Homesteader News
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Owner- LaMar Alexander
Emergency Preparedness by Katherine Yarber
I'm a mother and wife of 22 years married to the man of my dreams. We live on 144 acres in the northern woods of North Carolina near the border of VA. We have been working toward total self-sufficiency since they day we moved back to the states from my husband serving in the military over-seas almost 10 years. Our research on getting back to the basics, natural survival, homesteading, and taking ourselves off the grid started LONG before we even thought of the military career ending. We have an endless amount of goals that we have happily starting incorporating into our lives. We have dairy goats, a horse, chickens everywhere, goats, ducks, cats, and a dog. I have been organic gardening since we've been back in the states and watching the way the food is turning on people in the commercial market... we sure are glad!
I have been writing since I was a child. One of my early teachers decided to put our stories into an actual book form when I was very young and when I held that in my hand I was hooked! I write some fiction, but mostly non-fiction because I am always studying what we can try next on our farm. Our next biggest goal is to build (yes BUILD!) windmills and solar panels and throw the electric bill out the window!
I dearly LOVE emergency preparation/preparedness because there are so many times while we were with the military that my husband's pay would get mixed up and we'd have to wait a month for it to come through and we literally LIVED on our food storage. We also learned how to survive without power because of electrical outages from the countless typhoons while we lived in Okinawa, Japan!
Here's to preparing and STILL living normal when the lights go out!!!!!
Knowing how to teach preschool kids first aid for emergencies is crucial. Here are 3 basic skills every preschooler should know - name, address, and phone number. Preschool children need to understand what to do in crises; fundamental first-aid skills prepare them to deal with emergencies.
Emergency - Dial 911!
Would your preschool toddlers understand what to do in an emergency or where to call for help? Can preschool kids understand the basics of first-aid? Give them a child’s doctor kit and see how much they know about boo-boos, fevers, and other urgent situations. Understanding how to teach preschool kids first-aid for emergencies with three basic skills is a comfort to parents, teachers, and other adults. Coaching preschool children in primary emergency first-aid skills will provide them with valuable life skills to handle crises, and minimizes their stress in such situations.
How to Dial 911
Use play telephones or disconnected cell phones for pretend play props for instructing preschool kids how to dial 911 or where to call for help in your community. Let them practice making calls and telling who they are, and where they live.
Role play calls from contrasting emergency situation angles: let them be the caller and you the 911 dispatcher, you play the caller and let them be emergency personnel, pretend you are unconscious and they must call with no assistance, pretend you are conscious and help them make the call, and so forth. Empowering them to be composed and calm in an emergency is the goal, and using a preschooler’s love of pretend play is a stress-free way to teach basic emergency response techniques.
Want to N-A-P?
Use an acronym: N-A-P - to teach preschooler kids three vital pieces of information: name, address, and phone number. This is a fun game - they will never realize they are learning emergency preparedness.
Picture this: ask preschool kids if they want to learn their name, address, and phone number (be ready for a quick “no”) or if they want to practice N-A-P (do not say “nap”, kids do not want to practice napping). A preschooler’s inquisitiveness triggers them to ask questions about N-A-P and provides your teachable moment.
Teach N-A-P like a chant or cheer for more fun: what’s your N, what’s your A, what’s your P, you know all three – yeah (encourage them to shout “yeah”). Reinforce learning by letting them quiz you about N-A-P or question them at random times: “Quick, what is your N-A-P”? Work this into everyday routines and soon preschool kids recite this information readily and are prepared for emergency situations.
I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up
Ask preschool kids what they would do if you fainted – make sure they understand the word “fainted” – and teach them easy-to-understand reaction steps.
If I faint (fall down) or if you cannot wake me, use the telephone to dial 911.
Follow the adult's instructions. This information about obeying trusted adults is important if you have taught preschool kids not to talk to strangers but have not emphasized the difference between talking to trusted adults and avoiding untrustworthy adults.
Stay with me until help arrives.
Remember, the goal is to prepare, not frighten, preschool kids for dealing with emergencies and accidents. While they may never need this information, it is comforting to know that if an emergency happens, they are prepared. On the other hand, knowing how to teach preschool kids first-aid for emergencies is a stress-reducer for parents, teacher, and other primary caregivers.
Making First Aid Kits with Kids
Teach your preschooler basic first aid and have fun learning by creating a homemade first aid kit.
