I just read a very informative article, (published March 13, 2013 on SHTFPlan.com) regarding the building of an ongoing long-term food storage plan.

The stability of our economy is questionable at best, and the alarming increase of destructive Natural Disasters makes this article quite pertinent, I believe.

As we continue to look forward to preparing for these very uncertain times, I know that it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to our long-term Food Storage. Perhaps we can glean some new or additional information from this well thought out article.

"One-Year-Pantry"

When planning for emergencies, layering is an ever-constant theme. I often emphasize when one begins to prepare that you start simply by preparing for small-scale emergencies, and then slowly begin adding onto those existing preps to create a longer term preparedness supply. These emergency layers help you create a reliable foundation, and the same layering approach can be used when creating a food storage pantry.

There are some emergency food considerations to keep in mind:

• The amount of people in the household.
• Have a good amount of food varieties to reduce food fatigue.
• The serving size of the food.
• Vitamin content in the food.
• The expiration date or “best if used by” labels on the food.
• Special health conditions for family members.

Your Food Storage Layers

Layer 1 (0- 72-hours)

– In the onset of an emergency and the days following a disaster, the first food to go should be from the refrigerator. Keep in mind that refrigerated food will stay cold for four to six hours, assuming the door is left closed as much as possible. In a fully stocked freezer, foods remain safely frozen for approximately two days if the door stays closed. You want to use up your perishable foods first and then begin preparing your foods that are frozen. Plan meals to meet a 1500-2000 calorie diet that are high in nutrients. Once the perishable food has been consumed, it’s time to move onto your secondary layer of your emergency preps. A word of advice – have an ample supply of water on hand!

Layer 2 (4-30 days)

- These emergency foods should consist of “just add water” meals or meals that do not require substantial amounts of water, fuel or preparation time. Having some canned, pre-packaged dinners, or  meals that are “ready to eat” during emergency scenarios will help you begin acclimating yourself to cooking in a grid-down scenario as well as to help provide some comfort at the same time.

Keep your family’s preferences, any existing health conditions and food allergies in mind when preparing this food storage layer. Another thought to keep in mind, is that a large amount of water will be needed to rehydrate some of these meals. Have a large amount of water stored or a means to filter water during an emergency.

Layer 3  (31-99 days)

- I have often said that our preps are our life line. The items we choose should be able to carry us, not only through difficult times, but perhaps through impossible times as well. This layer of  pantry foods should consist of multipurpose, everyday pantry items. These foods are relatively inexpensive and easy to acquire. Keep food storage shelf lives in mind and regularly rotate these items in order to maintain a fresh food source. Further, having a fresh source of vitamins will help your body thrive during an emergency. Consider storing a supply of seeds for sprouting – they are cheap, easy to store and require minimal amounts of time for growth.

For those who are preparing for longer term or extended emergencies, at a minimum you should have a 3 month supply of food and build it up to a 6 month supply. This will be the beginning of your longer term food source, and re-packaging these food sources into more durable containers or packages will keep your food’s enemies away. Further it is a good idea to begin storing large quantities of foods that have extremely long shelf lives.

Another method of bulking up on foods with long shelf lives is to invest in freeze-dried foods. These preserved foods have a shelf life of 20+ years! All you need to do is add hot water and voila!

Some foods to consider for longer term storage are:

• Carbohydrates: white rice, pasta, wheat, oats, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, sugars, honey, fruits, roots and tubers (cook these well) and cereals.
• Proteins: legumes, eggs, nuts, peanut butter, canned meats and fish, oatmeal, grains, wheat, quinoa, seeds, MREs, popcorn
• Fats: whole milk, ensure, peanut butter, oil (preferably plant based oils), nuts and seeds
• Vitamins and Nutrients: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, vitamin powders, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, seeds to grow vegetables and for sprouting, survival bars

Layer 4 (100-365 days+)

– If you find yourself in an emergency for over 100 days, it’s time to get real about the situation you have found yourself in. You must assume this could be your new reality. That said it is time to take steps toward long term survival. Having an understanding of essential skills, homesteading and gardening/farming concepts and learning ways to sustain yourself for the long term is of the utmost importance.

Micro livestock is a group of hearty animals that will help you make the most of smaller pieces of land. For those in suburban dwellings, consider chickens, rabbits and fish stored in aquaponic for a long-term food source.

As a prepper preparing for long term emergencies, you want to continue storing up foods mentioned in the last layer and add freeze-dried or dehydrated foods to your stockpile. Given that you are preparing for an extended or long term emergency means that you will also need to begin looking at ways to prepare or preserve food sources off the grid. Learning how to can, dehydrate and ferment foods will help you maintain your food supply. Moreover, to prevent malnutrition, you will want to concentrate on accruing essential food sources such as carbohydrates, protein sources, fats and essential vitamins and nutrients (see above list of food considerations). Having a vitamin source such as sprouting seeds or stockpiling multi-vitamins during this period will also ensure that you are providing your body with regular doses of needed vitamins.

