First steps towards prep
 

Well I made my first step towards food prep today. Ordered a few 2 person meals based on item included in a Mountain House 1 year supply.

• Mountain House Rice and Chicken for 2

• Mountain House Lasagna for 2

• Mountain House Turkey Tetrazzini for 2

• Mountain House Sweet Mountain Corn for 2

Figured I better try some of their food out before I buy in quantity. Anyone have any opinions on these (or other) picks from Mountain House?
Other favorite Manufacturers?


Thanks!

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Better late than never ... :clap2:

Re: First steps towards prep
 

I would suggest starting with the most basic. Dried Rice, beans, oats, wheat, peas and corn. After that stock yourself a 6 month supply of canned vegetables. Buy the veges at .50 or less per can. That is how I started and after I had spent a few hundred bucks I felt fairly secure. :ok:

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Read the Mason Jar Sticky thread. Start buying dry good foods like rice, beans, and pasta, and put them in jars. It's the cheapest way to pile up a bunch of food. Wal*Mart has quart jars for under $8 a case. Then get canned meats and vegetables from the grocery store.
These guy's have the best deal on Mountain House pouches. I like most Mountain House stuff. The Jamaican Chicken sucks. I keep a few at work for when I don't bring a lunch.
http://www.vitacost.com/MountainHouseProducts

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Mountain House contains a lot of modified food starch and other additives, way more than you'll find in your average processed food from the grocery store. This stuff gives a lot of people headaches or stomach problems and unless you've eaten it before, you need to break open a can and try a meal to make sure you can eat it before you buy more. (If anyone in your family gets migraines, they won't be able to eat the stuff.) I have to admit that I loved the Mt. House lasagna (for about 20 minutes...then I was was laid flat by a migraine and puking my guts out).

I agree with the others. Get your basics in place first: rice, beans, etc., then go for the FD cans. For the price of a few #10 cans of freeze-dried food, you can put away a few months' worth of rice and beans.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Step one: Get a good can opener.

Step two: Eat what you store and store what you eat.

Step three: Decide how you see things playing out - grid-up or grid-down events. (Grid-up: swine flu marshal law, no one but a few can go out but essential services provided. Grid-down: no power to prepare food.)

Step four: Start slow otherwise you'll freak out at what you've got to do.

Step five: Consider stocking up on spices because in a real shtf event roadkill will taste a wee bit better with pepper. And spices can be used as barter.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Yeah I've been dragging my feet on this one...this is the one that's got me the most overwhelmed!


Would you recommend 1 or 5 Gallon buckets for long term storage?

I have a friend that does just that. He's got a butcher he uses...buys half a cow at a time. Costs almost nothing compared to a grocery store.

I figured once I got a little bit of food sacked away I would turn my sights on canning. Need to buy the equipment.

Nobody here gets migraines but will definitely be critical of this first purchase.

I've been considering getting a solar cooker for a grid down situation because I don't have the room to safely store fuel.

There are a lot of items I need but I figure now that I've got the ball rolling it should be easier to keep it going.

Spices are on the list...I really hope I don't HAVE to eat squirrel but, there are plenty around if it comes to that.


Thanks again for the input!

Re: First steps towards prep
 

This is very important. Food preps are not like ammo preps or gold investment. Rotation and feasibility are key. Also, the pre-packaged meals are loaded with preservatives. Also, food is but one step in prep. Prosrepublico's step #4 is applicable to that fact.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Saw a youtube the other day building a stove out of 16 bricks. Produced a high temperature and little smoke.

Don't know about your circumstances but a 20 lbs propane tank hooked up to a small camping stove and/or camping grill would last 6 weeks plus with 2-3 hot meals a day provided you're not cooking for an army.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Yup, propane stove for camping and couple of tanks will last a long time.

Also, you can make solar cookers with tin foil and a box.... how? There's a few books that will explain how it's done, which brings me to another good prep item to consider.....