Helping your preschooler create a first aid kit is a fun craft, but it also offers other advantages such as teaching basic first aid skills, familiarizing them with emergency medical techniques, and equipping them for real-life situations with a basic knowledge of first aid.
KISS – Keep it simple sweetie – works best with preschoolers. Use short lessons, planned repetition, and many hands-on activities when making their first aid kit. You could purchase a prepackaged first aid kit and adapt it to satisfy them, use items you have at home, or go shopping and let him choose cool items like decorated bandages and scented hand sanitizers. Did you know you could buy Boo-Boo kisses bandages?
Crazy and Zany Band Aids
At a minimum, a preschooler’s first aid kit should include bandages, gauze, and some sort of disinfectant, but it can be as elementary or elaborate as you prefer. There are numerous sites on the Internet offering free first aid printables, pictures, and other resources to help build a customized kit for your preschooler. For instance, here is a first aid essentials checklist to help you decide what to include in a preschooler first aid kit:
Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
Sterile gauze pads in various sizes and cloth adhesive tape to secure them
Latex-free disposable gloves, to protect you from bodily fluids or other matter (latex-free material prevents potential allergic reactions)
Tweezers
Thermometer (the digital variety is safest)
Triple-antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin)
Antiseptic wipes
First-aid instructions
Topical antihistamines and aspirin (or some other type of over-the-counter pain reliever recommended by your doctor)
A face mask to protect you from germs or bodily fluids when administering CPR
Here is a quick step-by-step guide to help your preschooler make a first aid kit:
Choose a container: A shoe box, oatmeal box, or any empty container will work – how about using an old lunchbox or pail? Let your preschooler embellish it with stickers, markers, or crayons, and personalize it by adding their name – “Zach’s First Aid Kit” is sure to delight any preschooler.
Decide what to include: bandages, gauzes, kid-safe scissors, hand-sanitizers, or antiseptic wipes are good starting elements. Tailor the contents of the first aid kit to your child, but only include items safe to use without adult supervision.
Pretend play with your preschooler and their first aid kit to teach them how to give first aid in a non-emergency situation. Kids love pretending to be doctors or nurses, so use this natural fascination to encourage learning. Let them bandage scrapes and boo-boos and compliment them for their efforts; encourage them to use their first aid kit to help an injured friend.
Practice, practice, practice until your preschooler feels calm and assured while using her first aid kit and providing emergency help. Understanding basic first aid and how to use a first aid kit in an emergency relieves preschoolers' anxiety and fears, and it could save a life.
The following is an article written for:
National Preparedness Month – September 2008
KEEPIN’ IT REAL:
Talking with Kids about Emergency Preparedness
By John Cavanagh and Anne Malia
When it comes to planning for emergencies, it is extremely important to make sure that those around you are also prepared—especially children. Although some adults find disaster readiness a difficult topic to discuss with children, it is essential that preparedness information be presented in a direct, honest manner.
When children are made aware of an emergency plan, they will be able to face an emergency situation in a calmer, more capable manner. It is important to have several plans in place to respond to different types of emergencies, and to make certain that children are familiar with each plan. Key elements of any school or home emergency plan should include: what to do, where to meet, who to call, and how to communicate.
How to Involve Children in Emergency Planning
1. Keep kids involved. Never assume that an adult will be present during an emergency situation; include children in emergency planning so that they know what will be expected of them. Children should be taught exactly where to go, what to do, and how to communicate during a crisis.
Emergency plans should be reviewed with children on a regular basis to make sure that they won’t forget any information.
2. Ask for their input. If children help to create a plan, they will be more likely to remember it when the time comes to implement it. Parents may want to quiz their children by asking, “Where in town is a good place for us to meet if there is ever a crisis? Do you know how to get there by yourself?” or “Who is the best relative or other person to call outside of this area if we cannot communicate with each other? Do you have their phone number memorized?” Be sure to make practice visits to your family meeting place, and practice calls to your emergency contact relatives, so children will feel comfortable doing so when the time comes.
3. Supply Kit Game. Making an emergency supply kit can be a fun game for kids! First, have children make a list of what they think might be needed in an emergency. Compare it with a published list, such as the one on The Department of Homeland Security’s “Ready Kids” website
(http://www.ready.gov/kids/_downloads/familylist.pdf). Then, have a scavenger hunt to search the home or classroom for the items that are needed. Make sure to purchase any items that you do not already own for the home or classroom!
