Thank You and a Challenge to All

We have only been up for a little over 2 weeks and I am amazed at the number of people that have stopped by to check out our Blog.

A BIG Thank You goes out to one of our Buddy's for mentioning us on his website, many of you have come to see what we are about.

When I saw that we had gone international I was very excited.  Hello to all of our friends over seas!!

Now for the Challenge!
We would really like to see what you have to say about our Blog so far....
We would also like to see how people have weathered thru the Snow Storms around the country....
We would also like to see how our friends overseas deal with Emergencies, and how they Prepare....
If you just have something you would like to see us write about, or want more information on,
   let us know about that too!

The more input you give us the better Blog we can make for you!!

The Best Places to get Supplies

Last night was another successful class.  Speaking in front of others was not my favorite thing to do (as most people don't),  but after my last few in home businesses and teaching the prep classes I don't mind so much any more.  Each class is a new group and I always start out with, "Sorry I am talking so fast, I will slow down in a minute, I just talk fast when I am nervous." it seems to help everyone at least smile.  My favorite part of teaching these classes is when the class participates.  I learn something new from every class and have new things to research, as people ask questions I don't have answers for.

One of the thing we talk about in class is where are the best places to get supplies?
This is one of the questions we get a lot of participation on, but it is also surprising to many where I have gotten things.  I am cheap! Looking for the best price and the best deals is what I do.  If there is a sale or a place to get a decent price on supplies I will make sure you all know!!

Here are some of places we have gotten supplies:

RV or Gun Shows -  Are the best places to finding great deals on back packs, water filtered bottles, water filter systems, their replacement filters, medical supplies, or prepacked medical kits (of all sizes) food storage that will last 25-30 years (MRE's, dehydrated/freeze dried food), or even Survival Tabs, and so many other supplies, books, and people with great knowledge. These are some of our favorite places, we have made a few friends at the shows too!

Military Surplus Stores -  These stores carry most of the things the military use like boots, back packs, food, clothing, hats, gas masks, rain gear (that won't tear as easy), etc. They also have people to help you figure out what you may be looking for.

Camping & Sports Stores -  Specialty stores are also great when it comes to getting outdoor gear, plus the sales people can show you how things work and help you find what you need. There may be a time your area needs to be evacuated, or your family may just be going on a hiking or camping trip and need a few things to be safe.  (These stores can also be pricey! As I said before more expensive stuff doesn't always mean it does the job.) * Specialty Stores:  REI, Sports Authority, Cabelas, Camping World, etc.


Costco/Sam's Club -  Buying things in bulk especially food is the fastest way to build your food storage and  maybe even get your friends interested in what you are doing.  Sharing the cost on larger quantities is a win win for you and your friends or family.  (And for all those here in the US that are dealing with wild snow storms, flooding, and other crazy weather you know what I mean.)

Retail Stores -  Finally we have come to my other favorite places to shop (especially on a budget). *Big Lots, Kmart, Walmart, Target, Big 5, Grocery Outlet, and Dollar Stores are great for getting things on sale or cheaper.  Many times you can catch several of these stores having sales at the same time (you may even be able to get one store willing beat the add price of another).  These are also good places to get replacement supplies for your Medical Kit, Home Supplies, Car Pack, your To Go Pack, or  small at work packs and kids packs.  You would be surprised just how fast your cart will fill up in these stores!

Again many of the links in the right hand column of this Blog, can help you too. Supplies are easy to get right now if you know how to shop and know what you need.  I am working on the Printable Pages still.  I am hoping to get you a list out soon so you all can started.  For those that have started you may check your list and see if we have something you may not have on your list.

Last thought for this post.  If there is something you are looking for and you and your friends can't find, like rain gear, books, water filtered bottles, etc.  Please email me and my husband and I can go through our network of friends and see if we can lead you in the right direction.  Sometimes we hear of stores having deals, or people are willing to sell some stuff they don't need any more, cause they got something different.  Email us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

The Snow is Melting!

Wow! This has been one crazy week.  Here in the Pudget Sound we got hit with huge winter storm.  First we got snowed in, then we had ice rain and more snow, then we lost power from ice covered trees. Many had been out of  power for days, some are still awaiting the lights and heat to return.

