More Tips...

In times of struggle and emergency and difficulty, it helps to have more than one plan. (This resembles the "don't keep all your eggs in one basket" saying.) For example: Kris Frederickson shared her experience with the SF earthquake in '89- how home heating became a challenge because fireplaces were destroyed. Her very valid and relevant observation:
" We were relatively unscathed--dishes out of cupboards, etc.--except for our fireplace. It cost us about $5,000 to get it repaired due to damage and cracks. Obviously it wasn't usable and really, after an earthquake, if it really jars your home, you are not going to want to use your fireplace until you get it checked. If there is damage and you start a fire in the fireplace there's a chance it will damage the structure or start a house fire. "
I took the moral of the story to be: plan for more than one way to heat your living space. For that matter, let's plan on more than one way to prepare meals, deal with sanitation, etc. Having options and several viable alternatives can only help us cope with the difficulty of the situation.
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Don't forget the tools....
During an emergency or disaster, we will need and be so grateful for the tools that we have. Saws, hammers, axes, crowbars, jacks, ... just to name a few of the more critical tools to own.
Cordless drills & other cordless tools are great if you've got enough batteries. Corded tools are only worthwhile if you've got a power source (generator if the power is out). Gas tools (like a chainsaw) are limited by how much fuel you've got stored.
So now that we're thinking like a handyman, let's gather tools and tools power sources... be that what it may.
Unfortunately, tools don't tend to go on sale. Occasionally, old "models" are reduced in price when new tool designs are introduced.
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I have to admit that I have really enjoyed the change of thinking and perspective that "Preparedness" has caused in me. I naturally don't like to waste. I always considered that not wasting what we have been given as one of the ways I can show gratitude to Heavenly Father- who has given it to me.
So preparedness thinking is a forward looking and storing up against the storm.... but I just can't let the stored supplies go to waste or go bad. For me then, the challenge is to store what I will use (not waste) and refresh my supplies constantly.
I am grateful for this opportunity to look at readiness in a whole new way... And thanks for your patience as I learn.
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Clothing... as a lifesaving device?
Yes! Especially, in the cold of winter, proper clothing is critical. Right now, as we sweat through these summer months, we don't consider the essential nature of layering (We're trying to peel the layers off to keep cool!).
To keep this letter in the "Now" ...Let's talk about clothing to store or buy now....
Summer shopping? Yes!
Right now, as summer clothes are being moved off the shelves for fall options, is the right time for summer sales. Consider light shoes, hats, sunvisors, sunglasses, and summer beach bags (for toting) as great options to consider now that they're on clearance prices.
Sunscreen, aloe Vera and bug repellant go on sale now too. Consider those if you don't have them in your supplies.
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