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12 Months of Prepping: Month Three

Avatar for Gaye Levy Gaye Levy  |  Updated: June 6, 2022
12 Months of Prepping: Month Three

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Regardless of the time of year, the task of successfully preparing our home and families for an unexpected emergency is ongoing and does not end just because the calendar says it’s springtime, a holiday, or some other special day or event.

Over and over, we learn of natural disasters that strike out of the blue, putting many unsuspecting and ill-prepared citizens in harm’s way.  And as much as it is human nature to have an “it can not happen to me” attitude, in our heart of hearts, we know that is not true.  In addition, we all know that health woes or unexpected unemployment that can instantly put us into survival-mode.

12 Month of Prepping Month Three - Backdoor Survival

I cannot count the number of times I have received emails from someone that was thankful for their preps and especially their food storage.  When times were bad, they relied upon their stored items, often for months, until times got better.

If you have been following this series, you will know that in 12 Months of Prepping: Month 1, I talked about the Survival Mindset.  In Month 2, the pep-talk topic was “Why Prepare?”.

In Month Three of Prepping, I talk about the identification of needs that are specific to your family.

Identify Unique Family Needs

As basic as it may seem, it is easy to forget that in a survival situation, one size does not fit all. Two middle age adults are going to have challenges that are different than a family with young children or a single person who lives alone.  Add someone that is mobility or otherwise challenged to the mix and the needs change even more.

After you have evaluated the most likely disaster risks in your geographical area, you should take the time to identify those needs that are unique to your household and your family.  Perhaps you live in an urban area and rely on public transportation rather than a private vehicle to get around town.  This sets you apart from the suburban family with two vehicles that can jump in the car and evacuate when a horrific storm is brewing.

In another example, a gainfully employed couple with no children may have plenty left over at the end of the month to purchase  a large supply of freeze dried food and to invest in top-of-the line lanterns, stoves and other gear.  On the other hand, a family with four young children may need to rely on beans, rice and pasta as well as thrift store items to meet their preparedness goals.

As we begin to prep in Month Three, keep the unique preparedness requirements of your family front and center.  Nothing is absolute and to use a cliché, your mileage may vary (YMMV) when it comes to preparedness.

With that said, let us move forward with Month Three of Prepping.

MONTH 3 SUPPLIES & GEAR:

  • Canned fruits – 3 cans per person
  • Any foods for special dietary needs (enough for 3 days)
  • A bag or two of hard candies
  • Large plastic tubs, bins or buckets for storage of food and other emergency supplies

By now you should have a good supply of basic foods put away including protein items such as canned meats as well as veggies.  This month we add fruits as well.  Why?  For one thing, fruits add additional nutrients, variety and interest to your meals.  But perhaps equally important, fruits add a touch of sweetness to your daily fare.  You may not think this is important but when you are in survival mode, the sweetness provided by canned fruits can kick start sluggish and depressed appetites and bring a smile to the face of weary family members, especially children.

In addition, canned fruits add necessary fiber to your diet. It is true that in many cases, it is the fruit’s skin that contains most of its fiber content.  And, since many fruits are peeled before they are canned, the fiber content may not be as great as fresh fruit.  On the other hand, using peaches as an example, two canned peach halves contain 1.4 grams of fiber versus 2.3 grams for a whole peach.  Not a bad tradeoff considering fresh fruit will be hard to come by in an emergency.

Do keep this in mind: pineapple and apricots do not lose of any their fiber content during the canning process.

In addition to fiber, fruits provide an extra dose of hydration through their water content.  The only caveat is this:  instead of purchasing fruits stored in a heavy syrup, choose products packed in their own juice or water.  Or, better yet, can your own fruits when fresh fruit supplies are abundant!

One last thing before moving on:  A study by the University of Illinois Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition found that some canned fruits provide as much dietary fiber and vitamins as the same corresponding fresh fruits and in some cases, even more. Specifically, here is what they said:

Dietary Fiber – Many fruits and vegetables are important sources of dietary fiber. The canning process does not affect fiber content, making them comparable to fresh and frozen varieties. In fact, the heating process appears to make the fiber more soluble and, therefore, more useful to the body.

Something often overlooked when storing foods for an emergency are those special dietary items required for infants, children, the elderly or those with allergies or intolerances.  My suggestion here is again, purchase for emergency storage those items that you already consume or, if you are unfamiliar with an item, pick some up for current use and see how you like it.  Find some canned and dried goods that your children will actually eat,  as is, right from the can.

Did you notice that bag of hard candies?  As with the sweetness provided by fruits, candy will become an extra special treat when standard emergency fare becomes boring and tiresome.  A bag of candies will cost a dollar or maybe two, but the payback in terms of putting a bit of joy in your day will be priceless.

I know that this may take some trial and error but the moment is now, while you are not under pressure, to incorporate new foods into your diet so that you can ensure that all members of your family will get adequate nutrition and calories when and if the time to dip into food storage  arrives.

