I don’t homeschool my kids, and really the idea doesn’t appeal to me personally. That’s not to say there aren’t some very effective parents schooling their kids at home full-time. I have a very good friend that homeschools all five of her children. She is exceptional in keeping up to date with current curriculum and getting them involved in various co-ops that enhance her own teaching. I’m not what you would call a proponant of homeschooling, although I feel it can be effective.

One thing I’ve though about is having some type of curriculum for my kids, just in case we’re confined to our home for a period of time. Preparing for this can be as involved as you want it to be. There are lots of books you can buy at Walmart or Target that have age and grade appropriate themes. You also might want to start a collection of reference books. We’ve become so dependent on the internet, but if the electric is off for a time, it would be useful to have books and magazines to refer to. I’ve also taken the time to xerox some of my kids’ schoolwork before they complete it. Even a review of lessons will keep them occupied when there’s no computer or tv.

Don’t discount the everyday activities of your family - just being with you is a positive experience. My kids enjoy schoolwork, but even if yours don’t relish doing it, during a crisis it will be a familiar comfort for them. Plan ahead, it’s a simple way to be extra prepared for an emergency.

Survivalists or preppers don’t often put themselves in the same group as the sustainable lifestyle enthusiasts, but I think there are more similarities then differences.  I really consider these things working parallel in my life right now.  I know to be prepared for any possible disasters, and in the meantime I wish my family to live a lifestyle that reduces our impact on the environment. 

For about the last year or so, I’ve been buying the majority of my produce from local sources.  I’m lucky to live in a part of the country that although it has many drawbacks (overcrowding, traffic and smog) produces 80% of our country’s produce.  This winter has been rather cold at times, but even delicate micro-greens will grow here year round.  Fresh isn’t just for Summer in Southern California, and it’s one of the easy ways I can live a sustainable lifestyle.

I do still buy bananas weekly and the occasional pineapple - and neither are local.  But just as all survivalists are prepared to different degrees, I buy what I can from local suppliers.  There is a great grocery store that’s close that buys all local produce.  It’s not all organic, but they do have heirloom choices of certain items.  Not only does it help my local economy and support small farmers, but it has caused us to eat more fresh fruits and veggies, which is good for everyone.  Just because you’re a preparer doesn’t mean you should eat spam every week.

Self-sufficiency is a sustainable lifestyle.  With that in mind we should all think about the emissions our vehicles and stoves put into the environment.  We should always recycle and strive to buy local, organic produce if you can afford it.  Here’s a link to a site where you can see what produce is in season near you.  Take a look and consider buying something local the next time you’re in the grocery.  http://nrdc.org/health/foodmiles/

A friend was telling me today that her wallet was stolen while she was out with some friends this past weekend.  This is devastating news no matter what the circumstances and we all hope it won’t happen to us.  She immediately called all the proper places to cancel her credit cards, and hopefully nothing more than inconvenience will come of it.  As she was driving home that night, she realized her car was out of gas and thankfully she had a few dollars on her to make it home safely.

I immediately thought - what a great reminder for Survival Lady readers!  Being prepared for the worst when the worst is the least likely thing to happen won’t help you.  If you’re ready for the earthquake, tornado or collapse of society that’s a good thing, but if you’re not prepared in small ways, the everyday calamities that befall us, you need to start now.  I always keep an emergency ration of food, water and first aid supplies in my car at all times.  I have extra clothing and some blankets.  I also keep a small amount of cash in my car.  Not enough that if it was stolen I’d be devastated, but enough that if I lost my wallet, I’d be able to get back home.  You may not lose your car, but losing a purse or wallet could happen anytime. 

You should also keep a copy of all your credit card statements, and insurance cards, along with all your other important papers in a safe place.  Make sure it’s accessible in an emergency and keep them current and updated with any new information.  You might want to enter your credit card company phone numbers in your cell phone so you can contact them immediately - thieves will try to charge things quickly before you notice your wallet is missing.  My father-in-law keeps a list of all his vehicle license plate numbers in a safe place, which I think is an excellent idea - I would have no idea what mine was in an emergency.

Also, make sure you always have half a tank of gas in your car at all times.  The few minutes it takes to fill up could be priceless if you find yourself stranded somewhere without your purse and no cash in your pocket.  It’s hard to get into the habit initially, but once you do it doesn’t take long at all.  And it’s worth it!  I’m sure my friend has learned her lesson and thankfully we can gain something too.  Be prepared for the small problems in life as well as the big.  We’re much more likely to suffer the small things, but if we’re ready, they won’t become big things.

