Food Storage Tags

You may remember this previous post, Labeling Long-Term Storage, from back in 2009 where Stephanie shared her idea of making tags to help with locating, rotating and replacing her food storage.  Well, I've had two-year intentions of doing the same thing, but have never gotten around to it.  Just this past Christmas, my wonderful parents-in-law gave me a new fun laminator and I've been itching to use it for this project since then. 

I made my tags using a different color of cardstock for each food storage product that I keep in buckets.  Actually there isn't much rhyme or reason to the colors.  I just used the colors that I had on hand.  In the picture below, you might notice that the brighter colors are easier to see and read so I would recommend that you use bright colors instead of dull or dark colors. 

I figured out how many tags of each that I needed.  For example, I knew that I wanted to always keep four buckets of flour on hand, so I used my word processor to print four "flour" labels.  I repeated this process for each of the items I keep in buckets: wheat, sugar, powdered sugar, brown sugar, rice, oats, and beans.  I laminated my tags for durability, but this isn't necessary.  Then I hole punched the side and tied each onto the bucket handles with some white yarn.  I made more than 40 tags.  It took about two hours from start to finish (but most of that time was spent doing second and third runs through my laminator in order to fully seal the tags - I'm sure you could do it in a fraction of that time).  I love the result!  It is so easy to figure out what is in each bucket now.

Recently I ran out of flour.  So I ran down into my storage area, grabbed a bucket of flour (which was so easy to find because of the easy-to-see tags) and emptied the previously-stored flour into my upstairs bucket.  I actually left the tag on the empty bucket and let it remind me that I needed to buy some more flour to replace the now-empty bucket.  I could also untie the tag and slip it into my purse or tie it to a shelf as a reminder that I need to replace that flour.  When I refilled the bucket with flour, I flipped the tag over and wrote 2011 on the back with a black permanent marker so that I would know the age of the newly purchased flour.

Here are a few other ideas and tips that you could use for labeling your food storage:

*Use different colored ribbons for each different food (i.e red for red wheat; black for black beans; pink for pinto beans; tan for oatmeal; white for rice; etc.).
*Use a different colors of  ribbon/yarn to indicate the purchase date.
*Use different colors of permanent markers to differentiate between foods and/or dates.
*Wrapping ribbon and index cards would work just fine.
*Magnetic labels could be used with #10 cans or steel shelves.
*Instead of tying a ribbon to foil pouches or #10 cans (that don't have a handle like a bucket or a neck like the PETE bottles), just tie a tag to the shelves or adhere a label with a small piece of ribbon directly to the product.
*Label two sides and the top of each container for more visibility.
*Use cup-holder screws to hang labels (of items needing to be replaced).
*These tags would be a great idea for a cheap, but love-filled gift.


I would love to hear your ideas!

Food Storage Hunt

Hannah and Abby over at Safely Gathered In are doing an ongoing series right now about how food storage bloggers organize their storage.  Last week they featured my storage area.  If you are interested in seeing how we organize our food storage, you can go to:  http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/2011/03/food-storage-hunt-iprepared.html.

They've also featured two other bloggers with promises of more to come.  Check it out.  You might find some ideas for your own storage.

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Toilet Troubles (second of two parts)

Portaloos line the streets after the earthquake last September in Kaiapoi, New Zealand. (source unknown)

For sanitation in temporary emergency situations, a chemical (portable) toilet is the easiest to store and set up. Portable toilets are easy to store, but require disposal. If there won't be any entity helping with waste disposal, a longer-term solution of digging a latrine might be a better option.


Chemical Toilet
A chemical toilet is one that utilizes different chemicals to deal with the smells and disinfect your waste. Portaloos (portapotties), RV toilets, airplane toilets, and portable toilets work this way. You can turn an existing toilet into a chemical toilet by emptying the water and inserting a plastic bag inside the bowl. In it's simplest form, a bucket with a trash liner can also be used to create a chemical toilet. Two boards placed parallel to each other can create a more-comfortable, make-shift seat. 

After using the facilities, commercially-available chemical packets, or home-stored chemicals such as baking soda, lime, or bleach are added to the toilet bag to maintain sanitation. The American Red Cross recommends that you "pour or sprinkle a small amount of regular household disinfectant, such as creosol or chlorine bleach, into the container to reduce odors and germs."4

You can buy portable toilet kits which just include a bag and chemical packets. Other kits include the seat and/or stand. Some even "flush" into a lower chamber to reduce smell. The downside of a chemical toilet is that waste still needs to be disposed.

