21 Free Prepping E-books!

Hey folks - Take a look at this from APN !!!

Get 21 free Prepping E-books!

This is all you have to do.

1) Visit The Wilder Boys Blog
2) Click Become a follower
3) Leave a comment on their blog.
4) Post about this giveaway on your blog or email your friends and tell them.
You can copy and post this link: http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.com/2010/05/21-free-prepping-e-books.html

Subjects include:

• Recipe Books and Food Storage
• Gardening
• Animals and Livestock
• Building Plans
• Survival Books

(The Furriers Friend & Cutting Lamb have reversed links)

Today is the Tomorrow that you worried about Yesterday

From a 50 Something, soon to be rural homesteading, Prepper ;-}

Prepping With Children

Check out this great post at TheSurvivalistBlog on Prepping With Children

"" ... Getting your child involved in the process will ensure that your child is comfortable with the future. The more you include your child in the process, the more comfortable with the concepts of prepping he will be and he will not be as frightened by the SHTF. ..."

Prep On

Today is the Tomorrow that you worried about Yesterday

From a 50 Something, soon to be rural homesteading, Prepper ;-}

When Do You Bug-Out or stay Put?

In order to determine if you should shelter in place or evacuate/bug-out you will need to answer a series of questions – kinda like a decision tree. To effectively ask those questions, you will need to be aware of what is happening around you – local, state, national and international; you will need to have a plan to account for each possible scenario that may occur in your area – already in place.

Also keep in mind that if a government entity suggests or orders an evacuation, then they have most likely waited until the last possible moment to issue the order – so don’t tally! You, the evacuees, are solely responsible to pack and go, not your employer (even if they tell you to stay), not the government and not your neighbor or in-laws – You Alone Are Responsible for You and Yours.

In fact studies have shown that in times of crisis about 30-45% of the police, fire, rescue and military personnel will go home and take care of their own families first, especially if they are nearby.

If you decide to NOT evacuate and you then need help these same police, fire, rescue and military personnel will go to the areas that were NOT ordered to evacuate BEFORE they go to help people in areas that were told to evacuate.

You CANNOT count on any government or emergency agency to come to your rescue in a timely fashion. The only things you can count on are yourself (physical, emotional & spiritual), your knowledge, skills and the supplies and tools you have on hand – at that moment!

Have regular practice exercises where you have only 30 minutes to an hour to pack and go. Time yourselves and make the drill fun with rewards and the like.

The advantage that we Preppers have is that we have a set of well thought out plans. We have our gear and supplies in easy reach from 72-hour bags to caches and shelters. We have at least one bug-out retreat if not three, besides our primary residence. All are stocked for at least 30-60 days. If we must bug-out we have at least 3 different routes and rendezvous/meet locations along each possible route we may take. We have put alternative communication and transportation plans into effect. We will not be a statistic - Which will put us in a position where we might be the only ones able to assist the authorities.

Be Aware

Knowledge is essential in any type of disaster or evacuation scenario. The sooner you can determine the answers to the questions below, the less the people around you will be running around like chickens with their heads cut off getting in your way and the less traffic on the roads if evacuation is ordered.

To be aware take advantage of every possible type of communication type in your area. Newspapers, TV, Radio, HAM, CB, Scanners, internet, weather alerts and the like. The more sources of information, the faster you will be able to determine if you can stay put or must bug-out.

The more information you have, the better you can “read the signs” around you. Some signs are:

• A rush or long lines at banks, gas stations or grocery and home improvement stores
• An increase in police, fire, rescue and military personnel
• Lines at sporting, camping and gun stores
• There is more traffic leaving your area than approaching
• An increase in barrel & barricade trucks and or military, fire and law enforcement vehicles
• Ambulances and medical personnel are flocking to the hospitals

If you have been monitoring your communication and news sources then you will know if this is a city Preparedness Drill, a massive toxic spill, hurricane or whatever.

The 12 Key Questions to Ask & Plan for are: (Thank You TheSurvivalPodcast.com)

• Which choice gives you the best chance of survival for the scenario at hand? (this is not always clear)
• How well prepared are you to shelter in place?
• What exactly are you prepared for? (a forest fire is far different from local rioting)
• Have evacuation orders been given or suggested?
• What is the nature and probable duration of the threat?
• Well staying put change anything as far as “saving your home”?
• Where will you go and how will you get there?
• Do you own a bug out location or have double up plans or no place to go at all?
• Will you be able to help your community if you stay?
• What will the impact of staying or going be on your family, can they handle what you can?
• What can you take with you and what must you leave behind?
• If you leave what exactly is waiting for you at your destination?

The Government

According to the Disaster Evacuation and Displacement Policy the government has the right to force someone out of their home:

“Dependent upon state and local law, [the local executive] has extraordinary powers to suspend local laws and ordinances, such as to establish curfew, direct evacuations, and, in coordination with the local health authority, to order quarantine.”

For details see: Disaster Evacuation and Displacement Policy for Congress at: http://digital.library.unt.edu/govdocs/crs/permalink/meta-crs-7643:1

When you plan for these questions, remember that depending on the crisis the following could play a role in your answer to stay or go.

• Civil Upheaval/Crime
• Lasting Health Issues
• Lasting Supply Issues

Remember Katrina – it’s not If – it’s When

There are also some Pro’s and Con’s to your decision.