I talk a lot about stocking up and gaining knowledge to prepare for an emergency or disaster that may some day affect us.  I also want to emphasize the fact that staying in good health, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding diseases is almost as important as any other preparations.

I’ve been reading this week about a particularly strong strain of the flu that is currently sweeping over the US.  It’s proved to be highly resistant to traditional treatments, and so should act as a signal to us that we should always be prepared for the possibility of an influenza pandemic.  Not only do we need to be prepared to treat any family members that would contract a treatment resistant virus, but we should do everything in our power to avoid getting sick.  A strong immunity is the best defense against a deadly flu, so here are some foods, mentioned in an article on MSNBC today that help build and maintain a strong immune system:

1.  Red Meat - one of the best sources of iron and zinc that will both keep your immunity strong.  Limit portions to 3oz for optimal health benefits without worrying about fat and cholesterol.

2.  Yogurt- you’ve probably heard a lot about probiotics lately and yogurt is the best source.  It also provides calcium and vitamin D - all good things!

3.  Chicken Soup- it is really a good remedy for the common cold, but also contains amino acids that help prevent and cure bronchitis and other upper-respiratory illnesses.

4.  Sweet Potatoes - beta-carotene keeps your skin healthy which will help fight viruses and bacteria passed by touching.

5.  Tea - drinking tea regularly helps your bodies cells put out up to 10 times more virus fighting cells than normal.  Drink it regularly.

6.  Mushrooms - all kinds of mushrooms boost your white blood cell count which in turn helps you fight infections faster. 

7.  Fish and Shellfish - all types help boost your immune system.

8.  Garlic - we know garlic is a powerful antibiotic and it also lowers your cancer risk. 

9.  Oats and Barley- both contain beta-glucan which is a powerful antimacrobial with antioxidant properties.

In my continued quest to prepare myself and my family for survival - I’ve made a commitment to myself to eat a healthy diet.  You’ll notice that most of these foods are either whole grains or vegetables.  What doctors have been telling us to eat for years.  Are you doing it?  I try to eat a healthy, well balanced diet, but sometimes it’s easy to grab that bag of chips or something not so good for us.  While treats are okay in moderation, I’m committed to making a greater lifestyle change by eating more whole foods and less junk.  It’ll be good for my health and good for my survival.

Unfortunately, we’ve all see the disaster and chaos a category 5 hurricane can cause.  Hurricane Katrina brought devastation and civil unrest in its path, and hopefully we’ve all learned some lessons.

Preparation is key during hurricane season.  With winds up to and exceeding 150 mph, there is no hope for anyone without adequate shelter and supplies.  Fortunately, ample warning is usually provided when a tropical storm becomes a hurricane - the unpredictability of what category will actually hit gives some a false security.  It won’t be as bad as they think…..think again!

When preparing for a hurricane, most experienced people will board up their windows, turn off their gas, secure their boats and get out of town for the duration.  Evacuation is the best method of surviving hurricane strength storms.  Have a family plan ahead of time that includes keeping your vehicles fueled and in good running condition, survival bags with essentials and a complete list of what to do and what to take with you as you evacuate.  Leave nothing to chance, it’s easy to be overwhelmed when the evacuation orders come down and forget the most basic necessities like water, clothing and food. 

Keep in mind thousands of others may be evacuating also.  Plan two different routes, and try to be on the road before everyone else.  Don’t linger in your decision, that’s why a written plan that the whole family understands is crucial - any hesitation is a waste of time and will put you right in the middle of the crowds leaving town.  Often times there are locations designated as shelters that are available for everyone in the community.  You want to consider these locations when developing your plan, some will be well stocked with volunteers to oversee the plans.  However, there have been times when shelters haven’t been the most comfortable or safest places to be.  Consider all your other options before deciding on a local shelter - family or friends living in other areas may be able to provide a safer place for you to ride out the storm.

If you are caught at home, the best place for you is a small interior room without windows.  Stay away from any glass including mirrors and items that could fall on you if the roof or walls were to collapse.  If you live in a motor or mobile home, your only option should be to evacuate to a safer location.

Drinkable water could be very scarce following a hurricane.  If flooding occurs, the standing water will be contaminated and you should purify before using it for drinking or washing.  Make sure you have enough drinkable water stored for your family - you cannot survive without water.  As I mentioned in the other disaster posts, make sure your stock of food and water is in a safe place and won’t be contaminated by flood waters. 