Reference books are great to have around the house. If you like to garden or think you might get into that eventually, you may want to pick upa couple of books on growing veggies and pest control or one on how to start seeds.

Don't forget to pick up extra toiletries and spices for your dried beans and rice.

:wink:

Re: First steps towards prep
 

I've eaten a lot of Mt. House food. Never had any problems.

The Rice & Chicken, Beef Stroganoff and Pork Chops are all excellent. I can't think of their names but a couple of their deserts are pretty good also.

The Beef Stew and Precooked eggs are kind of bland but in any kind of disaster situation I would have no problem wolfing it all down.

MH uses real meat, not tvp.

But I also have a lot of canned food packed away also. I've got to start working on beans and rice next.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

FYI, after the great depression [you know the first one, 1930s] there wasn't a deer left in the state of Georgia.

The entire deer population had been hunted down and eaten.

With the current US population any edible animal will be extinct in no time at all and probably many of the not so edible ones too.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Avoid the pre-packaged. Seriously.
If you want to do this right, buy grocery store stuff ON SALE. Top Ramen. Canned goods. Grains. Pastas. Jarred pasta sauce. Packaged chocolate, fish, and meats. Jarred salsa's, olives, artichoke hearts, and pickled goods.
Pre-packaged "survival foods" and "camping meals", not to mention "MRE's" are there to rip the money out of your wallet FAR faster than you want to say goodbye to it... you might get a decent few meals out of it, but it is NOT economical.
Start reading the ingredient lists, price tags, and MOST IMPORTANT - the expiration dates.
Do it smart - don't follow the "survival" herd.

P.S. Invest heavily in firearms, metals, TP and soaps, clothes, and camping gear while you're at it.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Ah, yes. You can drive yourself crazy with the preps, since the more stuff you get, the more stuff you realize you need.

Good suggestions so far. Along with the beans and rice, you might think about some wheat. And a grain mill, preferably a hand-cranked one of you're worried about grid-down scenarios. I got a Country Living grain mill, and I also ordered the corn and bean auger with it. If you don't want to mess with wheat, you can grind beans to make flour.

Honeyville and Emergency Essentials also have dehydrated vegetables in #10 cans that are reasonbly priced. I pick up a case every couple of months.

Once you get comfortable with staples, you'll want to think about stuff to make it taste better. I get all my spices from the local store. But you might want to think about powdered butter, cheese, sour cream, etc. Maybe a couple of cans of honey, too. I bought lots of spaghetti and bagged it in 1 gal mylar bags, and then got a couple of cases of powdered cheese in #10 cans. I figure I can store the spaghetti easier and in less space than macaroni, and instead of mac 'n cheese we can do spaghetti and cheese. There's lots of stuff you can do.

I do have some Mountain house and some canned and freeze dried meat. I also splurged on a couple of cases of canned bacon at MRE Depot. When you price bacon in the stores, this stuff's not much more expensive, and supposedly has a shelf life of 15 years.

Anyway, congrats on getting started. As others have said, take it slow, or you'll drive yourself nuts!

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Since you mentioned cheese, I'll offer a word of caution to anyone buying powdered cheese: It's worth it to get the real powdered cheese (or the shredded cheese) and not the stuff labelled "cheese blend" or such. The stuff labelled cheese blend is very much like the cheese you can buy to sprinkle on popcorn, the cheap, unnaturally orange type of cheese powder you get from the dollar store. I opened a can and made up a batch of that, and it was truly disgusting. The taste was really strong, and I'm not sure how to describe it, but the word cheese doesn't come to mind! Imagine eating a big spoonful of really cheap cheese popcorn topping. That's what the sauce made from the cheese blend tasted like. Even my cheese-loving dogs turned their noses up at it (and tried to bury it). I think it would be fine for popcorn topping and possibly to flavor mashed potatoes, but I wouldn't use it for mac and cheese or sphagetti topping.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Be sure and stock up on universal seasonings, salt, black pepper, dehydrated onions, garlic, dried peppers like jalepeno, bell, chicken and beef bullion, etc.