Storage Bins - Backdoor Survival

Finally, keep your eye out for sales on storage bins.  If you shop around, you might finds bins such as these for less than $5 each.

MONTH 3 TASKS:

  • Conduct a home fire drill
  • Locate the gas meter and water shutoff points and attach/store a wrench or shutoff tool near them. Also store special shutoff instructions, if any.
  • Establish an out-of-state contact to call in case of an emergency
  • Identify a location for storing your plastic bins, tubs or buckets.

Fire Drills are Not Just for Kids

Do you remember the fire drills you used to have in school?  If you are like me, it has been years (if ever) since you conducted a fire drill in your home.  Think about this:  it is 2 AM and your smoke detector goes off.  Do you know what to do?  Experts say that you have one to two minutes to get out of the house to safety. Could you and all of your family do that? And what if there is smoke?  Most deaths in fires aren’t from the flames, but from smoke inhalation.

I think you get the point.  Plan an escape route now.  Be sure to take in to account second story bedrooms and if necessary, purchase an emergency escape ladder.  Consider various scenarios and the obstacles you will face while attempting to get out of harm’s way.  Plan now and then practice. Your life and the life of your loved ones may depend upon in.

Utility Precautions and Safety in an Emergency

When disaster strikes, it often affects one or more of the utilities in your home, condo or apartment. It is important to know where the main controls are located, and when and how to turn them off.

Electricity

  • Locate the main electrical switch or fuse panel, and learn how to turn off the electrical power system.
  • If a generator is used as a backup power supply, remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Connect lights and appliances directly to the generator and not to the electrical system.

Water

  • Turn off water at the main meter or at the water main leading into the house. This will prevent contaminated water from entering your water heater and plumbing.
  • Turn off the valve by turning it to the right. This will require a special valve wrench, available from a hardware store. Make sure you have the tool readily available.

Sewer system

  • Make sure your sewer system is functioning properly before using it. This will prevent the contamination of your home, and possibly the drinking water supply.

Gas meter

  • Locate the gas meter and valve.
  • Have a wrench immediately available for turning off the gas supply.
  • If you smell natural or propane gas, evacuate immediately and leave the area. Go to where you no longer smell gas. Do not use matches, lighters or open flame appliances. Do not operate electrical switches because sparks could ignite gas causing an explosion.
  • Shut off gas only if you smell gas or hear a hissing noise. Contact the gas company to turn the gas back on.

Gass Shutoff - Backdoor Survival

Who to Call When the Big One Hits

Here in Washington State, we have winter storms, we have floods and, every once in awhile we have mudslides and earthquakes.  No matter where you live, there is a likelihood – eventually – that some sort of disaster will strike.  When that happens, who will you contact?

Think about that now and establish an emergency contact list so that you have names, phone numbers and email or text message addresses ready to go.  Keep this information accessible in an easy to remember location not only for your own use but also for any first responders that may need to contact family members with regard to your well being.

Whereas there is no guarantee your home will be left standing, a good place to store this information is taped inside a kitchen cupboard or hallway closet door.  Remember those utilities? Another good spot is next to your water or other utility shut-off since that is one location that is likely to be checked by emergency workers.

Storage and a Bit of Redundancy

The final task for this month is to find someplace accessible to store your bins, tubs and buckets filled with food and supplies.  The key word is accessible.  It will do you no good if your emergency bins are located buried under a pile of junk in the garage.  It is best to clean out a section of the garage or other storage area now and keep it tidy.  Having stackable bins or buckets will help.

Another good idea is to identify more than one storage area so that you can split your stuff up.  This follows the same theory as packing two suitcases when traveling.  If one gets lost, you still have another one to fall back on.  Sounds simple enough but you would be surprised at how few people think about setting up this type of redundancy.

THE FINAL WORD

There is a lot to do in Month 3, especially when it comes to safety.  Still, none of the tasks are difficult with the hardest part setting aside time to get them done.  Any way you cut it, there are 31 days in the month.  Break down the list, keep it simple, and begin today.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye

Click Here To Vote For Me at Top Prepper Websites!

If you have not done so already, please be sure to like Facebook which is updated every time there is an awesome new article, news byte, or link to a free survival, prepping or homesteading book on Amazon.  You can also follow Backdoor Survival on Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+ and purchase my book, The Prepper’s Guide to Food Storage from Amazon.

Spotlight Item:  This 4 in 1 Emergency Tool was designed and tested by professional firefighters to be effective in case of any emergency where it is needed.  It is made of tough, heat treated alloy and can be used to shut off gas and water, pry open doors, dig through debris and more.  In addition, it is made in the U.S.A.

Bargain Bin: Today I share some tools and supplies for using a FoodSaver to vacuum can your emergency food.  For help with your food storage questions, my new eBook: The Preppers Guide to Food Storage.

FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer: As long as the unit has an accessory port (and this one does), and inexpensive FoodSaver will work just as well as the fancier models. That is my two cents, at least.