4. Go Online. There are great resources on the Internet that can help parents and teachers make learning about emergency preparedness fun for kids. Websites such as Ready Kids (see above) and FEMA for Kids (http://www.fema.gov/kids/) are perfect for engaging kids in disaster preparedness. They provide stories and information about emergencies written in a kid-friendly way, and have games that will help kids remember what to do in an emergency. Kids enjoy websites like these and will have fun learning information that could save their lives!
The Aftermath
No one is ever completely prepared to experience a crisis situation. Emergencies can strike unexpectedly. They are frightening and often can take an emotional toll on a child. Individuals react to trauma in different ways, and some children will need extra time and attention to allow them to cope with the memories and feelings connected to a distressing experience.
After an emergency has passed and once everyone involved is safe, it is important to talk with young people about what occurred and help them come to terms with its effects. Children may act out in ways that can confuse parents and teachers, but it is important to remember that patience is essential in helping children recover from an emergency.
Common Reactions– And How to Deal With Them
1. Regression to earlier behavioral stages. Children may experience fear and insecurity, resulting in a lack of independent behavior. It is not uncommon for children to regress to thumbsucking, bedwetting or clinging to their parents. They may become afraid to be left alone in places they once were comfortable in, such as school, their own room at bedtime, or the homes of friends. While you cannot allow children to succumb to these behaviors completely, you must be patient and give them time to adjust.
Try to compromise and reassure your child that he or she is safe.
2. Lowered performance in school. Children and teens alike may experience a lack of interest in schoolwork and after-school activities.
They may become disruptive and even resistant to authority in school and at home. Parents and teachers can encourage kids to talk and let them release some of the pent-up stress linked to the event, but sometimes, professional assistance may be needed.
3. Constant talk about the event, or fear that it will happen again. This reaction is common among young children, who may be confused about the crisis that they experienced. It is important to be honest with children about what happened and why. Then, reassure them about what preparedness actions are being taken to prevent this type of crisis from happening again. If children make up or exaggerate stories of what they experienced, gently remind them of the facts.
4. Helplessness and Guilt. This reaction is often experienced by teens and older children, who realize that the effects of the disaster reach far beyond their personal experience. They may want to do something to help, and parents should encourage this on a small scale. Taking on too much responsibility may put more stress on teens, but helping out by donating a reasonable amount of time, food, clothing, or toys may be enough to make them feel as if they have done their part.
Preparing children for emergencies and helping them cope with the aftermath are difficult but crucial tasks. Patience and reassurance can be invaluable tools in carrying them out. The National Mental Health Information Center maintains a website with tips for parents and teachers about talking to children after a disaster. Visit http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/KEN-01-0093/default.asp
Resources – Kid-Friendly Preparedness Websites
Ready Kids
http://www.ready.gov/kids/home.html
The Ready Kids website is a tool to help parents and teachers educate children in grades 4-5 about emergencies and how they can help get their family prepared. Ready Kids is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s campaign to educate and empower Americans to prepare themselves for an emergency. The website features age-appropriate, step-by-step instructions on what families can do to become better prepared and discusses the role kids can play in this effort.
FEMA For Kids
http://www.fema.gov/kids/
The Federal Emergency Management Agency created this online resource for children to teach them about disaster preparedness. The website includes preparedness related games and stories for children and safety information for teachers and parents.
About The Authors
John Cavanagh is Communications Director for Bridge Multimedia and Chief Researcher for Emergency Preparedness Online.
Anne Malia writes about technology and emergency preparedness for people with special needs and has contributed to the production of EmergencyPrepOnline.org and EdTechOnline.org.
Article inquiries welcome. On request, we can provide feature-length articles tailored to your audience and requirements. Please contact John Cavanagh at
Bridge Multimedia: (212) 213-3740 or jcavanagh@bridgemultimedia.com.
Article: KEEPIN’ IT REAL
Emergency Cooking
Cooking can be experienced in many different ways. You can make it quick and simple or you can plan it as one of your activities for the day. Many enjoy the process of meal preparation and experiment with various methods, but the one thing everyone agrees with is that food cooked at camp always taste good. This being the situation… if we learn to cook as we would when camping and be prepared then emergencies won’t be as big of a deal. Below is an outline of some of the various cooking methods used in the outdoors. 