During an emergency, we are often left to fend for ourselves. Having an ample supply of  emergency foods can help your family thrive during the most difficult of times. Take the time now to learn how to make the most of your food supply, learn pertinent skills and the importance of balanced diets and the lasting effects nutritious food has on our body because when emergencies occur, we will need this knowledge the most.

It has been a while since I made an entry. We were very, very buisy in September and October doing classes and meeting new people. Membership continues to grow and we have added several new chapters and alliances as well. November and December will be devoted to planning for 2012 and 2013.  Keep two dates in mind (1) the Annual Meeting in Hammond IN on March 24th and the Camp Independance at Tippecanoe River State Park on the weekend of May 4-5-6.  The empowerment and support of Live Free chapters is a high priority for the comming years.  While each chapter may be at a different point in development and face different situations, they should have the same basic missions as follows. 

The four prime missions of a Live Free USA chapter provide an unlimited challenge that should direct the efforts of every member indefinitely.  None of these goals can be fully achieved, but offer a path to individual security and independence.  Collectively, the success of multiple chapters and groups can make significant difference on how our communities and our nation survive and recover from the multiplicity of disasters and the general collapse of existing systems.  They are intended to provide security, and safety without sacrificing choices and freedoms.  

 1. Member emergency preparedness support

Support members and their families in achieving the capability to survive and recover from common short and medium tern natural and man-made disasters without the support or interference of outside agencies.  To this end, provide training, information, equipment and supplies in affordable and practical programs.

 2. Member liberation through self-reliance

Support members and their families in achieving increased self-reliance and independence from centralized and failing sources of life essential needs such as food, water, energy, protection, and medical aid.  Work to create semi-independent life style and economic network that reduces risks, regulation, taxes and waste, while improving life security and quality.

 3. Strength through networking & mutual support

Recruit and develop new members, while developing networks with other Live Free chapters and organizations with compatible and like-minded goals.  These networked communities of self-reliance will be able to exchange instructors, share resources, combine operations and purchases and engage in trade and barter for critical supplies and skill in an emergency.

 4. Communtity service & education

Advocate and educate for preparedness and self-reliance through community-based programs including educational seminars, speakers, and fairs.  Support government and private community preparedness and emergency response programs whereever practical.

We have published lots of kit lists over the years.  There are 72-hour survival kits, auto survival kits, home survival kits, and dozens of evacuation packs.  This list is just for surviving short-term (a few days) outdoor emergencies.  First of all are the “absolute minimum” items that any self-respecting “survivor” should have at all times.  Real survival/self-reliance people would not go out to empty the trash without this stuff!   These are basically  “pocket items” that you would have even if you are going to be out for only out a few hours and a few yards from the road.

1. A pocketknife (at least!) a knife gives you a huge advantage in every survival situation.  Think about all the survival techniques you see on TV, in the movies and in books.  How many can be done without a knife.  Not many.  
2. Waterproof matches and/or a small magnesium fire starter.  Flint and steel or a fire-bow will be no substitute for having these.
3. Water and/or a way to purify it.  Purification tablets or a filter straw may work but you still need a container.
4. A miniature flashlight. Uses are obvious
5. A loud whistle for signaling for help
6. Some form of shelter from rain and wind.  This can be a Space Blanket ™, Rescue Blanket ™ or rain poncho, or even some plastic bags depending on pocket or pack space.
7. A cell phone.  I don’t like to depend on technology, but not having one when it could save your life or someone else’s would be foolish.  

A more extensive kit would be packed in a small backpack or fanny pack and would include:

1. A full size hunting/survival knife  
2. A full size Space Blanket ™
3. Survival cards or a miniature survival manual
4. A metal cup for purifying water, boiling water and cooking food
5. Energy bars and jerky
6. A compass  (a GPS too if you must)
7. A multi-tool or Swiss Army ™ knife
8. Extra socks
9. A wool cap
10. A dust-mask  
11. Snare wire
12. Metal signal mirror
13. Paper and pencil
14. Smoke and/or flairs
15. A candle
16. Safety pins
17. 20’ – 50’ of HD nylon cord
18. A small first aid kit
19. A small role of electrical tape

Two items that cost very little take up almost no room—And weigh very little—are plastic bags and heavy-duty aluminum foil. You can add these items to pockets or kits and they can substitute for several other critical items.  Heavy aluminum foil can be used to reflect fire heat. Signal for help (as a mirror) , be formed into a water container to gather and boil water and even cover a wound.  Large plastic bags can be fashioned into a rain and wind protective suit, made into a small shelter, used to gather water and even make a floatation device.  In other-words they can save your life.

