Food Storage Organizer

Preparedness Challenge: October Week 2

2020-10-08T21:19:00.006-06:00

Fall is my favorite time of year when the weather is cooler, and the leaves change color. 🍂🍂 Because of these cooler temperatures, your October week two preparedness challenge is to inventory blankets, beanies, mittens and gloves then gather a few items to keep you warm this winter. These items will vary depending on your climate, but in an emergency when your power is out, and the furnace is off you will want some warmer clothes. You will also be adding a few of these warm items to your 72-hour kit.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: October Week 2

1. INVENTORY BLANKETS, BEANIES, MITTENS & GLOVES

Many of us have blankets and quilts, but have you ever taken an inventory of them?
Look throughout your home to see if you have enough blankets to keep everyone warm during a power outage.
How much is enough? Just think of your baby, children or grandchildren in a 45-degree house and you'll figure it out.
If your child's favorite blanket gets dirty during a disaster, is there another one to replace it?
Also, inventory beanies, mittens and gloves. 🧤
Wash those blankets, beanies and mittens and store them where everyone can find them. 👍

2. ADD WARM ITEMS TO 72-HOUR KITS

Add an emergency blanket, hand and foot warmers, a beanie and mittens to your 72-hour kit.
Hand and foot warmers may be purchased economically in a large box at Costco or Amazon.
Add a few hand and foot warmers to your kit and keep the rest in a cupboard for winter use.

Enjoy cuddling up this week! 😄

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide on Etsy. My guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies a month at a time.

Preparedness Challenge: October Week 1

2020-10-01T14:59:00.004-06:00

A new month is upon us with many opportunities to become better prepared for emergencies. This month we'll gather items to keep us warm as well as oils and fats. Some people don't like the word fat, but you must store some because your body needs this nutrient to survive. Ever watch Alone? You need fats to cook and bake with. Our first preparedness challenge is to take an inventory of our oils and fats and gather a 3-12 month supply of them. 🍂🍂🍂

Printable Preparedness Challenge: October Week 1

1. INVENTORY OILS AND FATS

Look in your pantry and write down the items you typically use for oils and fats such as nut butters, cooking oils, coconut oil, chocolate chips (yep!), butter (freeze it), shortening and mayonnaise.
Throw away old items that are past their shelf life. (see chart below) It's really, really important that you do. These items do not last forever and can go rancid. Smell them before using. 👃

2. BUY a 3 to 12-MONTH SUPPLY OF OILS AND FATS

Write down the amount you want to store for each item. Perhaps 1 bag of chocolate chips, but 3 bottles of cooking oil. It's totally up to you based on your finances and storage area.
Two gallons of oil is a suggested year's supply amount for one adult according to the document An Approach to Longer-Term Food Storage. You can interchange oils and fats.
Decide what you can afford and purchase throughout this month. Add more throughout the year.
Many of these items go on sale during the fall, so it's a great time to purchase them.
If you live in Utah, take advantage of the case lot sales going on this week.

Fall in love with gathering food storage. It's a wonderful time of year to do it!

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide. My guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies a month at a time.

Preparedness Challenge: September Week 4

2020-09-21T09:00:00.002-06:00

Your fourth preparedness challenge for September is to work on preparedness in a rational way. Some of you have felt an urgency to do something and found your way to my Facebook or Instagram page, or my website. That urgent feeling could be a spiritual prompting, or you've seen the many disasters going on around us in the world and you are scared to death. Whatever it is propelling you, act rationally.

I feel the best way to gather food storage and preparedness supplies is gradually and within your budget. I believe with all my heart that you CAN do that gathering each month while you grocery shop or Costco shop or WinCo shop or Walmart shop or Amazon shop. But you'll probably have to give up some habit of yours to financially afford to do it.

I like to call this your preparedness adventure because it takes away that doomsday, end-of-the-world mentality. I don't and won't follow any "groups" out there. Especially those trying to guess when the Savior will come. I'm just been trying to do the basics that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages. And learn some new skills along the way.

“We encourage members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings. We ask that you be wise, and do not go to extremes. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve.” (All Is Safely Gathered In.)

And when new guidelines come out from my church, I'll adapt to those changes. I'm grateful the leaders of my church have made this doable. Of course, the way we gather is our choice and mine is to focus on something different each month so I don't get overwhelmed. And once mastered, I focus on something else the next month. To me that's rational.

Along the way I'm keeping my shelves full of the normal canned and packaged foods our family eats. I also keep a well-stocked freezer, but I know that a long-term power outage could spoil that food, so I have pantry food on my shelves and some long-term foods like wheat and rice as well in my basement.

One of my heroes is President Gordon B. Hinckley (born 1910). He urged my generation in 2007 to change our food storage gathering approach by focusing on emergency water, a 3-month supply of food and emergency funds. And then to gather long-term foods. He knew this was a doable approach. As a prophet of God, he could see the recessions of the 80's, 90's and Covid-19 or whatever the Lord wanted him to see.

President Russell M. Nelson (born 1924) sees our future as well. They both lived during the Great Depression, through wars and rumors of wars. President Nelson is teaching us to "hear Him" which means to hear the Savior. As we do, the Spirit will help us know the approach we can take with our preparedness efforts. Are you taking time to pause for promptings? I hope so.

