Daily Preparedness

As life trundles on, change is inevitable. For the past four or five months, we have had to shift all of the gears in our kitchen due to newly found sensitivities. In the process, we have learned an expensive lesson on the value of thoroughness.

We all know that it is important to notate the contents of our various buckets, boxes, jars and mylar bags as to their contents. Whether the item was frozen, canned, dehydrated and dumped into a plastic bucket, I have always marked the contents, any instructions necessary and the date packaged. BUT, I now know that this manner of minimal labeling is not adequate. (Yes, you are welcome to learn from my mistakes and even snicker if you wish!)

When it became necessary to shift food preparation gears AGAIN, we were forced to go into a form of hyper-drive when it comes to which products can be used safely. Not only are we limited by category, but also limited when it comes to specific brands and packaging sizes. Sound confusing? Oh, it is, trust me. For example, I can cook with sugar but it must be pure cane sugar from one of three or four manufacturer’s. White flour can be used, but, again, it must be from only a few manufacturers. The same goes for everything from shampoo to toilet paper to tomato sauce to meat products to spices. Sound confusing AND time-consuming? It is!

And thus, we get to the importance of my newly discovered respect for those who thoroughly label all items stored. For instance, I may have hundreds of pounds of sugar stored, but I have no idea what brand it is or even whether it is cane or beet sugar. Therefore, at least for the time being, I have to purchase all new sugar and wash out every canister that it goes into. Multiply this by every item in your family store and you can begin to see the cost of skipping a few extra seconds of time in labeling each item.

What is a thorough label? For every product, you should include at least manufacturer, specific type of item, where you purchased it and the date purchased. Also include any expiration date and instructions. For instance, if I were thoroughly labeling canned beef, the correct way to label it would be:

Costco Rump Roast with water, kosher salt, home-ground pepper. 1/12/12

Flour might be labeled with: King Arthur unbleached white flour. Safeway. 1/12/12

Though it might take you a few extra seconds, this type of more thorough labeling may later help you in case your dietary needs change, there is a recall or you find you particularly like one brand over another. Whatever scenario you may face, add a bit more information to each item you label and you may prevent a lot of frustration, loss and expense later on.

Who knew it would take me that long to clean out the junk drawer? As previously written, organizing the kitchen can take you awhile, especially when forward momentum is hindered by Lyme Disease and life. Onward and upward, people!

Pantry

• The best way to begin is to pull everything out of the pantry, tossing items that are damaged, look suspicious or too old to be used. If in doubt, throw it out. At the least, consult with food storage experts to know what can be saved. Hint–be certain that you can’t salvage parts of prepared foods. For instance, the cheese powder in boxed macaroni and cheese will go bad, but the macaroni lives on for years. You can repackage the macaroni in a sealed container and toss the cheese powder if it looks darker than normal.
• Set aside items that you need to use soon. When replacing items in the pantry, be certain these are up front & marked as ‘use soon’.
• Clean the floor & shelves. Inspect for evidence of bugs or rodents. If you find evidence, treat the area appropriately before proceeding. Mark your calendar to recheck the area in two weeks, then a monthly for at least six months.
• Check that shelving is secure before reloading. Look carefully at the plastic brackets that often hold metal shelving. They can become brittle and chipped, leading to a shelf falling without warning.
• If you have solid shelving, consider lining the shelves to make clean up easier. Inexpensive plastic place mats make great shelf and drawer liners.  Fabric stores often carry vinyl coated fabrics intended for tablecloths. These can make your pantry shelves very colorful and are easily removed & washed. Avoid adhesive backed plastics as the residue they leave is hideous.
• Analyze what you want to put in the pantry and decide if the current shelving is adequate.
• Need more shelving? Add it with simple shelf brackets, removable shelving, tiered racks that sit on existing shelves or any manner of devices readily available.
• Need stronger shelves? Use inexpensive metal shelf brackets to stabilize the middles of shelves.
• Think about ’stations’ as in preschool and kindergarten rooms. Place together like items.
• Put items that you use frequently in the easiest to see and reach places.
• Add door shelving if you need places for small bottles, condiments, etc.
• Use plastic shoe boxes or other organizing aids to corral small items such as gravy packets, drink mixes, etc. Recycle existing or old containers for this purpose. Even plastic food storage containers missing lids can be used to organize a pantry or cabinet. Empty plastic juice bottles work well for storing small grains, specialty flours, etc. They often fit in door-mounted shelving.
• If the outer packaging is bulky, repackage items into tighter quarters. A good example are the little ‘Crystal Light’ type containers. The small tubs inside the larger tub will fit into a plastic shoe box and reduce the shelf space needed. Recycle the outer container to hold even smaller items. Write on the outer container with a sharpie so that you know what is in the container.
• Sharpies (or any permanent marker) can be your best friend! Use them to label expiration dates, which container is open, the contents of a shoe box–nearly anything. Think about restaurant organization–they almost always mark containers with notations such as ‘Open’, ‘Use First’, ‘Use Last’, etc.
• Glass canning jars are great organizational aids. They allow you to see what you have on hand, are pretty much rodent and bug proof, can be vacuum sealed and are nearly eternally reusable.
• Empty #10 cans can be re-used if you purchase the corresponding plastic lid. (available from LDS Home Storage Centers). You can line the can with a plastic food storage bag and you have a wonderful canisters.
• If your pantry is deep, consider the newer slide out shelves, racks, etc. that are readily available in a range of prices.
• As you purchase new items, place the new to the back. If you store a large quantity of any item, you might want to mark the labels with use by dates. Some people prefer to mark their labels with purchase dates, but I have found that the use by dates are more important to see at a glance.
• Racks made to hold and roll forward canned goods can be a worthwhile investment. They are now available from a variety of companies in plastic, wood or cardboard. You can also make your own.
• If your shelving is wire and you need a more solid platform, cover the wire shelves with a layer of acrylic or similar material. Many home improvement stores now carry acrylic/plastic/etc. materials that they can cut to fit your shelves. Providing a solid platform will allow you to use tiered shelving, roll-outs, etc.
• Place items you want your children to be able to access at their level. Likewise, place items you do not want them to access up high or behind a childproof door.
• Items like sugar, flour, etc. are often best stored in some sort of canister. The original packaging is not meant to hold up for repeated access or storing at home. Leaking sugar and similar items are an invitation to critters.
• Add a measuring cup to dry items you frequently use, such as sugar, flour, rice, oats, etc. Purchase inexpensive measuring cups and place the size you use most often for that item in the canister. You now have a scoop that will make cooking faster. Just be sure that your hands are always clean when you are dispensing from the canister.

