Natural Living Source | The NLS Emergency Prepardness Guide

The NLS Emergency Preparedness Guide

We send love, prayers and support to Japan and everyone affected by the recent earthquake/ tsunami. In the past few years, such as when Chile and Haiti experienced earthquakes, many California’s were jolted enough to prepare for what may happen here.

To help our community, NLS held free classes on how to prepare your home, car, workplace, school, self and family for a natural disaster…we even had firemen teach us how to use a fire extinguisher!

Below is a FREE copy of the-  NLS Healthy Emergency Preparedness Guide – Please use it to ready yourself, family and friends!

If you are interested in attending a class on emergency prep and/or first aid & safety, just post a comment with your email address and we will send you an invitation to our next class.

In Service,
NLS

Maintenance is of Key Importance

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.

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.

Preparation

To prepare safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it’s best to have or purchase your own water filtration unit. 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 suggested products list for recommendation)

Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap 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 not 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

• 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 untensils
• 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,

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:

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

Volcano Stove

The Volcano ~ Collapsible stove

• heat, cooking, sterilization.
• 3- fuels: gas, wood, charcol. Easy set up, storage, travel.

Food prep, utensil sterilization, cleaning, cooking, waste

Dr. Bronners soaps, alcohol, peroxide, Vinegar

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 blades (2)
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Assorted sizes of safety pins
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Latex gloves (2 pair)
• Sunscreen
• Cotton pads

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

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)
• Antihistemine – for allergy response

Clothing, Bedding & Sanitation Supplies

If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat.

*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

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)

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 may be down or overloaded so call out of the state or country.

Remember to keep a small kit in your car as well!

For additional training and information about this blog, please email us ~

NLS@NaturalLivingSource.com