So, your challenge this week is to work on preparedness in a rational way. I know you CAN do it! Thanks for hanging out with me.

Best wishes to you and stay healthy,

Valerie Albrechtsen

The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide. My guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies a month at a time.

Preparedness Challenge: September Week 3

2020-09-14T14:58:00.005-06:00

For our third preparedness challenge in September, we will add sturdy shoes, shirts, and pants to our 72-hour kits. All of these may not fit in a backpack, so put them in another bag or tote near your kit. Find clothes at a thrift store to save money. Children's ages and sizes change so update their kits. I've been thinking about the many fires and disasters going in our nation and the importance of being prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice. We need to be able to grab and go and not hunt for items during an evacuation. Just like you, I have work to do.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: September Week 3

1. ADD STURDY SHOES, SHIRT, AND PANTS TO YOUR 72-HOUR KIT
Sturdy Shoes

Why sturdy? Consider the disasters that could happen in your area. Earthquake, fire, flood, tornado, etc. Disasters leave glass and debris behind. You can't carry all of your children to protect them.
If you keep your kit in your coat closet, shoes should be kept there. If you store your kit under your bed, keep shoes there.
Choose something that will work in any season. Boots are a good choice, but running shoes are fine too.

Shirts

Perhaps 2 short-sleeved and 2 long-sleeved shirts. Consider your climate.
Fabric matters. Cotton is always good.

Pants

Perhaps 2 pairs of denim or canvas pants. One pair could have a zipper at the knee so it can become shorts.

Like a firefighter, always have extra clothing ready. I hope you find clothes that work for you and your family this week.

Valerie Albrechtsen

The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide. My guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies a month at a time.

Preparedness Challenge: September Week 2

2020-09-07T08:50:00.004-06:00

Our focus this month includes emergency power, so during September week 2 decide if you want to purchase a generator and some batteries. Many people can't afford a generator so consider it an early Christmas present for your family. TV or generator? The choice is yours. Study-it-out-in-your-mind because they cost anywhere from $400 to $6000. Disasters cause power outages that interrupt our lives. Electricity powers the A/C, your stove, your computer and so much more. Be prepared.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: September Week 2

1. BUY A GENERATOR AND FUEL

Here's a Consumer Reports article to study before you buy a generator. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/generators/buying-guide/index.htm
Just like cases of bottled water, generators disappear from stores before and after a disaster.
Dual fuel portable generators run on either gas or propane. If your gas cans become empty, and gas station pumps run on electricity, where will you find more gas? Propane is a great option.
Electricians can attach a more powerful generator to your home that goes on automatically, but it is pricey.
It's a good idea to lock your generator if you run it at night. Generators are loud and have been known to disappear.
Different states will have different models.
Costco and Sam's Club sell several portable generators. (Pics are from last year.)

2. BUY HEAVY-DUTY EXTENSION CORDS

You'll need long heavy-duty extension cords to plug your refrigerator into.
"Always operate a generator a minimum of 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust directed away from any windows, doors, air conditioners or other structures." Consumer Reports
Decide where to place your generator outside. Measure the distance to your refrigerator. Our distance was 75 feet. Shocking!

3. BUY EXTRA BATTERIES

During an emergency you may need batteries for a flashlight, lantern, medical equipment and more. Don't count on your cell phone flashlight lasting very long.
Costco and Sam's Club have reasonably priced batteries. Shop when they go on sale.

Power up this week!

Valerie Albrechtsen

The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide. My guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies a month at a time.

Preparedness Challenge: September Week 1

2020-08-31T14:14:00.002-06:00

This week we'll gather fruit, nuts and seeds for our first September preparedness challenge. Most of us prefer fresh fruit, but if you couldn't buy any at the store, could you substitute canned or dried? We are fortunate that nuts and seeds are becoming more and more economical. Storing a variety of fruit you dry or can yourself is economical too. Being prepared for the day you may go without fresh foods is very important.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: September Week 1

1. GATHER SHORT-TERM FRUIT, NUTS AND SEEDS
Fruit

Most canned fruit has an 18 -24 month shelf life.
Ideas: peaches, pears, pineapple, mandarin oranges, applesauce, raisins, cranberries, dried apricots, and dried mangoes and coconut.
If you rely heavily on frozen fruit, it's a smart to buy a generator for power outages.
Shop Utah case lot sales for canned fruit in September and March, and February.

Nuts and Seeds

Gather a variety based on family needs. Be careful how you store them because the oil in them can go rancid over time. Keep nuts in your refrigerator or freezer.
Store opened peanut butter in the pantry for 3 months, then the refrigerator after this time.
Organic almond butter should be refrigerated. Check the label to be sure.
Ideas: almond and peanut butter, almonds, walnuts and cashew, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds and sunflower seeds.
Nuts go on sale in November, but peanut butter goes on sale in August and September.

2. GATHER LONG-TERM FRUIT

Long-term means the fruit has a 20 to 30-year shelf life.
Freeze-dried fruits are pricey. Dehydrated fruits are less expensive.
Dehydrated Apple Slices may be purchased at the LDS Home Storage Center. They have a 30-year shelf life and cost $10.25 for 1 lb. A year's supply of apple slices per person is 8 LDS#10 cans
If you snack on dried apple slices, drink extra water.
Re-hydrate apple slices with an equal amount of water.