Many sites recommend disposing waste in an outdoor container until your local governments collect it. If you feel that a quick response is reasonable, then store an extra trash container with a tight fitting lid to be used for this short-term disposal. In a situation where collections might not be soon available, official emergency sources recommend that you "bury garbage and human waste to avoid the spread of disease by rats and insects. Dig a pit 2 to 3 feet deep and at least 50 feet downhill or away from any well, spring or water supply."5

Store: Bucket, lid/seat (or other configuration), garbage-can bags, chemicals.
Pros: Easy and readily available.
Cons: Waste still has to be disposed.


Latrine
If you find yourself without toilet facilities for a longer period of time, you might consider digging a latrine (privy or outhouse). In reality, people have lived without sewer systems much longer than they have lived with them. It's not been so long since digging a hole for an outhouse was the norm.

The big concern in latrine construction is fresh water contamination. It is essential that toilet facilities be placed where they will not contaminate ground water, fresh water wells, or streams. 50 feet from homes or water sources is a widely cited distance for location of toilet waste. Some areas have high ground water and require that outhouse facilities be located elsewhere in order to protect drinking water.

An adequate hole for a privy would be about five feet deep (which gives you about five years worth of sanitation disposal depending upon use).6 Sources vary in their suggestions of depth from as little as four feet to as much as 15 feet (larger depths require reinforcing the walls to eliminate the risk of cave-in). After digging a hole, a board with a hole cut in the middle can be placed on top to cover the pit. Your privy would be usable at this point, but probably not comfortable. You can add an elevated box or a chair with a hole cut into the seat to make sitting more comfortable. A hollowed bucket with two boards on top would be better than nothing.

At this point, you would also need to address the smell. Whatever construction method you use, it is important to have a lid of some kind to close off the pit which would help to contain the smell. An outhouse can utilize a built-in vent pipe to reduce the build-up of methane gas and disperse the smell into the air. Flies are attracted to the smell and can cause the spread of disease. If you use a venting pipe, make sure to add a screen on top to reduce access to flies and other insects. Fly paper placed inside the facility would also reduce the flies somewhat.

Privacy is a huge issue with outdoor toilet use. There are pop-up tents available for this purpose. A regular tent or even a tarp could also be modified to give privacy. Because a latrine is located outside, weather considerations are important as you build your new facility. Tents and tarps will have to be anchored to ensure resistant to winds, rain and/or snow. If you have the resources to build a permanent wooden facility, weather would be less of a concern.

Store: Shovels, pick-ax, large piece of wood to cover the pit, bucket (or other seat), tent/tarp/wood for privacy.
Pros: Waste is disposed as part of the design. No need for additional chemicals.
Cons: Requires time to set up/dig, usually smelly, cold/hot and uncomfortable.


Important!
Make sure that you also store sanitizer, sanitary pads (dispose separately), and septic-safe toilet paper in addition to any other supplies for your toilet.


Click here to go to Toilet Troubles (part one).


Sources:
1 - Christchurch earthquake: Survival in the suburbs
2 - Strangers brought together by quake stories
3 - Christchurch earthquake: Many face weeks of temporary toilets
4 - American Red Cross - Emergency Sanitation
5 - University of Florida - Emergency Sanitation
6 - How to build a latrine

Helping Each Other in Japan

Rescuers and victims carry out bags of food aid from a helicopter in Yamada, northern Japan on Tuesday. Takashi Ozaki / AP

Yesterday, Polliwog commented and shared a blog of a family housed on a US military base in Misawa, Japan.  On that blog (Acte Gratuit), Emily shares insights into her own food storage - and what she wishes she had stored.  She also describes how her church congregation is gathering supplies for those affected by the tsunami and earthquake. 

It's a fabulous example of  how preparedness enables you to reach out and help others!

