March 2013 has finally come! My son returns home from his mission in 3 days!!! The two year wait has finally come to an end. Hard to believe. I am overly focused on my family this week, so I hope you understand if my head is not here with my blog. But I did want to post my thoughts on items to gather in your food storage and emergency preparedness this week. If you are new around here, check out my START HERE page.
STEP 1: 3-MONTH SUPPLY (per adult) - Tomato sauce 12x8 oz. cans AND Tomato paste 6x6 oz. cans.
Tip: The best way to stock up is when it's on sale or purchase by the case. When you use some of your stock, replenish it. Sam's Club has some reasonably priced cases of tomato sauce and paste. Keep in a cool, dry place.
Tip: Stock up this month! It's everywhere today, but it may not be tomorrow. Buy more to replenish what you use. Small bottles are for short-term storage because you periodically use them. More durable containers are for long-term storage and need to be refilled every 6 months.
Tip: Start your fund this month! Decide on an amount you want for emergencies and put aside weekly amounts until you build up your reserve. Keep some in the bank and some cash at home.
Tip: I know, we are at the end of the cold season in some place, but in other parts of the world it could be starting. Use your best judgement to figure out how much to stock for your family. There are many options, so do what is best for your family.
How: Go through your medicine supply and get rid of outdated items. Check this post for some ideas.
How: Find a good first aid manual at your local Red Cross. I also have a first aid app on my phone.
How: Go through your supply and write down some goals of what you want to resupply. You don't have to get everything, but you want to be aware of what you are missing.
Good luck on your weekly goals. You CAN do it! Here is the printout of the March 2013 Food Storage List.
Your food storage should consist of shelf-stable foods. What we store in our 3-month supply (STEP 1) is everyday foods or short-term storage foods which have an approximate range of 3 month - 10 year shelf-life. What we store in our long-term supply are foods that have a 20 to 30 year shelf life. Don't consider what's in your refrigerator or freezer as this type of storage, because it could be gone quickly with a 24-hour power outage. However, we all buy perishable foods and can continue to purchase them and inventory them. Hope that all made sense.
Remember, design your food storage for your family, your way. Nothing cookie-cutter about this.
Thanks so much for all of the information, I just put tomatoes on my Sam's Club list. Thanks for the reminder. Enjoy this week with your family and the home coming of your son! Please tell your son that there is at least one person out here that thinks he did a great job. Well Done and Welcome Home!
Congrats on your missionary coming home!
I do not want to hurry their time, but I will love having them home again when the time comes.