EnJOY gathering a few new food storage items and some of your old-time favorites.

Valerie Albrechtsen

The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide. My guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies a little at a time each month.

Preparedness Challenge: August Week 3

2020-08-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Our third preparedness challenge this month is to gather canning jars and food storage supplies. Also add emergency shelter activities to our 72-hour kits. Whether you're a canner or not, it's a great idea to add glass canning jars, storage containers or plastic storage bags to your home supplies.

Put some items in your 72-hour kit to keep your hands and mind busy while you're waiting at a hotel or emergency shelter after an emergency. You'll be happy you did. What if your grandkids were with you? Are you prepared to entertain them?

Printable Preparedness Challenge: August Week 3

1. GATHER CANNING JARS AND FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS

Mason jars come in a variety of sizes from tiny to giant.
Store yeast, vital wheat gluten, wheat flour, oat flour, almond flour, nuts, etc. in jars or storage containers in your refrigerator or freezer. Many of these items lose their nutritional value on your shelf. Nuts can go rancid if they are not refrigerated.
Use the canning jar boxes to prevent bottle breakage on storage shelves.
Don't forget some rings and lids.
Plastic storage containers and baggies work well too.
Buy at Walmart, Amazon, dollar stores, grocery stores and thrift stores.
Great ideas for storing in jars can be found at kitchn.com.

Kitchn.com

Food Storage Organizer

These 12 oz. jelly jars are the perfect size for some of my baking supplies.

Food Storage Organizer

Here's my oatmeal breakfast station. Pretty cool, huh? The oats, dry milk and apples are from the LDS Home Storage Centers. I broke up the apple slices into smaller pieces. How's that for using your food storage!

Oatmeal Mix Recipe Printable

Food Storage Organizer

These pint-sized wide mouth Ball jars are the perfect size for oatmeal station toppings.

Food Storage Organizer

I love my Brother P-touch, PTD210 label maker too! It helps with all of my organization needs.

2. ADD 72-HOUR KIT SHELTER ACTIVITIES

Find something at home to add to your kit.
A few suggestions: small notepad and pen, deck of cards, Pass the Pig, Sudoku, coloring book, fidget, Hacky Sack, a bouncy ball, small stuffed animal, etc.
Pin, print and add a list of games that require no equipment.

You've got this!

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide. My guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies a little at a time each month.

Preparedness Challenge: August Week 2

2020-08-10T22:22:00.000-06:00

Our second preparedness challenge for August is to gather canned or dried vegetables. This may include a 3-month supply of short-term shelf vegetables for your pantry or long-term dehydrated vegetables. Gather what you can afford and have space for. Next week you'll gather storage containers.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: August Week 2

1. GATHER SHORT-TERM VEGETABLES

These items have less than a 20-30 year shelf life.
Store a variety of vegetables for more nutrition.
Ideas include corn, green beans, diced chiles, potatoes, mushrooms and carrots.
Dehydrate or can your own vegetables and herbs.
Pin new vegetable recipes.
Throughout the year as resupply.
Fresh or frozen are okay, but learn to incorporate canned vegetables.
Heads up. Several Utah stores will have case lot sales late August and September, early October.

2. GATHER LONG-TERM VEGETABLES

Dehydrated Carrot Dices

LDS Home Storage Center: 8.1 lb. can, $8.50. Best price on the market.
10-year shelf life. (I count this as long-term.)
Excellent source of vitamin A.
Add to soups, stews and a slow cooking roast.
Rehydrate in double the amount of liquid overnight in the refrigerator
TIP: transfer carrots into pint-sized jars for kitchen use or to share.

Potato Flakes

LDS Home Storage Center: 1.8 lb. can, $6.50.
30-year shelf life.
Good source of vitamins.
Once opened, use within 1-2 years.
TIP: Write the date you opened the can on it.
Make mashed potatoes, thicken gravies, sauces, and soups. Add to bread and roll recipes.

Good luck gathering vegetables this month.

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer
www.foodstorageorganizer.com

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide. My guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies a little at a time each month.

Preparedness Challenge: August Week 1

2020-08-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

For our first August preparedness challenge, we'll gather emergency shelter equipment (aka camping gear) and store it where we can access it. If you like to camp, you're ahead of the game. If you don't camp, you really need some shelter equipment in case you have to leave your home after a disaster. Right now, there are some great clearance deals on tents, sleeping bags and the like. This list is only the basics as I'm sure some of you have more. My hope is you will never have to use them for an emergency.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: August Week 1

1. GATHER EMERGENCY SHELTER EQUIPMENT

TENT

Now is a good time to replace your old, leaky tent.
Get a tent that is large enough for family members, pets and supplies. You may need two.
Read several tent reviews to find something suitable for your family.
After a major disaster, you may have to stay in your tent for several months, so buy a good one.

SLEEPING BAG

Consider the nighttime temperatures where you live at the coldest times of the year and get a sleeping bag that is suitable.

TARP(S)

Tarps are extremely useful and can be used under your tent, as a sun or rain shield, or as an emergency shelter.