We keep a large stock of rotel tomatoes for this reason. We also keep several large containers of soy and fish sauce. They keep forever too.

Nothing worse than bland beans for weeks on end.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Thanks for the add. You've posted this before, probably a couple of times, and I used this advice when I bought my own stuff. It was late when I posted, and I just forgot to mention it (that and it's second nature now). Just goes to show how complicated prepping can get.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

If you have a local Big Lots, they are selling canning jars cheaper than Wal-Mart.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

My thoughts:

The canned stuff is a good place to start. Make sure you have water and something to heat it with. I don't regularly eat rice and beans, so I don't stock it as it would go bad. I do eat canned vegetables and fruit, so I buy those by the case. The most important thing, as already stated, is try to stock up on stuff you already eat so you can use and rotate it. I always try to pick up a little something here and there, like some matches, crank radio, etc.

As long as I regularly get a little something, I'm not as stressed about being so far behind because at least I'm doing something.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Aargh! I've had that happen a number of times with long-term food storage. I've learned what types of food are likely to have ingredients I can't eat, but I hate it when I carefully read the ingredients listed for the item on a Website and place an order only to discover that the ingredients listed on the can include flavor enhancers or preservatives not mentioned on the list of ingredients on the Website! Oh well, my husband can eat them, and I figure it's always good to have some "giveaway food" on hand.

Does anyone know much about TVP? How healthy is it? How healthy would it be for dogs? Obviously, I wouldn't use it as a mainstay of their diet, but I was wondering if it's something that could be added to their food in a survival situation to give them extra calories and protein? I store food for my animals, too (even the lizards), and I've wondered if chicken or beef TVP mixed with rice, an adequate amount of meat, and other ingredients, could be used for dog food.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

http://www.efoodsdirect.com/concerns_about_soy.html

Concerns About Soy (TVP)

For those concerned about estrogens in soy:

Con: Genistein, a major component of soy, was found to disrupt the development of the ovaries in newborn female mice that were given the product. "Although we are not entirely certain about how these animal studies on genistein translate to the human population, there is some reason to be cautious," said Dr. David A. Schwartz, Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. "More clinical studies are needed to determine how exposure during critical windows of development can impact human health," he said. Genistein is the primary naturally occurring estrogen in plants (called phytoestrogens) and can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. The NIEHS researchers previously showed that mice given genistein immediately after birth had irregular menstrual cycles, problems with ovulation, and problems with fertility as they reached adulthood.

A 1986 study in Puerto Rico found that use of soy formula was strongly correlated with premature maturation in girls.

Pro: Soy estrogens are "plant estrogens" or "phytoestrogens". They are found in many plant foods besides soy. Here is an excerpt from an article from the Institute of Food, Science and Technology of the UK.

"Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring phenolic plant compounds, present in foods such as beans, cabbage, soyabean, grains and hops, and are part of a wider class of polyphenols found in all plants. They are structurally similar to the mammalian oestrogen, oestradiol, and have oestrogenic properties. However, their oestrogenic activity is generally much less than that of human oestrogens (oestrogenic activity ranges from 1/500 to 1/1000 of the activity of oestradiol). Hence phytoestrogens can act as anti-oestrogenic agents by blocking the oestrogen receptors and exerting a much weaker oestrogenic effect compared with the hormone. As a consequence it has been suggested that they might partly suppress or inhibit normal oestrogenic activity in oestrogen-responsive tissues such as breast tissue and may reduce the risk of breast cancer. They may, in addition to their endocrine effects, have action on cellular targets which are independent of oestrogen, thereby complicating the prediction of their properties in humans.

