Survival

*WARNING* Super Loooong Post Ahead
In this time of natural disasters and uncertainty, it doesn't hurt to be prepared.  In our family's case it wasn't a natural disaster, but a job loss that totally derailed our lives.  A few years ago, my husband lost his job.  As the breadwinner in the family, this was a devastating blow.  We learned a lot about the things that are helpful for survival in times of trouble.  All it takes is picking up a few extra supplies every time you do your shopping.  That way when disaster strikes, be it weather related or job related you and your families can be better prepared.
- The Mom
As mom just said times were tough on us but we got through it (thank you god love you!).I remember waking up either on the couch in our den becuase it was cold or in my bed with no covers because it was too hot, but anyway I would wake up, pray to god and wonder: what's for breakfast? Most of our food was in a cooler in the kitchen, others in the pantry. I also remember the first time our lights went out. Us children were watching our big brother playing the video game, counting down untill the light guy turned it all off. I was hiding on the boy's pillow,waiting.Then it went out just like that daddy came inside and we started asking him what to do, he was pacing and it was getting hot.For dinner we ate cereal I can't remember what my parents ate though. And thats what happened, us in survival mode it was really hard and I was sad but we got through it! And as much as I hate to say this but I am happy we went through that becuase now we know what to do when something like that happens again.Gosh its like I wrote a full blog post!
- the daughter
And now......(drumroll please!) THE LIST!!!!

SURVIVAL KIT LIST

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three weeks - three months. You may find yourself cut off from basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones during this time so it is wise to be prepared.Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation. Food, a three week to three month supply of non-perishable food.First aid kit Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place. Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

Water can be stored in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles, or large water storage bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.
Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit.
Ready-to-eat meals
Canned juices
High energy foods
Food for infants
Comfort / stress foods
Tea, Coffee, Powdered Milk
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries Have a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.
Whistle to signal for help

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.

Additional Items to keep in your Home for Emergencies:Prescription medications and glasses
Infant formula and diapers
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
Cash or traveler's checks and change
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Fire Extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Duct Tape
Plastic Sheeting
Compass
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Signal flare
Needles, thread
Battery powered lanterns
Oil lanterns and oil
Coolers (preferably double insulated) for food storage
Kerosene heater and kerosene
Propane stove and propane tanks
Candles
Charcoal
Soap, liquid detergent
Cat litter
Axe and shovel
Hammer, Nails, Saw
Seeds, Fertilizer (for long term disaster preparedness)
Tent, Ladder

Begin today preparing your home so that you can protect and provide for your family.
Each time you shop from now on, think in terms of putting something up for survival.