My stomach dropped every time the radio said medics were sent out to different sized family homes for CO2 poisoning. Please if you still don't have power or know people that don't have power, remind everyone you know NOT to use BBQ's, camp stoves, propane heaters or lanterns, and especially NOT generators (garages are not ventilated enough even with the doors open) inside to keep warm.  CO2 is colorless, odorless, and will not make you sick all of the sudden.  It could start out as a sever headache, nausea, sleepiness.  If you think you have CO2 poisoning get outside for fresh air right away and call 911.


It is funny that I am teaching one of my Basic Emergency Preparation Classes tomorrow after this crazy week.  Now that we have power again I don't have to cancel it.  It was close though.

Hope everyone did well in whatever situation you found yourself this week. Many prayers to those that are still waiting for the power to come back on.  Safety to All!

Snow Storms

The snow sure took its time getting here this year.  Here are few things to remember if you have to drive or if you are at home.

Car:  My second Blog post has many things to remember when putting a pack
          together for your car.
          Here are a few more things to think about.

1. Having a full tank of gas will help when you are stuck in traffic on those icy roads. Extra Water, oil, transmission fluid, steering fluid, and especially Antifreeze are needed with you always.  
2. Make sure you have some kind of food with you.  Energy bars, Granola bars, Candy bars, Beef jerky, Dried fruit, etc.or whatever you like that will keep your energy up.
3. I like having a thermos of Hot Coco or Coffee on day trips and snowy drives.  It will help keep you warm. But having water bottles with you is always the best thing.
4. Make sure you have warm clothes. An extra sweet shirt, blank or sleeping bag, gloves that you can drive with and a thicker water poof pair in case you have to be in the snow.  Don't forget you knit or other warm hat, a scarf comes works well to keep your ears warm also.
5. If you do get stuck in traffic or slide off to the shoulder make sure  you have a cell phone charger in your car.  Let your family know as often as you can by text or call where you are.
6. Be aware of your area, mile markers, street signs and exits you may be close to you, stores your around, etc.
7. Don't forget your snow chains or cables if the snow or ice are too bad.

Home:  When you are home things can become complicated too!
             The weather can make that warm  house an ice box during a power outage.
             What would you do if your power did go out?

1. You should double check your pipes. The wind will make things colder so making sure your pipes are completely winterized will save you a cold wet trip under the house later.
2. Make sure you have a heat source that won't cause your family harm.  Fireplaces, wood stove, pellet stove are all great for keeping the house warm and cooking on if necessary.  Generators are great to have in a jam also (if available).
3. Are your extra blankets easy to get to? How about extra sweaters, jackets, gloves, knit or warm hats, scarves, don't forget extra socks or slippers.
4. Do you know someone that you can stay with with a good heat source if the power is out for more then a day or two?
5. Having a camp stove or BBQ to cook with is great for power outages, but remember they need to be properly ventilated, and a closed up house is NOT a good place to use them.
6. Do you know where your candles, oil lamps, lanterns (battery operated or hand cranked), flashlights (battery operated or hand cranked).  Make sure they are easy to get to also.
7. Do you have a emergency radio (battery operated or hand cranked) with the weather channel on it? Having one of these radios can help know how long the weather will last or if there is other information you area is needs you to know.        

REMINDER: Using BBQ's, camp stoves, lanterns, and heaters that use Propane or Coal can cause CO2 poisoning, if they are Not used in a WELL VENTILATED area. A closed up house or garage IS NOT ventilated enough even if the doors are open, when using a generator or any of the above items.  Please be safe while staying warm!!

New Links Added

Well... we are off to a slow start!  I am hoping that the late nights and trying very hard to put this Blog together will be a little closer by the end of the weekend.

Off to the right you will see some new tabs.  The first one is for Shelf Reliance.  Yes, I am a consultant and use the products.  I have a Q set up that comes to me each month.  Out of all the other companies that are listed , below that tab, Shelf Reliance has the best taking food, longer storage life, and has food my family would eat without out a fight.  The packages come in many different sizes for easy travel and storage.  Plus they have storage systems to help keep your food storage off the ground.  As with the other companies I have posted links for, Shelf Reliance has prepacked 72 hour kits (of different sizes) along with any other supply refills or needs.  We also have some New Products this years so come check out my site.  Please feel free to ask questions!!

The Next tab is a few of the other companies out there, that you can get food storage and emergency supplies from also.  I know as a consultant for Shelf Reliance and know I could lose business sharing the other guys links.... but I want people to make the best choices for their families, and comparing prices, product, and connivance will help you make the best choices.

