Thread: BASIC LIST / SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR LONG TERM SURVIVAL

Essential Prepping Calculators

February 13th, 2010
Basic Survival Needs

Basic Survival Needs

Food Storage Calculator - How much food does a family need? This nifty calculator can let you know.
Water Intake Calculator - Find out how much water an individual needs based on their specific weight.

Cooking

Cooking Conversion Calculator - Converges different measurements for cooking.
Printable Version of Cooking Conversion Chart

Environmental

Carbon Foot Print Calculator

Gardening/Mirco Farm

Seed Calculator - Find out how many seeds will be needed for a given amount of land.
Plants Per Acre Calculator – Find out how many plants will be needed per acre.
Acres Into Square Feet Convergence Calculator - Acres into square feet conversion calculator for area conversions with additional tables and formulas.
Square Feet Into Acres Convergence Calculator - Square feet into acres conversion calculator.
Horse Feed Calculators - Find out how much hay your horse will need for a year.
Precious Metals

Precious Metal Calculator – Evaluates the current online price of all carat golds, silver, platinum, and palladium. Uses current online prices for a variety of currencies.

Radiation
Radiation Calculator – We are exposed to radiation on a daily basis. Find out what daily activities we do and items that we have in our homes that emit radiation.
Weapon and Ammunition Calculator

Winchester Ballistics Calculator
Remington Ballistics Calculator
Nuclear Weapons Effects Calculator
Nuclear Detonation in a City - Put in the longitude and latitude coordinates of a city and see what the effects of the weapon will be and how far the fall out will spread
Global Incident Map – Maps out terrorist and other suspicious activity


Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.readynutrition.com/
Date: February 13th, 2010
Related Categories: Prepping Calculators

Related Reading:

• What’s Your Annual Radiation Dose?
• First Time Shopping List For An Emergency Food Supply
• Week 29 of 52: Charity
• Gold Has Yet To Soar
• A Guide To Creating a No-Till Garden

http://readynutrition.com/resources/...tors_13022010/

Are You Ready Series: Essential Footwear

Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
November 2009

Surviving the harsh elements of nature is a hard thing to do. Surviving the harsh elements of nature without a good pair of shoes is next to impossible. Waterproof boots will protect your feet from the natural elements (water, heat, cold, snow, etc). Hiking boots are designed to give your feet the necessary support they need to help you move, stay aligned with your body, and protect you from weather elements.
Boots Are Made For Walkin’

Boots that have flexible soles and deep tread are the best type of shoes to have as far as walking/hiking in nature go. There is much debate on whether to purchase all leather boots that are fairly heavier or light weight hiking boots. Several studies have shown that wearing one extra pound on your feet takes as much energy as carrying five or six pounds in a backpack. Keep in mind of the terrain of the location you will be in to make the right decision of the type of footwear that should be purchased. There are many reviews of hiking boots to determine what is the best choice.
Worn out boots that have not been tended to can do an insurmountable amount of damage on the feet. In James Wesley, Rawles book The Patriot, the character Doug was wandering around in the harsh extremities of nature with worn down boots that were falling apart at the seams. After walking a very long journey, he made it back to his home and dug up a cache that he had buried way before the collapse of the country and found a spare pair of combat boots. In all of the items that were in the cache (coins, batteries, face paint, soap, vitamins, food, etc), he was most thankful for putting in a spare pair of boots.

Points to Find the Best Boots For You:

• Select boots that are designed to provide the support and protection you will need for the most difficult terrain you expect to encounter.
• Choose boots that are designed to support the load you expect to be carrying. The heavier your load, the more support you will need.
• Remember that hiking boots do not have to weigh a great deal.
• Consider the various advantages of fabric-and-leather boots and all-leather boots. Fabric-and-leather boots are lighter and easier to break in, but all-leather boots offer added protection and durability in rigorous terrain, as well as being water resistant and breathable.
• Top-quality hiking boots, are made with a Gore-Tex® lining that keeps water out while allowing perspiration to escape.

Source – www.llbean.com

R.E.I’s website has some further tips to think about when choosing the right pair of boots.
Take Care of Your Boots, and Your Boots Take Care of You

Many backpackers and soldiers carry nylon gaitors to protect their boots from water when walking through wet areas. There are ways to winterize the boots to keep them protected from the elements. Carrying an extra pair of laces would be a good thing to keep in mind as well. As laces seem to weaken and break well before the footwear does.
Not only is it important to have undamaged shoes to protect the feet, but have an appropriate fitting shoes as well. There are stories of children who grew up during the time of the Depression and did not have good shoes to wear. In a personal Depression example, my grandmother wore shoes made from tires that her father made. They did not fit, but she did not complain as she was thankful just for having those. She wore tight fitting shoes for years that did a number on her feet. As a result, she had to have countless surgeries to help her hammer toes. Her feet are now deformed as a result of wearing tight fitting shoes. This is a prime example of why good footwear is important.
When preparing to buy footwear for children, footwear can be purchased on clearance two sizes larger than what they wear. Then buy another pair of shoes that are two sizes too big. By using this method, if there is more than one child, shoes can be passed on. Worn out treads, cracked leather, and rotten stitching can create ways for nature to seep into your shoes. It is important to take care of your footwear. In the Special Forces Survival Guide, the Royal Marines have a tip for caring for boots:

Stuff wet boots with newspapers and dry them in a warm, airy place, through not in direct hear, which will bake and then crack the leather. In winter, rub silicone or wax over the laces to stop them from freezing when they get wet.