LANTERN(S)

Choose one with an LED bulb so it will last longer.

DUCT TAPE

Duct tape has many uses. It can be used to repair holes in your tent or backpack.

ROPE

A nylon rope is a great back up if one of your tent ropes breaks. Keep it in your tent bag.

Sometimes it takes several years to gather equipment, and that's okay. Just do the best that you can.

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide. My guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies a little at a time each month.

Preparedness Challenge: July Week 2

2020-07-20T05:08:00.002-06:00

For the second July preparedness challenge, let's gather some short-term and long-term rice, and canned meats into our food storage. Short-term means you buy rice from the grocery store and put it in your pantry. Long-term rice is canned to have a shelf life of about 30 years. Both are important for daily use and emergency use. Canned meat is quick and easy to use, and a great backup for a last minute meal. Check out a few ideas below.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: July Week 2

1. GATHER RICE INTO FOOD STORAGE

BROWN RICE

Has a short-term shelf life so it’s perfect for your everyday 3-month food storage supply.
According to StillTasty.com, brown rice has a 3-6 month pantry shelf life, 6 - 12 month refrigerator shelf-life and a 12 - 18 month freezer shelf life.
The high oil content of brown rice causes it to spoil more quickly than white rice.
Transfer your brown rice into a covered, airtight container or resealable plastic freezer bag.

WHITE RICE

White, Basmati and Jasmine rice are great food items to store in your short AND long-term food storage.
"Store in a cool dry area; after opening the package, place the uncooked white rice in a sealed airtight container or place original package in a resealable heavy-duty freezer bag." StillTasty
White rice has an indefinite shelf life if protected from contamination.
Discard if it develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if insects or other contaminants appear.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sells white rice in large 5.4 lb. cans for $5.00 at Home Storage Centers. Cans have a 30 year shelf life (if stored properly). Or, order a box with 6 cans online at store.churchofjesuschrist.org
A year's supply for one person is about 12 of these cans. See "An Approach to Longer-Term Food Storage." Rice, wheat, oats and pasta can be interchanged for your grain amount.
I use the Latter-day Saint white rice for my pantry use so it gets rotated.

store.churchofjesuschrist.org

2. GATHER CANNED MEAT INTO FOOD STORAGE

Canned chicken, roast beef, corned beef hash, Vienna sausages and Spam are readily available in stores.
Typically has about a 2-year shelf life.
A 12 oz can of roast beef can be used in place of 1 lb. of ground beef in many recipes.
A 12 oz can of chicken can be used in enchiladas, salads and chicken sandwiches.
Can your own meat in jars with a meat pressure canner for added savings.

Good luck gathering rice and meat this week. You CAN do it!

Valerie Albrechtsen

The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide. My guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies each month.

Preparedness Challenge: July Week 1

2020-07-06T06:00:00.001-06:00

The first preparedness challenge for July includes tasks that will help us prepare for fires. Earthquakes, tornadoes and other disasters can cause fires as well as man made causes, so this week gathering fire safety and rescue equipment.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: July Week 1

1. BUY OR TEST FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

A. Buy a fire escape ladder if you have or live on the 2nd floor.

This video shows a man testing fire escape ladders https://youtu.be/VZJb9ytYmkc
This video shows the host from This Old House installing one. Pretty amazing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JatG8KfKEbI

B. Buy or test your fire extinguisher.

ABC fire extinguishers can be tested and refilled. Look for a service in your area.
This video shows firefighters going door to door helping people test their fire extinguishers and find the correct place to store them. Sorry, it shouldn't be under your kitchen sink. https://youtu.be/wKC3PnbdMwQ

C. Buy or test your smoke alarms.

When you push the test button, does it still work?
Do you need a newer model? Yes, they do get old.

D. Buy or test your carbon monoxide detector.

Every home should have one. Check epa.com to know where to place it. You can replace one of your smoke detectors for a combo smoke detector/carbon monoxide detector.

All items may be purchased at Walmart, Sam’s Club and Costco and other hardware stores.

2. BUY OR GATHER RESCUE SUPPLIES

Let firefighters or other first responders do the rescuing whenever possible, but if you must come to the rescue, a few of the supplies below may help. If you aren't strong enough or trained to rescue someone, wouldn't it be nice to hand someone else the equipment you have on hand? Keep these items stored in a well-marked tote where you can easily find them. Put the work gloves on top.

Pry bar - can pull nails, pry, lift or scrape. One idea is the Wonder Bar or Super Bar. About $12.
Outdoor climbing rope - can help you tie off an object or assist in a rescue. About $20.
Headlamp - can keep your hands free to help you see in the dark. About $10.
Work gloves - to protect your hands from sharp objects. About $10.
Emergency Auto Safety Hammer - use to break out or into a car or window. About $5. Amazon VicTsing.

As you ponder what you can do to keep your family safe, answers will come.

Valerie Albrechtsen

The Food Storage Organizer

Preparedness Challenge: June Week 4

2020-06-24T11:44:00.001-06:00

During week four of our June preparedness challenges, we’ll gather short-term and long-term food storage beverages. We're encouraged as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to store food that could help us when we struggle financially or have nothing else to eat. Here are a few beverage ideas.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: June Week 4

1. Gather Fortified and Electrolyte Beverages
For short-term or everyday food storage, I gather shelf-stable juices like apple juice and electrolyte beverages such as Gatorade. If we ever have a serious illness or pandemic, we want something to replenish lost nutrients. So find something you regularly drink and keep it in stock.