Think ahead and prepare, keep your radio handy and listen for notices from your local government.  Keep safe and evacuate if necessary.  Preparation is the key - make sure you’re ready!

Although I currently live in earthquake country, I grew up in the Midwest and thus have experienced both a tornado watch and warning.  I remember as a small girl, watching out the window for the tell-tale funnel cloud and having a blanket and one special toy to take with me to the basement.  I can remember the frightening excitement you feel when it becomes eerily quiet and you’re scanning the fields for the tornado.  Thankfully my family and I went unscathed, but I also remember driving through towns that were devastated by the tornado’s destructive power.

Every state has some risk for tornadoes.  We’ve even had one touch down here in Southern California, a strange and unexpected surprise.  Often, tornadoes develop suddenly, without much warning.  They are more likely to occur between 3 pm - 9 pm, but can strike at anytime.  The best way to survive a tornado is be aware of the weather around you, listen for warnings which are sightings of a tornado, and be prepared with a plan prior to the actual emergency.

If you see a funnel, hear a loud roar or notice a large, dark rotating cloud you need to seek shelter immediately.  Think about where you can go in your home.  A basement is the best, make sure you stay away from windows, sliding doors and any furniture or mirrors that could cause injuries.  If you don’t have a basement, but have a small interior room or closet without windows, take shelter there - even the bathroom inside the tub is a good option.  If you’re in a mobile home, you’ll need to get out immediately and know where you’re going for shelter.  Now is the time to think about your plan, before the disaster strikes.

If you’re in the car when a tornado touches down, exit your car and take shelter in a sturdy building or storm shelter.  Your last resort would be to find a ditch or low piece of land and lie down flat.  It’s even better if there’s something to hold onto nearby.  You may or may not be able to outrun a storm in a vehicle, so it’s imperative you find a place to shelter outside of your car.  Flying debris is very dangerous, so always protect your head and neck.  Remember tuck and cover?  If you live in a tornado prone area, you’re taught in school to tuck into yourself with your head against your knees and your hands covering your neck - if you practice regularly, you never forget these safety drills.

Practice with your kids and make sure they know the safest place to go.  Practice this regularly and they won’t forget.

I’m sure you already have stores of food, water and first aid items to help you recover from a devastating tornado.  Think about where you keep these stores and if they’d survive a 300 mph tornado wind.  Keep items where they’re protected and accessible after the emergency.  Remain vigilent during tornado season and be aware of the weather around you.  If you prepare now, you’ll know what to do and that could save your life!

I want to thank all the Survival Lady readers out there for a great four months!  I didn’t know quite what to expect when I started this blog, but I’ve been so happy with the results and grateful for all of your wonderful encouragement and comments. 

It’s always been my goal to help those who don’t think about prepping regularly, stop and consider the benefits.  I want to encourage those that can’t move to a rural location, or spend hundreds of dollars on stocking up, that it is possible to protect your family and slowly but surely build up your stores of necessities for that “what if” scenario.

I’ve always thought awareness is the first step.  I’ve learned so much from the preparedness community and I hope I’ve shared some info that’s made you think “oh yeah, I never thought about that”. 

Thank you all for a great four months and here’s to many more months to come!

Even if your plan is to get out of town if a disaster strikes, the odds are even some of the most prepared will be unable to leave their homes.  I’ve often thought about what would happen if we couldn’t escape some unforeseen emergency and had to wait it out in our current location.  I’ve thought about how to black out the windows so it appears our house in uninhabited and hopefully seem uninteresting to any passerby that wanted to harm us in some way.  There’s something interesting about those of us who like to prepare and our love of the “what if” scenario.  It’s like a challenge that we must solve just in case…..

Often when I’ve thought about quarantining my family for various reasons, I’ve also thought about air quality and circulation.  Some situations won’t be as drastic as others and you may be able to keep using your backyard.  But, in a true collapse of society, you don’t want anyone to know you’re there.  In my little scenario this is the “hiding” plan.  If we’re hiding out in my house, how will we get fresh air?  We have some small windows that could be opened that would be impossible for anyone to get through, and wouldn’t attract attention from anyone outside.  I’ve also thought about having multiple house plants that will not only produce oxygen, but can have a positive psychological effect especially if you must spend weeks or months indoors.