Kitchen Cabinets

• Again, take one cabinet at a time and allow yourself enough time to finish the job.
• Remove all items, clean the cabinet, inspect the shelves and then consider what needs to go where.
• Add shelves as needed or measure before going shopping for tiered shelving, pull out racks or other organizational items. Be sure you check to see what you have at home first.
• Move items you use infrequently to less convenient locations. Keep the easy to reach and see shelves open for items you use frequently.
• As you sort and organize, make note of items you need to replace or replenish.
• Place dishes and glassware you frequently use in cabinets nearest the dishwasher.
• Group like items together OR items that you use for the same process–think ’stations’ as in the pantry. For instance, place baking items together.
• Repackage items as needed.
• Place items that often become sticky, such as honey & molasses, on a plastic tray to make clean up easier.
• If you frequently pull out large canisters for a small amount of product, consider having a secondary small container in a nearby cabinet. For instance, I bake ‘30 minute artisan bread’ multiple times a week. The recipe requires that cornmeal be placed on the baking sheet and flour dusted on the top of the loaf just before baking. Tired of hauling out the flour & cornmeal canisters, I placed flour and cornmeal into separate small easily-closed containers that allow me to shake out the small amount required. One container is a large salt shaker, the other a shaker for Parmesan cheese.
• If your lower cabinets are difficult to reach, consider investing in the roll out shelves & racks.
• Toss or donate items you do not or will not use!
• There are a variety of organizational products on the market; entire sets of plastic storage containers that fit into a rotating holder, pan racks, pan lid racks, plastic bins (I like the inexpensive toy bins sold by IKEA and inexpensive plastic trash cans for holding small things), plastic shoe boxes and spice racks galore. Be certain to think through what you need and measure carefully before hauling home a group of misfits. As always, compare price and quality.
• Don’t forget to utilize the inside of cabinet doors. 3-M hooks, special door racks, magnetic racks, over-the-door racks and other useful items are available to organize everything from spices to knives and your car keys. Use the inside of a cabinet door near your phone to post frequently called phone numbers. Don’t forget to include the poison control center, physician & family contacts on that list. Or paint the inside of a door with chalkboard paint or white board paint and have an instant message center.

Finally, stand back and admire your work!

In the midst of an ongoing year-long fight with Lyme Disease, the importance of streamlining, organizing and ‘making do’ have never been more important. Many days, I have two or three ‘usable’ hours, which is why I refer to Lyme Disease as my ‘full time job’. Whether you are facing chronic illness, a crowded schedule, working outside the home with a family to take care of or would prefer to spend your free time doing anything BUT housework, developing systems to deal with the realities of running a home can allow you to keep the Health Department at bay and reduce your stress.

How do you go about organizing and running a home so that the home isn’t running you? And how does that relate to provident living and preparedness? “Organize every needful thing,” is not only often quoted scripture, it is the backbone of living a productive, happy and provident life. What good is a 72-hour kit if you can’t find your car keys when it is time to evacuate? How can you deal with an emergency (or an ongoing problem), if all of your energy is consumed with finding the bare necessities? How can you thoughtfully prepare and plan if you live in the midst of chaos? How many accidents occur because family members are stressed out or tripping over items out of place?

Over the next few weeks, we will delve into ideas that may help you analyze and develop systems that will allow you the freedom to pursue your interests, reduce the clutter of life and prepare yourselves for whatever tomorrow brings. PLEASE, if you have ideas, share them!

“A place for everything and everything in it’s place.” No, you don’t need to go all OCD over this one, but at least have a reasonable, accessible place for the items in your home. Make it a place that suits the item.

For instance, the car keys. We have had as many as five drivers in the house with cars that were often on a variable schedule rotation. It quickly became obvious that car keys could not belong to one person and needed to be available at all times. A simple solution? Car keys no longer belonged to one person. Each car’s key was separate from the others and hung inside a kitchen cabinet. Duplicate keys were separated so that there was always a spare available. When someone comes home, they hang the keys in the cabinet—NOT stash them in their pocket, purse, backpack or thrown on the counter. If needed, label the keys to identify which car they belong to and add a house key. Problem solved!

The diaper bag or your purse? No, don’t just stuff it behind the recliner. Maybe you should put a hook in the front closet and hang it there. Find a logical place and stick to it!

This same method works for tools, office supplies, salt & pepper shakers–anything that you need to have on hand. Identify the most logical place (closest to where it will be used and preferably not sitting out) to store it and return it to that place as soon as you are done with it. Pegboard, drawer organizers, plastic containers, shelving, cubbies, decorative boxes, hooks in closets & cabinets, under beds….wherever you need to store something, simply be logical and consistent. If you need the same item in multiple places (like scissors, tape, pens, toilet paper, even cleaners), purchase multiple and store them where they are most commonly used. This approach minimizes having to make multiple trips to locate what you need.

“Don’t sweat the small stuff, containerize it.” Life is full of small items we need and yet seem to never have a place to ‘be’. Whether it is your sewing supplies or the countless remotes, controllers, etc. that have invaded our homes, corralling the small items yields big benefits. A simple basket in the family room that corrals the remotes, drawers in the bathroom that hold make-up (a silverware organizer will keep the drawer orderly), a basket for mail, a wall organizer for hair bows, toy bins, glass jars for screws, shoe boxes for greeting cards, a pencil case for stamps and address labels, a net for stuffed animals, a file box for family papers–whatever you need to find, sort it by like items and contain them! The containers should fit the item, be easy to identify and fit in a logical location.

“Keep flat surfaces clear.” Any flat surface in a home seems to be a magnet for ’stuff’ to congregate. Instead of setting the mail on the counter, put it in that basket. Keep your kitchen counters cleared (they are easier to clean & more about this in a subsequent column), minimize items on your bathroom counter, If need be, have a container for each family member in the bathroom and near the door you most often use.

“Life is trashy.” Humans produce trash. To control the trash, place waste baskets in every room of your house. They can be small, large, plain or decorative, but keep them lined and have them handy. It is much easier to dispose of that tissue appropriately if you don’t have to interrupt your favorite show to carry it to the kitchen trash. Lining the trash cans keep them clean and easier to empty. Even a 3-year-old can empty a small wastebasket lined with an old shopping bag. For ‘cleaner’ trash, keep the spare bags in the bottom of the trash can. Make it a habit to empty the trash frequently BEFORE it smells! The day before trash pick-up is the ideal time to make a sweep of the trash cans.