Dietary intake of phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are found in the seeds, stems, roots or flowers of plants, serving as natural fungicides and acting as part of the plant's defense mechanism against microorganisms. They also are the molecular signals that emanate from the root of leguminous plants that attract specific nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria. The main classes of phytoestrogens are the isoflavones, coumestans and lignans. Isoflavones are receiving a great deal of commercial interest at present; they are found almost exclusively in legumes, the soya bean being the most abundant source. The most important soya isoflavones are genistein and daidzein. Lignans, however are also an important source of phytoestrogens in the UK diet as they are present in most fibre-rich foods."

So, as you can see, phytoestrogens are not only found in many, many plants besides soy, but they are many, many times weaker than human or artificial estrogens.

What many people don't take into consideration when worrying needlessly about soy estrogens (consumed in soy foods, NOT soy supplements), is that there is good evidence of estrogen contamination in meat and dairy products.

Should men eat soy?

Con: "For men, research published in the Lancet found that eating estrogen-like foods such as soy caused lower sperm counts in males. Studies show that men who take in soy protein have up to a 76% decrease in testosterone production." "Male fertility is strongly tied to Zinc, which is necessary for sperm production and testosterone metabolism. Soy contains phytates which are known to interfere with Zinc absorption."

"Recent research at Belfast's Royal Maternity Hospital indicates that isoflavones decrease the ability of a man's sperm to fertilize eggs."
Pro: The birth rate in Asia, where soyfoods are eaten regularly by everyone, should set your mind at rest! There is no evidence that men who eat moderate amounts of soy experience any feminizing effects. There is some evidence that eating soy can enhance fertility in men. The isoflavone genistein may be used to treat male sterility because it affects blood levels of LH [luteinizing hormone], needed for normal sperm production. Soybeans are also high in zinc, a mineral used by the body in the formation of many hormones and which also functions as an antioxidant.

In a study by the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, researchers found that both soy and whey supplementation resulted in muscle mass increases without negatively affecting serum testosterone levels.

Does soy cause cancer?

Con: There is research that suggests a link between soy and cancer, especially breast cancer. The cause of this potential problem is isoflavones, also called phytoestrogens because they mimic estrogen. Research data, however, are not conclusive, and some studies show just the opposite - under some conditions, soy may help prevent breast cancer.

Pro: One of the factors that perked the interest of cancer researchers some years ago was the striking difference between mortality rates for breast cancer and prostate cancer in the West (North America and Europe) compared to Asian countries, such as China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand. In the West your chances of dying of breast or prostrate cancer can be ten to twenty times higher than if you lived in one of these Asian countries.

In men, estrogen plays a part in prostate cancer. Estrogen is a precursor to androgens (male hormones), triggering the production of testosterone. Men with prostate cancer often have higher levels of testosterone than cancer-free men. The estrogen-blocking activities, as well as their tumor-inhibiting qualities, of soy isoflavones may therefore also play a part in preventing prostate cancer in men.

Is soy safe for children?

Con: Soy formulas cause excretion of zinc. Phytic acid in unfermented soy blocks mineral absorption and in fact, has been implicated in crib death. Soy milk is not a good source of calcium. In addition, the huge amount of aluminum found in soy milk is hundreds of times that in mother's milk. The last reason not to use soy milk is the famous plastic effect. There are elements in soybeans which are used in making plastics. Unfermented soybeans will line the digestive track like a plastic film, impeding vitamin absorption, so soy milk as a steady diet is not a good idea.

Pro: It is striking that there have been no reports of hormonal abnormalities in people who were fed soy formula as infants - and this includes millions of people in the past 30 years. In fact, a major study published in the August 2001, Journal of the American Medical Association found that infants fed soy formula grow to be just as healthy as those raised on cow's milk formulas.

I've heard that tofu is fattening - how can that be?

Pro: Tofu has a bad reputation because 50 percent of its calories are from fat. But the total amount of calories in tofu is very low, much lower than equivalent amounts of meat or even avocado or nuts, and much lower than eggs, oil and solid cooking fats.

Can soy affect menstruation and fertility?