Nothing can end a great outdoor experience faster than painful blisters, pinched toes or even injuries caused by inappropriate hiking boots. By taking care of your shoes, you are essentially taking care of your self. Investing in a good pair of waterproof boots is a lasting investment.
Related Articles:
Are You Ready Series: Emergency Medical Supply
Are You Ready Series: Emergency Water Supply
Are You Ready Series: Emergency Clothing


Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.readynutrition.com/
Date: November 28th, 2009
Related Categories: Are You Ready, Shelter and Clothing
Related Reading:

• Are You Ready Series: Emergency Clothing
• A Free Falling Economy Makes Bartering Go Boom
• Rookie Preppers: 8 Mistakes To Avoid
• Disaster: It’s Not a Case of If, But When
• Short Term Emergency Check List

http://readynutrition.com/resources/...wear_28112009/

Are You Ready Series: Emergency Clothing

Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
November 2009

Essential clothing for a disaster supply is a commonly overlooked area of prepping. If a person does not have the proper clothing that is suitable for the terrain they are in, then harsh elements such as rain, cold, and snow can cause catastrophic effects. Preparation for an emergency means having the right tools and clothing to meet any emergency situation. Let this article serve as a basic guideline on some of the principles to keep in mind when researching what type of clothing will be needed if a disastrous incident breaks out.
The Layer Principle

According to the Special Forces Survival Guide, the Layer Principle offers the absolute best protection and flexibility for all types of climates. The idea of layering clothing creates the best type of insulation in the form of still air. The still air is trapped between layers of clothing. The more layers that are worn, the greater the insulating effect. Taking off layers of clothes serves as temperature control.

It is important to note that when preparing for cold weather, all of the body extremities should be well protected and maximum warmth is derived from multiple layers. Water-proofing is as critical as warmth.
Source – Special Forces Survival Guide

It is important to note that overheating can be as much of a problem as being cold. If you sweat when it is cold, the body chills when you stop sweating and your sweat-soaked clothing will act as a conductor to draw away body heat into the air. Steps must be taken to prevent this.
Proper Layering Techniques

• Thermal underwear should be worn close against the skin.
• A woolen or wool mixture shirt should be worn over the thermal underwear.
• On top of this layer should be a woolen or good woven fiber sweater or jacket (woven fiber tends to be better because it is warmer and more windproof).
• A jacket filled with synthetic fiber should be worn over the last layer. The Special Forces Guide advises not to wear a down jacket as it tends to lose its insulating properties when it gets wet.
• The final layer must be windproof and waterproof. This jacket is the outer shell of the thermal protection gear. It should also be made of a “breathable” fabric such as Goretex, which allows sweat to evaporate through the fabric into the atmosphere while as the same time stops rain and water from getting in. These last two layers can be combined into a single jacket.
• Make sure that a durable hat is worn to insulate the heat given off by your head. The Special Forces Survival Guide estimates that between 40 and 50% of heat loss from the body in some conditions can occur through the head. Therefore, having proper head gear is essential to maintaining proper body heat. Preferably the hat should be a nylon shell with ear flaps that can snap down. A brim on the hat would help keep snow out of the eyes.

When preparing clothing for an emergency situation, bug out bag (B.O.B), or SHTF scenario, comfortable, non-restricting clothing should be chosen. Keep in mind that you are preparing for any given situation. Just because you have a warm home, or shelter does not mean that the shelter will always be there. If there is a situation where you are left to walk in the harsh elements of nature, you must prepare for that.
Footwear
Good footwear has everything to do with survival. A good pair of waterproof boots will protect your feet from the natural elements (water, heat, cold, snow, etc). Boots that have flexible soles and deep tread are the best type of shoes to have as far as walking/hiking in nature go. There is much debate on whether to purchase all leather boots that are fairly heavier or light weight hiking boots. Several studies have shown that wearing one extra pound on your feet takes as much energy as carrying five or six pounds in a backpack. Keep in mind of the terrain of the location you will be in to make the right decision of the type of footwear that should be purchased. There are many reviews of hiking boots to determine what is the best choice.
Socks
Socks are vital in keeping the feet warm and free of moisture. Without a good pair of socks, the feet are susceptible to not only natural extremities, but also susceptible to blistering and other injuries to your feet. Socks should be matched to the intended type of weather condition and the type of walking will be done. Whether a person wears multiple pairs of thin layered socks or wears two thick pairs, it is entirely up to the person’s preferences. But carrying multiple pairs in your backpack or B.O.B. is a good idea. If one gets worn out, or wet, then there are extras on hand. Try and keep socks as clean and moisture free as possible to prevent fungal infections and other unwanted podiatry ailments. Always plan and prepare for the worst.
What Type of Sock Should Be Purchased
Like a shoe or boot, your hiking socks should be matched to the type of activity a person will be doing. According to www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com, there are things to keep in mind when choosing a good pair of socks.