Camp Stoves
Propane or white gas (2) burner stoves - most commonly used
Butane (1) burner backpack stoves - very lightweight
Kerosene stoves - efficient and inexpensive fuel
CAUTION: Do not operate stove or store fuel containers around another heat source such as a campfire. Only operate the stove in open, well ventilated areas. Never use the stove in a tent or a confined area.
Charcoal
Used in BBQ grill or fire ring
Provides consistent heat distribution
Use a fire starter to start charcoal or to reduce heating time use a charcoal tower or large can with both ends removed and holes punched around the bottom. Crumble paper in bottom and place charcoal on top. Tilt can slightly and light paper with a match. Using pot holders, remove can when coals are ready and spread out for larger cooking surface.
One piece of charcoal equals 40 degrees of temperature
Charcoal will be gray-white in daylight and red at night when ready for use 
Wood Fires
Reflects true camp atmosphere - warmth, romance, simplicity, gathering place
Provides practical & versatile cooking opportunities
For successful cooking, have the right kind of fire for the type of cooking you plan on doing. Example -- for boiling use a quick flame, for stewing use a low flame, for frying or broiling use a bed of glowing coals.
How to Build a Campfire
Camping just isn't camping without a campfire.
The smell, the warmth, the dancing flames, the crackle, the glowing coals, the taste of campfire cooked meals, the friends, the songs, the stories, the sound of crickets
and of course the yummy ’smores.
Campfires provide a connection with nature, a time of reflection and a feeling of peace.
Enjoy your next campfire!
______________________________
Clear area of all debris/avoid area with overhanging branches
Construct a fire ring surrounded by rocks
Have a bucket of water, shovel and a fire extinguisher nearby and ready to put out a fire
Gather wood and stack in separate piles away from fire area. Do not use green or freshly cut wood.
There are three different kinds of wood needed for a successful campfire
Tinder - small twigs, wood shavings, dry leaves or grass, dry needles, bark or dryer lint. This should start to burn immediately with a lighted match.
Kindling - small sticks 1" around or less
Fuel- larger wood that keeps the fire going
Elements required for a fire to burn properly. When one of these three things are removed, the fire stops burning. Example -- Water cools fuel below ignition point, dirt cuts off the oxygen supply.
Fuel- material that will burn
Heat - enough heat to bring fuel to ignition
Air - to provide oxygen to burning process
Start with a couple hands full of tinder loosely piled in the center of your fire ring.
With your back to the wind and match protected by the cup of your hand, ignite tinder with a match. Discard used match into the fire.
Slowly add more tinder. You may need to blow softly at the base of the fire.
Once the tinder has fully started to burn, slowly add some smaller pieces of kindling. Keep close together but allow space for air.
Gradually increase the size of the kindling you add to the fire.
When you have a good fire going , add the fuel one piece at a time as described below. Allow for adequate air flow.
Types of Fires
Tepee Fire - good for quick cooking since the heat is concentrated in one spot. Lay the fuel over your kindling like a tepee.
Crisscross Fire - good for a long lasting fire with a lot of coals. Excellent for a campfire. Lay the fuel over the kindling in a crisscross pattern.
Safety with Fire
NEVER build a fire near tents or other flammable items.
NEVER use flammable fluids to start a fire.
NEVER leave fire unattended.
Build a fire only as big as you need.
Make sure to completely extinguish fire.
Scatter ashes or embers out.
Sprinkle with water. Stir with a stick. Repeat.
Drench charred logs.
Repeat until everything is cold.
Vagabond or Hobo Stove
Made from a gallon (#10) can
Use with a Buddy Burner or a small wood fire
#How to make a Vagabond Stove
Supplies:
One gallon (#10) tin can
Can opener
Tin snips
Punch opener
Gloves
Remove lid from one end of the tin can using a can opener. This is the bottom of the stove. While wearing gloves, use the tin snips to cut a 3" x 3" door on one side of the tin can from the open end. Bend this door out but leave attached for ventilation control. Using the punch opener, punch two or three small holes on the opposite side of the door for air holes.
Use with a small fire or a Buddy Burner (see how to make a Buddy Burner below).
Place the stove over the lighted Buddy Burner.
Caution: Do not touch the stove-- it will get VERY hot! Use the door to control the heat.
After the stove is heated up for the first time, wipe the finish off the tin can with a paper towel.
