The treatments described below work only in situations where the water is unsafe because of the presence of bacteria or viruses. If you suspect the water is unsafe because of chemicals, oils, poisonous substances, sewage, or other contaminants, do not use the water for drinking.
Storing water safely
- Store one gallon of water per person per day.
- Store at least a three-day supply of water per person.
- Collect the water from a safe supply.
- Thoroughly washed plastic containers such as soft drink bottles, these are the best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.
- Seal water containers tightly, label with date, and store in a cool, dark place.
- Replace water every six months.
- Never reuse a container that contained toxic materials such as pesticides, solvents, chemicals, oil or antifreeze.
Water purification
- The two best ways to treat water are boiling and adding bleach. If tap water is unsafe because of surface water contamination (from floods, streams or lakes), boiling is the best method.
- Cloudy water should be filtered before boiling or adding bleach.
- Filter water using coffee filters, paper towels, cheese cloth or a cotton plug in a funnel.
Boiling
- Boiling is the safest way to purify water.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil for one minute.
- Let the water cool before drinking.
Purifying by adding liquid chlorine bleach
- If boiling is not possible, treat water by adding liquid household bleach, such as Clorox™or Purex™ Household bleach is typically between 5 percent and 6 percent chlorine. Avoid using bleaches that contain perfumes, dyes and other additives. Be sure to read the label.
- Place the water (filtered, if necessary) in a clean container. Add the amount of bleach according to the table below.
- Mix thoroughly and allow to stand for at least 30 minutes before using (60 minutes if the water is cloudy or very cold).
Treating Water with a 5-6 Percent Liquid Chlorine Bleach Solution
Volume of water to be treated Clear/cloudy water Very cold, or surface water
1 quart/1 liter 3 drops 5 drops
½ gallon/2 quarts/1 liter 5 drops 10 drops
1 gallon 1/8 tsp ¼ tsp
5 gallons ½ tsp 1 tsp
10 gallons 1 tsp 2 tsp
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Communications Are Vital
Communications are another vital aspect of emergency preparedness. In any major emergency, one must assume that the usual means of communication will be non-existent or, at best, of limited use. The telephone system might not be working for a variety of reasons; or if it is working, the circuits may become overloaded, making it extremely difficult to get your call through.
Your television and radio that plugs into an electrical socket will also likely not work, especially when the electrical power has failed. Cellular telephone networks may also fail after the first few hours as their battery back-up power runs down.
Your emergency communications plan should begin with a battery- powered radio. At a minimum, this should have both AM and FM bands. Better yet, obtain a radio that covers additional frequencies, such as the NOAA Weather Channels. This will allow you to tune into local news and weather for as long as your batteries last. With this in mind, you should always have spare batteries for your radio. You might even consider buying a radio that operates on solar power or one with a wind-up dynamo.
The ability to listen to local broadcasts will solve only part of your emergency communication needs. The next step is to secure some type of device by which you can communicate with members of your own family or survival group. This is perhaps best accomplished using radio technology.
If you do not wish to obtain a HAM radio operator's license, then you have three possibilities. Citizens Band Radio (CB), the Family Radio Service (FRS), and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). Although the GMRS does not require an operator's license, it does require an equipment license.
CB radios have been around the longest with literally millions of them already in the hands of the general public. Effective communication is possible through a CB radio, but the transmission range is often limited to only a few miles. With a base station and a directional antenna, however, you can transmit further. Because of the widespread availability of CB radio you will find lots of users acting like total idiots on the air, playing music or other noises to block a channel, and generally disrupting communication. However the same widespread availability of CB that results in these problems can be an asset when the radios are used properly. With that in mind a CB radio should be considered for your emergency preparedness plan.
The GMRS was established for use by groups who need effective communication in an area of up to about five miles. A GMRS radio is a useful addition to your preparedness communications package, giving you additional frequencies and communication capabilities, it will allow you to stay in touch with others in your immediate area during an emergency situation.
The FRS operates at a low power (1/2 Watt maximum) on channels within the GMRS frequency band. FRS radios are effective up to about two miles and are intended for use by families and groups who want to maintain communication in fairly close areas. Even these low-power, short-range radios can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
For those with greater communication needs, there is always the Amateur Band Radio (HAM Radio). To become a HAM radio operator requires that you pass an examination on basic radio theory and practice. For some classes of license, you are also required to take an International Morse Code Test. The basic examination is fairly simple; children regularly pass this segment of the examination to receive their HAM radio operator's license. If you find yourself in need of long-range communication capability, or you have other special communications needs, you should seriously consider HAM radio.
Reference: Mick Chesbro
Your television and radio that plugs into an electrical socket will also likely not work, especially when the electrical power has failed. Cellular telephone networks may also fail after the first few hours as their battery back-up power runs down.
Your emergency communications plan should begin with a battery- powered radio. At a minimum, this should have both AM and FM bands. Better yet, obtain a radio that covers additional frequencies, such as the NOAA Weather Channels. This will allow you to tune into local news and weather for as long as your batteries last. With this in mind, you should always have spare batteries for your radio. You might even consider buying a radio that operates on solar power or one with a wind-up dynamo.
The ability to listen to local broadcasts will solve only part of your emergency communication needs. The next step is to secure some type of device by which you can communicate with members of your own family or survival group. This is perhaps best accomplished using radio technology.
If you do not wish to obtain a HAM radio operator's license, then you have three possibilities. Citizens Band Radio (CB), the Family Radio Service (FRS), and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). Although the GMRS does not require an operator's license, it does require an equipment license.
CB radios have been around the longest with literally millions of them already in the hands of the general public. Effective communication is possible through a CB radio, but the transmission range is often limited to only a few miles. With a base station and a directional antenna, however, you can transmit further. Because of the widespread availability of CB radio you will find lots of users acting like total idiots on the air, playing music or other noises to block a channel, and generally disrupting communication. However the same widespread availability of CB that results in these problems can be an asset when the radios are used properly. With that in mind a CB radio should be considered for your emergency preparedness plan.
The GMRS was established for use by groups who need effective communication in an area of up to about five miles. A GMRS radio is a useful addition to your preparedness communications package, giving you additional frequencies and communication capabilities, it will allow you to stay in touch with others in your immediate area during an emergency situation.
The FRS operates at a low power (1/2 Watt maximum) on channels within the GMRS frequency band. FRS radios are effective up to about two miles and are intended for use by families and groups who want to maintain communication in fairly close areas. Even these low-power, short-range radios can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
For those with greater communication needs, there is always the Amateur Band Radio (HAM Radio). To become a HAM radio operator requires that you pass an examination on basic radio theory and practice. For some classes of license, you are also required to take an International Morse Code Test. The basic examination is fairly simple; children regularly pass this segment of the examination to receive their HAM radio operator's license. If you find yourself in need of long-range communication capability, or you have other special communications needs, you should seriously consider HAM radio.
Reference: Mick Chesbro
Survival Gardening: Learn The Difference Between Non Hybrid Seeds And Hybrid Seeds
What Are Hybrid Seeds?
Hybrid seeds are produced by companies through careful pollination of two specific varieties. Normally, this highly selective plant breeding is done to bring together two traits in each of the chosen varieties so that the resulting seed has both of the traits.
So, for example, one tomato plant may be very drought tolerant and another tomato plant produces vigorously, the two plants might be cross pollinated to produce a drought tolerant tomato plant that produces a lot of tomatoes.
Plants grown from hybrid seeds typically do not produce seeds that can be used to grow the same type of plants, and can even produce seeds that will not grow at all.
Though the term “hybrid seeds” is often used in relation to vegetables, any kind of plant that produces seeds can be bred into a hybrid variety.
What Are Non Hybrid Seeds?
Non hybrid seeds are also called open pollinated seeds or heirloom seeds. Non hybrid seeds come from plants that are naturally pollinated. Some of these varieties have been around for centuries.
Non hybrid seeds will produce plants whose seeds will produce more plants that look the same as the parent plant.
Should I Use Hybrid Seeds Or Non Hybrid Seeds?
Despite the debate on the internet as to whether you should use hybrid seeds or not, this is actually a personal question for a gardener. Both hybrid seeds and non hybrid seeds have their pros and cons.
The positives for hybrid seeds are that they tend to perform better in your garden in terms of more fruits and vegetables produced, more plants surviving disease and pests and more flowers. For a gardener, this can mean an increased return for all the time spent in caring for a garden.
The negatives for hybrid seeds are that they tend to be more expensive to buy due to the specialized pollination process and the seeds you collect from them will not grow the same plant next year and, in some cases, have been bred so that no plant at all can grow from the seeds of a hybrid plant.
The positives for non hybrid seeds is that they come in a wonderful variety. For example, with tomato plants, there are literally thousands of non hybrid varieties that you can try and each have their own look and flavor. Because of the cost and time involved in producing hybrid seeds, there are only a few dozen varieties so your choices are limited.
With non hybrid seeds, you can also collect seeds from the plant and use them again next year to grow the same variety of plant.
The negatives for non hybrid seeds is that they are not as well rounded as hybrid seeds. Many non hybrid seeds are much more susceptible to disease and pests than their hybrid counterparts. They also tend not to produce nearly as much as hybrid seeds do.
Which is right for you depends on what you would like out of your garden. Consider carefully which type of seed is best for you.
Reference: Gardening Know How
Hybrid seeds are produced by companies through careful pollination of two specific varieties. Normally, this highly selective plant breeding is done to bring together two traits in each of the chosen varieties so that the resulting seed has both of the traits.
So, for example, one tomato plant may be very drought tolerant and another tomato plant produces vigorously, the two plants might be cross pollinated to produce a drought tolerant tomato plant that produces a lot of tomatoes.
Plants grown from hybrid seeds typically do not produce seeds that can be used to grow the same type of plants, and can even produce seeds that will not grow at all.
Though the term “hybrid seeds” is often used in relation to vegetables, any kind of plant that produces seeds can be bred into a hybrid variety.
What Are Non Hybrid Seeds?
Non hybrid seeds are also called open pollinated seeds or heirloom seeds. Non hybrid seeds come from plants that are naturally pollinated. Some of these varieties have been around for centuries.
Non hybrid seeds will produce plants whose seeds will produce more plants that look the same as the parent plant.
Should I Use Hybrid Seeds Or Non Hybrid Seeds?
Despite the debate on the internet as to whether you should use hybrid seeds or not, this is actually a personal question for a gardener. Both hybrid seeds and non hybrid seeds have their pros and cons.
The positives for hybrid seeds are that they tend to perform better in your garden in terms of more fruits and vegetables produced, more plants surviving disease and pests and more flowers. For a gardener, this can mean an increased return for all the time spent in caring for a garden.
The negatives for hybrid seeds are that they tend to be more expensive to buy due to the specialized pollination process and the seeds you collect from them will not grow the same plant next year and, in some cases, have been bred so that no plant at all can grow from the seeds of a hybrid plant.
The positives for non hybrid seeds is that they come in a wonderful variety. For example, with tomato plants, there are literally thousands of non hybrid varieties that you can try and each have their own look and flavor. Because of the cost and time involved in producing hybrid seeds, there are only a few dozen varieties so your choices are limited.
With non hybrid seeds, you can also collect seeds from the plant and use them again next year to grow the same variety of plant.
The negatives for non hybrid seeds is that they are not as well rounded as hybrid seeds. Many non hybrid seeds are much more susceptible to disease and pests than their hybrid counterparts. They also tend not to produce nearly as much as hybrid seeds do.
Which is right for you depends on what you would like out of your garden. Consider carefully which type of seed is best for you.
Reference: Gardening Know How
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Bread Recipe
Here's a quick recipe for white bread. It's truly a necessity for the retreat!
Ingredients:
2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2/3 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 cups bread flour
Directions:
In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam.
Mix salt and oil into the yeast. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn dough to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes, and divide in half. Shape into loaves, and place into two well oiled 9x5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes.
KC
Ingredients:
2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2/3 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 cups bread flour
Directions:
In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam.
Mix salt and oil into the yeast. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn dough to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes, and divide in half. Shape into loaves, and place into two well oiled 9x5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes.
KC
Wood Stoves
As I prepare for the time when my family has to leave what we call home and bug out to the "Retreat" one of the priority issues for me is off the grid heating. My retreat location is in North Central Minnesota. Recently, I've been looking at wood stoves. I've searched CraigsList for used stoves, as well as pricing new stoves. I've decided to buy a new Vermont Casting style box stove. The stove is priced around $2,000.00. http://vermontcastings.com/
Maple Grove, MN
Maple Grove, MN
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