Beyond The Pantry
Preparedness and provident living extend well beyond the edible goodies in your pantry and the water safely stored! The well-prepared home is one in which a family can shelter for at least two weeks without having to depend on outside support. Even better, is a home that would allow you to stay in place for months if need by! This level of preparation is not intended to fulfill some doomsday scenario, but to allow you to weather the storms of life–illness, weather events, unemployment, unexpected expenses, inflation and a wide range of small to large disasters. A prepared and provident home takes advantage of sale prices to stock up and then uses up their ‘bargains’ until the next sale rolls around.
Hygiene: feminine products, hand sanitizer, baby or other disposable wipes (if you don’t have water, this would be your primary source of hygiene for the whole family), toothpaste, mouthwash (even if you don’t use regularly, it will keep mouth healthy & can disinfect other items), diapers, toilet paper, facial tissue, bleach, dishwashing soap (not dishwasher soap), dishwasher soap, laundry detergent, spray disinfectant, paper towels, garbage bags, basic household cleaners, disposable abrasive pads, ‘comet’ or similar powdered cleanser.
Health: vitamins, pain relievers, thermometer, cold medication, prescription medication, rubbing alcohol, cough drops, anti-diarrhea medication, laxative, a well stocked first aid kit, hydrogen peroxide, disposable latex gloves (if anyone is allergic to latex, order non-latex gloves), N-90 facial masks, antacid, & any other over the counter meds your family uses regularly.
Safety/comfort: candles (the best are those encased in glass container), matches, fire extinguisher, flashlights, batteries, battery operated radio, heat source (firewood, portable heater, etc—NEVER use a BBQ inside and NEVER store an extra propane tank inside your home or garage), smoke detectors that run on batteries, extra warm clothing, fans, sufficient blankets and/or sleeping bags, hats, mittens, rain gear
Tools: basic tool box to include a screwdriver, hammer, nails, pliers, screws, etc, tool to turn off gas line (can only be re-opened by professional), bung wrench if you store food in plastic buckets, plastic sheeting, duct tape, painter’s tape (these items can help seal up windows, etc. to keep home warmer as well as patch holes in the roof & package excess trash), snow shovel, regular shovel, paper, pencils.
Eating: disposable plates, cups, pans, & flatware, paper napkins, aluminum foil, BBQ (only outside), & camp stove. Don’t forget extra fuel!
Car: keep at least ¼ to ½ tank of gas at all times. Have your car emergency kit packed and updated. And keep your car well maintained!
Pets: Remember to think of your pet needs as well.
Cash: Every home needs a reasonable amount of cash in small bills (NO larger than $20) stored. In many natural or man-made disasters, access to checking accounts, debit cards and credit cards is cut off. All transactions are made with cash, and change is often not available.
Entertainment: Have you considered how you would keep yourself and your children busy if you don’t have electricity or cannot go out to your local ‘amusements’? Be certain that you have books, games, hobbies and an idea of how to entertain yourself and your family at home. Practice once in awhile–it’ll be good for your relationships and your wallet.
Information: Do you have a ‘hard copy’ of quick recipes, phone numbers, important addresses, etc? Be wary of keeping all of your vital information electronically. Technology is wonderful and we all rely on it, but keep at least a minimum of information in a format that is easy to access regardless of whether you have power or internet access.
Think through the specific needs of you and your family. Adapt these suggestions to meet those needs and then evaluate what you have on hand. Many of these items, such as paper towels, need only be stored in a larger than normal quantity.