Buddy Burner
Emergency fuel
Use with a Vagabond Stove
Made with a tuna can, corrugated cardboard and paraffin wax
#How to make a Buddy Burner
Supplies:
Shallow tin can ( tuna, dog or cat can)
Corrugated cardboard*
Scissors
Paraffin wax
Cut the cardboard into strips slightly narrower than the depth of the can. Roll the cardboard strips into a coil and place into the can. Melt the paraffin wax and pour over the cardboard in the can. Let harden.
*You can substitute sawdust for the cardboard.
Light the Buddy Burner with a match.
Use with a Vagabond Stove or for emergency fuel or drive four 6" nails into the ground around the Buddy Burner to make a pan rest.
To extinguish the Buddy Burner, remove the Vagabond Stove with a pot holder Caution: Stove will be VERY hot. Smother the flame with a larger tin can lid or something similar. Caution: The paraffin wax will be liquid and very hot--wait till it hardens and cools before handling it.
Dutch Oven
Use with charcoal
Place three times as many charcoal pieces on the lid as under the oven
Always cook with lid on
Must be seasoned with oil before use
Cover outside of oven with foil for easy clean-up
One of THE BEST places to get recipes for Dutch Oven cooking is through the Boy Scouts of America. Check it out at: http://www.scoutorama.com/recipe/index.cfm
Foil Cooking
Cook on bed a glowing coals
Use heavy duty aluminum foil
Foil should be large enough to wrap around food and fold all edges securely for a tight seal. Leave some space for expansion when you wrap your raw foods. You must keep steam and juices inside package.
On heavy duty foil, place meat, potatoes, vegetables, seasoning etc, add a cream soup on top, fold up foil and secure ends, place over coals, turn and rotate often until fully cooked.
Use your cooking creativity - try various seasoning (garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, BBQ sauce, Worchester sauce, Italian dressing, Heinz 57 sauce, bouillon granules, Teriyaki sauce etc), try meat variations (hamburger, pork, chicken, turkey, stew meat, cubed steak, ham, fish, hotdogs seafood etc), try various vegetables, try small dough balls of biscuit mix for dumplings, try breakfast foods, try desserts
Box Oven
Works just like a regular oven
Made from a cardboard box
#How to make a Box Oven
Supplies:
Cardboard box with flaps removed
Heavy duty Aluminum foil
Scissors
Cover the cardboard box inside and out COMPLETELY with aluminum foil, placing the shiny side out.
The bottom of the box will be the top of the oven.
To use the oven, place the pan with the food to be baked on a footed grill (or similar) over the lit charcoal. The grill should be raised about 10" above the charcoal. Set the oven over the food and charcoal. Prop up one end of the oven with a stone to allow the air circulation for the charcoal or cut air vents along the lower edge of the oven. Control the baking temperature of the oven by the number of pieces of charcoal used. Each piece of charcoal supplies 40 degrees of heat. Construct a removable oven top or oven door.
Bake bread, brownies, roast chicken, pizza, coffee cake etc. Works just like a regular oven. Suggested baking times--30 minutes or less.
Try the oven over the coals of a campfire.
Tin Can Cooking
Use large tin can
Layer your meal - meat on bottom, vegetables, seasonings etc.
Cover with foil
Cook over fire
Remove can with pot holders and serve
Cooking with Pie Irons
Long-handled double sided cast iron cookers
Making Hobo Pies or Cooking with a Pie Iron
Many of you have probably used pie irons before. They are those long-handled double sided cast iron cookers. There is an infinite number of ingredients that you can use with your pie irons. Experimenting is a lot of fun! You start by opening your iron up and lying a slice of buttered bread on each side (buttered side against the iron). You just add your favorite ingredients, close up the iron and cook on both sides over the campfire. Rotate sides to avoid burning. Your bread will be golden brown when it's done. Cooking time will vary depending on the ingredients - about a minute or two is common.
Pizza -- pizza sauce, cheese, selection of your favorite precooked meat toppings, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, onions etc.
Fruit Pies - use any fruit topping
Sloppy Joes - precooked ground beef and seasoning mix
BBQ Pork - precooked shredded pork and BBQ sauce
Omelets - one egg and your favorite toppings cooked on one side of the iron
Grilled Cheese - add cheese (maybe even some ham)
Cheeseburger - precooked hamburger, topped with a slice of cheese
Meat Pie - hamburger, onions, potatoes and carrots, seasoning - precooked
Chili - prepared chili and cheese
Fire Starters
Use pine cones covered with wax.