Con: "Studies have found that a woman ingesting only 60mg of soy a day gains an average of two and a half days on her cycle. Consuming soy also lowers the levels of both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)." "In essence, soy has a component that mimics estrogen, although a weaker type. When a woman in her childbearing years takes in this estrogen, it interferes with her natural fertility cycle."

Pro: In a 1993 study, women living in a controlled environment for two months had an average increase of two and a half days in the length of time between menstrual periods when they ate soy, which attests to the powerful effect phytoestrogens can have on a woman's body.

Chinese and Japanese women have no trouble with fertility levels, despite daily high soy intake.

Don't non-fermented soyfoods contain "anti-nutrients" which block mineral absorption?

Con: A study conducted more than 30 years ago found that processing soybeans renders the fragile protein content of soy largely ineffective. "Soy is thought by some vegans to be a source of Vitamin B12. But there is research to indicate that Vitamin B12 analogs in soy are not absorbed and may actually increase the body's requirement for the vitamin. Soy also apparently increases the body's requirement for vitamin D. Other research has found that high levels of phytic acid in soy reduce assimilation of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc."

Pro: Anti-soy writers put forth the theory that "non-fermented soy products contain phytic acid [phytates] which essentially acts as an anti-nutritive food because of its ability to bind with certain nutrients, including iron, zinc, copper and magnesium, thereby inhibiting their absorption." This is a gross over-simplification and misinterpretation of the facts, frankly. However, not only fermenting, but also cooking, sprouting and soaking all destroy some of the phytates. (And soy is not the only food that contains phytates. Wheat bran has higher levels, and all whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and come vegetables, contain them.

Karl Weingartner, a soy specialist at the University of Illinois, found that soy contains just enough phytates to bind the few minerals present in the soy itself and no more. We still absorb all the minerals present in other foods we eat, even foods eaten with soy. Besides, phytates are antioxidants and have numerous healthy effects, from cancer prevention to boosting immunity.

Is it true that eating tofu will give you Alzheimers?

Con: A Hawaii study shows a significant relationship between two or more servings of tofu a week and "accelerated brain aging" and even an association with Alzheimer's disease, says Dr. Lon White. The men were questioned about 27 foods and drinks, with data showing that those who ate more tofu were apt to have impaired mental ability, White said. Tofu was the only consistent link among the men.

Pro: A study conducted in Hawaii by Lon White, M.D., and his associates looked at the diets and the risk of dementia of Japanese men residing in Hawaii. The study found that men who ate the most tofu during their mid-40s to mid-60s were more likely to have dementia and Alzheimer's as they grew older. However, this study is far from conclusive. It measured intake of only 27 foods, and there are many lifestyle factors for which it did not control. Dr. White later said: "It might be that this is totally wrong and the tofu has zip to do with it." (Los Angeles Times, 3/23/2000).

A number of clinical studies have shown that soy and isoflavones from soy are actually beneficial for cognition. "In one study, published in the journal Psychopharmacology in 2001, young adult men and women who ate a high-soy diet experienced substantial improvements in short-term and long-term memory and in mental flexibility. Other studies have found that isoflavone supplements from soy improve cognitive function in postmenopausal women." We know that dementia rates are lower in Asian countries (where soy intake is high) than in western countries. We know that the Japanese lifestyle (with its high soy intake) has long been associated with longer life span and better cognition in old age.

Animal research conducted by Dr. Helen Kim at the University of Alabama at Birmingham suggests that soy, taken in the diet, may actually be protective in the brain. Dr. Kim also noted that there were many differences between the men in Dr. White's study who were high eaters of tofu versus those that were low eaters that could explain why cognitive function differed.

Soyfoods and thyroid

Con: Soy is goitrogenic: it binds iodine, preventing its uptake and use by the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.

Pro: By Virginia Messina, MPH, RD and Mark Messina, Ph.D.