This brief publication is intended for those responsible and concerned citizens who have recognized the hazards of our times and have determined to improve their own readiness for emergency situations

Introduction

It is amazing how many American’s will spend thousands of dollars on video games, designer clothing and CD players but still not buy a fire extinguisher, a crank powered radio or a good first aid kit. We may spend hundreds of hours each year playing games and watching TV but put off learning basic skills of first aid, self-protection or basic survival. Even simple things like storing extra water or making a home fire escape plan are often put off until too late. Even when we see horrific events like the 9/11 attacks, storms and earthquakes we quickly sink back into apathy. Unfortunately bad things do happen. And they can happen to anyone, anywhere at anytime. There just is no such thing as a safe place or a safe time, but you can be a safe person and have a safe family. While preparedness cannot guarantee your safety in all events, it can greatly improve your chances of survival and minimize the impact of any disaster. It is also the duty of responsible citizens in a free society to be prepared to help themselves, their neighbors and their communities in times of crisis. The following checklists are intended to establish the minimum level of civilian preparedness for most emergencies. Your location, lifestyle, profession, travel routs, and concerns may indicate additional needs. Ask yourself: What can happen to my family and me? What could I do? What do I need to do now to improve my situation?

Basic Emergency Planning Checklist

Use this list to establish an emergency plan for you and your family.

1. Do you have clear and simple plans for each of the most probable emergencies that could happen to your family such as:

☐ Are all family members fully aware of these plans?

☐ Do you have plans, routes and basic items for emergencies that could happen while you and family members are in your car, at work, at school, on the street, etc.?

☐ Have you established escape routs and assembly points for emergencies when family members may not be home or may have to evacuate the home (fire, intruder) via different exits?

☐ Do you have all the items and equipment (e.g. water, food, shelter, first aid, medications, sanitation, defense, etc.) to sustain your family for 30 days without support?

☐ Will these supplies be safe and available in all anticipated (floods, fire, etc.) emergencies?

☐ Would you be able to take supplies with you in your vehicle or on foot if you need to evacuate?

☐ Have you reviewed emergency plans with your family for home fire evacuations, home intruder situations, etc. in the past 6 months?

☐ Have you practiced your plans to be sure they work?

☐ Have you considered the safety and survival of your pets in your planning?

Things You Should Know

☐ Know the kinds of emergencies that are most likely to happen to you based on past and current weather events, crime patterns, nearby industrial and government facilities, recent trends, etc

☐ Know what your communities’ emergency signal and plans are.

☐ Know what the emergency plans, signals and routs at your place of employment, school, etc.

☐ Know a number of safe evacuation routes.

☐ Know basic first aid, CPR and self-protection techniques.

Emergency Preparedness Supplies Checklist

Here are the most basic items you need to have to survive emergency situations.

☐ Water stored in clean plastic bottles. About 5-gallons per person. Add a few drops of bleach per gallon to assure safety or replace every three months.

☐ A chemical (camp) toilet or plastic bags, 5-gallon pail and bleach.

☐ Oil lanterns and/or candles, plus good LED flashlights and batteries.

☐ A battery or crank powered FM/AM/Weather Radio.

☐ At least two large ABC fire extinguishers.

☐ Heavy plastic sheeting, duck tape and rope.

☐ A fully-stocked first-aid kit including bandages, compresses, tape, antibiotic ointments, burn cream, and a first aid manual.

☐ Extra stocks of your needed over-the-counter and prescription medications.

☐ Self-protection such as a handgun, shotgun or at least large size pepper spray.

☐ Extra blankets or sleeping bags for cold climate areas.

☐ Propane camp stove and heaters with extra fuel.

☐ Extra canned goods and/or dried foods (beans, rice, past, dried fruits) to feed the family for up to two weeks beyond what is normally in the home.

Options and Alternatives

☐ You may want to keep all your emergency supplies in one or two tote-bins. This keeps them safe and dry. If you have to evacuate you can just through them in your vehicle and go.

☐ Some people prefer to make up “Emergency Back-Packs” that are self-sufficient for each family member. These can be kept at home carried in the vehicle or carried if you have to walk to safety.

☐ Add things like life jackets, gasmasks, rescue tools, signal flairs, rope ladders, etc. based on the situations you anticipate.

☐ You may want to consider storing some or all of your supplies away from the home (shed, buried, etc.)  if your concerns are fire, flood, earth quack, etc. where they might be destroyed or unavailable when you need them.

☐ If you elect to have a firearm for self and family protection PLEASE take a safety course, keep them out of the reach of children and learn the legal aspects and the skills of self-defense shooting.

Preparing For Emergencies

When there are signs of an impending there are some actions you can take to reduce the hazards.

☐ Check your emergency supplies and have them ready to use or move to safety.

☐ Be sure your vehicle is fully  fueled and in good condition.

☐ Fill you bathtub and other containers with as much water as you can. Don’t forget there is clean water in your hot water heater and your toilet tank.

☐ Be ready to turn off gas and electrical supplies to avoid fires.

☐ Get the family together if possible before the emergency and be sure everyone knows what to do if you are separated. For example: “we will all meet at Uncle John’s farm within two days”.

☐ Gather any high value personal items that you want to take with you. 

☐ Listen to emergency information on the radio and obey instructions.

We hope this information will help you and your loved-ones survive any future emergency. Most of these preparations take only a little time and the costs are modest compared to the potential savings of life and property. Even if you never need to use your plans and equipment you will have the piece of mind that comes from knowing you did the responsible thing.  There is much, much more to know about emergency preparedness, survival and self-reliance.