Pack charcoal in paper egg cartons and tie shut. When ready to use, just light the carton.
Put a piece of charcoal in each section of a paper egg carton. Cover with melted wax. Tear apart and use as needed. You can also use sawdust, dryer lint or Pistachio shells instead of the charcoal.
Take 100% cotton balls and thoroughly rub Vaseline into them. Keep in a ziplock bag.
Newspaper cut into strips (3"-4" wide). Roll up and tie with string. Cover with melted wax.
Use lint from your dryer as a fire starter.
Bundle about 10-12 Diamond brand "strike-anywhere" wooden kitchen matches together with waxed dental floss. The heads of the matches should all be pointing in the same direction. Generously soak the buddle of matches (except heads) in melted paraffin wax to waterproof and to provide a long burn time. Dip heads lightly only to waterproof them. Simply strike on flat rock to ignite.
Cut a cotton cord into 1" lengths and soak in melted wax. Let dry and store in empty film container or ziplock bag.
These are called candy kisses. Use the small 6" emergency candles and wrap them up in waxed paper. Tie/twist both ends of the waxed paper to seal in the candle (looks like a salt water taffy candy). Light an end when you are ready to start your fire.
Cut waxed milk cartons into strips to be used as kindling for your campfire.
Stuff paper towel or toilet paper rolls with paper.
To get your charcoal pieces ready quicker, use a charcoal chimney.
Newspaper crumbled into a ball
Use dried pine needles
Soak a piece of charcoal in lighter fluid. Coat with wax.
Use small condiment or "sample-size" cups. Add a long wick to each cup and fill with melted wax. You can also fill them with sawdust.
Stack of small pieces of cardboard covered in wax
Waterproof your matches by dipping them in wax or coating them with clear nail polish
Use cotton string about 3-4" long, put in wax paper bathroom cup with about an inch hanging over the edge. Fill cup nearly to the top with saw dust and pour melted wax into the cup. The saw dust will compact and become waterproof. The extra string length is a wick to start burning the starter, but can also be tied to another starter string through a pack loop to carry outside your pack. - Submitted by C. Berman
Keep a plastic "twister" type of pencil sharpener handy. It's great for shaving kindling (especially if wood is damp)
Use wooden ice cream/popsicle sticks. Keep them in a watertight container.
Unraveled twine
Take an empty toilet paper roll and tie some tissue paper onto one end with some twine. Fill roll with sawdust, cotton balls, etc. Tie the other end as you did the first one, but leave some string hanging out. Put candle wax on the string.
Use old tuna or cat food cans. Wash & dry. Cut long pieces of cardboard about 1 1/2 inches wide. Roll these into tight spirals. Pour empty cans about half full of wax. Insert cardboard spirals and let the wax set.
* Never use liquid igniters on your campfire. Example: lighter fluid, gasoline etc.
** When melting wax, only use a double boiler set up. Melted wax can easily ignite.
Have a fire extinguisher handy in case of emergency.
Emergency Lighting
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
We always hope we have enough batteries, flashlights, candles, matches and such when the lights go out… but do any of them get borrowed, lose strength, tucked under or behind other supplies, or even… <GASP> “I forgot to get them!” Here are a couple of ideas to have on hand for emergency lighting that include recycling and clean power!
Cola Can & Oil Emergency Lamp
In the winter time it seems like we have more power outages. Hopefully, we are all prepared with food, flashlights, water, etc, but what if this power outage is a long one? So what do you do when this happens and you need light?
You can make this simple oil lamp for long term outages. The parts needed for this can be found in most every home.
An empty aluminum cola can, an old cotton sock, and about a tablespoon of cooking oil are all you need.
First stab an empty cola can in the middle and cut around the circumference until you cut the can completely in half. Make sure to use a pair of gloves to hold the cut can, because the metal is very sharp.
Use the bottom half of the cola can, and cut half inch deep slits spaced each half inch along the circumference of the can. Fold over to make a safe rim along the edge.
Now take the top half of the can and work the pull tab off the top by pulling up and side to side. You can throw the top half of the can in the recycle bin, because you do not need it.
