First and foremost, our prayers go out to those in India and Nepal where just yesterday (9/18/11) a 6.9 magnitude earthquake rocked the region. In September alone, eight earthquakes measuring 6.4 or above have hit various countries around the World, and over 750 measurable quakes in the last 7 days were recorded in the USA alone. The underlined links will take you to related information websites.
Since teaching emergency preparedness classes to the community, I’m often asked about natural occurrences that have and continue to happen, and most importantly – how to prepare for what may come. I am by no means claiming to be an expert, so please do your own research! Now then, class is in session -
With our Earth changing constantly and presenting us with everything from black-outs, earthquakes and tornadoes to hurricanes and tsunami’s, it’s become clear that we all need to be as well informed and prepared as possible. This reminds me of something my Grandmother used to tell me, “Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance,” which I apply to as much of my life as I can…
1) Educate Yourself - With current planetary adjustments such as: the North Pole shifting an average of 40 miles a year , sea levels and temperature rising, hurricanes, active volcanoes, power outages, and constant Earthquakes – it’s a good idea to become aware about what natural occurrences could happen in your area. Astrological forces may be affecting Earth energies as well, such as the controversial comet Elenin and Nibiru.
2) Be Prepared - NASA sent out an internal video message to all their employees in June of 2011 letting them know of this importance. For whatever reason prompted them to do so, we should all take it as yet another wake up call to action and get ourselves and families prepared as well. We also recommend you take a CPR course, or First Aid & Safety through the Red Cross or your local community college.
Print and use the NLS Emergency Preparedness Guide and shopping list, below. Also, here is a great link to quickly purchase a first aid kits. Remember to keep a small kit in your car as well! ..available at camping supply stores. Check out this new app called Quake SOS
3) Keep a Positive Attitude – Even when emergencies arise, the best thing we can do for our own well being and so that we are helpful to others, is to create and be at peace. Whether you already have a practice of relaxation or meditation, or have never taken a yoga class, the Triangle Breathing Technique can help you in many ways. To help make it a habit, start by doing this practice after each meal.Try this relaxing practice anywhere at anytime you feel even the slightest bit of stress or anxiety and you’ll be amazed by the results.
Triangle Breathing with Affirmation –
Inhale through the nose and mentally repeat “I Am Peace” 2-3 times (about 6-10 seconds).
Hold your breath in and mentally repeat “I Am Love” 2-3 times, then
Exhale slowly through the mouth while mentally affirming “I Am Joy” 2-3 times.
Repeat this sequence 3 times each time you practice, at least 3 times a day.
It’s with awareness of what has already been taking place in regards to Earth changes that posting this blog is intended to empower you with the knowledge to make your own preparedness decisions and in doing so, dispel or reduce anxiety and fear. Among the many phone calls, texts, emails and conversations, I emphasize that this message comes from a place of love for all people, animals and our Planet.
I encourage you to embrace the understanding that with our positive mindset, intuitive guidance and preparation, we have the power to better control our circumstances and overall outcome…no matter what the challenge. There are countless survival stories to this account.
With Love, Peace and Awarenes
~ Anna
NLS Emergency Preparedness Guide and Shopping List
Preparation and Maintenance of your Kit
Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they are safe to use when needed.
Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition:
- Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
- Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded.
- Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies.
- Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
- Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change.
- Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag.
How Much Water Do We Need?
You should have at least a three-day supply of water and store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking. Those who work out or are conditioned may drink up to a gallon a day.
Additionally, in determining adequate quantities, take the following into account:
- Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate.
- Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water.
- Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
- A medical emergency might require additional water.
- Store extra water for cleaning the body, brushing teeth, making tea/coffee.
How Should I Store Water?
The best quality water at the most economical price comes from purchasing your own water filtration system. It’s important to use a water storage container that is designed to store drinking water. If you do not have your own filter at home, you can purchase commercially filtered water at most local health food stores and for last resort, you can buy pre-bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it. Observe the expiration or “use by” date.