Acte Gratuit:
Humanitarian Aid for Hachinohe
Surviving the Earthquake in Japan

Japan

A little girl stands in line with the rest of the people waiting for the second batch of water in Shiogama on Monday.  David Hogsholt for CNN

I am beyond sad about what is happening in Japan.  Our family has donated money through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Charities - Humanitarian Aid Fund and are constantly praying for everyone who has been affected. I feel helpless in many ways, but know that the power of prayer is real.  Many people have been motivated to start (or continue) their own preparedness efforts because of this recent devastation. This is good. Being prepared will truly bring you peace.

I just want to remind everyone about the importance of storing water and food.  This morning I read an article from the AP with information about the current lack of food and water:

"In many areas there is no running water, no power and four- to five-hour waits for gasoline. People are suppressing hunger with instant noodles or rice balls while dealing with the loss of loved ones and homes. "People are surviving on little food and water. Things are simply not coming," said Hajime Sato, a government official in Iwate prefecture, one of the three hardest hit.

. . . "I'm giving up hope," said Hajime Watanabe, 38, a construction industry worker, who was the first in line at a closed gas station in Sendai, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of Soma. Just then, an emergency worker came over and told him that if the station opens at all, it would pump gasoline only to emergency teams and essential government workers. "I never imagined we would be in such a situation" Watanabe said. "I had a good life before. Now we have nothing. No gas, no electricity, no water."  He said he was surviving with his family on 60 half-liter bottles of water his wife had stored in case of emergencies like this. He walked two hours to find a convenience store that was open and waited in line to buy dried ramen noodles."1

I love that Hajime's wife anticipated an emergency and stored that water. What a blessing for their family!  The reality is that in many situations, especially those with vast consequences such as in Japan, the government is not going to be able to provide immediate resources for your family.  For example, it has been four days since the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, yet many areas still don't have enough incoming supplies.1   In some cases there has been no contact with remote neighborhoods because of impassable roads.2   You might be on your own in a similar situation.  It's up to you to be prepared.

Those most affected by the tsunami have lost everything and many are turning to friends and relatives to help them.  This is another example where being prepared can make helping others easier.  Those with ample supplies are likely in a better position to reach out, clothe, feed, and help displaced family members and friends.  This is also a good reason to encourage your family and friends to get prepared.  You might be the one staying at their house in a similar circumstance. 

So, keep working on your preparedness; make getting water a priority; and pray for those in Japan.

Sources:

1 - Japan begins to dig for dead amid nuclear crisis (AP, Todd Pitman)

2 - @BBCWorld on twitter - 1131 (Many remote towns and villages remain cut off and have had no help since Friday's earthquake.)



Toilet Troubles (first of two parts)

A portaloo decorated by residents in the suburb of Sumner in Christchurch.
Photo / Getty Images

Yesterday I read an article by David Fisher in the New Zealand Herald describing declining conditions in Christchurch, New  Zealand suburbs after the 6.3 earthquake that hit that area almost two weeks ago.  The surprise?  The decline doesn't seem to result from a lack of food or shelter or even from untreated injuries or damage from the earthquake.  The cause?  A lack of toilets.

From the article:

Tears flowing down his cheeks, burly Canterbury mechanic Keith Mackie was trying to explain that life's basic necessities have been forgotten. . .  "We didn't complain. We just suck it in. After nine days we got a chemical toilet. I had to empty the chemical toilet this morning . . ."  The nearest Port-a-Loo - a decent walk away - was filled to overflowing.  Mr Mackie, retching, drove around trying to find another one into which he could empty his chemical toilet. Again and again, he found the same problem. "I've seen a lot in my life, but this takes the cake."

. . . St Heliers Cres resident Kevin Guy said the lack of toilets and housing threatened to send the disaster out of control. "People will die of this."  He said elderly residents in his street tried to go to the toilet outside in yesterday morning's rain.  "I live near a woman in her 70s who broke down crying, too embarrassed to go to the toilet in a bucket."

Another woman who would not be named said the focus on the central city had ignored thousands of people who were living in squalid conditions.  "The dead people are important but they don't need to go to the toilet. I do."1

Reports reference the planned distribution of 7,000 chemical toilets and more than 1200 portaloos.6  Prime Minister John Keys was quoted as saying, "I think pretty much every portaloo in Australasia is on its way."2   In the meantime, individuals have resorted to stealing portaloos and moving them from areas that they perceived as having plenty.  Kerre Woodham from the Daily Herald quipped that it was "The Battle of Portaloo."5

In the end, even with significant distribution of toilet facilities, there isn't enough (or enough upkeep) to meet the sanitation needs of the 300,000 people impacted by this earthquake.  Sewer lines have been severed and/or overwhelmed by liquefaction.  There is no short-term fix.  Lines are "still some way from repair".6  This is all made even worse by the lack of running water in more than 20% of the city.  Unfortunately in the meantime, overflowing toilets and the resulting lack of sanitation can ultimately lead to sickness and potentially death. 