Next cut a one inch by 3/8" slip of material from the old sock. Roll the material into a thick rope and feed it into the pull tab attachment hole. Pull through about half an inch so it sticks up while the pull tab rests upside down. Now pour a cap full of cooking oil into the bottom of the can. Place the upside down pull tab with the wick in the middle of the can and drape the cotton wick so it pulls the oil from the edge of the can. The length of the wick pulled through the tab hole will determine the height of the flame. A good quarter inch of wick will give a good flame with virtually no smoke.
Now you can light the wick and it should last about three to four hours with each tablespoon or so of corn oil.
Mason Jar Oil Lamp
20 Minutes of Light from Pencil Lead
How to make up to 20 minutes of bright white light from a pencil. Perfect for emergency break down situations.
Watch this video and it shows you clear step-by-step details on how to make it!
Turn a pencil into an emergency light source
How To Make Up To 20 mins Of Bright White Light From A Pencil, Perfect For Emergency Break Down situations.
http://videosift.com/video/Turn-a-pencil-into-an-emergency-light-source
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At some point we will get into how to make different candles because they really aren’t hard… just a little tricky to learn if you don’t have a teacher on hand!
As always, let me know if there is anything you’d like to add to help our articles! That’s how we ALL learn! Tell next month!
Ciao!
Katrina
Heat, light and cooking in an Emergency
Heat, Light and Cooking In an Emergency
“Necessity is the mother of invention” is a phrase we have heard forever and over the next couple of months we will explore in depth heat, light, and cooking in an emergency. There are countless ways anyone can tackle these areas and ALL are essential just for everyday living! This month we will take a brief look at each of them.
Heat, Light and Cooking In an Emergency
To conserve your cooking fuel storage needs always do your emergency cooking in the most efficient manner possible. Don’t boil more water than you need, extinguish the fire as soon as you finished, plan your meals ahead of time to consolidate as much cooking as possible, during the winter cook on top of your heating unit while heating your home, and cook in a pressure cooker or other fuel efficient container as much as possible. Keep enough fuel to provide outdoor cooking for at least 7-10 days.
It is even possible to cook without using fuel at all. For example, to cook dry beans you can place them inside a pressure cooker with the proper amount of water and other ingredients needed and place it on your heat source until it comes up to pressure. Then turn off the heat, remove the pressure cooker and place inside a large box filled with newspapers, blankets, or other insulating materials. Leave it for two and a half hours and then open it, your meal will be done, having cooked for two and a half hours with no heat. If you don’t have a large box in which to place the pressure cooker, simply wrap it in several blankets and place it in the corner.
Matches
Store matches in a waterproof airtight tin with each piece of equipment that must be lit with a flame.
Sterno
Sterno Fuel a jellied petroleum product, is an excellent source of fuel for inclusion in your back pack as part of your 72 hour kit. Sterno is very light weight and easily ignited with a match or a spark from flint and steel but is not explosive. It is also safe for use indoors.
Sterno Stove
A Sterno Stove can be purchased at any sporting goods store and will retail between $3 and $8, depending upon the model you choose. They fold up into a very small, compact unit ideal for carrying in a pack. The fuel is readily available at all sporting goods stores and many drug stores. One can of Sterno fuel, about the diameter of a can of tuna fish and twice as high, will allow you to cook six meals if used frugally. Chafing dishes and fondue pots can also be used with Sterno.
Sterno is not without some problems. It will evaporate very easily, even when the lid is securely fastened. If you use Sterno in your 72 hour kit you should check it every six to eight months to insure that it has not evaporated beyond the point of usage. Because of this problem it is not a good fuel for long-term storage. It is a very expensive fuel to use compared to others fuel available, but is extremely convenient and portable.
Coleman fuel (white gas)
W hen used with a Coleman stove this another excellent and convenient fuel for cooking. It is not as portable nor as lightweight as Sterno, but produces a much greater BTU value. Like Sterno, Coleman fuel has a tendency to evaporate even when the container is tightly sealed so it is not a good fuel for long-term storage. Unlike Sterno, however, it is highly volatile; it will explode under the right conditions and should therefore never be stored in the home. Because of its highly flammable nature great care should always be exercised when lighting stoves and lanterns that use Coleman fuel. Many serious burns have been caused by carelessness with this product. Always store Coleman fuel in the garage or shed, out of doors.