2. Gather Nonfat-Dry Milk
The LDS Church sells Nonfat Dry Milk at Home Storage Centers or online. Use it for cooking or drinking.

Provides calcium and protein.
Pouch $4.50 at Home Storage Centers.
28 oz. (1.8 lb.) resealable pouch makes 29 servings.
Buy individual pouches or a case box of 12.
GREAT taste! It's been reformulated so it's not the same milk that came in those big cans.
Keep it with your cooking supplies so you WILL use it.
1 cup of water + 3 T of LDS Nonfat Dry Milk = 1 Cup milk
20-year shelf life unopened if stored in a cool, dry place and about a 3-month shelf life opened.
A long-term food, but it's very economical for everyday use.
A 3-month supply = 7 pouches.
A 12-month supply = 28 pouches (49 lbs.).

Some people say, “I never use my food storage. Why should I store it?" Perhaps the blessings have already come. Food storage is the best home insurance. Be committed and enjoy the blessings!

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer

Preparedness Challenge: June Week 3

2020-06-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

For week three of our June preparedness challenges we'll gather a cooler, ice packs and appliance thermometers for your refrigerator or freezer. These items can be used during the summer for regular use, but they are perfect for extended power outages as well. Does your medication need refrigeration? Keep a lunch kit with a cold pack frozen at all times just in case.

After a power outage, a refrigerator can only keep certain foods safe for up to 4 hours. You could transfer some of your refrigerator items into your freezer, then keep the door closed. A freezer can keep food cold up to 24 hours if half full and 48 hours if very full. Beyond this time your food is no longer safe to eat.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: June Week 3

1. Buy a Cooler and Ice Packs

If you need to purchase a new cooler, make sure it is a good one that will keep items frozen for an extended amount of time.
Place ice packs in the bottom, then food, then more ice packs on top.
If you can get an ice block from the store, it can keep a cooler chilled for several days.
Frozen water bottles can be inexpensive ice blocks too so you could keep some of those in your freezer. Make sure they are not completely full to allow for expansion when frozen.
Store your cooler in a specific location where family members or even teens can easily find it if they need to pack food in it following a power outage.
Download and print this 2-page pdf list of which foods to keep or which to discard at FoodSafety.gov. Put it in your emergency binder or hang it inside a kitchen cupboard.

2. Buy an Appliance Thermometer

Put a fridge/freezer appliance thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer to know at a glance the temperature inside for everyday use.
It's recommended that our refrigerator be kept at 40 degrees or below and our freezer at 0 degrees.
Keep the doors to these appliances closed during a power outage.

Best wishes on this week's preparedness challenge. You CAN do it!

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide. My guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies each month.

Preparedness Challenge: June Week 2

2020-06-08T09:00:00.001-06:00

Our second preparedness challenge in June is to put underwear, socks, a rain poncho and a flashlight into our grab and go 72-hour kit. That shouldn't be too difficult. But for some reason most of us think we can still fit in the undies we put in our kit five years ago. Ahem. Of all the items you put in your kit, you definitely want clean underwear that fits. We see people evacuating their homes through rain and flood waters all the time in the news. So plan for it.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: June Week 2

1. Underwear and Socks

After a disaster when your clothes have gotten wet or dirty, something clean is a true blessing.

Inspect your 72-hour kit and make sure these items still fit you. Buy new ones if necessary.
If you have growing children you probably need to trade out these items every year.
Gather one or two extra of each item.
Put them in a plastic zipper bag to keep them dry and mark the date you added them to the kit on the bag.
Put a reminder on your calendar to update them next year.
If you have an infant, keep a change of clothing in your diaper bag at all times as this bag will probably become your grab-and-go 72-hour kit.

BYU Bookstore $2.50

2. Rain Poncho and Flashlight

There's nothing worse than getting wet during a disaster. We had our own little disaster a few days ago when it rained so hard that our rain gutters weren't doing their job and water came in a window in the kitchen. We gathered towels and then ran outside in the rain to adjust the rain gutters. I was grateful for my rain jacket and rain boots.

Add a flashlight or headlamp and an inexpensive rain poncho to the kit of each family member.
Find these items at dollar stores, Walmart or even your favorite college stores.

Stay dry and keep the gathering simple. You've got this!

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide. My guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies each month.

Preparedness Challenge: June Week 1

2020-06-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

The first preparedness challenge in June is to buy and fill your emergency water container(s). Clean drinking water is essential for all of us. So, be wise and store H2O for your family. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to store drinking water. Never ration water when someone asks for it. Dehydration sets in very quickly especially for infants and children. Do you have enough water for everyone in your family? If not, then this is something you can begin working on this month.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: June Week 1

1. Buy a Water Storage Container
Your goal is to store a 2-week supply of water or 14 gallons per person so figure out how many containers you will need. If you can't store that many containers, store as many as you can.

