Water Tip (from preparedness radio network)

Gas Prices in my neighborhood have now reached $4.25 per gallon. It seems they go up every day now and it will be interesting to see where it finally stops. Rising gas prices are very serious when discussing the overall economy. Gas prices are now more than double what they were three years ago. They are up over $.40 from this time last year. So, what does this really mean? If you have a 20 gallon gas tank you are now paying $8.00 more per fill up. If you fill your car once a week that equals $416.00 per year, or enough to purchase a three month supply of the foods we normally eat for  1 1/2 people! If you have more than one car that equals $832.00 per year or a three month supply for three. Now, if you commute and fill the car more than once a week, yikes! If your child is involved in schools sports or band going to a competition will now cost more. If the school district charges for busing to such events, guess what is going to go up with the new school year?  


Grocery stores, restaurants, anyone relying on deliveries will now have the cost of those increase. Those costs will be passed on to you and me. No business can stay in business if they do not pass along their costs. Food prices will increase as the cost of farming will increase. Gas for tractors and shipping to processing plants will increase and, as was just mentioned, cost from the processing plant to the distribution center and on to the store, will increase.

Airline costs will increase. That may not seem important until you consider all the packages we send and the packages we receive when we order online will now have those prices raised. Packages are often transported by air. 

Vacation season is coming and that means driving or flying. It may be time to think about a stay at home vacation. It may also be time to think about a garden or expanded garden.

Last year I planted a very small garden but I did not have to purchase fresh veggies all summer. I canned a few cases of pickles and also a case of relish which made great gifts and really awesome additions to my food storage. This year the garden will be growing in size so I can can and freeze more.

Just a few more water tips to add to your binder and to incorporate into your water storage plan: Emergency water:

 6. Picnic coolers – Fill with water between uses.

7. The bathtub – If you know a storm is approaching and there is even a remote chance you may be without water, fill your bathtubs and sinks.

8. Pitchers and pots -Drag out grandma’s silver pitcher, pot, canners and anything else that can hold water. All of these items will hold water that you can safely drink. That is huge!

9. Swimming pools – Use for cleaning and bathing only. Chemical use in swimming pools are not appropriate to consume and can be very dangerous. If the chemicals are allowed to deplete your water will become contaminated and will not be safe to drink.

10. Hot water heaters – Make sure you turn off the power (or gas) before you attempt to drain. To get a free flow of water from the hot water tank, open the valve at the top of the tank as well as the faucet at the bottom of the tank. Increase the water flow by turning on any hot water faucet in the house before draining water from the hot water tank.

11. Water beds – Use water from these for cleaning and bathing only.

12. Liquids in canned fruits and vegetables are good for cooking. This is one reason we recommend you have canned foods as well as dried foods in your emergency food supply. Peach juice is great for cooking oatmeal. Rice and pasta cook well in the water from canned vegetables.

13. Melted snow - Be sure the snow is freshly fallen and clean.

14. Rain water should be collected away from trees or structures, which could contaminate the water. Mylar blankets; new, unused 5 gallon buckets; new unused garbage cans; all work well to collect water.

15. Fruit juices should be included in every emergency storage plan. They are not only useful for drinking but also adding flavor foods such as oatmeal. and disguising the taste of medications.

For ideas and helps--preparedness radio blog

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper/2012/02/29/ready-or-not-with-carolyn-nicolaysen