Why A 60 to 90 Day Supply?
This U.S. government site says 3 days is being prepared. This goes against common sense of experience. But what else can they say? Tell us to be prepared for 3 months and have us sheep, panic? Instead we're told 72 hours to downplay the potential problems of global warming and to set us up to fail. Only those who do not understand the basic laws of nature will follow those who do not understand the basic laws of nature.The 204 page, long version of this advice can be found by clicking here for a pdf file.It is useful and should be reviewed to become better acquainted with a variety of things to consider. No need to throw the bathwater out with the baby. Whatever shortages occur will take much longer than 3 days or even 14 days to correct and return to “normal” levels, especially for wide scale shortages involving millions of people. Emergency services are only prepared for small scale problems. After all, people provide these services not deities. In these situations, it is better to have more than enough. Remember, during times of shortages, we will likely expend more energy and will need more nutrition.Basic Needs For 60-90 Days Per Person
1. Overall water needs are 1 gallon per day for all uses. This must be supplemented by rainwater if we intend to clean our bodies every day. It is not necessary and should not be expected.2. In addition to the above, bottled water x 6 cases; plastic bins to catch and store rainwater and food; 5 gallon buckets with lids to catch and store rainwater and to carry water from a creek/river and to flush toilets, buckets can also be used to store food or for doing work around the house; plastic 2-liter soda bottles for water storage.
3. Overall food needs takes into account partial sharing with the unprepared. Purchase products with the least amount of ingredients. Lower cost generic or store brands are just as good most of the time. Start buying more items when on sale. Purchase during holiday sales. Go to Dollar Stores, Big Lots and other lower cost retailers. Consider buying in bulk from shopping clubs for some items. Frequent flea markets plus yard, garage and estate sales.
4. This list focuses on items that do not need refrigeration. There are ways to keep items cool without electricity. Search this on the internet and YouTube.
5. Can food x 120. This is your foundation for nutrition. Beans and other seeds are best because they are high in nutrients and usually don't need to be warmed up. Buy all types of can foods that are seeds; Canned meat if we feel we need meat; Can opener non-electric; Dry beans, dry rice; Dry cereal like Cheerios or Raisin Brand that can be eaten without milk; Cereal bars; Oatmeal, grits; Nuts, popcorn; Peanut butter; Honey, molasses; Salt, pepper; Cooking oil; Olive oil, can be used like butter; Pancake mix complete (add water only) x 8, for a quick pre-mixed bread; Flour, yeast, cornmeal; Potatoes, hard melons, squash, pumpkins can last a couple of months or more unrefrigerated in cool dark dry storage; Food and water for pets to eat and be cleansed.
6. Coolers or some other type of insulated container or some other method to keep food cold so it won't spoil
7. Solar oven, basically a box lined with foil and covered with a piece of glass. Use with cast iron or clay pots for heat retention. Search on YouTube.
8. Dry firewood, Matches, cardboard, newspaper; Axe and saw; Plastic, tarp or a place to keep wood dry; Plastic Ziploc® bags; Aluminum foil heavy duty, aluminum baking pans and pie pans of various sizes have many uses; Cast iron pots and skillets of various sizes; Oven rack or rack from a barbeque grill and long-handled utensils to cook outside.
9. Unscented bleach for sterilizing water and many other uses; Gas can with at least 5 gallons of gas; Heating method or other ways to keep the body warm; Medicines and hospital needs; Toilet paper, paper towels; Soap, toothpaste, feminine products, contact lenses, extra eyeglasses; Candles, flashlights, batteries and extra batteries for everything that uses batteries; Radio and solar charger
10. Seeds to plant and land to plant them in or soil in containers; Tools for garden work, work boots; Canning jars x 6 dozen. These jars are for filling right now with homegrown or store bought vegetables. Also for preparing bean soups, chilis, potato soups, vegetable soups and canning in advance. Smoked meats can be added to the recipes. Will stay preserved several years.
Personal Questions Keep Popping Up
Do I have the ability on the first day of a food shortage to plant seeds to meet some or all of my nutritional needs?What if it's not the right season for planting?
How will my needs change depending on what time of year it is?
Am I prepared to survive in a variety of conditions for a minimum of 60-90 days?
How am I going to wash and clean myself, wash/dry clothes and my dishes without running water or electricity (Washing dishes can be accomplished with a damp towel.)
What do I use electricity for now?
What am I depending on now that I can get from my own house, yard and abilities? This includes working with family and friends.
What if I can't flush the indoor toilet?
Where is the nearest natural water source?
What if I need to boil or sterilize water without the use of indoor appliances?
Am I using all my resources in a responsible manner to prepare to be self-sufficient?
Ideas from this website have been incorporated: Ready Nutrition and the 52 Weeks to Preparedness Free Web Series