Under that is a blog we have followed for along time.  They have lots of good info and some of it is straight and to the point.

Well I am off to bed so I can get some sleep before we meet again later today!
I would like to hear some of your feedback so far.  I am still working on the Printable Pages, and some other ideas.  Have a Great Friday my friends!

Printable Pages Coming

Wow! I didn't realize how much goes into a Blog...  I have been up the last few day till all hours so the vision I have for this Blog can come to be.  Here are few things I have planned for this Blog:

• Pages that can be printed, with helpful tips (I use these pages to teach my Basic Emergency Preparation Classes).
• There will be Adds to places that you can get your Emergency Supplies and Food Storage.
• Links to other blogs, You Tube, and media at maybe helpful to you. 
• Lastly for now... A section will be added for Training notifications for CERT Classes, NET Classes and any other Emergency Preparation Classes I can find for you. The CERT Classes are great because you are trained to help during local emergencies.

I am really looking forward to getting feedback from all of you and making this a Blog the best it can be!

Does your vehicle have...

It was brought to my attention the other day that people may not have their vehicles properly equipped for the change of seasons, possible natural disasters, but most importantly our every day travels.

Do you have...

1. An emergency road side kit that consists of: flares or reflected triangles, jumper cables, gloves, reflective vest (so you can be seen at night), and a sun visor that says "Help"?
2. Small tool kit that contains: wrenches, screw drivers, wire cutters, a variety of wire caps, electrical tape, extra fuses, small ball ping hammer, you may want to have spare hose clamps of different sizes also.
3. At least a quart of spare oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and a gallon of water for your vehicle? (Side note: Re-use your antifreeze bottles with water for your vehicle.  This can save you from using your drinking water).
4. Your jack and crowbar with the spare tire? Have you checked the air pressure in your spare lately? Is the tire full of cracks because it is old? Getting in the habit of checking these things often can help prevent you from being stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire and unusable spare. You may want to keep a can of tire inflate just in case. Don't forget your chains or cables when they are needed.
5. Maps? If you are going on a trip do you have maps to your destination? Are the routes marked out? Have you told at least two different people where you are going and the route you will be taking? Having other people know how and where you are going can get help to you quicker, if you were to need help.
6. Extra clothes (for the season), blankets, gloves, hats, high energy snacks, and water for everyone in your vehicle? You never know what can happen, staying hydrated and keeping your energy up can save your life.
7. A first aid kit (any size)? You may not need to bandage a person in a car accident. But with all the places you travel on a daily, you never know when you might need a Band-Aid - at the play ground or an ice pack for smashed fingers at the grocery store.
8. A small fire extinguisher? These always come in handy for long trips or even around town. Your vehicle is like your house, fires can start from anything... electrical short, someone smoking, a vehicle accident, etc.
9. A hand-held CB, portable ham radio, or even cell phone booster?  These are good things to think about when going on long trips or when you are in areas that may not have good cell coverage.  You may have a better chance of contacting a truck driver or EMT's with some sort of CB, than waiting for hours to be rescued by a passer by.
10. A cell phone charger in your vehicle? Does your cell phone have one clearly designated person to call in case of an emergency? Some phones have an emergency  button but not all do.
11. A card in your purse or wallet of who to call if you are in an accident? You may want to have an emergency contact card with your registration and insurance card. 
12. A note book? This is handy for exchanging insurance information or if you have witnessed an accident. Having a disposable camera or cell phone with a camera is always a good idea.

This may seem like a lot to do, have in your vehicle, or even to think about, but as I always say, "You can never be too prepared". Plus one of these days the things you have with you could save your life or the life of someone else. 

My New Blog!

Hello to all that have followed my FB page, and to any new friends we pick up along the way. 
Here is a new way for me to get information to you.  Hopefully without the constraints that FB has.
This Blog was created to help those that are not sure where to start or to hopefully change your minds about how important Emergency Preparation is.  There will be many helpful tips from me and my husband, 
YouTube's that we feel can give you more insight, and documents that I use to teach my Basic Emergency Prep. Classes, along with so much more. 
We ask that you will help us make this Blog a success by telling us what you would like to see here, by asking questions, and by sharing your tips and ideas of how you are prepared. The more we share together the better prepared we will all be in the long run!!
My moto (that you will see a lot here) is: 
                                   "You Can Never Be TOO Prepared!" 

Thank you for coming and please be patient with us as we build our Blog.