One warning with house plants, often most plants that survive in low-light situations are not edible.  You may be successful growing herbs near a sunny window, but mainly think of houseplants as air purifiers, not as food.  Here’s a few options that you might want to try (common names):

• Jade Plant
• Ponytail Palm
• Pygmy Date Palm
• Ferns
• Chinese Evergreen
• Dumb Cane
• Philodendron
• Peace Lily
• Spider Plant

Do your research about the plants, especially water intake and nutritional needs.  Remember to stock up on extra water for your plants.  You might also want to stock up on several sizes of plant containers to have on hand. 

Certain house plants are susceptible to mites and other pests, so read my previous post about natural remedies for these.  Practice now so that if you are shut into your house for a time, you can still benefit from all houseplants have to offer.

Even the most prepared person may face a natural disaster that tests their survival know-how.  You’ve hopefully take steps to have enough food, water and first aid supplies to get you through a period immediately following a disaster, but have you thought about your game plan during the emergency?

I live in earthquake country, although thankfully I’ve been well away from any major earthquakes that have caused serious damage.  Our last major shake was last year and it happened while I was at work.  Thankfully I knew where to go, but was dismayed to see a bunch of co-workers clinging to a corner right next to the soda machine.  Bad move guys.  That thing is on wheels.  The shaking only lasted a few seconds, but it did shake us all up and we ended up evacuating the building.  I’ve since thought about what I would do next time.  I don’t want to rely on my desk since it could collapse easily under the weight of things dropping from the ceiling.  I know better than to try and run down the steps during the shaking, so the best option for me is to use my chair and desk to create a triangle of life.  Sometimes the best option is to be next to a large bulky item that will collapse slightly, but create a void next to it.

This same principal can work at home also.  Let’s say you’re sitting on the couch when an earthquake strikes.  If you lay on the floor next to the sofa, falling debris will create a void that could protect you from larger items, like the roof.  Of course you want to stay away from obviously dangerous items, like glass, mirrors, appliances and tall furniture that could fall and crush you.  You should definitely do a walk through your house and envision where these triangle voids will occur - like if a dresser falls towards your bed, there is a void beside the bed, under the dresser.  This area will protect you and prevent other, items from hitting you.  Don’t get under the bed as it could collapse and crush you under the weight of the roof. 

Also think about what you’ll do if in your car during an earthquake.  Of course pull off the road, but you want to be aware of what’s above and beside you that could fall on your car.  Trees, power lines and buildings could all cause problems.  My biggest fear is I’ll be on a highway overpass during a large quake.  It’s a scary thought, but unfortunately we can’t predict when an earthquake will happen - just use your common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

Schedule an earthquake drill every three months at your house.  Make the kids go through the motions so they’ll know what to do in the middle of the night if you can’t immediately reach them.  Make sure your preparations are accessible and won’t be crushed by falling debris.  You might even want to consider keeping items in several places in your house in case one area is unreachable. 

Learn how to shut off your gas main and your electric main.  Prepare for the aftermath because if the big one does hit, you may need to be self-sufficient for a few weeks.  Think about your water storage and where it will be most protected.  You don’t want to survive to find out all your water is gone, crushed in its plastic bottles.  A “triangle of life” could save your preps as well as your life.

The “triangle of life” is a survival method developed by Doug Copp of the American Rescue Team International.

No, I haven’t fallen off the face of the Earth.  Just had a minor thing like my washing machine stop working this week.  If you ever take a piece of my advice, please let it be the post about keeping your laundry maintained.  I usually let it pile on up until the weekend and then hurry and get it done.  No more of that for me!  Thankfully I had done a few loads, but then it happened.  Just what the problem is I’m not sure and we’ll have to wait until Thursday to find out.  Too bad I didn’t marry an appliance repair man!  Just kidding!

Okay, here’s what I bought this last week.  Yes, I know I skipped a week.  You don’t need to remind me.  Anyway, here’s what I bought last week:

1 Box Cornmeal

2 Jars Pears

2 Cans Ravioli

Total cost for week #13:  $9.98

Not bad for trying to cut costs and still stock up.  I’ll try to keep the challenge around the $10 price tag so it’s not such a burden on the budget.  You could even cut this down to $5 per week and still have a nice stocked pantry in a few months.  Do it now - prices are just going to go higher.

Stock up challenge week #14:

4 Cans Beans - whatever kind you like and use

1 Bottle Canola Oil

Have a great week!