Pro’s

• The food in your refrigerator and pantry can supplement your survival stash
• If you lose power, you can quickly cook much of your food and monitor the temperature of your freezer (frozen food will usually keep at least 24 hours)
• You'll have more time to improve your home's chances of survival (move items to high ground, put plywood over windows, etc.)
• It offers shelter against most elements
• You'll have access to all your clothing, bedding and other comforts
• You won't suffer from boredom as much as you might in a shelter (unless your retreat is well stocked)
• You possibly can protect your stuff from looters
• You have more room to store emergency supplies

Con’s

• If you decide to evacuate later, it may be too late. Traffic, clogged roads, roadblocks, etc will be a hindrance
• Without heat, electricity, hot water or other services, home just isn't the same, unless you have backup energy
• There is no sense of community, unless other neighbors or members of your local survival group stay home, too. You may feel cut off and alone
• If a mandatory evacuation has been ordered, you may be prosecuted by local authorities (although this rarely happens); at the very least your area will be the last place getting aid or search& rescue
• You and yours may become a liability to S&R.

Recommended Reading and Listening

There an excellent podcast about this called: Bug In or Bug Out - 12 Questions to Ask - Episode-289 found at: http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/bug-in-or-bug-out-12-questions-to-ask It is about 30 minutes long and well worth your time.

A great article called When to Bug Out: Knowing the Signs can be found at: http://readynutrition.com/resources/when-to-bug-out-knowing-the-signs_10012010/

Another good one is Heed the Disaster, Know the Dangers at: http://readynutrition.com/resources/heed-the-disaster-know-the-danger_25012010/ “…The Effects and Damage Could Be More Than One Envisioned …”

Bug Out or Batten Down? Should you Stay or Go? by Captain Dave at: http://www.captaindaves.com/guide/bugout.htm is fantastic “…We all have a strong desire to protect what's ours. Regardless of whether you own the largest house in the neighborhood or rent a ramshackle shack, home is where the heart is, not to mention all the rest of your stuff! And Captain Dave knows you've worked long and hard to accumulate that stuff, so abandoning it and running for safety may stick in your craw. …”

Bottom line: The needs and agendas of governments are different than that of the citizens.

It’s your choice and yours alone. Only you can determine the ultimate consequences of staying or going, for you and yours.

“It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.”
Whitney M Young Jr

From a 50 Something, soon to be homesteading Prepper ;-}

Americans Have No Right to Unfettered Food of All Kinds !?!

From APN Newsletter 05 12 10 @ http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.com/2010/05/you-have-no-natural-right-to-food.html

Read, follow the links, then weep ;-{

APN Quote:

No matter what your stance is politically, you are human. You eat and drink as a matter of survival, but as humans we consume as social beings. No one has the right to take away food found in it's natural state. However the FDA thinks that we should not be allowed to eat and drink what we so desire. Another agency that wishes to save us from ourselves.

From Natural News;

The FTCLDF (http://www.ftcldf.org/ Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defence Fund) highlighted a few of the key phrases from the FDA's response document in a recent email to its supporters. They include the following two statements from the FDA:

"There is no 'deeply rooted' historical tradition of unfettered access to foods of all kinds." [p. 26]

"Plaintiffs' assertion of a 'fundamental right to their own bodily and physical health, which includes what foods they do and do not choose to consume for themselves and their families' is similarly unavailing because plaintiffs do not have a fundamental right to obtain any food they wish." [p.26]

There's a lot more in the document, which primarily addresses the raw milk issue, but these statements alone clearly reveal how the FDA views the concept of health freedom. Essentially, the FDA does not believe in health freedom at all. It believes that it is the only entity granted the authority to decide for you what you are able to eat and drink.

The State, in other words, may override your food decisions and deny you free access to the foods and beverages you wish to consume. And the State may do this for completely unscientific reasons -- even just political reasons -- all at their whim.

******
But it gets even worse. On page 27 of the dismissal, the FDA also states that Americans do not have a fundamental right to enter into private contractual agreements with one another, either.

Read entire article here>>>> http://www.naturalnews.com/028757_raw_milk_FDA.html Raw milk battle reveals FDA abandonment of basic human right to choose your food

I found some more tidbits

Here>>> http://www.newswithviews.com/Hannes/doreen103.htm FDA WANTS TO CONTROL EVERYTHING YOUR FAMILY EATS

There is No Right to Consume or Feed Children Any Particular Food (pg25)

There is No Generalized Right to Bodily and Physical Health. (pg26)

There is No Fundamental Right to Freedom of Contract (pg 27)

Posted by Phelan at 8:44 AM

----- End APN Quote -----------------

Legislation

A. S 510: FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (S510-RS) http://www.ftcldf.org/refdocs/s510_rs_121809-getdoccgi.pdf as reported in the Senate by Sen. Harkin with an amendment "in the nature of a substitute" and placed on Senate Legislative Calendar as No. 247. Introduced by Sen. Durbin on March 3, 2009. Obtained 22 April 2010 at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:s510rs.txt.pdf
Status of the bill is posted at http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:S.0510:

B. HR 2749: Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 (HR 2749-RFS) http://www.ftcldf.org/refdocs/hr2749_rfs_080309-getdoccgi.pdf as engrossed and assigned to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) on August 3, 2009 after passing in the House of Representatives on July 31, 2009. Formally introduced by Rep. Dingell on June 8, 2009. Obtained 22 April 2010 at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h2749rfs.txt.pdf
Status of the bill is posted at http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.2749:

-----------------

Related Articles:

S 510 the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:S.0510:
HR 2749 the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:h.r.02749:
Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (http://www.ftcldf.org/) http://www.ftcldf.org/news/news-foodsafety.htm "... S.510 and HR 2749 represent landmark legislation that will significantly increase the federal government's power to regulate intrastate commerce while hurting this country's ability to produce safe food and to become self-sufficient in food production. ..."

