Self Sufficiency Part 1 - Overview

A lot of people are asking for information on prepping and self sufficiency lately.  Many are concerned about being prepared for a wide spectrum of possibilities:

• War
• Pandemic
• Economic collapse
• Earthquakes
• Forest fires
• Asteroid impacts
• Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)

Or something as simple as losing your job. It doesn’t matter what the “event” is. If you survive the “event”, we all need the same things to keep ourselves alive: water, food, shelter and a means of defense. It doesn't really matter If you live in the city, suburbs, dessert or mountains, your needs will be the same.

Some people run out and buy huge quantities of freeze dried food, massive generators, 50 pound sacs of rice and beans. It can cost a small fortune and it's really not the best solution. There are some very basic simple things you can do.

Copy Canning is an excellent way to get started.  When you go to the store to buy something like a can of peaches, by two instead. Put one away and use the other can. You will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you will build up quite an inventory.

Here are a few basic tips that will help:

1 – Only buy food you would and do normally eat.

2 – Keep an inventory of what you have.

3 – Rotate you inventory using the oldest products first.

4 – Store your supplies in a cool dark dry location. It will help extend the shelf life of many foods.

5 – Try to replenish your inventory when items you need are on sale.

6 – Large Tupperware tubs work great for food storage.

7 – Learn how to can fruit and vegetables.

8 – Start a garden. Even if you rent an apartment you can grow tomatoes and such in a small balcony.

9 – Learn how to cook and bake with basic ingredients.

10 – Keep some cash on hand. In an emergency odds are cash will be your only option. If the power is out your ATM card won't work.

11 – Keep your fuel tank at least half full.

12 - Have several flashlights and a good supply of batteries.

13 – Take a Basic first aid and CPR class.

The list could go on. I'm sure that you can think of other things. 

Over the next few weeks I'll be covering several topics related to preparing to deal with disasters and emergencies.   I'll also provide you with links to a host of related information.