November 11th
Monday:
Water storage:
Plan A: There are many ways to safely store water and remember all water is good, except flood water. Even water barrels that may now have bugs can be used to flush and with added bleach, to clean. Water barrels and water bricks that stack are great ways to store water. The bricks can stack and take up little space while still being light enough to carry. A tabletop purifier will filter out most dangerous substances, but extra filters should be stored for a time of prolonged contaminated water.
Plan B: When your barrels and bricks are empty, and your filters no longer filter you will need a Plan B. Water bottles with filters are a good option. Water straws are not. If you have been warning of a disaster always believe the warnings, better to be ready than to wish you had prepared. A water BOB is a good solution when there is a warning. It is a large plastic bladder that you place in the bathtub and fill with water while you still have clean water. The water will be protected from bugs and dust and safe to drink.
Plan C: Soda bottles, bleach bottles (label “For cleaning and flushing only”), canning jars, purchased water are all good alternatives to filters and barrels. Mylar bags to store water are very susceptible to leaking and rodents love them.
Plan D: All the above solutions have limitations. Consider learning to purify water by distilling, filtering with sand and charcoal, using the SOLAS method and collecting rainwater. So often we forget to compile a binder with information on how to do these things until it’s too late. Don’t know the SOLAS method? It’s in your Totally Ready Binder.
Tuesday:
Sanitation:
Plan A: Chemical toilets and composting toilets are great for emergencies but may be low on the priority list when budgeting.
Plan B: A much cheaper solution is a five-gallon bucket, with lid, heavy duty plastic trash bag, kitty litter and a potty seat. All these can be easily stored together taking up little space.
Plan C: When all else fails, a bucket lined with a plastic bag or digging a latrine are the plan. Would you know how to safely dig a latrine?
Remember human waste is hazardous waste and any method should be kept safe from children and pets. Label all bags and buckets as hazardous materials and dispose of them properly as ways become available. Don’t forget whichever method you use you will need toilet paper, baby wipes and hand sanitizers. If you are using any of these methods, it means you don’t have water.
Wednesday:
Security:
Plan A: A security system is no longer a huge expense. Many systems can be added to as funds become available. It is disgusting to think someone may try to loot your home during a weather disaster, but it happens every time. Civil unrest may also cause the need for security.
Plan B: If a whole house system is not in the budget right now, consider action activated lights, timers for indoor lighting, and security locks for doors. Changing the screws to longer ones on all door hardware and strike plates can make it almost impossible to break down a door.
Plan C: Landscaping can be a huge deterrent. No one wants to push through thorny rose bushes to get to a window. Place bells on doors and when they are opened you will be alerted. Add security signs to windows even if you don’t have a system. Place fake cameras in vulnerable areas.
Thursday:
Defense:
Plan A: Weapons and pepper spray are the most dramatic ways to protect your family. If you are adding a weapon to your preps, always take a class and get training on how to properly fire, clean and store your weapon. Many families do not want guns in the home so move on to Plan B.
Plan B: Wasp spray and bear spray have a powerful and long spray meaning they can be used from a distance against an intruder.
Friday:
When stores finally open again and gas is once again available you will need cash.
Plan A: Keep several hundred dollars on hand in your home. Cash should be in small denominations, nothing over a 10-dollar bill. When ATMs and credit cards are not available cash is king.
Plan B: If you have not put aside cash or if you have run out, barter is Plan B. Consider now what you might stock up on to use as barter during an emergency. We all learned the value of toilet paper during the pandemic. What will people be missing that you could supply?
Saturday:
Shop. You should now have a long list of items to purchase to be prepared with Plan C items or if you already have a great Plan C for all areas your list should be for Plan B items.
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