• Blood Flow – Good blood flow through the feet must be maintained. A decrease or cut-off in blood flow can be caused by unyielding fabrics in hiking socks. Acrylics in combination with other fibers and a terry weave can help with this and shear.
• Moisture- With exertion one foot can sweat 1-2 pints of vapor/fluid per day. That’s why wicking technology in hiking socks is so important. Without it bacteria and fungus can become a problem.
• Position – If your hiking socks don’t help to maintain correct anatomical alignment this can cause premature fatigue. Correct posture also helps to correctly position your foot in your boot or shoe to make it feel like it’s an extension of your body.
• Pressure Areas – Pressure can cause discomfort and lead to damage if it’s not addressed. A good example of this is a bedsore. Most people hopefully won’t experience pressure to this degree, but it’s something you want to keep in mind when looking at hiking socks. Padding is especially important around bony areas like the heal and ball of the foot.
• Shearing Force – This happens when your tissue is moving in opposite directions, like when jumping over a stream, or descending a steep slope. Part of your skin is moving one way and the tissue under it another, this causes a tearing action just under the surface of the skin. This is the most common way of getting blisters.
• Temperature – Good hiking socks need to be appropriate for their intended use, from a warm weather day hike to a week-long mountaineering trip.
• Liners- Thin socks called liners are made to be worn under your hiking socks next to your skin so they can wick the moisture away and keep your feet dry. They also can help prevent chafing and increase warmth by wicking when used under heavier hiking socks.

Invest in a good pair of socks, it’s worth every penny spent.
Gloves
The layering princle also works with gloves. According to the Special Forces Survival Guide, mittens are better for heat retention. Putting a thin pair of gloves under the mittens helps maintain heat if the mittens need to be removed to grab something. There are also waterproof winter gloves available that have built in pockets to put a heating pack in to also maintain good body heat. However, if a person is going outside to work, then they would need leather gloves or an insulated synthetic pair that is durable. A pair of leather gloves can also be “winterized” with SnowSeal, paraffin or seal oil to protect the leather.
Outer Clothes
When outdoors, it is recommended to wear lightweight, quick drying, windproof pants. Synthetic/cotton gabardine weaves are the best. These type of pants also have multiple pockets with zippers that are handy for carrying extra items. There are also pants that convert into shorts for an all weather type of clothing. However, keeping the extremities warm is the point to keep in mind.
If possible, try to avoid wearing cotton clothing. Tight cotton clothing that gets wet has a tendancy to hold the water next to the skin which can drop the body temperature as a very alarming rate. Wool clothing is naturally durable as well as a natural thermostatic insulator that keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Wool naturally repels water and has the unique property of keeping the body warm even if it gets wet.
In the book, The Patriots, Rawles discusses the importance of having the same type of clothes per group as it makes your group more easily identifiable to each other in the case of unwanted vistitors. Wearing BDUs is a sturdy outfit that is equipped with handy pockets as well as camouflages into a natural background. Coveralls and overalls are another suggestion of clothing to wear. This would especially be good to dress children in as they tend to need more growing room than adults.
Undergarments
Never underestimate the relief of a clean pair of underwear when you have not had clean underwear for sometime. Having clean underwear is also essential to good hygeine. Buy an extra pack of underwear for your B.O.B as well as some for your long term survival supply. For kids, buy some packs of underwear that are a few sizes too big so they can grow into it.
The C.O.L.D.E.R Principle

Creating a thermal protection system is essential in surviving in the open terrain. If a person does not protect themselves against the natural elements, then injury and possibly death could ensue. Having the proper attire to survive can be an investment, but a necessary one. Find reviews online to see what type of clothing is the most durable, long lasting and best suited for the area you will be living in. The U.S. Air Force has an acronym that helps them remember the principles of survival clothing:

C – Keep clothing clean.
O – Avoid overheating.
L – Wear clothing loose and in layers.
D – Keep clothing dry.
E – Examine clothing for defects in wear.
R – Keep clothing repaired.
Source – Special Forces Survivor Guide

When you are preparing, you are preparing to survive in any given situation. Even if the SHTF scenario does not happen. What happens if your electricity and heat in your home are effected by a bad snow storm and the heat gets turned off for a week. You and your family must have the appropriate clothing on hand to survive until the heat is turned back on. Having the necessary clothing packed will keep you prepared and ready to act swiftly in the case of an unplanned emergency arises.
The Special Forces Survival Guide: Wilderness Survival Skills From The World’s Most Elite Military Units is a huge survival resource that should be in any prepper’s library. This learning tool teaches essential survival skills to stay alive in extreme conditions, harsh terrain and gives examples of what to do in life threatening emergencies. This book is the first book I purchased for my Preparedness library and I constantly look upon on for advice.
Related Articles:
Are You Ready Series: Emergency Medical Supply
Are You Ready Series: Emergency Water Supply

Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.readynutrition.com/
Date: November 27th, 2009
Related Categories: Are You Ready, Shelter and Clothing


Related Reading:

• Are You Ready Series: Essential Footwear
• Cold Weather Preparedness
• Are You Ready Series: 72 Hour Kits
• Essential Emergency Preps: Thermo-lite 2.0 Bivvy Bag
• Use the Snow Storm As a Test Run For the Real Thing

http://readynutrition.com/resources/...rt-3_27112009/

Be Ready with Vehicle 72 Hour Kits

Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
December 2009

Many prepping websites have multiple articles on 72 hours bags (aka: evac packs, bug-out-bags, blow out bags or survival kits). Every family should have a 72 hour bag ready, not because we should all run for the hills, but because there may be an unforeseen disaster where your family will have to make a swift evacuation. Certain disasters can occur very quickly such as fires, hurricanes and flooding. Having things in order as well as a plan in place will expedite the process of leaving as well as keeping things running as smoothly as possible. The main goal of having a 72 hour bag is to be equipped to survive. In this case, survival is dependent upon you. Therefore, the 72 hour bag should be pre-assembled and ready to go as well as have a 72 hour bag seperately for the vehicle.
Personally speaking, when I assembled my family’s bug out bags it took a few hours to run through the house getting all the supplies in order. If I was in a time sensitive situation, I would have forgotten half of the items I packed. It’s essential that your B.O.Bs (Bug Out Bags) are ready to go.
What To Put Into a 72 Hour Bag?

What would your family need for 3 days? Better yet, what items would you take out of your house that would save your life for 3 days? It does not really matter what type of bag is used to place your items in. Many people use duffel bags, backpacks and suitcases to store their gear in. However, many experts advise that the bag or container should be waterproof. For those with multiple people in their family, each person in the family should have their own 72 hour bag that is placed into a large plastic container. A bag or container with a carrying handle would be advisable if the container holds many items or is for a family. Some thoughts to keep in mind when preparing your 72 hour bag are:

• Have aplan in place (choosing the location, let family members know where your destination is, the contact information, a secondary destination, etc.)
• Keep the basic needs in mind: food, water, shelter, clothing, safety and communication.
• Try and find items that are light weight, functional and versatile so that carrying them in a container will not be a strain.
• Take your bag out and use it a few times to test that nothing is forgotten.

Food
A little food can go a long way if you are creative enough. Find a stove to cook food in, and boil water. Try and find foods that are light weight an high in calories and have lots of energy. Have enough food for a 3 day period. Some possible food suggestions would be:

• MRE’s
• Crackers
• Pasta
• Hard Candy
• Energy Bars
• Dried Fruits and Nuts
• Instant Oatmeal
• Granola Bars
• Powdered Milk
• Jerky

Some other suggestions for meals would be:

• Bouillon Cubes
• Instant Rice/Mashed Potatoes
• Dried Soups
• Camping Freeze Dried Foods
• Gum
• Instant Pudding
• Powdered Drink Mixes (Tang, Crystal Light)
• Paper Plates, Cups and Eating Ware

Water
Having a good water supply is more important than food. A person cannot go without 3 days of water so have a plentiful amount. At a minimum, each person should have one gallon of water per day. In an emergency situation, such as a natural disaster, water is one of the first items to disappear off of a store shelf. If you can pack more water, then go for it. Many feel that due to the bulky nature of water bottles, it would add too much weight for the 72 hour kits. Therefore, many carry 1-2 liters of water and have water purification tablets or a water filter on hand. Here are some ideas for carrying water:

• Individual water bottles in the pack, gallon jugs of water, etc.
• Canteen
• Collapsible water container
• Water filter
• Water purification tablets

Clothing
Clothes in the 72 hour bag should be rotated every season and be appropriate to the environment you are in. Having items in your bag that can be layered is a great option.

• If it is the winter season: Pack all cold weather essentials in maintaining body heat: Layered clothing, warm hat preferably with flaps over the ears, waterproof pants, mittens, etc.
• Work Gloves
• Have at least one change of clothing in your bag and two extra pairs of socks.
• A good pair of boots (hiking or combat boots) with a deep trench in the sole.
• Rain Suit
• Poncho
• Hat to keep the sun off your face.
• Bandanna

Shelter
A shelter is to keep out the natural elements at bay as well as provide a warm place to sleep to maintain body temperature.

• Tents (lightweight)
• Sleeping bag
• Durable long lasting emergency blankets
• Tube tent (emergency shelter)
• Tarp
• Garbage bags can even be used for a shelter.
• Mylar emergency blankets

Fire
Having fire lighting gear will help maintain proper body temperature, assist in cooking food, and boiling water. If an emergency arises and you have to leave, you want to be able to have items on hand to make a fire to stay warm.

• Waterproof matches
• Magnesium Fire starters
• Cigarette Lighters

Communication
In a survival situation, communication is key. Family members and friends want to know that everyone is safe and sound and have made it to their ideal locations. Additionally, news sources such as radios need to be heard to find out if you are in a safe location, safe to go back to your home or are in a dangerous area.

• Cell Phone
• A 2-way radio
• Radio to get news and information.
• Whistle
• Battery powered tv
• Scanner to hear about police situations and fires that may be in the area
• Signals such as whistles, flares and mirrors are important

Tools
Tools will be used for a variety of reasons. Tools for hunting, shoveling, cutting, and for navigational purposes are all essential items for a 72 hour bag.