Food Safety: The Worst of Both Bills (HR 2749 & S 510) "... In reality, neither bill would improve food safety; in fact, the new requirements would cause an increase in imported food, a major source of the food safety problems in this country. Either bill would diminish the freedom and liberty Americans currently have to obtain the food of their choice from the source of their choice. What follows is a review of the more damaging provisions of the two bills under the following subheadings:
• A. National Agriculture and Food Defense Strategy
• B. Authority over Movement of Food
• C. Criminal and Civil Penalties
• D. HACCP Plans
• E. Food Traceability
• F. Safety Standards for Produce
..."

the original June 2009 review of HR 2749 http://www.ftcldf.org/docs/hr2749-Geographic%20Quarantine.htm

Food Safety - Can FDA Be Trusted? http://www.ftcldf.org/news/news-29jan2010-food_safety.html

Raw milk battle reveals FDA abandonment of basic human right to choose your food http://www.naturalnews.com/028757_raw_milk_FDA.html

FDA WANTS TO CONTROL EVERYTHING YOUR FAMILY EATS http://www.newswithviews.com/Hannes/doreen103.htm "... The legal brief by the FDA actually has the audacity to proclaim in the table of contents such things as:
There is No Right to Consume or Feed Children Any Particular Food (pg25)
There is No Generalized Right to Bodily and Physical Health. (pg26)
There is No Fundamental Right to Freedom of Contract (pg 27)
FDA’s Regulations Rationally Advance The Agency’s Public Health Mission (pg27) ...Finally, even if such a right did exist, it would not render FDA’s regulations unconstitutional because prohibiting the interstate sale and distribution of unpasteurized milk promotes “bodily and physical health.”..."

White House Seeks to Controls your Food to save the children http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20004653-503544.html

White House: Stop Marketing Unhealthy Foods to Kids – http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20004653-503544.html Vote @ this site too!!!!!

"...A White House report warns "The childhood obesity epidemic in America is a national health crisis." ... The review by the Task Force on Childhood Obesity says one out of every three children is overweight or obese. The task force is a key part of First Lady Michelle Obama's campaign (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20001944-503544.html ) to solve the problem of obesity within a generation. ... "We have a roadmap for implementing our plan across our government and across the country," Michelle Obama told reporters ..."

The Food Rights Firestorm Spreads: Is Big Dairy Helping Regulators Use MA As Test to Bust Raw Milk Buying Clubs? http://www.thecompletepatient.com/journal/2010/4/30/the-food-rights-firestorm-spreads-is-big-dairy-helping-regul.html#comments

Too Much of a Good Thing? MA Regulators Begin to Turn Against Raw Milk Sales By Cracking Down on Buying Groups http://www.thecompletepatient.com/journal/2010/1/31/too-much-of-a-good-thing-ma-regulators-begin-to-turn-against.html

Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) of Massachusetts released a study http://www.thecompletepatient.com/journal/2009/6/23/a-new-survey-helps-us-understand-why-raw-milk-is-the-new-go.html

The Raw Milk Revolution, described @ http://www.thecompletepatient.com/journal/2009/9/30/why-wi-authorities-are-pushing-hard-on-zinniker-farm-milk-ou.html

Dozens Plead, Cajole, Argue for Hands Off Raw Milk Buying Clubs, But Commish Hears a Different Story http://www.thecompletepatient.com/ see press release: http://www.mass.gov/agr/news/pr/330CRM27-announcement-050710.pdf and Organic Pastures Dairy Co. http://www.organicpastures.com/ and local MA television report http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/cow-in-boston-common-for-raw-milk-enthusiasts-20100510

---------------

Referenced Sources

1. DHS. “The Department of Homeland Security’s Role in Food Defense and Critical Infrastructure Protection” http://www.ftcldf.org/refdocs/DHS_Role_in_Food_Defense--OIG_07-33_Feb07.pdf (OIG-07-33), February 2007. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General. Obtained 28 Apr 2010 online at http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_07-33_Feb07.pdf
Link to report also posted at http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/rpts/gc_1193965173651.shtm

2. Acheson, David. “Food Defense, CARVER+Shock”. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) Training Video captioned in English, French, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Spanish (48:00 minutes; circa August 2007). Posted May 14, 2009. Accessed 28 Apr 2010 at http://www.fda.gov/Food/InternationalActivities/ucm151737.htm
Links to view (captioned in various languages) or download video for offline use (62.8 MB) http://www.fda.gov/Food/InternationalActivities/ucm172583.htm

3. Mead, Paul S., et al. “Food-Related Illness and Death in the United States” (http://www.fda.gov/Food/InternationalActivities/ucm151737.htm ). Emerging Infectious Diseases, vol. 5, 1999, pp. 607-25. Synopses, published monthly by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Obtained online 2 Feb. 2008 at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol5no5/pdf/mead.pdf
Published online at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol5no5/mead.htm

4. GAO. “Much Is Being Done to Protect Agriculture from a Terrorist Attack but Important Challenges Remain” http://www.ftcldf.org/refdocs/gao_much_is_being_done_report-d05214.pdf (GAO-05-214), March 2005. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report to Congressional Requesters. Obtained 28 Apr 2010 online at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d05214.pdf
Links to the “Highlights” (http://www.ftcldf.org/refdocs/gao_much_is_being_done_highlights-d05214high.pdf ) and “Recommendations” (http://www.ftcldf.org/refdocs/gao_much_is_being_done-webpage.pdf ) are posted at http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-05-214

