damage.

Challenge #2:  Get a year’s supply of salt.  You need 5-8 pounds per person for a year.  This is the cheapest part of food storage, and it takes the least amount of space.   It costs 25 cents per pound at Sam’s.  Buy iodized salt, so that you can also obtain the necessary nutrient iodine.  (Non-iodized salt is used for canning.)

Some of you might say, “We don’t use much salt.”  Let me point out that currently we are all eating mostly store-bought foods, and it isn’t obvious how much salt is actually in our diets.  If you ever had to start baking and cooking all your food from scratch, you would need this much salt for a year, and would be very sorry not to have it.

(Notice the photo above:  I put a label that says I opened this 4 lb. box in November 2008.  It wasn't all used up until Sept. 2010.  So at this point my family is only basically using 2 lbs. per year, but like I said, most of our foods are purchased at the store, with the salt already added.)

Storage of salt:  Because it is so inexpensive, I am not worried about it too much.  I assume that if the salt becomes clumped together, I will just dissolve it into water or hammer it and then use it in recipes.  Other than getting stuck together, it will last forever.