• Knives ( to cut large machete type and a smaller Gerber hunter)
• Multi-tool
• Camping shovels
• Candles
• Hammer or hatchet
• Collapsible fishing pole with hooks, line, bobbers, etc.
• Flares
• Maps, compass or GPS devices ( Having extra compasses ensures that navigation is accurate).
• Rope (paracord),
• Knife sharpening stone,
• Flash light with extra batteries

Written Survival Sources
In a high stress situation that some are not used to, forgetfulness plays a part from dealing with all the changes that are occuring. Having some manuals to look upon for survival information, or for spiritual information to lift the moral is a good idea and does not take up much space.

• Survival Manuals
• First Aid Manuals
• Bible

Safety
There is no guarantee that everything will go as planned. There are times when emergencies arise. Having a well stocked first aid kit is essential in the case that someone gets injured. Taking a basic first aid course to give the proper aid is an instrumental tool in providing the right type of care. First aid kits should be filled with every type of first aid gear that could be needed.

• Band-aids
• Antiseptic
• Gauze pads
• Medical tape
• Tourniquet
• Celox (Emergency Blood Clotting Granules)
• Bug spray
• Sunblock
• Poison ivy cream
• Skin irritation cream
• Pain reliever
• Anti-Diarrhea Medicine
• Prescription medicine
• Cold/Flu medicine
• Scissors

Weapons are another way of maintaining safety. Having the ability to defend yourself is another aspect to keep in mind.

• Hand gun
• Rifle
• Shot gun
• Knives
• Taser

Hygiene
In a bug out situation, many assume it could be for a few days, but it could be for longer periods of time. Keeping yourself clean is not only beneficial to those around you, but also to maintain health. Hygiene items are a good idea to put in your 72 hour bag:

• Toilet Paper
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Cleaning Wipes
• Soap
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Laundry Detergent

Personal Documents
When fleeing to a location other than your home, have the proper identification, and emergency information with in the case that you need to present it to a police officer, red cross disaster worker, state trooper, park ranger, etc.

• Journal (with a pen)
• Identification Information (drivers license, passports, wills, marriage licenses, birth certificates, social security cards, proof of address)
• Licenses for guns or for fishing, etc
• Health Insurance Information

If a disaster hits, and you are unprepared to flee the situation, fear and panic set in and mistakes are made. To better access the situation, preparation makes all the difference. Knowledge and preparation helps to control fear and keep a person calm. Calmness and clarity are the emotions that a person wants in a disaster situation. A 72 hour bag for multiple family members can take a longer amount of time than one may think. Having it pre-assembled and ready to go can put a person ahead of the game when it comes to bugging out. The more prepared a person is, the calmer they will be while evacuating.
72 Hour Kit E-Books:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3036529/Mo...cy-Preperation
http://www.scribd.com/doc/17778582/E...ness-Grab-n-Go

Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.readynutrition.com/
Date: December 4th, 2009
Related Categories: Are You Ready, Emergency Checklists, Evacuation
Related Reading:

• Be Ready with Vehicle 72 Hour Kits
• Prepping: A Beginner’s Guide – Essential Items Needed for Disaster Preparation (Pt. 2)
• Week 6 of 52: Evacuation Preparedness
• Disaster Supplies for Surviving a Flood
• Suggested Items for Short Term Food Supply

http://readynutrition.com/resources/...kits_04122009/

Storing Medical Supplies and Be Ready

Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
December 2009

Storing medical supplies in the home for a possible disaster could save some one’s life if they need immediate medical assistance. 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. Experts suggest having a well stocked arsenal of medical supplies in this instance.
Suggested Home Medical Supplies

The idea of having medical supplies in the home is to be prepared for any given situation that could arise. In the long run, if supplies are adequately organized and ready to go, the person administering medical assistance will have everything in place and be ready to act. Making an inventory list of everything that is needed for all family members (include children’s needs as well as family members with special needs) as well as items that have already been purchased can help with organizing the supplies for storage.

• Antacids
• Anti-diarrheal
• pain reliever
• Children’s pain reliever
• First aid book
• Prescription medications (keep copies for records)
• Cold/flu medicines
• Vitamins
• Blood clotting
• Sterile gauze
• Dressing bandages
• Dressing rolls
• Medical tape
• Bandages of all sizes
• Alcohol wipes
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Eye flushing solution
• Anesthetic solution
• Hypodermic needles (for the antiseptic solution)
• Electrolyte tablets
• Benadryl
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Cold Packs
• Warm Blankets
• Antibiotic ointment
• Thermometers
• Skin irritation creams
• Gloves
• Mask
• Suture needles/string
• List of medical contact phone numbers
• Medical history file (if needed)

Animals and house pets can often fall victim to an injury as well. Having medicine and first aid supplies for them will ensure their health and safety.
Storing Medical Supplies

Medicines can break down and spoil if they are subject to moisture, temperature fluctuations and exposure to light. For example, aspirin has a tendency to begin the breakdown process when it is exposed to a slight amount of moisture. Unless the medicine indicates otherwise, store the medicines in a cool, dark place that is out of children’s reach. If possible, try and find a place to put the medical supplies that is in an easily accessible area in the event of a medical crises. Check expiration dates periodically to ensure the medicines are still good to use. Additionally, storing a first aid kit in the car and in the 72 hour bag will provide additional medical assistance if needed.
Signs of Expired Medicines
Although there is data that medicine can last longer than their expiration dates, knowing the signs of expired medicine can help indicate when new items are needed.

• Creams or ointments which are discolored or have changed in texture.
• Creams or ointments which have cracked or separated.
• The medicines smell has changed since it was opened.
• Tablets are broken or chipped and have changed color.

Source – www.generalmedicine.suite101.com

Organizing medical supplies to be ready for a possible disaster is not a time consuming event. In a disaster situation, having supplies on hand to deal with a medical emergency can expedite the stabilization process and possibly save a life.
Related Articles:
Are You Ready Series: Emergency Medical Supply


Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.readynutrition.com/
Date: December 18th, 2009
Related Categories: Are You Ready, Reserve Supplies, Storage


Related Reading:

• Week 3 of 52: Emergency Medical Supply (List 1)
• Week 9 of 52: Emergency Medical Supply (List 2)
• Week 15 of 52: Emergency Medical Supply (List 3)
• SHTF Survival: First Response Packs for Medical Emergencies
• Are You Ready Series: Emergency Medical Supply

http://readynutrition.com/resources/...eady_18122009/

Ready for the New Year: Prepping with Vigilance

Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
January 2010

Now that the new year is here, many have made the resolution to be more vigilant with their disaster preparedness. And for some, they have decided to start the prepping process.
In Eastern Europe, at the end of December, stores are closed for two weeks for “inventura,” or inventory. Taking an inventory of supplies at the beginning of the year to see how much one has acquired and what one may need to stock up on is a good start to being more proactive. Furthermore, making plans to develop more knowledge based skills for the year such as CPR/first aid courses, auto shop classes, gardening courses or other crafting skills is also a proactive choice at continuing preparedness.
Make a List

Many who have already started prepping, have not created a list that has all the items acquired or needed for the future. Creating a spread sheet or keeping a written list of all the items needed for the preparedness list and checking the items that have been obtained is a great way to keep records organized. Furthermore, if mulitple preppers are involved, get all members together to see where everyone is at and verify that everyone is still on track. Make sure that contact information for all those involved in the disaster plan is correct and documented. “Prep meetings” are a good way to bounce ideas and scenarios off one another to be able to prepare even further.
Those that are new to prepping, begin by making a “list of lists.” Depending on the type of disaster one is preparing for write down the main items that will be needed such as food, shelter, water, first aid, and then add to the main sections. It is important to create the list that suits the particular needs of the person making it or his/her family.
Things to Keep in Mind with the List:

• How much food and water per member of the household.
• Any special medical needs that one may need to prepare for.
• Making preparations for anyone with a handicap.
• If children are a part of the household, making sure there are soothing items for them (books, games, special foods, etc).
• If there are pets in the home, prepare for extra food/water and any other needs to keep them healthy and safe.

In the popular book: How to Survive The End of The World as we Know It by James Wesley, Rawles, (who many consider the Godfather of Survivalism) he suggests being prepared for any type of disaster and suggests making a “List of lists.” Some list suggestions include:

• Water
• Food-Storage
• Food-Preparation
• Personal
• First Aid/Minor-Surgery
• Chem/Nuke Defense
• Biological -Warfare – and Pandemic – Defense
• Gardening
• Hygeine/Sanitation
• Hunting/Fishing/Trapping
• Power/Lighting/Batteries
• Fuels
• Firefighting
• Tactical – Living
• Security – General
• Security – Firearms
• Barter and Charity

As previously mentioned, depending on how far one wants to prepare is dependent on their personal taste. However, many like to prepare for the absolute worst case scenario so that all preparedness areas are covered. Rawles indicates that it is important to be prepared enough to “hunker down” for at least three to four months, with minimal outside contact.
Make a Plan: Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best

If a disaster strikes, a person wants a well defined plan on how to most effectively stay safe. There are times when disasters are sudden, and while many are not prepared for this likelihood, there are some who are. And the ones that are prepared, are the ones who can leave the disaster area faster.

• Sitting down and preparing a plan A, B and C will help ensure that if things do not go exactly as planned, there is another plan to fall back on.
• Have maps on hand and plan evacuation routes.
• Having a safe place to stay (outside of the effected area) should also be relayed as a priority. Talk with family and friends so that it is already planned.
• Create a 72 hour bag with items that a person or family can sustain themselves on, so that if a disaster does occur, they are already prepared to leave.
• Have a organized manual that has all the necessary information in it so that it can be grabbed in a pinch.
• Having a way to stay informed such as a hand crank radio, HAM radio, etc is another form of preparedness that needs to be taken into consideration.

Be Vigilant

Being attentive and doing annual inventory checks to maintain storage items and preparing a list for items and skills to acquire during the year will keep a person as prepared as possible. Preparing for a disaster is a year long process. A person should always be on the look out for preparedness needs and stock up accordingly. Maintaining the storage gear and items can get disorganized if a person let’s it. Setting time aside for organization of goods will ensure everything is in it’s place when one needs it.


Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.readynutrition.com/
Date: January 4th, 2010
Related Categories: Preparedness Mindset, Reserve Supplies


Related Reading:

• The 5 P’s of Preparedess
• Family Emergency Plan Check List
• The G.O.O.D Survival Manuals: Every Family Should Have One
• Emergency Manual Information List
• Prepping: Basic Beginners Guide – Why Prep? (Pt. 1)

http://readynutrition.com/resources/...ance_04012010/

Prepping: Basic Beginners Guide - Why Prep? (Pt. 1)


Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
February 2010

To those of you who have seen the importance of preparing and have a desire to keep your family safe during a disaster - congratulations. Prepping is for those who are preparing for the unknown future, and for those who see the importance of having necessary items in place before a disaster strikes. This guide is a 2 part series that will give you the basic fundamental knowledge on how to start prepping, help you gain an understanding of why you need to have certain disaster supplies, and give insight on where to get certain supplies.
Those that are new to prepping should start with planning for a given disaster and then begin acquiring items for their basic needs. The logic behind prepping is the same for those preparing for a short term disaster or a long term disaster. That logic is: To be self sufficient and have the ability to care for yourself and your family independently during an unforeseen disaster. Creating adisaster check list will add another layer of disaster planning, and expedite the process of getting ready for a disaster, if one comes your way.
Know What You Are Preparing For

Disasters can strike quickly and without warning. Knowing what type of disasters could effect the area you live in will help you plan more thoroughly for the disaster. Deciding on the type of disaster to prepare for will also determine the type of survival gear that is needed. For example, if a person lives in an area prone to flash flooding and torrential downpours from thunderstorms, the items they choose would be different than survival items chosen for earthquake preparedness. Typically, the best way to prepare for a disaster is to plan for the worst case scenario so that all areas are covered. Many think this ideology is a bit excessive, but being completely prepared and self sufficient for a given disaster is the reasoning behind prepping. It is a state of mind for many.
Types of Preppers

There are different types of preppers – the short term and the long term preppers. Short term preppers are those that want to be prepared for anywhere between 1 week-3 months. Many government websites such as The American Red Cross and FEMA suggest every family have a short term food supply in the case that food routes are interrupted due to severe storms, or unforeseen circumstances.
For longer term needs preppers generally are planning for disasters that have a longer term effect, thus they plan for longer self sufficiency in the event the disaster does occur. Long term preppers have a short term supply to compliment their long term supply. A longer term food supply usually includes dehydrated foods, MRE’s,seeds, hand crank wheat grinders, and equipment to be used in an non-technological environment. For a more detailed list on short term food supplies and longer term food supplies, click here.
Disasters do not happen to other people - they can happen to you, and they can happen to me. As long as you are prepared for a given scenario, then you already have tools in place when you need it most. According to some, prepping has become some sort of a social movement. Preparing for a disaster and being self sufficient has occurred for centuries. It is nothing new. It is simply families trying to make the hard times easier.
For information on necessary and essential items needed to prepare for emergencies, go to Prepping: A Beginner’s Guide - Pt. 2


Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.readynutrition.com/
Date: February 16th, 2010
Related Categories: Preparedness Mindset, Prepping Calculators, Reserve Supplies

Related Reading:

• The 5 P’s of Preparedess
• The Evolution of Preppers
• The Survival Mom and Tom Martin Reveal Why There Is So Much Interest In Prepping
• Disaster Planning: Kind of a Big Deal
• Prepping: A Beginner’s Guide – Essential Items Needed for Disaster Preparation (Pt. 2)

http://readynutrition.com/resources/...prep_16022010/

Building a fire with no matches, or even no wood, The Brigham Tea co, survival skills

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbaFw9iNEaI

Food Storage: Getting Started

Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
October 2009

Starting a supply of food does not have to be a budget breaker. Think like a squirrel gathering a little bit at a time. Start with a short term supply and then compliment that with a longer term supply of food.
Comparative shopping at the large volume supermarkets typically has better deals than at the smaller stores. Finding local ads from the large supermarket store websites can save on gas money as well as on shopping time. Even the Dollar stores carry canned goods and food products that would be good for short term/long term food supplies. Look for sales at the stores and buy as much of the item as your budget will allow.
There are a few things to consider besides the price of the cans. While at the store, take a few moments to consider:

• Expiration Dates
• Find Items On Sale
• “In Season” Vegetables Are Typically Cheaper
• See If Larger Canned Food Items Have Better Deals

Find a shelving unit and begin shelving your supplies in any unused space in your home (coat closet, bedroom closet, basements, etc). There are other supplies one would need such as medical supplies, radios, stoves, sleeping bags, warm clothing, etc. This blog will concentrate on what to store and how to to store the foods that you will need.
I love this video that the Deschamps Family made. They used a bathroom for their food storage. This is really making good use of space. It’s obvious in the video they have a longer term food supply, but you can see that you start out buying staple foods and add on.




Grocery List for Survival Supplies
Short Term Supply

It is good to have a well rounded short term supply to compliment your long term food stuffs. A properly stocked pantry will help supplement your long term food stuffs. Short Term Supplies and Long Term Supplies go hand in hand in order for your preparations to last longer.

• Water
• Canned Goods (meat, veggies, soup)
• Vitamins
• Food Condiments, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Mustard, Ketchup, BBQ Sauce, etc.
• Drink Mixes/Tea/Coffee
• Flour, Sugar, Salt, baking powder
• Spices
• Oil
• Pre-packaged foods – beans, dried peas, rice, noodles, oats, grains
• Ramen Noodles
• Self Canned Goods – Self canned goods adds variety to diet. Find vegetables that have high nutreint such as pumpkin, etc.
• First Aid Supply – Iodine, Pain Medication (Asprin, Tylenol, etc), Bandanges, Antibiotic Ointment
• Antibacterial Wipes or Hand Disinfectant
• MRE’s
• Ramen Noodles
• Infant Formula – call me crazy, but this has a huge amount of vitamins and nutrients and could help for immune boosts.
• Powdered Milk
• Matches and Other Fire Starting Equipment
• Paper Plates, Plastic Eating Utensils – You dont want to waste water on washing dishes.
• Bleach
• Freeze Dried Foods
• Personal Hygiene (Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Soap, Shaving Cream, Toothpaste).
• Food For Pets
• Gasoline and Other Fuels (Kerosene, Lamp Oil)
• Candles (Camping Candles Burn Longer)
• Ziploc Bags
• Garbage Bags
• Batteries for Flashlights, etc.
• Weapons – Just in Case

Long Term Supplies

Higher levels of food are needed to last 3+ years. Keep buying some of the Short Term Items To Compliment the Long Term

• Water
• Larger Amounts of Short Term Supplies
• Vitamins
• Longer Term First Aid Supply
• MRE’s – susceptible for temperature and storage problems. good for more short term problems.
• Canned Goods – find some on sale and make sure of the expiration date. Most last 1-3 years.
• Drink Mixes/Teas/Coffee
• Oil
• #10 cans – Freeze Dried foods can last for 20-30 year shelf life. Buckets of mylar packaging material.
• Seeds of all kinds – Heirloom and Non-GMO seeds are better. Some to grow, and some to be used for sprouts (pumpkin, alfalfa, broccoli, lentil).
• Mylared Packaged Goods or Super pails of Goods - grains, rice, beans, oats, legumes, flour, corn meal, powdered milk, sugar, salt, baking powder.
• Spices
• Large Storage Containers
• Tools – Axes Shovels, Wrenches, Hammers, Multi Use Pliers, Farming Tools
• Wood – pre chopped
• Matches and Other Fire Starting Equipment
• Paper Plates, Plastic Eating Utensils – You dont want to waste water on washing dishes.
• Matches and Other Fire Starting Equipment
• Paper Plates, Plastic Eating Utensils – You dont want to waste water on washing dishes.
• Bleach
• Freeze Dried Foods
• Personal Hygiene (Paper, Towels, Toilet Paper, Soap, Deodorant, Toothpaste)
• Clothing (Lots of Warm Clothing, and Items to Layer Under)
• Food For Pets
• Gasoline and Other Fuels (Keronsene, Lamp Oil)
• Candles (Camping Candles Burn Longer)
• Ziploc Bags
• Garbage Bags
• Batteries
• Weapons – Just in Case

Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.readynutrition.com/
Date: October 13th, 2009
Related Categories: Inventory Management, Prepping Calculators, Reserve Supplies, Storage

Related Reading:

• Essential Items for a Long Term Food Supply
• Home Canning Makes A Comeback
• Is This The End Of Micro Farms?
• Vitamin D: The Secret Weapon in Fighting Influenza.
• Fox News Demonstration: Long Term Food Storage Basics – How to Pack Rice, Wheat, Beans and Dry Goods

http://readynutrition.com/resources/...rted_13102009/

Home Canning Makes A Comeback

Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
October 2009



Home Canning dates back to the 18th century during the time where Napolean Bonaparte realized the need to provision his army with food while they were away fighting. By providing these canned foods to his army, it gave him a huge advantage over his opponents. The canning process allows us to keep food way beyond it’s normal storage period by preventing microorganisms from deteriorating the food. Because the food is canned at the time of the fruits/vegetables prime nutrient content, they will retain most of their nutritional content if not gain more nutrients from the canning process. Benefits of Home Canning Foods

• Save Money
• Use Food To The Fullest Measure
• Eat Healthier
• No Additives or Chemicals
• Better Taste
• The liquid used to preserve fruits and vegetables also includes nutrients, so rather than draining and adding water, use the canning liquid, especially in soups or stews.

Having a ready supply of home canned and store bought canned goods can be of benefit if their is a potential for a national disaster.
How To: Can Fruits or Vegetables



How To: Pickle Vegetables



How To: Can Meals





Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.readynutrition.com/
Date: October 15th, 2009

Related Categories: Dietary Wellness, Reserve Supplies



Related Reading:

• Is This The End Of Micro Farms?
• Vitamin D: The Secret Weapon in Fighting Influenza.
• Proof It Can Be Done: A Micro Farm in the Suburbs
• Food Storage: Getting Started
• The Dirty Truth About Being Green

http://readynutrition.com/resources/...back_15102009/