5. Munsell, John. “HACCP: USDA’s Current Style of Meat Inspection”( http://www.ftcldf.org/refdocs/Munsell_Pwrpt_HACCP_FDAs_style_Jan_2010.pdf ). PowerPoint presentation, January 2010. Received 25 Jan 2010 by email “with absolutely no restrictions on its dissemination”.
View online as a PDF file http://www.ftcldf.org/refdocs/Munsell_Pwrpt_HACCP_FDAs_style_Jan_2010.pdf or download as a PowerPoint file http://www.ftcldf.org/refdocs/Munsell_Pwrpt_HACCP_FDA%27s_style_Jan_2010.ppt

6. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). “CBP Completes First Regional Installation of Nationwide Trade Processing System in Western Washington”. (http://www.ftcldf.org/refdocs/CBP_News_061505--ACE_installation.pdf )News Release June 15, 2005. Obtained 6 May 2010 at link http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/archives/2005_press_releases/062005/06152005_2.xml
Also appears as a footnote on page 9, referencing http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/about/modernization -
Rodysill, Jade. “High Performance: Ensuring global freight security” (http://www.ftcldf.org/refdocs/FreightSecurityViewpointFINAL.pdf ). Supply Chain Management Viewpoint. Published by Accenture. Accessed 5 May 2010 at http://www.accenture.com/NR/rdonlyres/CF6BD051-198D-4F50-B7FC-8039ABAC5A46/0/FreightSecurityViewpointFINAL.pdf

7. Corbo, Tony. “Remarks for the FSRC Workshops: ‘Assuring Safety of Imported Food’” http://www.ftcldf.org/refdocs/fsrc-import-s1-06_corbo.pdf . February 1, 2010. Posted by the Food Safety Research Consortium (FSRC) for the 2010 conference: “Assuring Safety of Imported Food: Public and Private Roles in a Risk-Based System”. Obtained 2 May 2010 online at http://www.thefsrc.org/importsafety/FSRC-import-S1-06_Corbo.pdf
To view the agenda from the conference, http://www.ftcldf.org/refdocs/fsrc-workshop_-assuring-safety-webpage.pdf , as accessed 2 May 2010 at http://www.thefsrc.org/importsafety.htm

8. Redmond, Judith. “Food Safety” (http://www.growingproduce.com/americanvegetablegrower/?storyid=380 ). American Vegetable Grower, February 2008. Accessed 16 May 2009 at http://www.growingproduce.com/americanvegetablegrower/?storyid=380#
Also posted at http://www.growingproduce.com/production/foodsafety/?storyid=380

9. DeLind, Laura B. and Philip H. Howard. “Safe at any scale? Food scares, food regulation, and scaled alternatives” (http://www.springerlink.com/content/4422g52r15066362/ ). Journal of Agriculture and Human Values (2008), vol. 25: pp. 301-317. Available through SpringerLink for download purchase at http://www.springerlink.com/content/4422g52r15066362/

10. Fantle, Will quoted in “National Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement Could Harm Local, Family-scale and Organic Growers”. Cornucopia News, September 22, 2009. The Cornucopia Institute. Accessed 5 May 2010 at http://www.cornucopia.org/2009/09/national-leafy-greens-marketing-agreement-could-harm-local-family-scale-and-organic-growers/

11. Eddy, David. “Minimizing Wildlife“. American Vegetable Grower, July 2008. Accessed 16 May 2009 at http://www.growingproduce.com/americanvegetablegrower/?storyid=297
Also posted at http://www.growingproduce.com/production/foodsafety/?storyid=297

12. Lieberman, Lisa. “Spotlight on Food Safety”. American Vegetable Grower, March 2008. Accessed 16 May 2009 at http://www.growingproduce.com/americanvegetablegrower/?storyid=419#
Also posted at http://www.growingproduce.com/production/foodsafety/?storyid=419

----------------

Read the key articles @ http://www.scribd.com/doc/31266955/Americans-Have-No-Right-to-Unfettered-Food-of-All-Kinds-APN-Newsletter-05-12-10

Prep On

50 Something, soon to be rural homesteading, Prepper ;-}

Preparing Your Emergency Documentation Book-Binder

Although your Preparedness Plan is your top priority, having an Emergency Documentation Binder or Book is your next most important task.

This binder represents You and Your Family’s Life – Yep, all the nitty-gritty paperwork that tells the world not only who you are, but who your immediate family members are, as well as, what you own, where to find this vital information, brief medical background and whom to contact concerning you, yours and your possessions, in an emergency/disaster.

If you have to evacuate or bug-out, there most likely will NOT be enough time to run around and collect all this information. If the emergency is severe enough, your primary residence, bank, etc., could be destroyed taking this information with it, so you will need it to “rebuild” your life once the crisis passes.

“Preparedness is not just about stockpiling, it's about having an actual plan.” Mike Ryan

Start with a Plan

All of the suggested reading below will tell you to determine what disasters you feel may occur in your area, how long you think they may last, where you might be when it occurs and the scope of involvement.

