Wisdom in Today's Wild, Spinning World

"Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life."   ... Ecclesiastes 7:12


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In August of 2015, I felt convicted to become somewhat of a prepper, to prepare for all sorts of emergencies in this scary, unstable world.

It's been an interesting 2 years. 

I've learned much, developed a calmer lifestyle (there's far less I-can't-believe-I-must-run-to-the-supermarket-for- ___! craziness) and somehow discovered ways to store extra groceries, blankets, towels, water, hand-fueled gadgets, gas, kerosene, bleach, vinegar, candles, pet food, batteries, bug-out boxes and other assorted emergency supplies in this feels-too-small Hobbit Cottage (and garage) of ours.

I've practiced new (rather primitive) cooking and survival techniques, grown a larger garden (and collected seeds) and Tom even has guns now (and took a gun safety class) something, as a young bride, I never imagined he'd do. (He's also, though not for the sake of prepping, exactly, getting in shape and eating right. Wow.) We're still lacking sheets of plywood for windows, though. Alas.

And with all these hurricanes, flooding, and also, raging fires out West (and general unrest and crumbling of our Country), I hope you are determined to remain ready for anything, also. 

Like my friend, Joyce. She lives outside of Houston and she believes in prepping ahead of time (Joyce is wise). Her town didn't have a ton of flooding (though enough)--but still--grocery stores (and others) around her closed when they were needed most. A couple stores gave people just ten minutes to shop for supplies that, most likely, were already long gone.

Oh wow. But what a difference if, like Joyce, you'd already spent weeks, months, years preparing ahead of time! How wonderful not to be sucked into panicked crowds with shopping carts rolling beside nearly empty shelves, but to, instead, walk around your home setting your already-made-plans in place (or driving away quickly, prepared, because you'd already planned for that, as well.).

You know? I'm wondering if it's ever been this important in all of history to crave wisdom. To ask for it daily, then to use whatever wisdom we've been given while we still have the freedom and time to do so.

Just thinking aloud today as I watch the wild news reports of disasters already here and those yet to come--and while I ask for more wisdom like crazy while simultaneously clinging to the peace only an all-knowing, all-wise God can give.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."... James 1:5

“Anything can happen to anyone, but it usually doesn't. Except when it does.”    --- Philip Roth

Here's my Presents for Preppers post from 2015 with a ton of helpful links.

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Saw this on Facebook from Scott Baio. (No link was provided, so I had to copy and paste it all here.)

To all my friends who may be in the path of Irma & riding the storm out.

This is the most comprehensive list I've seen so far! Be prepared!

1. Charge any device that provides light. Laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, and old phones. Old cell phones can still used for dialing 911. Charge external battery back ups.

2. Wash all trash cans, big and small, and fill with water for flushing toilets. Line outdoor trash cans with trash bags, fill with water and store in the garage. Add bleach to sterilize.

3. Fill every tub and sink with water. Cover sinks with Saran Wrap to keep it from collecting dust. Fill washing machine and leave lid up to store water.

4. Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep near sinks for washing hands.

5. Fill every Tupperware with water and store in freezer. These will help keep food cold longer and serve as a back up water supply.

6. Fill drinking cups with water and cover with Saran Wrap. Store as many as possible in fridge. The rest you can store on the counter and use first before any water bottles are opened. Ice is impossible to find after the storm.

7. Reserve fridge space for storing tap water and keep the sealed water bottles on the counter.

8. Cook any meats in advance and other perishable foods. You can freeze cooked food. Hard boil eggs for snacks for first day without power.

9. Be well hydrated before the storm hits and avoid salty foods that make you dehydrated.

10. Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will smell without the A/C, you may need the items, and with no A/C, you'll be sweating a lot. You're going to want clean sheets.

11. Toss out any expiring food, clean cat litter boxes, empty all trash cans in the house, including bathrooms. Remove anything that will cause an odor when the A/C is off. If you don't have a trash day pickup before the storm, find a dumpster.

12. Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, secure gates, bring in hoses, potted plants, etc. Bring in patio furniture and grills.

13. Clean your environment so you have clear, easy escape routes. Even if that means temporarily moving furniture to one area.

14. Scrub all bathrooms so you are starting with a clean odor free environment. Store water filled trash cans next to each toilet for flushing.

15. Place everything you own that is important and necessary in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Include your wallet with ID, phone, hand sanitizer, snacks, etc. Get plastic sleeves for important documents.

16. Make sure you have cash on hand.

17. Stock up on pet food and fill up bowls of water for pets.

18. Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency refills per year.

19. Fill your propane tanks. You can heat soup cans, boil water, make coffee, and other stuff besides just grilling meat. Get an extra, if possible.

20. Drop your A/C in advance and lower temperatures in your fridges.

21. Gather all candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other items and keep them accessible.

22. Clean all counters in advance. Start with a clean surface. Buy Clorox Wipes for cleaning when there is no power. Mop your floors and vacuum. If power is out for 10 days, you'll have to live in the mess you started with.

23. Pick your emergency safe place such as a closet under the stairs. Store the items you'll need in that location for the brunt of the storm. Make a hand fan for when the power is out.

24. Shower just before the storm is scheduled to hit.

25. Keep baby wipes next to each toilet. Don't flush them. It's not the time to risk clogging your toilet!

26. Run your dishwasher, don't risk having dirty smelly dishes and you need every container for water! Remember you'll need clean water for brushing your teeth, washing yourself, and cleaning your hands.

27. Put a small suitcase in your car in case you decide to evacuate. Also put at least one jug of water in your car. It will still be there if you don't evacuate! You don't need to store all water in the house. Remember to pack for pets as well.

28. Check on all family members, set up emergency back up plans, and check on elderly neighbors.

29. Remember, pets are family too. Take them with you!

30. Before the storm, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges during and after the storm.

31. Gas up your car and have a spare gas container for your generator or your car when you run out.

32. Life jackets/vest & inflatable rafts might also help if you need to leave your home if it becomes flooded.

If you can, take a video of your house and contents....walk room to room--open cabinets/drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later. It will show proof of items and help you list all the items (help your memory, so you don't forget anything)...I highly recommend!!!

I also heard you should freeze a cup of water, place a coin on top after it is frozen...keep this in your freezer to help you gage the temperature if the power goes out. If the coin stays on top, the food is staying frozen. If the coin falls into the water, the freezer thawed out and most food will likely need to be thrown away. This is super helpful if you have to leave and come back, as it may appear everything is still frozen, but if the coin is in the cup--you will know!!

Finally, anything that you want to try and preserve, but you can't take with you---place it in a plastic bin and put in your dishwasher, lock the door---this should make it water tight in case of any water intrusion into your home. But of course, take all the important/irreplaceable items you can!!

Stay Safe everyone!