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prepared for the storm, athena's way
Aug. 25th, 2011 09:02 pmI live a couple of miles inland from the coastal evacuation zone, so I am used to staying home in bad storms. I've also lived on some isolated country roads, so I've learned the art of being self-sufficient for a few days. I like to think that I do it in style.
Water is the most important thing. 3 gallons per person. Please don't rush to the market and buy 3 gallons of water (each). Or if you do, save the bottles for next time. Your water supply is still working now, right?
So fill your pitchers, bottles and storage jars with water, and put them in the fridge. Tap water will keep for three days without a problem. Fill all your ice cube trays, too, so that you will have ice for cocktails. I have a great BPA-free plastic food storage container that will hold a gallon of water. I freeze that, so that I have a block of longer lasting ice, and eventually ice water to drink.
Then there's food. Three days of that, also. Forget the spaghetti-Os and canned beans. If the power goes out, I plan on using up all the best food in the refrigerator and freezer on the first day. What a feast! I'll invite the neighbors and we'll have an awesome potluck. Then it's time to reach into the stockpile of storm food for the next couple of days. There are some yummy entrees that come in shelf-stable foil pouches. I have an assortment of rice pilafs and Indian vegetarian entrees. I'm not serving them cold, either, because I have a butane stove (usually found in Asian grocery stores. I also have some backpacking entrees left over from my last hike. I've got peanut butter for sandwiches, and plenty of fresh fruit and veggies. Soy milk in individual boxes and granola for breakfast, with more fruit.
Omnivores could stock up on the tuna, salmon and chicken in pouches.
I don't have a well with an electric pump any more, but when I did, I always filled all the bath tubs with water, so that we could wash dishes or selves, and most importantly, flush.
Candles? Um, yeah. I'm a witch. Of course I have candles.
Stay safe, my dears. I'm not really expecting to need any of the things I described above, but it makes me feel secure to know that I have a plan.
Water is the most important thing. 3 gallons per person. Please don't rush to the market and buy 3 gallons of water (each). Or if you do, save the bottles for next time. Your water supply is still working now, right?
So fill your pitchers, bottles and storage jars with water, and put them in the fridge. Tap water will keep for three days without a problem. Fill all your ice cube trays, too, so that you will have ice for cocktails. I have a great BPA-free plastic food storage container that will hold a gallon of water. I freeze that, so that I have a block of longer lasting ice, and eventually ice water to drink.
Then there's food. Three days of that, also. Forget the spaghetti-Os and canned beans. If the power goes out, I plan on using up all the best food in the refrigerator and freezer on the first day. What a feast! I'll invite the neighbors and we'll have an awesome potluck. Then it's time to reach into the stockpile of storm food for the next couple of days. There are some yummy entrees that come in shelf-stable foil pouches. I have an assortment of rice pilafs and Indian vegetarian entrees. I'm not serving them cold, either, because I have a butane stove (usually found in Asian grocery stores. I also have some backpacking entrees left over from my last hike. I've got peanut butter for sandwiches, and plenty of fresh fruit and veggies. Soy milk in individual boxes and granola for breakfast, with more fruit.
Omnivores could stock up on the tuna, salmon and chicken in pouches.
I don't have a well with an electric pump any more, but when I did, I always filled all the bath tubs with water, so that we could wash dishes or selves, and most importantly, flush.
Candles? Um, yeah. I'm a witch. Of course I have candles.
Stay safe, my dears. I'm not really expecting to need any of the things I described above, but it makes me feel secure to know that I have a plan.