Categories of Disasters or Emergencies

• Natural – Floods, Tornados, Hurricanes, Mud Slide, Avalanche, Drought, Severe Winter Storm, Pandemic, Extraterrestrial (sunspots, asteroid, comet), Earthquake, Volcano and the like
• Man-Made – Economical, Social, Ecological, Bio-toxin, Pandemic (can be natural or human induced), Nuclear, Civil Unrest, War, Riot, EMP (electromagnetic pulse), Terrorism, Blackouts , Lack of Energy, Water or Food (Yes this can occur due to nature too, but are often human induced), Toxic Spill and the like
• Bad Luck – Accidents, Getting Lost, General Clumsiness, Disease, Illness, Injury and the like
• Spiritual – Armageddon, Rapture, Revelation, Mayan Calendar, Nostradamus and like prophecies

Duration

• Short Term – One to 7 days
• Mid Term – One week to one month
• Long Term – Months, Years

Scope of Involvement

• Local
• Regional
• National
• Worldwide

Location

• Where you are when the crisis occurs
• Bug-out – Relocation or Evacuation is required or Stay Put

As you build your plan remember to account for both sheltering in place and having to evacuate for each of the possibilities you have determined.

The two most detailed, yet general “build your plan” documents I have found are: Home Emergency Preparedness Workbook by Pandion-LLC. Although I can’t seem to find the original web site I have uploaded the PDF to: http://www.scribd.com/doc/27403530/Home-Emergency-Preparedness-Workbook-Pandion-LLC-15798502 and the 26 Weeks to Emergency Preparedness Workbook by Cowichan Valley of British Columbia, Canada found at: http://www.cvrd.bc.ca/documents/Public%20Safety%20Services/Emergency%20Preparedness/CVEPWorkbook.PDF

For a “Down’n’Dirty” Quickie Checklist for a Making a Plan and accumulating needed information: PDF Format: http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/fsme/docs/emergencyplanpdf.pdf; Excel Format: http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/getting-started/ then select the Excel version.

Another good starter is the Emergency Preparedness Checklist at: http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/babystep-checklists/ or http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/babystep-checklists/ for BabyStep Checklist Email Program – Biweekly emails sent to you with detailed checklists to walk you through our BabySteps in a one year FREE program. You will need to sign up for the free email checklists.

A great “all purpose” get started sample plan that includes your pets (just substitute equine for your pet) can be downloaded from: http://www.thehorse.com/pdf/emergency/emergency.pdf

“Chance favors the prepared mind.” Louis Pasteur

Build the Specific Sections to your Documentation Book

I have a copy of each important document in my Documentation Book and the originals stored in a copy of the Documentation Book in a fireproof locked box. This lock box is about the size of a small or “cube” office file storage box. If I must bug out, I am hoping I can take this lock box with me. If I can’t, well at least I have copies of all of these things in my Documentation Book.

General Things You Will Need

• 3 ring Binder
• Tab Dividers
• Permanent Marker (large and regular)

General Things You May Need

• Pocket Folders or Letter Sized Clasp Envelopes (to put in the 3 ring binder and hold odd and or loose important items)
• 3 Hole Punch
• Pencil, Paper, Sharpener
• Add anything else you feel you need

I strongly suggest you print the following and have it as the First Page of your binder/book. Then make a reduced copy for each family member to keep in their wallet, purse, backpack, go-bag and one for each vehicle (car, truck, RV, boat, plane). I have this list copied on the back of my important emergency contact/information card and laminated.

If disaster strikes these are your immediate first questions to ask and items to collect. You cannot count on memory in times of stress and possible shock. This list will jog your memory, snap you out of the shock and the binder will provide any additional detailed reminders and information.

Questions to always ask immediately after the Disaster/Emergency occurs

• Food
• Water
• Clothing
• Shelter
• Illness or Injury needs
• Defense
• Bug-out or Stay Put
• Basic Tools to achieve and maintain the above necessities to life

Binder Section Dividers Can’t seem to find the original link for this but have uploaded it to: http://www.scribd.com/doc/31181276/Documentation-Book-Organization-Binder-for-Home-Food-Preparedness-Information-25075850

Quick Household Reference Sheet & Important Papers & Numbers Forms can be found at http://www.theideadoor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=979 or
http://www.theideadoor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=980 with a great set of downloadable forms and checklists. A good one to start with is: http://www.theideadoor.com/Preparedness/BINDER%20%20RED%20DOC%20rev%201008.pdf These are checklists that remind you to have copies of various important documents like birth certificates, property deeds, insurance papers and important phone numbers for each family member.

Important Papers Quick Checklist: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/Quick%20household%20reference.doc

Location Directory - List the location of all important documents: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/LOCATION%20DIRECTORY.doc

Important Papers: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/IMPORTANT%20PAPERS%202.doc

Important Phone Numbers: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/EMERGENCY%20PHONE%20NUMBERS.doc

Emergency Contact Cards: http://www.pep.bc.ca/hazard_preparedness/Emergency_Contact_Card.pdf

Medical Emergency Contact Forms – General and for Child(ren):
(General) http://www.agis.com/SqlFileResource.axd?id=33&resource=pdf
Child(ren) permission http://www.theideadoor.com/Directory.html scroll down to Preparedness, then select TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN or http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/TO%20WHOM%20IT%20MAY%20CONCERN.doc.