“Perfect the 30 second clean up.” An amazing amount of cleaning, straightening and organizing can be done simply while you are walking through your house, stuck on hold or waiting for a website to load. As you walk from point A to point B, pick up items that need to be returned along your path. For instance, you are in the living room headed for the kitchen. Along the way, you see a piece of paper a child dropped–pick it up and toss it in the kitchen trash. Or you are taking the dish cloth to the washing machine—wash the off the refrigerator handle and then the trash can on your way. Stuck on hold? Declutter any surface near you, throw something away from the junk drawer, wipe off a table or fold some laundry. Straighten up your desk while that website loads. Wipe out the sink with the washcloth you just used on Junior’s face. Pick up trash in the car while you are at a red light. These little acts add up quickly and reduce the frustration of mess & ‘waiting’.

“Let cleaners work for you.” No, not the kind you hire (but that is nice if you can do it), the kind you buy in the store. Be sure you read the instructions before using–as in the bathroom cleaner that needs to sit for 3 minutes before scrubbing. If you are going to use the product, use it so that it works for you. Look for and consider products that make cleaning easier. Automatic shower cleaners can do a passable job if used regularly. Battery operated sweepers are lighter than vacuums, pick up small particles well & can be used by children. Vacuum any floor surface you have–it is usually faster than sweeping. Wool dusters are fast and effective on a wide variety of surfaces. Good old-fashioned powdered cleansers like Comet work incredibly well and are cheap. Keep duplicate cleaning supplies where you need them. No one wants to drag the toilet bowl brush from bathroom to bathroom.

“Child labor is a good thing.” Children of all ages learn valuable life skills, develop a work ethic and become more responsible when they are expected to help at home. Even the youngest children can learn to pick up their own toys, put their coat away, hang up their back pack, take small items to the trash and gradually learn all aspects of household maintenance. Begin early, set a good example and be consistent. Be certain that you teach the child how to do a job and provide them with child-appropriate tools & cleaners. Chore charts with clearly defined responsibilities are invaluable!

“Lists and calendars make the world go ’round.” Be certain that everyone uses them! Have a standard grocery list easily accessible and teach family members to mark down items that need to be purchased. Write down important tasks that need to be done. Leave notes for each other as reminders or just ‘I love yous’. Mark all events on the calendar and check it daily. Don’t forget to jot down birthdays, routine maintenance items, school programs, pharmacy refills, etc. Use post-it notes or whatever works for you to remember what you need to do, who you need to call, etc. Don’t run errands without a list. If your children are ‘forgetful’ when doing their chores, make a list of what is required to clean a room and place it in that room. Want to put something on the ‘frig? Purchase inexpensive strips of adhesive magnetic strips and any light weight item can be posted on a metal surface.

“Let someone else do the work.” Okay, most of us can’t get someone else to do all of our work, but whenever possible take advantage of programs and systems that take some of the work off of you. Some examples might be automatic prescription refill programs, automated reminder systems, pre-approved bill paying by credit card or through your checking account (be sure it is a reputable company), put yourself on lists for no junk mail & sales calls, subscription services for items you need on a regular basis (like water filters, items you mail order regularly, etc), and email reminder systems. Every item you can get ‘off your plate’ is one less item you need to deal with.

“Armies run on their stomachs — and so do families.” Keeping your family or yourself fed is a major user of time, energy and planning. One of the first priorities in organizing your home is to keep your kitchen clean and operational. Before cooking, have the dishwasher cleaned out so that you can put prep utensils in there as you cook. We’ll discuss the fine tuning of the kitchen in a later column, but keep in mind that if your kitchen and bathrooms are clean, you will find that the rest of your life runs smoother (and with less illness)!

“Get it off your plate–delegate.” Everyone should have responsibilities and you might need to let go of your own desire for perfection. No one member of the family should carry the whole burden. Break big jobs into small jobs and divide them up. Pitch in and don’t let yourselves get buried before you begin to dig out! If you really can’t keep up with the demands of your life/home/job, take a good hard look at all you are trying to accomplish. Maybe you need to streamline, pass on portions of the responsibility to others or re-order your priorities.

“Identify the problem, find the solution.” Look at where the ‘bottle necks’ and ‘break downs’ are in the functioning of your home. Think like an efficiency expert in a factory. Analyze each problem and see if you can come up with a system that automates what can be automated, organizes everything that can be organized and divides jobs up into ‘do-able’ portions. You may never have the time to deep clean the kitchen like a cleaning pro. But, you can empty the leftovers before trash day. Wipe down the door one day and the shelves another.

In the next few weeks, we will be examining each area of a typical home and discovering ways to make it run smoother. Excuses aside (we’re just too creative, too busy, too sick, too important, too whatever), it is possible for every family to have a home that is clean enough to be healthy, organized enough to be efficient and happy enough to be inviting. Sometimes, it just takes rethinking!

Whatever you call them, every individual and family should have gathered together the supplies needed to survive the first 72 to 96 hours after a disaster. Recommended by everyone from government to church leaders, it has been well established that the first several days following a disaster will find most individuals ‘on their own.’ Even after governmental and charitable organizations arrive, individuals often discover that there is NO Magic School Bus full of all of the comforts of home waiting to alleviate your suffering.

Okay, so you might say, “Come on, how many of us ever face a natural disaster of that magnitude?” True, chances are that you may never have to deal with the aftermath of a large scale natural disaster. BUT, you are quite likely to face a ‘personal disaster’ that will find you needing the supplies collected for a 72-hour kit. Think about blizzards, home fires, stranded due to a flat tire or mechanical failure, power outages, disruptions of public transportation, epidemics or even a bad case of the flu. The supplies recommended for a 72-hour kit can help you sail through the troubled waters of ‘personal disasters’ as well as large scale disasters.

With summer ending and hunting season beginning, now is the perfect time to scavange discount stores, sporting goods stores and clearance racks for items that will make your life easier. Remember to always ’shop your home’ first to see what you might already have.

The first rule of a 72-hour kit is to make it portable. Consider your personal limitations when deciding whether to use a backpack, rolling suitcase or wheeled tote. In some cases, you may have to move the kit without a vehicle.

Secondly, as you collect supplies, think about small, light weight, shelf stable, heat tolerant, versatile, compact and sturdy.

Package items in water-tight bags and avoid items that might leak, melt or damage other items. Some folks have reported that pop-top cans tend to leak more often than regular cans.