You can clean and reuse thick soda bottles or use 5 or 15-gallon containers, or a 55-gallon barrel.
If you purchase a large barrel, get a pump to pump the water out.
We add AquaMira water treatment drops to our barrels to extend the shelf life otherwise, refill your containers every year.

Don't store water in milk containers because they leak over time.
We store water in a variety of containers: a few cases of purchased bottled water, 5-gallon containers and barrels. The choice is yours.
Look for containers at Walmart, Amazon, camping stores or industrial container companies.

2. Fill a Water Storage Container

Read and print the CDC document Making Water Safe in an Emergency.
Follow the steps to prepare your containers and fill them.
Put a copy in My Disaster Plan binder found in the January week 2 challenge.
Store your container(s) in a closet or under a bathroom sink. It's not ideal to store containers in a hot garage because bacteria can form in your filled containers, but I have two barrels in my garage. :)
Don't store containers directly on cement in case chemicals come up from the cement.
Put 2x4's underneath barrels or if you have smaller containers put them on a shelf.

Do the BEST that you can. When you're done, do a happy dance. :)

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide. My guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies each month.

Preparedness Challenge: May Week 4

2020-05-19T09:30:00.000-06:00

Our fourth preparedness challenge for May is to gather a supply of disposable eating supplies like paper plates, cups, bowls, utensils and more. You probably shop for some already. These items would be extremely useful after a disaster when water or power may be shut off, or if you must camp on your own property. I keep disposable picnic items on hand for large family gatherings, so we accomplish an everyday task with a disaster task at the same time.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: May Week 4

1. Gather Disposable Picnic Supplies
These items go on sale during the summer in May, June and July which is awesome! Watch for sales at Costco and Sam's Club and pharmacies like Walgreens for special deals. Here are a few ideas:

paper plates
cups, paper or plastic (Styrofoam for hot beverages)
bowls paper or foam
plastic utensils
heavyweight foil
paper towels
napkins
disposable tablecloths

The key is to not let these items disappear completely from your kitchen shelves before you buy some more. We saw with corona virus how paper towels unexpectedly disappeared. Just keep yourself in stock and you'll be ready for the unexpected.

Have fun gathering!

Valerie Albrechtsen

The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook here and Instagram here and Pinterest here.

And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide here. This guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies each month.

Preparedness Challenge: May Week 3

2020-05-18T09:00:00.000-06:00

This week our third preparedness challenge is to gather long-term dehydrated onions or other long-term dehydrated spices. Most of the spices your buy at grocery stores have a 2 to 3-year shelf life for best quality, but some companies make long-term food storage spices. I purchase dehydrated onions from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Home Storage Center.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: May Week 3

Imagine a neighborhood where each family was self-reliant and prepared for emergencies. There would be less need to borrow from others or depend on governments to bail us out. Be different and perhaps a little peculiar. Be prepared.

"Church members are conscious of the fact that they live in a period of calamities, caused both by human actions and the furies of nature. The prophecies about the last days are unequivocal, and there is great wisdom in preparing for the future—whether it be for possible famine, disaster, financial depression, or any other unforeseen adverse circumstance."

"Church leaders have frequently counseled members to practice provident living by establishing home storage, including extra water, basic food items, medications, clothing, and other supplies that could be needed in case of emergency." Bishop Gérald Caussé, March 2, 2018

1. Buy Long-Term Dehydrated Onions
I know you like fresh onions more than dry, but if grocery stores are closed for several weeks or if we had a drought…perhaps keep a can of long-term onions on your shelf or under your bed just in case.

Use dehydrated onions every day or for times when they may not be available.
The Home Storage Center sells 2.1 lb. cans of dehydrated onions for $8.00.
Each can has a 30-year shelf life.
A one-year supply for an adult is 1 #10 can.
Lacking storage space? Divide a can with a friend.
Re-hydrate by adding a little water, or just toss in the liquid of your soup or casserole.

You CAN do it one bag, box or can at a time!

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook here and Instagram here and Pinterest here.

And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide here. This guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies each month.

Preparedness Challenge: May Week 2

2020-05-12T14:00:00.000-06:00

During the month of May, many condiments, sauces and spices go on sale in preparation for summer barbecues and family gatherings. Take advantage of those sales and stock up condiments for the second May preparedness challenge. Be careful. No one needs 24 bottles of ketchup. Personally, I keep one item in the refrigerator and one on my shelf, and more of a few items like mayonnaise or BBQ sauce. The choice is yours. Imagine a tuna fish sandwich without mayo!

Printable Preparedness Challenge: May Week 2

1. Decide Which Condiments to Store

Look in your refrigerator and kitchen cupboards and take an inventory of condiments you normally use such as ketchup, mustard, relish, pickles, mayonnaise, steak sauce, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, salad dressings and vinegar.
Toss any expired condiments and clean your refrigerator and cupboard shelves. Put usable items back in your refrigerator.

2. Buy a 3 to 12 Month Supply of Condiments

How much you store will depend on your finances, storage space and family needs. You could store a 3-month supply or a year's supply. Or a mixture. Three bottles of BBQ sauce might be a year's supply for me, but only a 3-month supply for a larger family. One bottle of Tabasco sauce would definitely last us one year.
Think about how fast you go through each of your items and set a goal of how many you would like to gather. Then start shopping.
I've found great deals at my local grocery store when I combine sales and coupons in May. Sometimes I buy store brands and sometimes name brands. Sam's Club and Costco also have picnic pack items.