Medical History: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/MEDICAL%20HISTORY.doc

List Of Current Medications Form http://www.agis.com/SqlFileResource.axd?id=36&resource=pdf

Health Insurance: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/HEALTH%20INSURANCE.doc

Estate Information Guide Form by (CNI) CodeNameInsight found at: http://www.codenameinsight.com/files/ESTATE%20INFORMATION%20GUIDE.pdf This holds the names/DOB/Place of Birth/SS/Date and Place of Marriage, Bank Accounts, Creditors, Utilities, Investment Accounts, Insurance and if you have certain Legal Documents; Who should be notified in case of Death or Emergency and the like.

Household Inventory - Detailed list of important and or valuable possessions. Include photos, receipts and the like if possible: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/HOUSEHOLD%20INVENTORY.doc

Investments Form: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/INVESTMENTS.doc

Credit Cards: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/CREDIT%20CARDS.doc

Real Estate Form: http://www.theideadoor.com/Directory.html scroll down to Preparedness, then select REAL ESTATE or http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/REAL%20ESTATE.doc This will hold a list of all your property and its locations.

Car/Vehicle Insurance: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/CAR%20INSURANCE.doc

Property Insurance: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/PROPERTY%20INSURANCE.doc

Individual Life Insurance: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/INDIVIDUAL%20LIFE%20INSURANCE.doc

Insurance Company Quick Directory Form: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/INSURANCE%20QUICK%20DIRECTORY.doc

Group Life and Retirement Plan Policies: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/GROUP%20LIFE%20and%20RETIREMENT%20PLAN%20POLICIES.doc

Help – OK Signs: http://www.pep.bc.ca/hazard_preparedness/HELP-OK_sign.pdf

The Following Have Evacuated Form found at:
http://www.codenameinsight.com/files/Evac%20poster.pdf Use only if you want everyone to know where y’all have gone. Otherwise make a simple letter sized sign that says “Evacuated” or “House Empty” to save the Search and Rescue people time. Of course an “X” painted on the door or front of the house seems to be rather universal too. Either way, be kind to S&R and leave some kind of notice that you are gone. This could help law enforcement too by alerting them that your vacated house is now occupied by someone else.

Phone Log Documentation Form: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/PHONE%20LOG.xls For if you are in a shelter or for keeping track of which family and or important people you have contacted since the emergency.

Food Brought Into the retreat/shelter: Can use this to keep track of your food storage too. http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/FOOD%20BROUGHT%20IN.xls

Registration and Identification Sheets - (CRI) Child and (ARI) Adult: These are for lost adults and or children or in the case of separation during evacuation. Always keep a current photo for each individual.
(CRI) http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/CRI%20SHEET.doc and
(ARI) http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/ARI%20Sheet.doc

A good checklist of Things that Must Be Done in case a loved one dies:
http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/THINGS%20THAT%20MUST%20BE%20DONE.doc

Letter of Instruction for loved ones in case You die: http://www.theideadoor.com/Document%20Organizer/LETTER%20OF%20INSTRUCTION.doc

OK time to get cracking and make your plans and collect all of your important documents into your Emergency Book. The time spent doing this will save you a ton of hardship and tribulation should a disaster strike.

"What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expect generally happens." Benjamin Disraeli

Additional Related Resources: http://www.codenameinsight.com/resources.htm

• Monthly Preparedness "To Do" List January
• Monthly Preparedness "To Do" List February
• Monthly Preparedness "To Do" List March
• Monthly Preparedness "To Do" List April
• Monthly Preparedness "To Do" List May
• Monthly Preparedness "To Do" List June
• Monthly Preparedness "To Do" List July
• Monthly Preparedness "To Do" List August
• Monthly Preparedness "To Do" List September
• Monthly Preparedness "To Do" List October
• Monthly Preparedness "To Do" List November
• Monthly Preparedness "To Do" List December
• Preparedness Survival Drills
• 31 Day Survival Plan
• Estate Information Guide
• Evacuation Poster
• Are You Prepared Survey
• Sample Emergency Plan
• Blackjack
• The CONET Primer
• The Convoy Handbook
• Tactical Convoy Handbook
• The Joys of Sweeping
• A Military Guide to Terrorism
• The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terror
• National Security Emergencies
• OPSEC Primer
• Basic Security Awareness
• Enemy TTP & Recommendations
• Emergency Guidelines for Schools
• Lessons from Anthrax Attacks
• Prevention Against Nuclear Attacks
• Shopping Mall Shooter: A Defensive Response
• Survival Article

Read the entire letter and view sample book pages @ http://www.scribd.com/doc/31215099/Preparing-Your-Emergency-Documentation-Book-Binder

Keep On Preppin’

The precious things in life are hard to find and obtain; otherwise they would only be worth a dime a dozen and not so very precious.

From a 50 Something, soon to be homesteading Prepper ;-}

Happy Mother's Day

God Bless

Today is the Tomorrow that you worried about Yesterday

Prep On !

50 Something, soon to be rural homesteading, Prepper ;-}

News to Ponder May 2, 2010

Read, Think, Ponder & Act

Solar cell breakthrough achieves 90 percent efficiency at a fraction of the cost of current panels ... (NaturalNews) Scientists from the California Institute of Technology (CIT) have developed a new solar cell technology that they say absorbs up to 96 percent of "incident" light. Experimental tests revealed that the new cells operate at around a 90 percent... http://www.naturalnews.com/028691_solar_cells_efficiency.html

Animal Disaster Preparedness May 2010

Are you prepared? Animal Disaster Preparedness Day read more at: http://www.cesarsway.com/cesarstips/cesarspeaks/Animal-Disaster-Preparedness-Day?utm_source=mobilestorm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MayNL_1
May 8 is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day read more at: http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/apr10/100415c.asp