What to pack? You will be hoping to meet the basics of human survival–food, clothing, shelter, warmth and safety. Again, consider your personal needs and limitations. A basic kit should include at least the following:

1. Clothing. Change of clothing from the skin out, including extra socks & sturdy shoes. Think versatile, size adjustable, quick drying and layers. Rain poncho. If you are in a cold climate, include warm hat, gloves, scarf & keep a coat where you can reach it.
2. Bedding. Either a warm wool blanket or sleeping bag. ‘Space’ blankets are a nice addition.
3. Shelter. Tent or tarps & rope. Several small tents may be better for a family than one large, cumbersome tent. Even if you end up in a shelter, a tent can provide privacy & comfort. Also include extra rope and duct tape.
4. Food. Think high calorie, shelf-stable food that does not have to be cooked. MRE’s, power bars, canned foods such as meat, juice, fruit, veggies, peanut butter, hard candy, crackers & fruit leather are some good choices. Coast guard approved power bars have one of the longest shelf lives coupled with being able to tolerate a wider range of temperatures.
5. Water. Most experts recommend 1 gallon of water per person per day. Store easily accessible water near your kits. Include water purification and a canteen.
6. First Aid. Include airway protectors, gloves, antiseptic wipes & ointments, bandages, moleskin, tweezers, scissors, slings, ‘ace’ wraps, coflex tape, mask, butterfly closures, aspirin, tylenol, benadryl, syrup of ipecac, alcohol pads, instant ice packs, sunscreen, anti-diarrheals, lighter, magnifying glass and adhesive tape. BE CERTAIN THAT YOUR PERSONAL MEDS ARE EASILY REACHABLE AT ALL TIMES. YOU WILL WANT TO CARRY AT LEAST A SEVEN DAY SUPPLY IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
7. Cooking, light and heat. Fire starting devices (lighters, waterproof matches, steel wool & a 9-volt battery, flint & steel, fire stick), flashlight with batteries (store separately), glow sticks — often available NOW in Halloween supplies — candles, can opener, lanterns, mess kit, fixed & folding blade knives, lightweight stove & fuel. KEEP A LIGHT SOURCE AT THE TOP OR OTHER EASILY ACCESSIBLE POINT IN YOUR KIT.
8. Sanitary supplies, including female hygiene. Toilet paper, bar soap, razor, toothbrush & paste, dental floss (can be used for a variety of things) handwipes, plastic garbage bags, denture adhesive, diapers, etc. as needed.
9. Plastic sheeting. Can be used for shelter, repairs, weather proofing, sanitary needs and water collection/purification.
10. Money. At least $50 in SMALL bills plus several dollars in quarters & dimes. A mini-M&M container can hold $5 worth of quarters and a large number of bills tightly wound.
11. Personal paperwork. Include copies of important papers (photocopy, reduce & laminate if you wish), your contact plan, insurance companies & family phone numbers. A 3×5 card should be included in each kit that includes person’s name, home address, emergency contacts, parent’s name (for children), important medical history & allergies.
12. Communication. Battery operated radio, instant cell phone charger, small lightweight emergency banners, whistle, non-breakable mirror, pen, ’sharpie, & paper. Brightly colored duct tape can be used for signals.
13. Wire for binding, strapping and animal snares.
14. Emergency info, including first aid & FEMA pamphlets, studied beforehand. A road atlas & field/survival guides are also great.
15. Sewing Kit. Extremely sharp, thin needles–straight and curved (can be used for suturing if necessary), good quality sewing & quilting thread, safety pins, snaps, & buttons.
16. Distraction. Scriptures, small games, playing cards, pencil, paper, etc.
17. Infants, elderly & disabled. Analyze what you might need for anyone with special needs & include in kit.

Many of these items can be shared between family members. Though the list seems long, you may find that many of the items are already in your home. When you centrally locate them, these rarely used items will be easier to find AND available in the case of an evacuation/disaster. Begin with what you have and slowly add items as you acquire them.

Smaller kits should also be placed in your cars and your workplace. In many disasters, those at work may need to ’shelter in place’ until transportation is re-established.

Commercial kits are available, but the contents are often less than the best quality and must still be customized for your needs. For instance, one kit advertises ‘tube tents’ for shelter. The ‘tube tent’ is merely a lightweight piece of plastic sheeting that forms a tube. Thin, inexpensive rope is included that you are supposed to run through the tube to form a triangle. There are no end flaps and the plastic is too thin to withstand the sun, wind or rain for any length of time.

Store your kit where it is easily accessible. Consider placing a checklist on the outside of the kit, reminding you to grab items (if you have time) that may not be included, such as extra water, medications, extra equipment, etc.

Depending on the shelf life of your food, you will need to rotate items periodically. Be certain to check the clothing for fit and suitability.

Planning for tomorrow should include scenarios we all hope we never face! Facing those potential scenarios now will allow us to great tomorrow well prepared, no matter what it brings.

September is National Preparedness Month (also National Sewing Month) and in honor of this month long celebration of all things prepared, let’s all commit to make and keep at least ONE goal related to our overall preparedness status. Before welcoming in the upcoming holiday season, use September to analyze your current state of affairs and find at least one area in which you could improve. Make a plan and follow through with it! Over achievers, or simply truly concerned folks, might go for a goal a week.

National Preparedness Month can be a family affair. Simply assign different family members different goals to accomplish. Or have each family member learn one new skill and then share it with others.

To get you going, here a few of possibilities:

• Winter preparation: Check roofing, downspouts, chimney, driveways, drainage areas, basement, supply of de-icing chemicals & equipment, car tires, preparations for being snowed or iced ‘in’, supplies in case your power is out (such as candles, flashlights, warm clothing, alternative heat source, phones, batteries, etc), well sealed windows & doors, sidewalks and weakened tree limbs.
• Food storage: Do you have at least a 3-month supply of food in your house? A year’s supply of necessities? Two weeks worth of food you could eat with little or no power? Are your supplies well organized? Have you checked expiration dates lately?
• ‘Bug Out’ or 72-hour kits: Double check food, clothing and other supplies. Consider a small one for your office and car. Rotate what needs to be rotated. If you don’t have one, assemble one this month.
• Financial preparedness: Review your current benefits to be certain that you have the appropriate beneficiaries on life insurance, 401K, retirement plans, IRA accounts, etc. Are your records up to date? Securely filed? Taxes on target? What about debt load? If in debt, are you working to get out of it as quickly as possible? Could you trim expenses to save more? Is your resume up to date? Are you constantly looking for jobs in case you loose the one you have? Have you reviewed your budget lately to see where your money is going? Do you have adequate cash available for emergencies?
• What emergencies might you face? What natural or man-made disasters might your area experience? What can you do to prepare? How would you be warned or forewarned? If you had to evacuate where would you go? Thinking through the possibilities and planning ahead can save panic, indecision and unnecessary delays.
• Paper prepared? Are your important ‘paper’s in order? Can you grab them quickly? Does someone else know where you store vital information? Do you have a will or trust? (PLEASE get one now!) Guardians for your children? If you don’t have one, prepare a ‘What If? Notebook’. If you have one, update it.
• Workplace preparedness? Do you have a mini-’bug out’ kit at work? Do you know your company’s telecommuting policy in the event of snow or similar events that might make it impossible for you to get to work? Is there an evacuation plan? Fire safety plan? What if you had to evacuate—where would you go? How would you get home if you could not return to your vehicle? What if public transportation were disrupted? If you can’t get home, how will you contact your family? Take care of children or other dependents?
• Special needs preparedness. Do you have family members who may need special help during an emergency?  Are medications handy? Do you keep at least a four day supply, two weeks is better? Are there family members with mobility or cognitive disorders? How will their needs be met in a variety of emergencies? Is there equipment that requires electricity? Is there a care plan if the caregiver is disabled or cannot get home?
• Home Safety Audit. Check your home carefully for loose wiring, inappropriate extension cords, broken tiles, lack of childproofing where there should be, wobbly furniture, loose hand rails, electrical issues, cracked windows, doors that jam, leaks, temperature of hot water…be your own worst critic and see what you can find that should be fixed.
• Skills. What could you learn this month that would help you live more providently? Sewing? (It is National Sewing Month after all) Cooking? Baking? Canning? Gardening? Food preservation? Home repair? Budgeting? Job skills? First Aid? CPR? Alternative fuels? Alternative cooking methods? Bargain shopping? Re-purposing?
• Education. Are you continuing to learn? Are you helping your children develop a love of learning? What about a realistic view of college & the earning potential of different degrees? Vocational skills as a back up? Or a primary career path? Are you in touch with your children’s teachers? How safe is their school environment? What if the school is evacuated?
• Clean up! Clean out closets, donating what you do not use or ‘re-purpose (up-cycling is the cool phrase) it into something useful. Give your home a thorough clean out, dusting away summer’s dust. Check for signs of bugs or other unwelcome guests. Toss out out-dated medications. Get your home organized!
• Make a plan for holiday gift giving and associated expenses. Determine your budget NOW and then make a plan to accomplish all you need to before that ‘holly jolly budget-draining’ time of year is upon you. While cleaning your house, you might keep an eye out for items that may have been tucked away for a gift-giving occasion! If you plan on making gifts, now is the time to get started.

The possibilities are absolutely endless and there is abundant information available for free!  Any progress you make is wonderful, so pat yourself on the back and remember that provident living is not a one-time event, but a lifestyle!

We’ve reached what is for many the half-way point of ’summer vacation’. In households with children, the novelty of lazy days without the demands of school schedules may be wearing off and the ‘crazies’ settling in. For those with strained budgets, this summer may not be filled with glorious vacations or memories of roller coasters, water parks or trips to the beach. “I’m bored,” or “There’s nothing to do,” may be resounding through the halls of your home. What can you do to make summer memorable and NOT strain your budget? Try these on for size (with or without children):

• Free Activities. Google your location and ‘free activities’. You may be surprised at the wealth of opportunities for outdoor concerts, free movies (most national chains offer G and PG-rated movies throughout the summer–you really don’t need a child to attend), library activities, park events or free days at local museums. I did this last week in anticipation of a two-week visit from grandsons and filled a calendar with worthwhile, free or very low cost activities.
• Hobbies. Spend some extra time pursuing hobbies that you enjoy. Or start a new hobby, especially ones that require little cash outlay. One summer, my then 11-year-old daughter was confined to home with health issues. She began entering contests on behalf of herself, her parents and family friends. She learned how to be organized, gained communication skills and reaped more than $11,000 in goods, services and cash. Look for local organizations centered around your hobby or something you want to learn. Those that are passionate about something will often willingly share their knowledge with you.
• Stay-cation. All the rage these days to save money and be more ‘green’. Ask your local and state tourist bureaus for information about attractions in your own backyard. Set aside a week and vacation from home. Keep meals simple (or prepare them ahead), minimize housework and PLAY! Go to local monuments, meet interesting people, visit interesting architecture or make a tour of the local parks.
• Libraries. Use your local library to its fullest extent. Check for local programs (I found several really great ones–science expositions, live reptiles, visiting authors), children’s activities, check out DVD’s, books, magazines, etc. Use the library to get information about your local area, books about different areas of the world, cookbooks you have been wanting to try, hobby information and, often, very inexpensive resale books. At our local library, donated children’s books sell for 25 cents, adult paperback for 50 cents and hardbacks for $1.
• Visit Another Country (no passport required). Set aside a week to ‘explore’ another country. Go to the library and check out books, cookbooks, videos, etc. about a part of the world you want to visit. Encourage children to make up costumes, dances, musical numbers, art work, etc. common to that area of the world. Write to that country’s embassy (ahead of time) and ask for information about their country. If there is an embassy or consulate in your area, ask about visiting. See if there is a local group of citizens or descendents of immigrants from your country of choice. Visit them or invite someone over. Finish up the week with a great ‘fair’ featuring all you have learned and gathered. Try recipes from your country of choice, wear your costumes and have the children put on an art show.
• Set A Theme. Do your children love animals? Legos? Water play? Set aside a week to focus on a theme and practice being silly. Animals? Visit the local animal shelter and pet the animals. Visit a zoo. Or a vet’s office (with prior approval). Or a local farmer/rancher. Have a digital camera? Set up a ‘photo shoot’ of the stuffed animals as though they were wild animals. Legos? Set aside a lego week. See if there is a local Lego building enthusiasts group. Set aside a large area in the house for a massive Lego build that can stay up all week. Lady & Gentleman Camp. Spend a week learning the finer points of manners & social graces. The finale could be a meal at a nice restaurant or an at home ‘fine dining’ experience. Invite friends over for everyone to practice with. Princesses? Pirates? Sea Animals? Horses? Need ideas? Look online for party themes and coordinated ideas. There are many free downloadables, forums and other sources for great ideas.
• Practice The Silly. Let your inner-child out. Play with bubbles. Lay a sheet out on the floor, set an electric popcorn popper in the middle, remove the lid & let the popcorn fly! Have an Easter egg hunt in the middle of the summer. Make batches of homemade play-doh and have fun together. Set up a tent outside or in the basement. Play pirates. Have a treasure hunt. Set the timer and see how fast you can clean the house. Eat from paper plates. Have a backwards day–dinner for breakfast and pancakes for dinner while you wear clothes backwards or inside out. Let the children be parents for a few hours or a day. Develop a family language or secret code. Catch fireflies. Dress up in costumes and act out a play.
• Learn New Skills. Utilize summer days to learn a new recipe, teach your children or yourself to cook, sew, clean, mend, first aid, cake decorating, outdoor skills, canning, car maintenance, baking, home repairs, orienteering, bird watching, couponing, how to tell a joke…the list goes on and on. Utilize Boy Scout merit badge books to learn new skills. Invite an experienced Boy Scout over to teach you new skills–it will be good for all of you. USE THE LIBRARY!
• Prepare For School. Shop at thrift stores, yard sales, dollar stores, sales, etc. to start gathering the supplies and clothes you will need for the beginning of school. Set everything aside and label it as needed. Clean the house thoroughly. Don’t forget to schedule required physicals or eye exams NOW to avoid the school opening rush. Preparing slowly over a course of weeks will make it more enjoyable, less stressful and likely save you money.
• Practice Readiness Skills. A quiet summer evening is a perfect time to have a surprise ‘evacuation drill.’ See how fast it takes you to grab your 72-hour kit, your shoes, etc and get out of the house. Pile everyone in the car and go out for an ice cream cone. Make it a game to check the smoke detectors, locate the water shut off valve, find the gas shut off & required wrench.
• Surprise Santa. Start getting ready for Christmas & holiday gift giving during the summer months. Have your children begin making gifts for teachers, friends and family members. Utilize summer photos to make albums, notecards, etc. Use inexpensive rubber stamps or make your own with vegetables & produce custom wrapping paper. Label & store everything carefully and you’ll be ahead of the holiday crazies. Make up your holiday budget now and talk to family members about holiday plans.
• Redecorate. Now would be a great time to redecorate a child’s room. Give them a strong voice in the decision making and work together to choose colors, low-cost accessories, ‘upcycle’ thrift store or at home finds and remember to enjoy the experience.
• Visit Others. Visit friends or make new friends by visiting an assisted living or nursing care facility. Call ahead to make arrangements. If your family has specific talents, see if you can share them with the residents.
• Spa Day. Schedule a day to do manicures, pedicures, long soaks, etc. at home. Relax. Read a good book. Watch an uplifting or touching video. Listen to soothing music and consciously unwind.
• Service. Serve those around you. Cook dinner for a homeless shelter. Collect items for a women’s shelter. Visit shut ins. Tie a quilt for newborn babies. Write letters to military members. Cook dinner for a new mother. Look for opportunities to serve one-on-one.
• Old-Fashioned Fun. Our forefathers (& mothers) did not rely on commercial entertainment to enjoy the seasons. Look to yesteryear for fun & memorable summer activities such as picnics, visiting parks, games, musical evenings, at-home plays & puppet shows, nature walks, reading, fishing, etc. Learning new games and activities can not only be fun, but educational.
• Prepare Halloween Costumes. While you are out shopping yard sales and thrift stores, or honing your sewing skills, think ahead to Halloween. Have your children plan out a costume and look for the components while visiting yard sales, etc. Or use freecycle to find just what you are looking for.
• Clear The Clutter. Set aside a few hours a week to clear the clutter from your home. Safety check toys & equipment. Donate excess stuff to a worthwhile charity. Host an exchange day–friends & family bring the ’stuff’ they don’t want and exchange for your stuff that they might be able to use.
• Laugh & Enjoy The Time! Whatever you choose to do, use this time to bond with those you love. Enjoy being together and build memories of laughter, family and friends!