Knowing how to address your own sanitation needs could be an essential skill for many different emergency situations.  Unfortunately, it isn't as simple as just digging a hole.  Stay tuned for the second part of this article where we'll address ways to plan to take care of your own waste and sanitation needs.


Click here to go to Toilet Troubles (part two).


Sources:
1 - Christchurch earthquake:  A new living hell
2 - Key visits hard-hit eastern suburbs
3 - Quake to cost insurers up to $16b
4 - Christchurch earthquake: Latest updates
5 - The best of human nature
6 - Christchurch earthquake: Many face weeks of temporary toilets

Helping Each Other

Members of Canterbury University volunteer army clean up mud on Feb. 24 in Christchurch.

The quake caused liquefaction of the ground. (Martin Hunter / Getty Images)

I am so impressed by the citizens of Christchurch, New Zealand.  Almost one week ago, a massive earthquake hit their area.  Deaths and damage abound.  What amazes me is the spirit of community and service that has emerged from these hard-hit people.

Immediately after the earthquake, citizens with no training jumped in to help rescue and take care of the injured and dying.  There are many stories of everyday heroes jumping and doing whatever they could to save the lives around them.  Kieran McErlain saw a school yard full of children desperate with fear as the water rose to knee level around them.  Though he had no responsibility there, he stayed and helped to calm the children.1  Reports mention students from a university-organized "army" of 10,000 who traveled into the damaged neighborhoods armed with shovels.3  They are shoveling out the liquefaction that has filled up so many yards and houses.  They are helping to move cars stuck in the sludge.  No one asked them to come.  Instead, compassion moved them to help - and they found a way to do so. 

The New Zealand Herald has published a list of companies that are distributing supplies to anyone who needs them.  Again, no one asked.  These businesses just saw the need and took the initiative to do something.  Local bakeries are cleaning up their own buildings, firing up their ovens and baking bread and distributing it for free.  Grocery stores are giving away food and medicine.

"Growers from around the country are offering fresh food donations, church groups are donating goods to those in need and Food and Grocery Council members are also working to get donated food to the people of Christchurch." 4

Neighbors are taking care of each other by feeding each other, and watching over one another. 

"They are sleeping under canvas in the backyard and look well-organised. Tables, a dozen chairs, the barbecue are set out. It looks inviting, an oasis amid the chaos. They and their neighbours have managed to salvage enough glasses and they get together each evening . . . while they cook meat from their defrosting freezers.  Such neighbourliness keeps spirits up."1

Thousand of families in surrounding areas have opened their homes to the fleeing refuges.  A call went out for help and so many responded.   Even families with nothing to give are reaching out and helping each other.   I read a story about a family that gave away their tent because they could fit their little family of four into a backyard playhouse instead.

"We had a tent put up, but we gave it to some friends up the road because their house was not good and they had nowhere to sleep that night," Richard Bruin told the Herald yesterday. "And then we moved into the playhouse. But it's safe, it's waterproof - unlike the house." 2

Other countries have also been quick to offer and send assistance.  Rescue teams arrived as quickly as they could travel and are helping still with the recovery effort.  Donations are quickly accumulating and will be used to help many of the now homeless and hungry. 

There is such a spirit of love and sharing instead of greed and selfishness surrounding these people.  I can only hope that we all will respond similarly when faced with any unexpected dangers in our lives.


Sources:
1 - New Zealand Herald - On two wheels through the rubble
2 - Christchurch earthquake: Playhouse becomes shelter for family
3 - Christchurch earthquake: Students form volunteer army
4 - Christchurch earthquake: How you can help
5 - Christchurch earthquake: Food companies swing in to deliver supplies

AFTER an Earthquake!