New 'safety plan' would control what you eat Posted: May 01, 2010 By Bob Unruh ... 'It is to our food what the bailout was to our economy, only we can live without money'
… "S. 510, the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010 (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-2749), may be the most dangerous bill in the history of the U.S.," writes Steve Green on the Food Freedom blog (http://foodfreedom.wordpress.com/2010/04/24/s-510-is-hissing-in-the-grass/). "It is to our food what the bailout was to our economy, only we can live without money."… Read the full story: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=146957

Health freedom alert: Congressman Waxman sneaks anti-vitamin amendment into Wall Street reform bill ... (NaturalNews) Of all the sneaky tactics practiced in Washington D.C., this recent action by Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) is one of the most insidious: While no one was looking, he injected amendment language into the Wall Street Reform and Consumer... http://www.naturalnews.com/028687_Henry_Waxman_health_freedom.html

GMO SHOWDOWN! CCNFSDU Meeting in Quebec City for updates see www.healthfreedomusa.org
S.510 STILL has not made it to the floor of the Senate this week! Your continued PUSH BACK is still holding it off. ... Rumor in DC is that the forced-industrialization of food production bill, S.510, will come to a vote in the Senate this week or next week. If you value local, natural food production, NOW is the time to act! Please use this Action Item and send the message to the Senate: "NO FAKE FOOD SAFETY BILL". Demand strong, unequivocal protection for local, natural food production! Please forward this message to everyone you know and ask them to act too!

Find out about all the current U.S. Food Safety Bills before this congress at: http://www.cspinet.org/foodsafety/foodbills.html
H.R. 875, Food Safety Modernization Act; H.R. 759, FDA Globalization Act; H.R. 1332, Safe Food Enforcement, Assessment, Standards, and Targeting (FEAST) Act; S. 510, FDA Food Safety Modernization Act

Fungal Disease Spreads Through Pacific Northwest April 23, 2010 by Richard Knox “…A rare and dangerous fungal infection named Cryptococcus gattii has been quietly spreading from British Columbia southward to the U.S. Pacific Northwest. And it's changing as it goes. …” Read more: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126198896&sc=nl&cc=es-20100502

McNeil Consumer Healthcare Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain OTC Infants' and Children's Products Sat, 01 May 2010 05:58:00 McNeil Consumer Healthcare is initiating this voluntary recall because some of these products may not meet required quality standards. This recall is not being undertaken on the basis of adverse medical events. See: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm210443.htm

Northern Food I/E Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in Havista White Fungus Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:49:00 Northern Food I/E Inc. of Hicksville, NY, is recalling its 100 gram packages of Havista brand "white fungus" because they contain undeclared sulfites. People who have a sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product. See http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm210297.htm


Changes for international nuclear safety 28 April 2010 http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS_Changes_for_international_nuclear_safety_2804101.html "... While performance indicators have improved markedly over the years, improving further into the forthcoming nuclear expansion requires a certain re-invention of the body. ... The package of changes unanimously voted through at WANO's biennial general meeting in February "is a re-commitment to the original principles of our founding fathers," said Felgate...."

Obama confident of Pak nuclear safety Wednesday, April 14, 2010 http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\04\14\story_14-4-2010_pg1_2 ... WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama said on Tuesday he is confident of the security of Pakistan’s nuclear programme.

Progress and Change in Nuclear Safety 14 September 2009 Globalised Nuclear Sector Presents New Nuclear Safety Challenges ... IAEA General Conference ... http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/News/2009/progresssafety.html "... speakers identified challenges which deserve further consideration. These include: states embarking for the first time on a nuclear power programme - the so-called nuclear newcomers; an anticipated flurry in construction occurring simultaneously around the globe and an increasingly globalised nuclear industry; an emerging need for the security regime to match the existing safety regime because of the growing terrorist threat to nuclear material and installations; and a generation of ageing nuclear power plants which could have their lifespans extended well beyond 60 years. ..."


Agricultural legal and tax developments continued to impact the agricultural sector in 2009. Here's the list of what the Iowa State University Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation believes to be the "Top Ten" developments in 2009 based on their impact to agricultural producers and rural landowners nationwide. The one-year lapse of the Federal Estate Tax is number one on the list. http://www.capitalag.com/news.html & http://www.calt.iastate.edu/PDF/Top%20Ten%20of%202009.pdf

According to the December issue of "Amber Waves,"The debt landscape for U.S. farms has shifted. ...Disruptions in U.S. credit markets have heightened concerns about the level of farm debt and the financial structure of U.S. farm businesses." The article states that debt is only part of the story. "To assess potential problems that farmers might confront from the use of debt financing, debt has to be examined in terms of its level, the leverage position of farms, and in light of the debt repayment capacity available to meet debt service and other payment obligations." http://www.capitalag.com/news.html & http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/December09/Features/DebtLandscape.htm

H.R. 1549 would ban from use, in livestock and poultry, animal health products that are used to prevent and control diseases. Farmers only would be allowed to use animal health products that treat diseases. The bill also would require all "critical antimicrobial animal drugs" to go through a second U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval process within two years of enactment of the legislation. The legislation purports to address an increase in antibiotic-resistant illnesses in humans. But, numerous assessments have shown risk levels associated with antibiotic use in agriculture that are extremely low, and nationally recognized scientific studies have shown that the removal of important animal health products could actually increase food-safety risks. The American Veterinary Medical Association response to this legislation offers information farmers will find useful in answering questions about this proposed legislation. http://www.capitalag.com/news.html & http://www.avma.org/advocacy/federal/legislative/issue_briefs/Preservation_of_Antibiotics_Act_of_2009_Issue_Brief.pdf