Though we don’t recommend drinking water that has been stored in conventional plastic containers or bottles, sometimes it’s the only solution available and is obviously better than having no water.
Purchase stainless steel personal water bottles for each person in household, sanitize, rinse and fill with filtered water. Label each bottle with name and refresh date.
Water Storage Prep
To prepare safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it’s best to have or purchase your own water filtration system. We recommend you purchase food-grade water storage containers from surplus or camping supplies stores to use for water storage. This is crucial to the health-quality of your water because many plastic containers will leak gases and resin into your water, contaminating it with toxins. (see NLS suggested products list for recommendations)
Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the containers with natural dishwashing soap (Dr. Bronners Sal Suds) and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Follow directions below on filling the container with water. Label the container with date you filled the water, rotate every 3-6 months and refill with fresh purified water.
Do not use: plastic jugs, 2-liter bottles or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids. Also, we recommend that you do not use glass containers because they can break, do not travel easily and are heavy.
Filling Water Containers
Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger.
Place a date on the outside of the container so that you know when you filled it.
Store in a cool, dark place.
Schedule/Set an alarm to replace the water every six months, if using high-grade storage unit, or 3 months if other than recommended product is used.
Keep Your Water Fresh
You will need to replace the water in your container every 3-6 months depending on the quality of plastic or metal container, purity of water, where and how it is stored. For new and re-used containers, sanitize the inside by adding a solution of 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to a quart of water. Swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the bottle, dump out the sanitation solution and thoroughly rinse the container with clean water a couple times, then your ready to fill the unit.
Food and Supplies
- Stock at least a 10-day supply of non-perishable food per person, 30-day is recommended
- Store food in air-tight, durable containers to keep bugs and rodents out (large plastic boxes are perfect)
- Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
- Select food items that are compact and lightweight.
- Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.
*Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
Note: Be sure to include a manual can opener
- Mytensils – or other high-grade metal or stainless utensil set
- Wooden cooking utensils
- One small saucepan with lid (2-4 quart pot)
- One small-med skillet
- Basics: sea salt, oils, raw sugar, oregano
- Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar, Braggs Liquid Aminos,
- Greens+ or other healthy protein bars (One box per person per month)
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, (fish, chicken, soy) fruits and vegetables
- Canned juices, coconut (other nut) milk, soup (if powdered or flakes, store extra water)
*Dry foods:
- Beans (garbanzo, kidney, black) ,
- rice (brown),
- grains (Oats, Quinoa, Millet),
- powered milk (dairy, soy, other)
- Protein Powder – The Ultimate Meal
- Powdered Greens -
- dried fruits,
- raw nuts,
- legumes (lentils)
- Flour – Buckwheat, corn, potato, (non-wheat)
- Corn Meal
- High energy foods– nut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
- Sea Veggies – Arame, Nori, Wakme,
- Granola and other Cereals
* For highest nutritional content and quality, we suggest organic, non-GMO foods
Home Made Food stored in Glass Mason Jar’s – Jams, Jelly, Fermented cabbage, pickled veggies, steamed fruit..
Sprouting Jar & Seeds – this is your instant mini-garden!
You should have 1 sprouting jar per person. This is LIVE food, packed with nutrients, enzymes and vitamins.
Long-Term Sustainable Garden
We suggest you have gardening experience, join a community garden, co-op, or take a class on how to garden organically. Here are the basic needs:
Clean Water – Non-GMO Seeds – Organic Soil – Organic Fertilizer – see NLS Gardening Classes for more info
Vitamins – At least1 month worth all supplements, and medications
Foods, medications, specialty items for infants, elderly persons or persons with special dietary needs
Comfort/stress foods - chocolate, sugar, honey, “healthy” candy, coffee, tea, etc..

- Volcano Stove
The Volcano ~ Collapsible stove
- heat, cooking, sterilization.
- 3- fuels: gas, wood, charcoal. Easy set up, storage, travel.