A man holds a child in his arms after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Christchurch on Tuesday. (Iain McGregor / Reuters)

Once the earth has stopped shaking from an earthquake, all danger has not passed.  Because of aftershocks, there is a constant need for vigilance even after an earthquake.  Earthquakes also create many different hazards.  Awareness of these hazards can help you to protect your family from any additional harm.

AFTER

* Expect aftershocks. 

Get yourself and others out of locations that might be dangerous with continued shaking.   Be aware of hazards such as fires, electrical lines, or spills that might still put you in danger.  Be especially careful as you enter or exit buildings.  Buildings can continue to shift even after the earth has stopped shaking.

*  Be aware of Tsunami potential. 

Move to a higher location if this is an issue.

* Check for injuries. 

Do not move seriously injured individuals unless they are in danger of further harm.  Help trapped persons if possible.

* Check for hazardous conditions.

Damage from an earthquake can cause fires, leaks in the water, sewer or gas systems, downed or exposed electricity wires, spills and broken items.  Extinguish any fires.  Check your utilities.  If you smell gas, turn off the gas at the meter.  If you don't smell gas, do not turn off the gas because it might be many days before you can have it turned back on.  If wires are sparking or exposed, turn off the electricity at the breaker box.  Do not step in water in order to access the electricity box. 

* Check your home for damage.

Turn off water if you have any broken pipes. Do not use the water until you have been told that it is safe. Don't use the toilets if you suspect problems with the sewer system.  Inspect your chimney, walls, and foundations.

* Ongoing needs.

Don't use your phone except for emergencies.  Listen to your radio for instructions.  Gather your children from local schools.  Stay away from damaged areas.  Be careful as you open cupboards (expect items to fall out).  Make sure to check on your neighbors.

Assess the liveability of your home.  Find a shelter if staying in your home is not an option.  Remember that shelters are typically crowded and also often lack basic services.  You might be better off staying in your home if you just lack basic services or have little to moderate damage.  If you do leave, make sure to communicate your whereabouts with a staying neighbor.

Hopefully, you never have to use any of these recommendations.  But knowing, practicing and thinking about them will help you and your family to be better prepared in an Earthquake.

Sources:

Utah Seismic Commission - Putting down roots in earthquake country.

Fema - What to do after an earthquake.

DURING an Earthquake!

A teetering piano. Photo / NZPA/David Alexander


Scientists are always studying best practices for responding in an earthquake. It is valuable to stay aware of current thinking and findings. The reality is that earthquakes don't kill people, falling objects typically do. Your main objective should be moving away from anything that might fall on you -- a picture over your bed, a bookshelf, bricks, the building, etc. Knowing the age of the building that you work in or live in can also give you the ability to decide how to respond.

DURING

* If you are INDOORS:

Do not run outside!  Stay inside until the shaking stops.

DUCK, COVER and HOLD
DUCK or DROP down on the floor. Take COVER under a sturdy desk, table, or other furniture. If that is not possible, seek cover against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid danger spots near windows, hanging objects, mirrors or tall furniture. If you take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, HOLD on to it and be prepared to move it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move.

If you are in BED, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.

When in a HIGH-RISE BUILDING, move against an interior wall if you are not near a desk or table. Protect your head and neck with your arms. Do not use the elevators.

When in a CROWDED STORE OR OTHER PUBLIC PLACE, move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall. Do not rush for the exit.

When in a STADIUM OR THEATER, stay in your seat, get below the level of the back of the seat and cover your head and neck with your arms.


* If you are OUTDOORS:

When OUTDOORS, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, or downed electrical wires and poles.

When on a SIDEWALK NEAR BUILDINGS, duck into a doorway or move into an open area to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster and other debris.

When DRIVING, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops.



Do you know what to do AFTER an earthquake?  Watch for the third and last post on earthquakes.




Note:  I am aware that there is an alternate earthquake survival method called "The Triangle of Life."  The Red Cross recommends teaching Drop, Cover, and Hold On instead.  Drop, Cover and Hold On has been researched and found to be successful in protecting life in the United States where there are strict building codes.  If you live in an area with loose or no building codes, please take the time to find out what your local officials recommend for protecting yourself and your family.  You can read more here:  http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/triangle.asp and from the Red Cross here:  http://www2.bpaonline.org/Emergencyprep/arc-on-doug-copp.html.

Sources:
1 Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country - Utah Seismic Safety Commission