And don’t forget the sunscreen & sunglasses when you go outside.

While living in Europe, we fell in love with the crusty, rustic breads available in French bakeries. Their rough textures, soft interiors and crusty exteriors are a delight that transforms any meal into a feast. Who cares what the main course is when there is a loaf of perfect bread on the table? And now, we can produce the same types of bread at home, utilizing the basics found in every provident pantry. Better still, the bread is SO simple to prepare that any six-year-old could make it. Okay, the child shouldn’t monkey with the oven, but every other step is truly easy and nearly mess free.

If the ease and final results weren’t enough, consider that the bread is fat-free, low sodium, super cheap and requires you to purchase only one item you may not own–a silicone baking sheet. (Check Wal-mart for a Wilton silicone sheet priced at about $5) You can also opt to use parchment paper on a cookie sheet.

How to begin? Find a food grade plastic container that holds about 5 quarts. It should have a lid, but the lid does NOT need to be air tight. You do NOT want to clamp the lid down, just cover the dough. A ‘cake saver’ type container will work as will an icing container from your local bakery. You will mix and store your dough in this container.

Basic Recipe: (Makes four 1-lb loaves)

3 cups lukewarm water (should just feel warm to you)

1 1/2 tablespoons granulated yeast (this is about 1.5 packets)

1 1/2 tablespoons Kosher or other coarse salt (if you use table salt, reduce to 1 tablespoon)

6 1/2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour

Cornmeal for baking surface

Pour water into your container. Add yeast and salt, stirring to at least partially dissolve the yeast. Don’t worry if the yeast isn’t perfectly dissolved.

Measure your flour by gently scooping the measuring cup into your flour and then scraping the top of the cup with a knife. Add flour to liquid mixture and stir with a heavy spoon. You can opt to use a mixer or large capacity food processor with a dough hook, but I have found that a sturdy spoon does just fine and you don’t have another thing to clean up.

As you mix in flour, scrape down the sides of the container frequently and work all of the flour mixture into the liquid. This will take only a few minutes. You may need to ‘poke’ the center of your dough blob as you mix in order to get the liquid completely distributed. You will not be kneading the dough!

You are finished mixing when everything is uniform and you can’t see any dry spots. The dough will be wet and sticky looking.

Cover the dough with the lid–remember it should not be air tight! Let the dough sit for at least 2 hours at room temperature. If you need to leave it longer, don’t worry. I’ve let it sit on the counter as long as 4 or 5 hours and the bread was just fine!

If you want to bake bread at this point, you can. Or, you can simply put the container in the refrigerator and store for up to two weeks. Refrigerated dough is easier to handle than room temperature dough, but either temperature works fine. If you want to add a sour dough flavor & texture, simply use the same container repeatedly without washing between bread batches. The dough does ‘age’ as stored, producing a better, stronger flavor and slightly different texture.

Dough can also be frozen in 1 loaf sizes. Place dough in a plastic bag and freeze. To thaw, leave in refrigerator overnight and then continue on with instructions.

When you are ready to bake, cover a cookie sheet with the parchment paper or the silicone baking mat. Liberally cover the baking surface needed for the loaf of bread with corn meal. Use a serrated knife and hack off a piece of dough about the size of a large grapefruit. Again, this is not a precise science.