3. Research The Shelf-Life of Your Condiments

Condiments sometimes have a shorter shelf-life than you think. Take a few minutes to go to StillTasty.com and find out how long your items last on your shelf and when opened. It may surprise you.
Go to FoodSafety.gov and review the items you should throw away after a power outage. That's very important to know.

Best wishes on your preparedness goal this week. Be happy, stay healthy.

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer

Preparedness Challenge: May Week 1

2020-05-05T05:59:00.000-06:00

I'm excited to share our first May preparedness challenge. This week we will gather cooking supplies into our 72-hour kits and practice outdoor cooking. Few people think how they will cook after a disaster, but your stove may not work and you probably won't have power for the microwave.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: May Week 1

I'm no expert, so I will imagine the aftermath of a major earthquake. After coming out from beneath my kitchen table, and checkingu on my family, I'd check on our neighbors and not even think about food.

But after four hours I'd realize refrigerator has been off for awhile, and it's unlikely it will be turned on for weeks. So, how will we cook our food?

1. Decide How You Will Cook After a Disaster
Personally, I would not cook anything and use our pantry food and small canned foods that require no refrigeration such as peanut butter, honey, canned fruit and fresh fruit. Eventually we would have to heat up something like stew. One cooking option is a simple one-burner gas butane stove. So, we turn it on and heat up our canned stew. Yum! That stew never tasted so good.

GasOne Propane or Butane Stove GS-3400P Dual Fuel Portable
Camping and Backpacking Gas Stove Burner with Carrying Case

Other options:

Small camp stove in our 72-hour bags
Propane barbecue with the single burner on the side.
Use firewood and coal last since they would use up valuable fuel that could keep you warm.

How will we boil water? A camping tea kettle is perfect for that. You may even need to boil water for medicinal needs. Lots of things to consider with your imagination.

Overmont Camping Kettle Camp Tea Coffee Pot

2. Gather Emergency Cooking Supplies

May is a great month to watch for sales on cooking supplies. Don't feel you have to run out and buy anything right away.

Cooking Options:

Camp stove and fuel
Dutch oven and supplies
Single burner-camp stove and fuel
Solar oven

72-Hour Kit Ideas:

camping can opener
mess kit
eating utensils
matches or lighter
mini stove and fuel

I hope you decide what cooking items work best for your family.

Best wishes,

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook here and Instagram here and Pinterest here.

And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide here. This guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies each month.

May Preparedness Challenges

2020-05-04T13:11:00.000-06:00

During the month of May, I like to focus on gathering condiments and spices into my pantry and food storage supplies. It's also the month I try to figure out ways to cook outside for emergencies. In preparation for this month, I took an inventory of my spices and condiments. I also filled my small spice jars from my large spice containers I buy from Sam's Club or Costco. I only buy large containers of a few items: oregano, parsley, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon. Some people like to get refills from bulk stores. Cinnamon is the one item I keep two large containers of on my shelf.

I'm low on nutmeg, garlic salt, soy sauce, mayonnaise, poppy seed dressing and vinegar. When I say low, that doesn't mean I'm out of those items. It means instead of two or three on my shelf, I have one. That's the signal for me to add an item to my grocery list.

Now is a good time to save coupons for items like ketchup or mayonnaise. As we get closer to Memorial Day, these items typically go on sale. In the past, I made the mistake to gather more of some of these items than I needed because they were inexpensive, and they expired. Take that into consideration as you look at the shelf life or your items and set goals of how much of each you want on your shelf.

Best wishes on gathering this month!

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook here and Instagram here and Pinterest here.

And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide here. This guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies each month.

Preparedness Challenge: April Week 4

2020-04-28T09:28:00.000-06:00

The last preparedness challenge of April is to gather long-term pasta which can be stored for up to 30 years. Many people work towards a goal of a 1-year supply of long-term foods, however some of you have smaller living spaces. So begin by gathering an amount that is doable for you so you are prepared for financial hardship or other disaster.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: April Week 4

1. Decide How Much Long-Term Pasta to Store
Pasta is considered a grain and amounts may be interchanged with wheat, rice and oats. If your total grain amount for one adult is 54 #10 cans or about 250 lbs., decide how much of each item you wish to store. A simple formula for how much pasta to store per month could be 3 lbs. or 1 #10 can per adult. Or less than that. You may adapt for children. Read more about long-term food storage here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/food-storage/longer-term-food-supply?lang=eng&_r=1

2. Gather Long-Term Pasta
Currently The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers two pasta options: Macaroni and Spaghetti Bites (bite-sized pieces of spaghetti). Learn more about these items from the website store at store.churchofjesuschrist.org/usa/en/food-storage.

Check out the new label for macaroni!

If there is one thing children will eat, it's pasta. So this is an important part of our food storage.

Best wishes and stay healthy,

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook here and Instagram here and Pinterest here.

And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide here. This guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies each month.