"Many foods contain goitrogens, compounds that interfere with thyroid function (and in extreme cases can cause an enlarged thyroid, called a goiter). Along with soyfoods, millet, cruciferous vegetables and other foods contain goitrogens. Generally, these foods cause problems only in areas where iodine intake is low since this mineral is important for thyroid function. The effects of iodine deficiency can be made worse if the diet is high in goitrogens.

Although a concern about soy and thyroid function may be news to many vegans, it has actually been a focus of research for more than 70 years. Between 1951 and 1961, this research took on a special importance when about 10 cases of goiter were diagnosed in infants who had been fed infant formula made from soy flour. These old studies form some of the basis for arguments that soy is dangerous for infants. However, the situation for today's soy formula-fed infant is very different. Since the 1960's soy-based infant formula has been made from soy protein isolate (which does not contain the goitrogens component; soy flour formulas did) and it is fortified with iodine. No cases of goiter have been diagnosed in infants fed this formula in the past 40 years.

Nor is there any evidence that consuming soy causes thyroid problems in healthy, well-nourished people who have adequate iodine in their diet. However, it is possible that eating a diet with generous amounts of soyfoods could be a problem for people whose iodine intake is marginal. And that might just include some vegans, since the main sources of iodine in western diets are fish and milk. But the appropriate response to this is not to limit healthful soyfoods; it's to get enough iodine. Vegetables have varying amounts of iodine depending on where they are grown. . . . Foods that can supply iodine to vegan diets are sea vegetables, although contents vary quite a bit. Fortified foods are also a good source. Iodized salt is about the most reliable source. Vegans should be sure that, when they season foods with salt, it is iodized. If this isn't a regular part of your diet, use an iodine supplement.

Conclusion: Soyfoods may contain goitrogenic compounds as do other foods. "There is no evidence that eating soyfoods regularly causes thyroid problems in people who eat a balanced diet. Vegans should make an effort to include adequate sources of iodine in their diet."

Here are some links you may find useful for your own research:
rense.com
NIH News
Bryanna's Vegan Feast
Natural Life Magazine
BellaOnline
About.com:Weight Training

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Well, I'll just jump in here with my two cents worth.

1) Yes, rice and beans are cheaper than MH freeze dried meals. But, if and when TSHTF there will be days when you've labored long and hard and it would be nice to have instant dinner. On those days, the MH freeze dry or the canned chili will be mighty appealing. I think you should have both instant meals as well as basic ingredients that require cooking (for when you want something really, really good.)

2) Even people who live in apartments can store charcoal briquettes (fuel.) And solar ovens could be fabricated such that they can be folded up and stored for the "rainy day." I've seen plans for "ovens" made from orange crates, cardboard boxes, aluminum foil etc. that are designed to be used with charcoal. There are many options for heating, cooking, baking, boiling that don't involve electricity or turning on the natural gas spigot.

3) One of the characteristics of ordinary canned foods is that, because they contain water, they are heavy, bulky and difficult to transport. Well, that may be true. But, when clean water may be hard to find, those cans with all their liquid may prove to be invaluable. The cans of Chef Boyardee can be opened and eaten cold if necessary; try that with your dry beans and rice.

4) Whatever your food storage plans, aim for variety. Variety is the spice of life and the fundamental characteristic of any healthy diet. If it has a long shelf life, fine. Remember that many canned foods are good far beyond their marked "best used by" dates. We've eaten Campbells soups, for instance, years past their prime that were still good when reconstitued with water and heated.

5) Don't forget the water. If you can't afford an expensive filter, at least look up and print out the instructions for solar distilling water. Put some water away if you have a basement or other storage options and don't worry about leaching of petro-chemicals. In desperate times, compromises are better than dying of thirst.

6) Go ahead, when you have a few dollars extra, and buy yourself a grain mill and some wheat berries. It's time you got used to wholesome whole wheat bread and learned how to bake it.