Gently form your glob of dough into a round mound. This should take about 30 to 60 seconds. You are NOT kneading the bread, simply rounding it. The top side of the dough will look fairly smooth while the bottom is likely to look ‘ragged’. This is just fine!

Place the dough on the prepared baking surface and allow to rise about 40 minutes. The loaf will not completely rise in this time. The rising will continue while it is baking. Again, I’ve left it sitting on the counter for over 90 minutes and the bread was fine. A bit fluffier than the shorter rising time, but still great. You do not need to cover the bread while it is rising.

Begin preheating your oven to 450F about 20 minutes before you are ready to bake. Place a broiler pan, cake pan or several loaf pans filled with water on a lower shelf of the oven.

After the 20 minute preheat, liberally coat the top side of your loaf with flour. Using a serrated knife and quick slashing motions, cut a 1/4 inch deep gash across the top of your loaf. You can get creative here and create stars, tic-tac-toe, or cross designs.

Place the prepared dough in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until it is golden brown.

The hardest part? The bread really is best when allowed to cool completely on a wire rack.

I have purposefully messed up several steps of the recipe to see what would happen. For the most part, you really can’t mess this up! I’ve over-baked, under-baked (that is worse than over-baking), left lumps in the dough and badly shaped loaves. I’ve cut it hot–sometimes you just can’t resist it–and stored it in the open overnight. Overall, this is truly the simplest, best, cheapest bread you will ever produce.

The final product is better than any bread I have purchased in the U.S. and the price can’t be beat!

Once you master the basic recipe, you can start adding herbs, roasted garlic, cheese or a wide variety of other ingredients. You can experiment with shapes, double the recipe, reduce the recipe size and substitute part of the unbleached flour for wholewheat, oats, rye, etc.

Happy Baking!

P.S. One final note. Before beginning this bread experiment, I had never used a silicone baking mat. Now, I think every kitchen needs one. Your cookies will be perfect and the clean up is a breeze with these wonderful inventions. You really can’t burn anything on them that won’t come clean. Someone else cooked dinner at my house and literally caught the oven on fire with a volcanic strength over-run of marinade and sauce. There were flames in the oven and the smoke damage is still being cleaned up. The cookie sheet under the meat and the rack the meat was on went in the trash. The oven has been cleaned three or four times and yet ‘blobs’ still re-appear. The silicone baking mat? With a little bit of hot water and dish soap–good as new! Absolutely miraculous.

Recent events prove once again that disaster can strike anywhere and at any time. Whether you are at the office, on vacation, going about your daily errands or sitting at home, you may face an unannounced disaster. Being prepared ahead of time with the simplest of supplies can make the difference between life and death, safety and serious injury.

One man caught in the Haiti earthquake found his way to safety relatively quickly with the aid of a small, inexpensive flashlight. This one small device, clamped to his cell phone, allowed him to pick his way through the rubble and find safe shelter after the devastating earthquake. Though we may never encounter an earthquake, there are a myriad of situations that could leave us stranded in the midst of chaos. Thinking and planning ahead of time are your best defenses!

In addition to your home-based 72-hour kit and your automobile emergency kit, considering preparing small kits that you keep in your office, briefcase and luggage. College dorm rooms should all have at least the basics! The size and quantity of items you place in your kit will be determined by where you store it. For most items, look for ‘mini’ versions in the travel and sports sections of discount stores. Your basic ‘To Go’ Kit should include:

1. Small flashlight and batteries. Store batteries outside of the flashlight. Many companies also sell really small flashlights that can be clamped on to your keys or cell phone. Such flashlights do not have always have easily replaceable batteries, but will provide instant light to help you locate your other supplies. Remember, too, that many cell phones can become temporary flashlights when their screens illuminate.

2. Long term water. ‘Water Blox’ and similar brands of water designed for long term storage at a variety of temperatures are readily available.

3. Power Bars. Store several high calorie bars, either ones from the grocery store or the type certified by the Coast Guard.

4. Heavy duty trashbags. Trashbags can become a variety of things including weather protection, shelter, blocking air, etc.

5. Small roll of duct tape. A brightly colored or fluorescent mini-roll would be the best option.

6. ‘Swiss Army’ type knife. One of the most compact styles is the size of a credit card. Make sure you have one with scissors and don’t forget to remove it from your carry-on luggage.

7. Hand sanitizer.

8. Cash and coins. Remember that a mini-M&M tube will hold quarters and rolled bills.

9. ‘Space blanket’. These are lightweight and can be used for protection from the cold as well as signalling.

10. Pocket sized tissues.

11. Feminine hygiene products. In addition to the obvious, they make great pressure bandages.

12. N-95 mask. Many disasters involve large amounts of contaminated dust and other particles. Get a mask that fits tightly against your mouth and nose.

13. Local map. If you had to walk home from your office, would you know the best route? What about alternate routes? Mark your map with the homes of friends, fire stations, police stations & hospitals. Use a fine point permanent marker and code your marks such as ‘F’ for friend, ‘P’ for police, ‘H’ for hospital.

14. First aid supplies. Pack as many as you can in the space you have available.

15. Backpack. Being able to easily carry what you have is critical. For a mini-kit, consider a ‘fanny pack’ or small backpack that is lightweight and folds compactly.

16. Communications. Cell phone with phone numbers & email addresses (include out of town family contact as well as local friends), a small radio, paper, pencil, permanent marker. If you are leaving your office, leave behind a note that states your name, time & date you left and where you are headed.

17. Medications. If you must have daily or emergency medications, ALWAYS carry at least a 3-day supply with you. This would include medications for allergies, heart condition, blood pressure, diabetes, asthma or any other condition that could become critical without medication.

18. Walking shoes and socks. Your office kit should include a pair of closed toe shoes and socks that you can walk well in.

19. A few waterproof matches.

20. Compass. There are many small ones available in sporting good stores.

21. Whistle. Whistles are critical for signaling. Purchase a sturdy plastic one. There are some on the market that combine a whistle, flashlight and compass.

22. A change of clothes. If your workplace, or surrounding area, were affected by a biochemical incident, you would need to be able to change your clothes. Pack clothes that can be layered.

23. ID card. Have a card in your kit with your name, home address, phone number, emergency contact, blood type & any pertinent medical history.

Instead of evacuating, circumstances may require you to remain in your office for several days. The supplies in your kit will make such a situation safer and more comfortable.

In addition to supplies, set goals to learn some basic skills such as first aid, basic signaling and hiking.

Mentally prepare yourself. Know the most likely disasters that could occur in your area—are they natural or man made disasters? Think through evacuation routes and develop a family communications plan. If you are in a carpool, make a plan for meeting in the case of an evacuation order.

