Being prepared, during natural disasters, for Homestead Sunday #3

Welcome to Homestead Sunday, where we share what we have learned, what we do on a regular basis, and what projects we are building, rebuilding or working on. Who are we? We are a three generation family living on six acres in South Eastern Texas. 

And while we have only been in Texas a short time, we have had the homestead mentality and lifestyle for quite a few years. Starting out with our time living in Montana. And, although we are not experts in any way, I hope that what we share with you with this series is helpful, as well as inspirational for you and your own homestead journey. Or even with your own home and yard in the suburbs. Because to homestead is an much an action as it is a lifestyle. 

Here it comes! No one prepared, was born that way. No one. 

The truth is, we will never know what we need to do, until we need something we do not have. At that moment, we will have learned a valuable lesson. We must become better prepared! I know because I have been there and done that, and repeated it more than once. The goal of being prepared is to not bring harm to your family, your livestock or pets, and your property. We have learned about preparedness here in East Texas with Tropical Storm Beryl. And in the state of Montana when we could get 3 feet of snow in the middle of the night. As well as with regular everyday life, because emergencies can and do crop up in a moments notice. So let's talk basics...

Water:

Not being prepared can sometimes be a bit silly, even making you grin. At the predicament you now find yourself in. Like, moving to a home in rural Montana with a well. That had a well pump powered by electricity. And then all of a sudden you have no power. Why you have no power doesn't matter, at that moment in time. We had not once thought about the important needs of water and the relationship of having no power, until then! How did we learn this? In the first large snow fall that took out some power lines.  

Fortunately most holding tanks have enough pressure to function for awhile. Offering some water for drinking. But not for the other basic need, using the toilet. You certainly are not going to use your drinking water for that... But after finding ourselves in that situation, we made one simple change. We now fill all 1 gallon vinegar bottles with water once the vinegar has ben used. They are stored for use in times of a water emergency. Since the jugs were clean when the water went in, I know I can also use that water to bring to a boil and and wash dishes, if needed.

Here in East Texas we are on a community water system. But it is not without storm or natural disaster weaknesses. Often a service pipe will break leading to no water available, until repaired. To remedy that possibility, I routinely fill several half gallon canning jars with water once a storm warning has been issued. Or as soon as a memo goes out regarding repairs needing completed on our local community FB group. Better safe, than sorry. 

Disposable items. 

I am not a big consumer of disposable dinnerware, eating utensils, etc. BUT I do keep a stock on hand for times of an emergency. It only makes sense to keep the dishes down to a minimum when water is low, or there is not much fuel for a fire. I/we have a storage bin filled with paper plates, cups etc. and disposable drinking glasses. Along with eating utensils. With this method, only the prep dishes and cookware will need to be washed. Saving time, fuel and possibly your sanity depending on what else needs to be accomplished. 

And honestly these are mostly from "to go" orders family members have enjoyed, or leftover from a holiday dinner (true confession, we do use disposable dishware for holiday dinners, and some birthdays..) smaller plates from birthday celebrations when there was a theme involved. And where ever they happen to show up from, all of them are perfect to use during this time. Trust me, you too will be grateful for this little stash to call upon. 

Social Connectedness: 

While most think this is about being connected to others outside of your own family, I want to address the healthy need of being connected to those you share a home or land with. I encourage you to schedule, even if just for a few minutes after each meal, a bit of time to simply chat and reconnect. These are the folks you will be turning to when you need help. And they to you. Now is not the time for distance, you all need to talk to each other and stay connected. 

This bit of conversation also helps to make sure the work is divided evenly. And it all gets done with no one person becoming over whelmed. You can go around the table or your circle of chairs and each person can say what still needs attending to or what has been discovered to need repair. As well as what is done, now working fine or no longer needed. Using meal time to recharge not only yourself but the entire group keeps everyone in the loop. I know when I get busy, I just keep going, and sometimes for far too long. That is not good for anyone, especially in times of an emergency. Keep your physical out put to reasonable limits, before taking a break to recharge.

Food: 

You will want to assess the food you have on hand, and use it in order of the keeping quality. For instance, if you just went shopping and bought salad fixings before the power went out, I suggest you have salad for the next meal. Because in reality the more delicate vegetables and fruits will not keep. Here are a couple of suggestions that can also be helpful...

Make an evaporative cooler. This will work for food that needs cooler temperatures, but not necessarily a cold temperature. You will need a cardboard box that fits inside a clothes basket. And a clothes basket. Place the food that needs to be kept cool in the box, and close the flaps. Place the box inside the clothes basket. Drape a heavy towel or two over the top of the basket. Wet the towels, taking care to make sure most of the water goes on the towel portion hanging over the basket edge, then some over the top. As the water evaporates, it cools the food. This works well for butter, cheese, eggs, and many fruits and vegetables. 

How about that freezer full of food? Bring a pile of clean blankets (blankets that you don't need to keep warm with!) to the freezer. Open the door and remove any food you might need at that time. or for the next couple of days. Fill in any open spaces with a blanket or even extra towels. After that, do not open the freezer. This will give you a few more days of the food staying frozen. 

Keep a well stocked pantry. I try and keep a well stocked pantry ongoing, being so far out, we do not go shopping often. However during our storm season here in Texas, I stock the pantry with a few cans and jars of heat and eat food. These can be home canned or purchased. Chili, canned beans, and vegetables. Canned meat, and/or tuna and clams. Canned broth and diced tomatoes. Canned juice and juice packed canned fruit. Along with jars of peanut butter and almond butter. Plus a few boxes of crackers. And don't forget the Parmesan cheese! It will dress up just about anything. Staying hydrated will be especially important, so don't forget coffee and tea and maybe some cocoa mix. Meals won't be gourmet, but they will fill you up, and keep you going.  

What will we eat? 

Fortunately when everyone is starved, simple foods, and just about any food, tastes delicious! The real question is will you need to make a fire to cook over or do you have other cooking arrangements available to you? Since we live in a Caravan, we have a propane stove. I would suggest and recommend that you buy a standing camp stove and a propane cannister for emergency use, if at all possible. They are not overly expensive and you may be able to find one on your local community sale board. With a stove, cooking will go smoothly, as well as heating water for dishes and scrubbing up yourselves and your littles. A little bit of comfort goes a long way in helping everyone feel better during these times. From a simple hot meal to a quick warm scrub up. 

And this...

I am sure you also have just as many good ideas. These I have learned through the years, starting from the 1964 Tsunami off the coast of California when I was nine, to the 1980 Black Out Conditions when Mt. St. Helen's erupted in WA state as a young mother. And now here in East Texas with TS Beryl. And the only thing I have been in control of during these times, was making my family as comfortable as possible. 

The important part of this assignment for me, was to begin a dialog about being prepared, and offer what we actually do during a time such as this. We are not experts, but we have learned that if we all stick together, work together and help one another, we will get through it, no matter what it is. 

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