End of rant.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

I have not been all that impressed with TVP as a replacement for meat protein in my diet. All the recipes I've tried left a lot to be desired. Having said that, I have to admit that they've been very tasty indeed sprinkled on my salads. And I have some stocked up in anticipation of really hard times thinking that it has to be better than nothing at all. Someone else will have to talk about the estrogen effects of soy on men. I'm not qualified to discuss that subject.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

My approach with food was to stock volume and flavor before variety. I chose 6 50lb bags of rice and about $50 in spices, which ran me only $225 in total. I set my mind at ease knowing that even if my options were bland, I had some. I then set to increasing variety and balancing the meals. If SHTF before you are fully prepared, the approach will provide more endurance. As well, you can interlace your other options with the rice and ration them.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

No rant at all. Very sound advice, every bit of it.

In addition to the freeze dried/dehydrated, I try to pick up a couple extra cans of something every week. Tuna, Spam, canned chili, stew, canned veggies, B&M canned bread, etc., etc. That's how the Mormons tell you to start prepping, if I recall correctly.

The water is the biggest concern. I'm going to look at having a hand pump and well done both here at my current property and my BO property. I'm also working on a rainwater collection system. I've also been meaning to do a search for the thread on the pool chemicals someone posted about that was an alternative to liquid bleach - I forgot what the stuff was called, but it was a powder, and would stay stable much longer than liquid bleach.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Got back from Target a little while and bought a vacuum sealer.
That should work well for long term storage right?

Re: First steps towards prep
 

I would start with the basics of water, food and shelter/heat.

For water filters I would suggest the candle type, just clean them and they are ready to go. Just build them into two 5 gallon buckets and it will filter the water for you nice and safe. Only thing safer would be to boil water. See link below.

http://www.stpaulmercantile.com/inde...=FilterCandle7

Another item to look into, although I haven't purchased one is wood gas burners, it produces LP type gas which can be used with cook stoves, LP camping refrigerators and if you cleaned the gas more power a small motor to run a generator. I'm considering one at $1200, might be the answer to a lot of my self-sufficient goals.
http://www.wattpower.com/wpindex6.html

I would also include medical preps for the possible pandemic if you believe it to be a likely event.

It is late, I may add more at another time.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

Anyone have any experience with this item? A nice Coleman camping stove is about 120...for an extra hundred I can also have an oven. Get an attachment to hook up a 20 lb propane tank...store a few of them and I should be set for a while...Thoughts?

Camp Chef� Propane Camp Oven and Stove
http://hires.basspro.com/is/servlet/...0,0&iccEmbed=0http://hires.basspro.com/is/servlet/...0,0&iccEmbed=0
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st..._SearchResults

Re: First steps towards prep
 

buy enough to get you thru this winter at least

if TSHTF soon, there's gonna be a lot of pain and misery come winter

Re: First steps towards prep
 

My dogs won't touch vegetables. I try to disguise them in other foods, and they pick them out. My husband has gotten them addicted to rice, which they love, but veggies are a no-go with them!

I don't eat/drink those soy products. They often do give me migraines. I was just thinking that the flavored TVP might be something to bulk out my dog's post-SHTF diets (mixed with meat, of course), but they're crazy enough about rice that I suppose rice will be adequate for that, and I actually have enough FD meat to get us all, dogs and lizards included, through a little more than a year.

Re: First steps towards prep
 

I use a sealer a LOT. We buy bulk bags of beans, rice and other items and I break them down into small sizes, put the quantity in food grade mylar bags and throw in an oxygen absorber. Your mylar bags won't vacuum, but the oxygen absorbers usually take all of the oxygen out and complete the vacuum.

I use the bags made for the sealer for the freezer - meats, some flours, nuts, home grown produce that freezes better than canning, etc.

I have gone through 3 of the little sealers. I bought an industrial one 2 years ago.

:s1:

Re: First steps towards prep
 

I got one of these a few months ago for $200 to my front door. Nice overall construction, and a very roomy oven. I still havent test baked in it yet though. :banghead: