Q. Hey Lynn....I don't know if you have done a reading already on this subject, but I was wondering if a winter prep post would be helpful? With all the shortages and things getting worse, I was wondering if you could let us know what surprising things we might need to stock up on to get us through to spring? I heard some intuitives are suggesting everyone stock up on seeds for planting and that we would lose all supplies for canning and storage in a bit. Any ideas on what you see?
A. This is a great question! As I focus on this, I get anything for basic survival is a good thing to have. The main things I'm referring to are: food, food preservation, medicinal items (vitamins, supplements, herbs, oils and needed medicines) and also food for pets. Don't forget items needed for protection (I will leave your mind to figure that out to avoid being flagged here). This is also a good time to educate yourself on your surroundings- are there edible or useful plants nearby? All of the above also make great tools for barter.
Canned and dry foods are a great thing to have. I suggest an American canner (a little pricey, but high quality and can be used on a propane burner outside if there is no electric.) Canning has a long shelf life and can be used to supplement with fresh foods while available. Another benefit to canning is that food is already cooked and won't require electricity to preserve. If you see supplies, buy them! Supply chains are INTENTIONALLY being compromised, and I see it getting worse before it gets better (this is a whole other post...)
Think about dietary requirements and caloric needs. If you are under physical or mental stress, you may need extra calories for your body to function. Nourishing the brain with adequate protein will be vital. Something as simple as calorie dense peanut butter could be a great addition to food storage. Another option is dehydrating or freeze drying food (this guy/site is a great resource).
Start to collect seeds, and get starters growing. You can do something simple like use ice cube trays, cut off milk cartons, or cups in a warm window to get some germinating. Keep in mind GMO seeds won't germinate, so look for organic. You can even start to save them from foods you are eating (not everything needs to be bought). Even trade seeds with other people to get a variety (and it is a good way to start communicating with neighbors/friends). Don't wait until you HAVE to do this to determine your learning curve (like do you need a fence to keep varmints out?)- think it through now.
Learn about your environment, and start to collect/buy anything medicinal. This could be vitamins, supplements or over the counter supplies. Do you take something consistently? Is there a substitute? For example, aspirin is cheap and plentiful- serves to reduce pain, thins blood and could (I'm not a doctor) save a life in a heart attack. You may need these things or you may be able to help a neighbor. Survival isn't just about you, but those around you too. You will need at least a little bit of a community and there really is strength in numbers.
Have items to protect yourself. I'm leaving this loosely for interpretation, but everyone knows what they need. This ranges from basic first aid, snares, boobie traps, etc. to protection devices. It is better to have and not need, than to need and not have.
Lastly, many of us have pets. Don't forget them! You should have 3 to 4 months of food for them and rotate it out. At a minimum if the weather is harsh or the supply chain is compromised (Note: It already is...), you will be able to keep them comfortable.
And that is all I have for this reading. Please feel free to add a comment to address anything that didn't come through to me as I typed this.
Love and light,
Lynn
4 comments:
Great reading Lynn, thank you for this.
It would be great if you could do an update on the supply chain, prepping In a month or two to see if it could get worse? It's so hard to look into the future, I simply cannot imagine being without power or food and other necessities. Thank you for the tips on pet food as well!
One question: do you see a time frame for the big black out that the ptw are planning? I keep getting 2 months, but that would mean they would go through with it during the holiday season?
Take care and stay safe dear Lynn!
Wow, thanks for doing this Lynn! I didn't even think to dehydrate food. Definitely going to get a dehydrator to start this. I've started purchasing seeds and planting materials. Going to look into canning supplies next and how to use them and stocking up on supplements. Even though my supply is still tiny, my husband thinks I'm losing it lol
Thanks for sharing Lynn! <3
Thanks for the comments! Yes, Isanne, I think that sounds like great topics for a post!
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