If you are traveling internationally, especially in less developed countries, register your trip with the U.S. Embassy or consulate. Know where the embassy is!

Always remember that immediately after any major disaster, you are most likely going to have to rely on yourself and those around you. Planning and preparation will be your greatest allies!

New Year’s Resolutions–easily made, quickly forgotten and fodder for guilt! Instead of feeling bad about yourself when April arrives and your resolutions are all but forgotten, set goals that will allow you to slowly but surely attain a more provident lifestyle. The changes need not be drastic or accomplished all at one time. Provident living is not a one-time event, but rather a mindset, a lifestyle, a commitment to viewing today in context of the years that lie ahead. No matter where you are on the Provident Living Spectrum, making consistent changes will brighten your tomorrows.

As you evaluate where you are, consider these dozen ideas:

1. Debt: If you are out of debt, stay out! If you are in debt, resolve to acquire NO further consumer debt and pay down your debt as quickly as possible. Tell yourself ‘No’ frequently until your debt balance is at zero. Buy used and apply the savings to your debt load. Put away the credit cards and pay cash. Do whatever you have to do to get out from under the slavery of debt.

2. Savings: Pay yourself each payday. Save whatever you can, wherever you can. Keep your savings in a secure, insured account. Teach your children to save and to be wise consumers.

3. Employment: Be certain that your resume is prepared and up-to-date. Improve your skills and be on the look-out for employment opportunities. If you are threatened with unemployment, begin your job search before you are laid off. Let everyone know that you are looking for employment!

4. Education: Be certain that your children understand the value of obtaining the best education possible. Teach them from middle school on that what they do in the six years after elementary school will affect their ability to be admitted to college and win scholarships. Help your teens find every scholarship opportunity possible. Teach your teens about the dangers of acquiring unnecessary student and credit card debt. If you need to return to school, seek grants, scholarships or employer-funded opportunities. Continually learn new skills that will help you live providently: gardening, canning, home repairs, computer skills, sewing, baking, cooking, etc. Be certain that every member of your family has the necessary life skills to enter the world prepared to be self-reliant.

5. Be a wise steward: Take care of what you own so that it will last and serve you well. The greatest ‘green’ thing you can do is to make what you have last as long as possible.

6. Prepare for ‘everyday’ emergencies: The largest percentage of ‘emergencies’ that we will face are the ‘everyday’ sorts–unexpected illness, injury, a flooded basement, etc. An orderly life and home makes it easier to deal with these types of events. Train your family to keep the home running smoothly. Have extras at home–extra cash, extra food, extra cleaning supplies. Know where your important papers and phone numbers are. Evaluate the most likely larger emergencies you might face and prepare with evacuation kits (72-hour kits or Bug Out Bags), emergency supplies such as first-aid kits, extra lighting, cooking, etc. ‘Prepare every needful thing…’

7. Store food and essential supplies: Even if you purchase and set aside a few canned goods each shopping trip, build a supply of food that you can rely on. Begin by purchasing ‘everyday’ foods until you have a 3-month supply. Store some water, extra hygience products, laundry soaps, etc. When you have accomplished your 3-month supply, slowly acquire long-term staples such as grains, sugar, salt and powdered milk.

8. Develop emotional resiliency: Learn to take the upheavals of life in stride emotionally (which is easier when you are living providently). Learn to appropriately deal with stress, anxiety, disappointment and develop a support structure that will assist you. Develop a greater faith and testimony of the eternal nature of your life so that the daily ups and downs are seen in the proper perspective. Learn to laugh. If you need professional help, seek it from a trained professional that shares your core values.

9. Build your spiritual muscles: Like physical muscles, spiritual muscle must be built over time. Do not wait until the tempest is raging to learn to seek Divine Guidance and Strength. Serve others and forget yourself as you lift another.

10. Practice Prevention: Prevent accidents whenever possible. Make your home and your car as safe as possible. Teach your children to behave appropriately and how to react to danger. Seek preventative medical care from competent professionals. Think before acting and research before leaping!

11. Plan ahead: Live today fully, but look towards the future. Plan economically, physically and mentally for events that you know will occur. Whether it is a birthday, Christmas or retirement, many of life’s events can be accurately predicted and planned for. Continually living in a state of ‘last-minutitis’ increases stress and nearly always results in frayed nerves, greater expenditures and wasted effort.

12. Practice happiness: Happy people are more likely to successfully navigate the world without relying on impulse buying, addictive substances or other self-destructive behaviors. Find joy in the simple things of life and make your home a haven from the cares of the world. If your home is a simple cave, make it the brightest, happiest, most laughter-filled cave imaginable.

Provident Living is not a drudgery or ‘doomsday’ way of looking at life. Rather, it is the best guarantee that you and those you love will be safe, secure, strong and happy no matter what life throws your way. Make 2010 a year in which you embrace and find joy in being not only self-reliant but able to reach out to others. In that, you will find the greatest of joy!

The week before Christmas and all through the land,

Folks are scurrying and feeling rather grand.

Now is the time for the wise to prepare,

So that holidays will occur without a scare!

Okay, so the poetry isn’t great, but just to make certain that your holidays are more merry than scary, remember a few last minute reminders:

SHOPPING:

• Try to go without little ones so you aren’t distracted
• Keep packages out of sight–lock that trunk!
• Be constantly aware of your surroundings
• If you must shop alone and at night, ask for security to walk you to your car, especially in a large and/or dark parking lot
• Carry valuables in your front pockets. Avoid a purse or tote if possible
• Keep your credit cards in sight when completing transactions
• Be aware of anyone looking over your shoulder while you process your transaction
• Don’t process a purchase while clerk is on the phone, especially if speaking in another language and holding your credit card
• Use internet sites that are secure
• If you are gone from home all day, ask trusted neighbor to pick up packages left at your front door.
• Keep your receipts–most merchants have tightened up return policies!
• Have some cash for emergencies and small purchases

TRAVEL

• Have cash for emergencies
• Re-read hints about winter travel
• Plan plenty of time for delays
• Keep your cellphone charged
• Check car condition before travel

HOME

• If going away, use timers on lights and talk radio channel
• Ask trusted neighbor to bring in mail and newspapers
• Don’t put gifts where others can see them through open drapes
• Be sure to practice fire safety, especially with lit candles and flammable decorations
• If having house guests, be certain their medications are up & away from little hands
• Cut up and bag boxes from high priced items when disposing of them or take to recycling center
• Practice safe food handling

Have a safe, blessed, healthy and happy Christmas!