As times get harder and the economy takes more jobs and security from families, many are trying to learn to live a more self sufficient lifestyle. Learning to cut expenses, and producing more of your own food, and use and rotation of your food storage is very important. Concerned citizens are coming together at the Courthouse in Castle Dale to learn and share their ideas.
At the recent meeting of this group, Luwanna Snow talked about her preparations and the things she has learned over the years. Snow urged the group to be spiritually prepared before beginning the process of becoming physically prepared for anything that may happen.
In the packet of information handed out by Snow, the first page listed the 20 things I wouldn’t want to be without. They are: a car survival kit containing warm clothing, plastic sheeting, water purifier, survival candy, survival bread, toilet paper, a shovel, a pocketknife, granola and dried fruit.
Number two on the list is a water purifier, then a first aid kit, survival bread (which will keep forever), Yerba Mate (which is a survival herb found in South America) Chia seeds and seaweed, Pulse which is a variety of seeds, grains, legumes for sprouting, salt, a sanitation kit, a wash kit, dehydrated foods, honey, wheat, a wonder box which is a cooker that uses very little heat, eight hours of heat in a can (ghee), personal protection, toiletries, money, shelter, a medicinal kit, and cheese that will store for many years.
The number one factor in successfully surviving a disaster is having access to pure water. Water purifiers and a water storage container are absolutely essential. There are water purifiers available which will effectively purify captured or stored water.
First aid kits should contain sterilized wraps, scissors, water, blanket, bandages, cayenne pepper, allergy medications, aspirin, rehydration kits and stretchable wraps.
Survival bread is essential in the car kit and home storage supplies. It is made of two cups oats, two and a half cups powdered milk, one cup sugar, three tablespoons honey, one package orange or lemon Jello and three tablespoons of water. Combine all wet ingredients and bring to a boil, add dry ingredients and mix well. Add more water one teaspoon at a time. Shape dough into a brick sized loaf and place on a cookie sheet, bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool and wrap in aluminum foil. This bread will supply the necessary nutrients for one adult for one day.
Yerba Mate is considered to contain practically all of the nutrients to sustain life. The Guaranie Indians in remote South America knew this long before the Spanish settlers began to colonize the area. The Spanish learned to dry it, crush it, prepare it into drinks and supplements. Yerba Mate can be purchased in all Spanish stores or on the internet.
Pulse is comprised of a variety of seeds and grains which sprout easily. Sprouting is a fast way to grow food and contain vital nutrients. A person can have fresh greens in two-four days as opposed to the 30-90 days it takes to grow most vegetables. Soak the seeds in a glass of water for 10-12 hours. Rinse and cover with a cloth and rinse again each morning. As soon as the sprouts appear, it is time to eat. Be sure to start another batch as soon as one is ready to eat.
Salt is another one of those things vital to survival. Be sure to buy a good quality salt that has not been refined and stripped of its minerals. It is recommended to store at least eight pounds of salt per person.
The sanitation kit consists of a six gallon bucket with at least eight plastic bag liners, a snap on toilet seat, paper towels, rubber gloves, bathroom cleaner, hand sanitizing gel, hydrogen peroxide, toilet paper, baking soda, baby wipes, white vinegar, and water. These items can be used to construct and maintain a toilet for use in an emergency. By spraying vinegar and peroxide on an area, one after the other, surfaces can be decontaminated.
An emergency wash kit is for laundering clothes if there is no electricity. It consists of a six gallon bucket and lid, liter bottles of water, liquid laundry soap, clothesline and clothespins, dryer sheets, toilet plunger, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. By using the bucket and a plunger with water and soap, clothing can be washed. Add one half cup peroxide and vinegar to sanitize and whiten clothes.
Dehydrated foods are great for storage and will last longer if they are very dry. A person can dehydrate their own foods at home by slicing very thin and dehydrating in the oven or a dehydrator at very low temperatures. The foods should be stored in dark bags in a cool, dry place.
Honey can be stored for very long times if it is raw honey. It not only has nutritional value, but can be used in many medicinal ways. As a medicine, honey can be used to treat wounds, stomach ache, cough, colds, burns and insomnia.
Wheat is a good storage item as it can be sprouted or planted and grown. Usually called Kamut or Spelt, the original wheat is best for storage. This can be purchased at most places which sell grains.
A wonder box cooker is a homemade item which can be used for cooking foods. It is constructed from fabric and filling with bean bag pellets for insulation. Boil food on a regular cooker first, then put in a wonder box to complete cooking time. The wonder box will hold the heat and use the available heat to finish cooking foods.
As for the bottled butter, you should begin with a high quality, organic butter. Bring to a boil in a saucepan and cook uncovered for approximately 35 minutes, or until it develops a foam on the top.
Pour through a stainer to remove the foam, and store in a clean, glass container. This is the best oil for cooking, will last indefinitely, will stimulate the digestion and increase ones immunity.
Personal protection, especially a must for women, consists of a whistle and pepper spray.
A toiletries kit contains personal items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and sanitary napkins.
Money, such as coins of silver and gold, or just cash will be very helpful in the event of an emergency. Anything made of precious metals may be used to purchase necessary items.
Shelter, such as a waterproof tent or sheet of plastic may be considered to be a very important item to have on hand. A 12×12 sheet of plastic will take up very little room and will be very beneficial for shelter if needed. A good item to have with the plastic is duct tape to use to form a windbreak or storm shelter.
A medicinal kit should contain disposable gloves, masks, aged garlic, anti plague, a rehydration kit and a complete first aid kit. Another item to have on hand is an extra supply of any prescription medications. Aged garlic will help prevent illness, especially contagious issues, and cayenne pepper will help sterilize wounds and stop bleeding.
Cheeses that will last for long periods of time are considered a good storage item. A simple way to store hard cheeses is to dip them in melted paraffin wax. Remove any wrappings on the cheese and dip the cheese in the melted paraffin and allow the wax to dry completely, and dip again. After four coats of the wax, add a layer of cheesecloth for protection and continue dipping and drying until the paraffin has formed a smooth, thick, bubble free surface is attained.
Store the cheeses in the coolest spot available. Some cheeses may be purchased already coated.
Besides these 20 items you shouldn’t be without, Snow informed the group of many hints for extra nutritious eating such as Chia seeds and seaweed soup. She had several more recipes for using food storage and emergency medicinal hints.
It was also noted that many of the local grocery stores, including Stewart’s in Castle Dale are stocking many food storage items. They will also order in anything that is wanted.
The next self sufficiency classes will be held April 7 and 16 at noon in the courthouse in Castle Dale.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to bring a pot luck dish for lunch.
County residents learn self-suffiency at class
"Luwanna Snow explains the art of self-sufficiency."