FoodSaver Wide Mouth Jar Sealer: Already have a FoodSaver? If so, check out this jar sealer which can be used to vacuum seal your Mason jars. This is a great option for short to mid term storage of items such as beans, rice, sugar and salt. Store your jars in a cool, dark place and you are set with the added advantage of removing a small amount for current use without having to disrupt your large Mylar bag or bucket of food.  There is also a version for regular sized jars.

FoodSaver Accessory Hose:  Most FoodSavers come packaged with an accessory hose.  If yours is lost or damaged, be sure to purchase a host to use with your Jar Sealer.

100-Pack Oxygen Absorber, 100cc:  I always have these available.  At less than 10 cents each, I consider adding a 100 cc oxygen absorber cheap insurance that ensures that my vacuum sealed food will remain nice and fresh – even five years later.

Sharpie Permanent Markers: Sharpies were invented for preppers! And without question, Amazon is the cheapest place to buy them.

VacMaster 3 1/2 Mil Vacuum Bags Combo Pack, 60 Count Box:  I prefer these over the make-it-yourself FoodSaver brand bags.  I have been using these for years with great luck.  To re-use them, I turn them inside out and wash them in the dishwasher.

Mylar bags & Oxygen Absorbers: What I love about Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers is they protect against every single one of the food storage enemies. Prices do vary but for the most part, they are inexpensive and easy to keep on hand. And while you can seal them up with a FoodSaver, some tubing and a common clothes iron, I find it infinitely easier with a cheap hair straightening iron that you can pick up for very cheap.

The Prepper’s Guide to Food Storage: My eBook will provide you with everything you need to create an affordable food storage plan, including what to buy and how to store it. Nothing scary and nothing overwhelming – you really can do this!  Now available at Amazon.

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Shop the Emergency Essentials Monthly Specials: The monthly specials at Emergency Essentials feature discounts of up to 35% off sometimes a bit more.

One item I can recommend available is their Do It Yourself SuperPail Combo. It includes 6 x 6-Gallon Buckets with Lids, 6 x Metallized Storage Bags and a 10-Pack of Large Oxygen Absorbers.

Emergency Essentials Bucket Combo

Don’t forget that you do not need fancy equipment to seal the metalized bag. A cheap hair iron will do the job.

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7 Responses to “12 Months of Prepping: Month Three”

  1. I don’t know if they’re common in the USA but the absolute best fiber filled canned fruit are plums. They are so powerful, they’re even recommended for people who have slow bowel movement. It’s super useful to have around, I thought of them immediately when I saw this post and had to share!

  2. One thing to be aware of concerning the sewer system in your local area, if your city requires a pumping system to keep things flowing, watch for backups in the main line. Better yet, have some tools/supplies, that would allow you to block off the main drain line. This will make the drain system in your house unusable but at least you’ll still have a good sturdy shelter. If you’re lucky enough to have your own septic system, make sure it can operate without electricity (some have pumps in them too).

    These are Excellent prepping posts. I forward links to my friends all the time until they tell me they’ve bookmarked it.

    • Thank you for the kind words, Jay. In the 12 months of prepping, I try to stick to the basics (to go along with my little pep talk, of course).

  3. i have found some great sites with camping gear on clearance! Dollar Store has the solar yard lights for $1 each. put a mess of them outside during the day, and you have free lights at night!

    Cheap Stuff on the storm readiness page – //www.haband.com/for-the-home-storm-readiness/

    Some good items to put away for elders, or disabled – //www.dreamproductscatalog.com/

  4. as a person who has disabilities, i have learned the hard way about stocking supplies of what you need. at the Dollar general, they always have a clearance shelf. Call me stupid, but the have incontinence supplies, like bed liners, tampons, pads, and other items. tampons can be placed in the top of a water bottle, place it upside down to let the water drip, and it acts as a natural water filter. nothing can get past those things! i have a some of those bed liners, work great for kids and bedtime issues. they can also be placed on a camping table to keep your food/plates clean when there is no dry/clean surface to put them on. then they can be cut into strips, and placed on your fire for kindling. in an emergency, you cant be picky if you cant find dry kindling, they burn like lint. also, pads are very cheap on the clearance shelf, and good if you have a wound, to keep it covered and sterile. they also sell coloring book after coloring book, not to mention puzzle books cheap. which make great kindling after you use them, or toilet paper if the need arises. i have over 100 coloring/puzzle books. i also bought a collapsible cane, which can be stored in a small spot within my purse or tote if need be.

  5. About a smoke filled room – One job I had required me to go through a fire training class. For part of the training we had to enter a smoke filled building and “rescue” a bucket. We were given a breathing apparatus and a flashlight. Once in the room we could not even see our hands in the flashlight beam due to the smoke! So, to kinda practice you need to get the darkest wrap around sunglasses you can find, turn off all lights at night, then find your way outside. Then remember you will also be chocking on the smoke, making it even more difficult! But, by repeatedly trying this it will become ingrained and you should be able to do it automatically in the event of a real fire.

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