Preparedness Challenge: April Week 3

2020-04-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

Last week we worked on putting together a cleanup supply bucket to help with emergencies. I found my bucket at Home Depot, and have been slowly adding items throughout the month to it. It's kept under my sink in our laundry room. This week our focus is on gathering sanitation and hygiene supplies into our home supplies and our 72-hour kits. Our Covid-19 experience has taught us the importance of stocking up on more than just food storage. Thankfully we gathered toilet paper in our January preparedness challenge. Look over more sanitation and hygiene items on the list below which you may find important too.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: April Week 3

1. Gather a 1-Month Supply of Sanitation and Hygiene Supplies
Could you go without any of these items in an emergency such as job loss or disaster? How much of each item could you put in your 1-month supply? Could you gather enough trash bags to last more than a month? Since I purchase mine from Costco, they last well beyond 1-month. But if you can only afford a 1-month supply, start there. Then regularly resupply these items.

trash bags
bleach (for laundry)
feminine or incontinent items
diapers and wipes

2. Gather 72-Hour Kit Sanitation and Hygiene Supplies

You only need a few items in your 72-hour kit, but while you're gathering your 1-month supply, toss some items in your 72-hour kit as well. I've always felt that mother's of infants should keep well-stocked diaper bags as this may become your infant's 72-hour kit.

prescription copy
trash bags (2)
feminine or incontinent items (3 days)
diapers and wipes
cleansing wipes

You are already grocery shopping, so gather up your supplies and feel secure you are ready for anything.

Best wishes and stay healthy!

Valerie Albrechtsen

The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook here and Instagram here and Pinterest here.

And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide here. This guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies each month.

Preparedness Challenge: April Week 2

2020-04-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

The preparedness challenge of April Week 2 is to make a sanitation cleanup kit and gather emergency toilet supplies. As we've observed many disasters over the years, it's apparent that keeping your home well-stocked with sanitation supplies is imperative. Germs and bacteria can kill us. If you can't gather all the sanitation supplies, start with a bucket and a list so you can add a few items each week as you grocery shop.

Printable Preparedness Challenge: April Week 2

As we pray for inspiration, the thought comes to be vigilant, but not excessive. We see too much "end of the world" prepping these days, and that is NOT how members of the LDS Church approach preparedness. So, with wisdom and prayer, consider which sanitation supplies you want to gather this month.

1. Make a Sanitation Cleanup Kit

When leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints send volunteers to help after a disaster, cleaning kits are typically sent. We can learn from this and make our own kit.

Following Hurricane Florence in 2018, cleaning kits like those in this video were sent in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN3kH8fRfgU

Everyday disasters occur in our lives as well such as the dreaded overflowing toilet or the flooded basement. Gather some of the items below in a bucket.

CLEANING KIT

5-gallon bucket
Rubber gloves (2 pairs)
Trash bags (25)
Cleaning rags (2)
Dust masks (not N95)
Bar of soap
Liquid dish soap
General-purpose cleaner
Liquid bleach 64 oz.
Powdered cleanser 14 oz.
Large sponge
Safety goggles
Long-handled scrub brush
Scrub brushes, iron-shaped (2)
Spray bottle (1 quart)

*Information from the LDS Emergency Response Supply Order Form

2. Study Emergency Toilets

In many parts of the world, a flushing toilet is not an option. Though many of us have toilets, we should be prepared for times when the water supply is off. Knowledge is key. This article from Food Storage Moms shares several options of how to make an emergency toilet. Look it over and decide what would work for you. I store kitty litter and trash bags under one of our bathroom sinks. www.foodstoragemoms.com/toilets/

Food Storage Moms

I hope you decide that sanitation is important for your family and begin to gather some supplies.

Best wishes and stay healthy!

Valerie Albrechtsen

The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook here and Instagram here and Pinterest here.
And check out The Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide here. This guide will help you gather food storage and emergency supplies each month.

April Preparedness Challenges

2020-04-07T08:55:00.000-06:00

April 2020 is quite different than April 2019 because of this pandemic, but I want to help you get back on track by gathering a few canned tomatoes and pasta into your food storage and some sanitation supplies. If finances are too tight, stay focused on what you are already doing.

In the recent LDS General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson said:

“Of course we can store our own reserves of food, water and savings, but equally crucial is our need to fill our personal spiritual storehouses with faith, truth and testimony."

I hope you find many ways to strengthen your spiritual storehouse this month and add a few extra items to your shelves.

Best wishes and stay healthy,

Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer

Follow me on Facebook here and Instagram here and Pinterest here. Or download my Keep It Simple Preparedness Guide on Etsy here.

Covid-19 Face Mask With Ties Project

2020-04-02T07:09:00.002-06:00

We need your help in a face mask service project for health care employees who work in nursing homes in Utah. We need 1500 face masks ASAP. These fabric masks have ties.

INSTRUCTIONS:

How to video and printable pattern
Use 100% tightly woven cotton
Bias tape may be used for the ties or make your own ties (ribbon) from fabric. Top ties are 18" long and bottom are 12" long.
Please make medium (female fabric) or large (male fabric)
DO NOT sew if you or anyone in your household has been ill

FreeSewing.org

Email Me or message me on Facebook for Mailing address in Farmington, Utah: preparedldsfamily @ gmail dot com

Thanks for your willingness to serve others. It's always best to be prepared.