Charcoal
Charcoal is the least expensive fuel per BTU that the average family can store. Remember that it must always be used out of doors because of the vast amounts of poisonous carbon monoxide it produces. Charcoal will store for extended period of time if it is stored in air tight containers. It readily absorbs moisture from the surrounding air so do not store it in the paper bags it comes in for more than a few months or it may be difficult to light. Transfer it to airtight metal or plastic containers and it will keep almost forever.
Fifty or sixty dollars worth of charcoal will provide all the cooking fuel a family will need for an entire year if used sparingly. The best time to buy briquettes inexpensively is at the end of the summer. Broken or torn bags of briquettes are usually sold at a big discount. You will also want to store a small amount of charcoal lighter fluid (or kerosene). Newspapers will also provide an excellent ignition source for charcoal when used in a funnel type of lighting device.
To light charcoal using newspapers use two or three sheets, crumpled up, and a #10 tin can. Cut both ends out of the can. Punch holes every two inches around the lower edge of the can with a punch-type can opener (for opening juice cans). Set the can down so the punches holes are on the bottom. Place the crumpled newspaper in the bottom of the can and place the charcoal briquettes on top of the newspaper. Lift the can slightly and light the newspaper. Prop a small rock under the bottom edge of the can to create a a good draft. The briquettes will be ready to use in about 20-30 minutes. When the coals are ready remove the chimney and place them in your cooker. Never place burning charcoal directly on concrete or cement because the heat will crack it. A wheelbarrow or old metal garbage can lid makes an excellent container for this type of fire.
One of the nice things about charcoal is that you can regulate the heat you will receive from them. Each briquette will produce about 40 degrees of heat. If you are baking bread, for example, and need 400 degrees of heat for your oven, simply use ten briquettes.
To conserve heat and thereby get the maximum heat value from your charcoal you must learn to funnel the heat where you want it rather than letting it dissipate into the air around you. One excellent way to do this is to cook inside a cardboard oven. Take a cardboard box, about the size of an orange crate, and cover it with aluminum foil inside and out. Be sure that the shiny side is visible so that maximum reflectivity is achieved. Turn the box on its side so that the opening is no longer on the top but is on the side. Place some small bricks or other noncombustible material inside upon which you can rest a cookie sheet about two or three inches above the bottom of the box. Place ten burning charcoal briquettes between the bricks (if you need 400 degrees), place the support for your cooking vessels, and then place your bread pans or whatever else you are using on top of the cookie sheet. Prop a foil-covered cardboard lid over the open side, leaving a large crack for air to get in (charcoal needs a lot of air to burn) and bake your bread, cake, cookies, etc. just like you would in your regular oven. Your results will amaze you.
To make your own charcoal, select twigs, limbs, and branches of fruit, nut and other hardwood trees; black walnuts and peach or apricot pits may also be used. Cut wood into desired size, place in a large can which has a few holes punched in it, put a lid on the can and place the can in a hot fire. When the flames from the holes in the can turn yellow-red, remove the can from the fire and allow it to cool. Store the briquettes in a moisture-proof container. Burn charcoal only in a well-ventilated area.
Special thanks to: http://www.nationalterroralert.com/heatlightcooking/
Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency
Did you know that a flood, fire, national disaster, or the loss of power from high winds, snow, or ice could jeopardize the safety of your food? Knowing how to determine if food is safe and how to keep food safe will help minimize the potential loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. This fact sheet will help you make the right decisions for keeping your family safe during an emergency.
ABCD’s of Keeping Food Safe in an Emergency
Always keep meat, poultry, fish, and eggs refrigerated at or below 40 °F and frozen food at or below 0 °F. This may be difficult when the power is out.
Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. Obtain dry or block ice to keep your refrigerator as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time. Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic foot full freezer for 2 days. Plan ahead and know where dry ice and block ice can be purchased.
Be prepared for an emergency...
... by having items on hand that don’t require refrigeration and can be eaten cold or heated on the outdoor grill. Shelf-stable food, boxed or canned milk, water, and canned goods should be part of a planned emergency food supply. Make sure you have ready-to-use baby formula for infants and pet food. Remember to use these items and replace them from time to time. Be sure to keep a hand-held can opener for an emergency.
Consider what you can do ahead of time to store your food safely in an emergency. If you live in a location that could be affected by a flood, plan your food storage on shelves that will be safely out of the way of contaminated water. Coolers are a great help for keeping food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours—have a couple on hand along with frozen gel packs. When your freezer is not full, keep items close together—this helps the food stay cold longer.
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