52 Weeks to Preparedness-Week 28

Food Storage:

8 cans of soup

Extra Item:

2 months of laundry soap

Family Gear Box:

This is a box, action packer, cooler, etc. that is used for larger, heavier more specialized items that will make life nicer in an emergency and when the urgency of grab and go fast isn’t present; more suited for a mandatory evacuation that would last a longer time. This week get the “Box.”

Family Preparedness:

  Keep lawns trimmed, leaves raked and the roof and rain gutters free from debris such as dead limbs and leaves. Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your residence. Store flammable materials, liquids and solvents in metal containers outside your residence at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences.

Spiritual Preparedness:

Read Ephesians 6:1-4. Families are essential to the gospel plan. Improve your family relationships by spending time together as a family as often as possible throughout the year.

Chicken

Freeze dried meat is very expensive, but I wanted to have meat in my food storage. I took on the "challenge" of canning chicken and discovered that it is SUPER easy.

What you need is:

A Pressure Canner

Salt (non-iodine)

Wide mouth quart jars

Raw chicken

First wash and prepare your jars. 
I bought my chicken in bulk and needed to separate the breasts and trim off additional fat.

                                     
      Then add 1 teaspoon of salt to each empty quart jar. Most canners will hold 7 quart jars at a time, so don't fill too many at once.  I put two breasts each in a quart, although I could have put more in. I only did two since there are just the two of us at home and I didn't need more than that at a time. In hind sight I should have done pints instead.  So, stuff the chicken into the quarts and leave 1 inch headspace.  Wipe the top of your jar clean with a wet rag and add your lid (that has been warmed in water) and hand tighten the ring on. 

Place the 7 quarts into a pressure canner.  Process for 90 minutes at 15 pounds of pressure.

 

You did it!! The chicken is fully cooked and all that lovely liquid is the most delicious broth around. 

52 weeks to preparedness-Week 27

Food Storage:

8 cans of meat

Extra Item:

8 rolls of toilet paper

Car Kit:

Your BASIC car kit is complete. Modify and personalize it. Some items might be coins/ money, a book for a long wait, candy or gum, a multi-tool, toilet paper or hand towels, a cell phone, OTC medications like aspirin, etc.

Family Preparedness:

To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following: Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a thunderstorm. Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you can’t count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

Spiritual Preparedness:

Read "Blessings for my ancestors, Blessings for me" by Kim Crenshaw Sorensen; August 2006 Ensign, p 34. Doing your family history is easier than ever before and can be done in your own home. Contact your ward family history consultants to learn more and get started.

52 weeks to preparedness- Week 26

FOOD STORAGE:
5 quarts cooking oil
EXTRA ITEM:
2 quarts peanut butter
CAR KIT:
Blanket, two bread bags and four rubber bands (to keep your sleeves clean)
FAMILY PREPAREDNESS:
Locate your electricity circuit box. Teach all responsible household members how to shut off the electricity to the entire house.
SPIRITUAL PREPAREDNESS:
Read Ether 2:12
Show appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy. Reflect on the blessings we enjoy as Americans. Strive to live so you may continue to have these great blessings.

52 Weeks to Preparedness-Week 25

FOOD STORAGE:
8 cans of tomato sauce
EXTRA ITEM:
8 rolls of toilet paper
CAR KIT:
Battery powered radio and extra batteries, small shovel and WD40
FAMILY PREPAREDNESS:
Locate the shut-off valve for the water line that enters your house. Make sure this valve can be completely shut off. Your valve may be rested open or it may only partially close. Replace if necessary.
SPIRITUAL PREPAREDNESS: 
Read the First Presidency Message in the Dec 2011 Ensign," The Choice to Be Grateful" by President Henry B. Eyring

52 Weeks to Preparedness-Week 24

FOOD STORAGE:
2 lb bouillon cubes
EXTRA ITEM:
30 lb beans
CAR KIT:
Tools. Be sure to include a large screwdriver, pair of pliers, wheel chock, and rubber hammer
FAMILY PREPAREDNESS:
Make a record of your personal property for insurance purposes. Take photos or a video of the belongings in your inventory.
SPIRITUAL PREPAREDNESS:
Elder Marvin J. Ashton said, "Try to be understanding and not critical. It is easy to point out mistakes and pass judgment. Sincere compliments and praise come much harder from most of us."