We also like camping products from MSR -
http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves/rapid-cooking/category
First Aid Kit
- Breathing mask – 2 per person
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit* should include:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- Triangular bandages (3)
- 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Moistened Towelettes
- Antiseptic
- Thermometer
- Tongue depressors
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Latex gloves (2 pair)
- Sunscreen
- Cotton pads
- Ziplock bags – for storage and disposal
- Trash bags
A Few Basic Natural Supplements
- Colloidal Silver
- Potassium Iodine
- Arnica (30-200mc)
- Rescue Remedy
- KavaKava &/or Valarian – Extracts for reducing stress & anxiety
- Honey (for wounds)
- Epsom Salt
- Traumeel
- Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
- Dr. Bronners – Alfalfa Tablets
- MMS and Citric Acid
Non-prescription drugs
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever (ibprofin, acetametaphin)
- Anti-diarrhea medication - Laxative
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
- Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
- Antihistamine – for allergy response
Clothing, Bedding & Sanitation Supplies
Even if you don’t live in a cold climate, you must think about staying warm because it’s possible that you will not have heat or sunlight.
*Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
- Jacket or coat
- Long pants
- Long sleeve shirt
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Hat, gloves and scarf
- Rain gear
- Thermal underwear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Sunglasses
Sanitation
- Toilet paper
- Paper Towels
- Liquid Detergent – (Sal Suds)
- Feminine supplies – (NatraCare)
- Personal hygiene items
- Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Disinfectant – Essential Oil Blend
- White Vinegar
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Baking Soda (3 boxes)
Pet Preparedness
If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! Pets most likely cannot survive on their own; and if by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return.
For additional information, please contact The Humane Society of the United States.
Take pet food, bottled water, medications, veterinary records, cat litter/pan, can opener, food dishes, first aid kit and other supplies with you in case they’re not available later. While the sun is still shining, consider packing a “pet survival” kit which could be easily deployed if disaster hits.
Make sure identification tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pet’s collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home. Make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.
Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness for your pet so that if he panics, he can’t escape. Animals in Emergencies for Owners This video, developed by the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) /FEMA, is intended to help pet and livestock owners prepare to protect their animals during emergencies.
Special Items
Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.
For Baby
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Pacifiers
- Powdered milk
- Medications
For Adults
- Heart and high blood pressure medication
- Insulin
- Prescription drugs
- Denture needs
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Extra eye glasses
- Hearing aid batteries
Important Family Documents
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container.
- Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
- Photo IDs, passports, social security cards, immunization records
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card account numbers and companies
- Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
- Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
- Photocopies of credit and identification cards
Cash & coins – Travelers checks
Entertainment – books, instruments, writing/coloring paper, pencils, crafts, meditation music, ipod
Tools
- “Mess Kits” – Stainless Steel “Tuffin” boxes and Mytensils (or paper plates, cups, etc)
- Emergency preparedness manual
- Portable, battery-operated radio or television and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Solar Powered Battery Charger
- Cash or traveler’s checks, change
- Nonelectric can opener, utility knife
- Fire extinguisher: small canister, ABC type
- Tube tent
- Pliers
- Tape
- Compass
- Matches in a waterproof container & lighter
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic storage containers, baggies
- Signal flare
- Paper, pencil
- Needles, thread
- Medicine dropper
- Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
- Whistle
- Plastic sheeting
- Map of the area (for locating shelters)
- Solar Powered battery charger
Utility Shut-off and Safety
- Natural Gas
- Water
- Electricity
In the event of a disaster, you may be instructed to shut off the utility service at your home.
Have an out of state family member that everyone calls to check in. Local lines and wireless towers may be down or overloaded so call out of the state or country, preferably from a landline.
Plan to have 3 possible meeting places depending on where the damage may be or if roads are not accessible. Option 1 – mom & dads. Option 2 – local school. Option 3 – Northern corner of wherever you are guided to go by evacuation personnel, such as local stadium.
NLS@NaturalLivingSource.com