Wednesday Prep Day

Good Morning Everybody! Okay, when I started writing this it was morning. Now it's after 10:00 p.m.! Where does the time go? Today we are going to begin collecting a First Aid Kit for our 72 hr. kits. You can make it as basic or involved as you want. You can even have your regular first aid kit and keep it in a place with the 72 hr. kits so you can grab-and-go if needed. If you want ideas for a first aid kit, click here. I also know that I saw one at Walmart a week ago. I didn't get a chance to look at it, but I did note that it had 72 pieces and was $9.00. What else...Oh, check out the American Red Cross for ideas too! Their site is full of information.

Another thing I just want to mention about 72 hr. kits. You don't have to have everything for everyone now. Would it be nice? Of course! Is it always practical to collect everything all at once? No. You must always consider your resources, budget, etc. Five flashlights would be ideal for my family; but, one or two is still better than none. So do what you can and just keep working at it. If you're persistent, you'll get there.

Now, how is your three months of storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan for your three month supply, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options.

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

This month, we are collecting wheat for our long-term storage. Liesa Card suggests a food storage program that fits the way we collect long-term storage on this site; although, there are many ways to go about gathering your storage.

Another way that makes sense is gathering a one year supply for one person at a time. (When you have one year gathered, just do it again). If you have one year for one person, you will also have a six month supply for two people, a four month supply for three, and so on. Isn't that COOL?! (I thought you might like it)! Happy collecting...

First Aid Kits

Good morning everybody! It's raining and lovely here on this fine Friday! Last night, I had the opportunity to attend a First Aid class hosted by a wonderful woman in my ward. I'd like to share the hand outs she gave us. They are from Simply Prepared and can be accessed by the link on the right side of the page.

All right...on to the good stuff...

First Aid Kit Guide
http://simplyprepared.com/First%20Aid%20Kits.htm

A good first aid kit should be serviceable everyday as well as in disaster situations. A family first aid kit will be more practical if it is also a medicine chest. Storing all medicines and first aid supplies in one container allows them to be easily included on family trips and outings to provide for most medical and health needs. Store supplies in a closed container, preferably water resistant. Containers that work well are tool boxes, tackle boxes, and plastic storage containers. Keep the kit in a place where it can be used but not easily reached by young children.

Stock your first aid kit with items your family uses on a regular basis and those you may use in an emergency. Keep sufficient quantities for the size of your family but remember to rotate medications.

The following list is a guide:

• antibiotic ointment
• burn ointment
• anti-fungal cream
• anti-itch lotion
• regular prescription medications
• pain relief tablets
• diarrhea medication
• laxative
• eye drops
• ear drops
• soap or antiseptic wash
• eye wash solution
• nose drops
• cough medicine
• allergy medicine
• decongestant
• motion sickness capsules or patches
• throat lozenges
• antacid
• alcohol
• hydrogen peroxide
• petroleum jelly
• sunscreen lotion
• insect repellent
• sterile burn dressings
• bandages, plastic strips
• ace bandages
• gauze pads (4" x 4")
• adhesive tape
• bandages, sterile roll 2" and 4" wide
• triangular bandage
• sterile eye pads
• moist towelettes
• cotton balls
• cotton tipped swabs
• first aid manual
• tweezers
• scissors
• single edge razor blade
• needles and thread
• safety pins
• water purification tablets
• plastic spoons
• pocket knife
• eye dropper
• thermometer
• dental floss
• two pair sterile gloves
• syrup of Ipecac
• baking soda
• salt
• chemical cold pack
• chemical hot pack
• paper cups or collapsible plastic cup
• space blanket
• safety matches
• emergency phone numbers
• phone money

Fanny Pack Emergency Kit
For School, Office, or Car
http://simplyprepared.com/fanny_pack_emergency_kit.htm

Place in a medium or large fanny pack:

• 12-hour light stick
• 1200 calorie food bar
• 3 or more water pouches
• pocket first aid kit
• thermal blanket
• rain poncho
• wet wipes
• pocket knife
• whistle
• dust mask
• ID such as a business card
• home and emergency contact information
• coins for a phone call or a non-expiring phone card
• list of pack contents
• work gloves, if there is room

Dust mask, ID, contact information, coins/phone card and list should be kept in resealable plastic bags. Food bars can be larger if there is room in the pack.

Keep the pack in a school locker, desk, filing cabinet drawer, car trunk, glove compartment, or anywhere else that is accessible when away from home.