Sotomayor's views on property rights cause concern. Iowa State University ag-law professor Roger McEowen says Sotomayor "has little regard for private property rights as a fundamental constitutional right. That's a huge issue for agriculture and rural property owners." http://www.capitalag.com/news.html & http://www.dtnprogressivefarmer.com/dtnag/common/link.do?symbolicName=/ag/blogs/template1&blogHandle=editorsnotebook&blogEntryId=8a82c0bc218d18ec0121b023095e01cf

Dairy farmers are recording huge financial losses, according to Dr. Mike Hutjens, a University of Illinois Extension dairy specialist. "Milk prices dropped nearly 40 percent starting last January, reaching less than $12 per hundred pounds. The price was $18 per hundredweight in December 2008." Hutgens explains the underlying issues and outlines some options for dairy farmers to reduce losses. http://www.capitalag.com/news.html & http://web.extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/dairy/

The Seventh Federal Reserve District states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin continue to play a key role in the agricultural economy of the United States, as well as the world. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago said last month that farmland values in the Seventh District declined by 6% during the first quarter of 2009, which is the "the largest quarterly decline since 1985," However, despite the first quarter weakness, district prices for "good" agricultural land still averaged 2% higher than a year earlier as of April 1. http://www.capitalag.com/news.html & Read the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago on the Seventh District Economy reports at: http://www.chicagofed.org/webpages/utilities/chicagofedorg_search.cfm?search=Overview+of+the+District+Ag+Economy&quickSearch_submit.x=16&quickSearch_submit.y=14

The Farm Foundation has released a March 2009 Update on "What's Driving Food Prices?"
The analysis done by Purdue University economists Phil Abbott, Chris Hurt and Wally Tyner for the Farm Foundation just nine months ago is updated in this new report. http://www.capitalag.com/news.html & http://www.farmfoundation.org/webcontent/Whats-Driving-Food-Prices-March-2009-Update-1702.aspx?articleid=1702&zo&

The Obama Administration's budget proposal released February 26 would make a number of cuts to the farm safety nets in the 2008 Farm Bill. Farm organizations and a some members of Congress are concerned about the possible impact on family farms and production agriculture. These groups are joining forces to find ways to educate the Administration on the potential negative effects of the proposals. Summary of the Agriculture Portion at: http://www.capitalag.com/news.html & http://www.capitalag.com/news.html

"An ambitious bill to tighten regulations and oversight on financial markets passed the House Agriculture Committee Feb. 12." A March 2 Delta Farm Press article offers a summary of the bill and the input provided. It also supplies a link to the testimony given to the House Agriculture Committee. http://www.capitalag.com/news.html & http://deltafarmpress.com/news/derivatives-bill-0302/

NCGA Addresses Misinformation about food supplies and prices as food companies continue to blame farmers and the agriculture sector for continued high grocery costs for consumers. The organization provides statistics on corn use and on record profits for food companies in this December 19 article. http://www.capitalag.com/news.html & http://ncga.com/time-squash-yet-another-krafty-mistruth-12-19-08

The Farm Foundation has released a new report outlining major challenges and issues agriculture will confront in providing food, fiber and energy to a growing world over the next 30 years. The report was developed with input from a diverse set of agricultural and agribusiness leaders, government agency representatives and academics, and highlights key issues public and private decision makers may need to consider as they address the challenges of feeding a growing world. The full report and an executive summary are available online. http://www.capitalag.com/news.html & http://www.farmfoundation.org/

Homeland Security News & Top 10 National Terror Alerts May 2, 2010 http://www.nationalterroralert.com/

• Times Square Car Bomb Incident – Updates and Live Stream ... Police have “rendered safe” the car bomb found inside a sport utility vehicle that triggered an evacuation of New York’s Times Square on Saturday night in an incident that the city’s mayor said early on Sunday could have turned into a very deadly event. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg also told a news conference that “we... Times Square – NYPD, FBI Investigate Failed Car Bomb Times Square – NYPD, FBI Investigate Failed Car Bomb
• Suspicious Package Times Square UPDATE 11:29 EST From Reuters The dark-colored sports utility vehicle which triggered the evacuation of Times Square on Saturday night was found to contain explosives, gasoline, propane and burned wires, a New York Fire Department officer told Reuters. Reuters UPDATE:Thousands of tourists and theatergoers were cleared...
• Arizona Sheriff’s Deputy Shot, Suspects Reportedly Shoot At Helicopter Arizona Sheriff’s Deputy Shot, Suspects Reportedly Shoot At Helicopter UPDATE: Seventeen people have been detained in the search for suspects in Fridays shooting of Pinal County Sheriffs Deputy Louis Puroll by suspected drug smugglers in an isolated area of south-central Arizona. Pinal County Lt. Tami Villar says 14 of those detained are suspected of being illegal immigrants, while three match the description given of...
• Man With Cyanide Found Inside NYC Subway Tunnel A man who apparently wanted to kill himself was arrested by NYPD anti-terrorism officers Friday after a cyanide scare inside a New York City subway tunnel, CBS station WCBS-TV reported. Sources said workers noticed a man deep inside a subway tunnel near the East River about 9:30 a.m. with a suspicious package containing an unknown substance. Anti-terrorism...
• U.S. Expected to Reveal Size of Nuclear Stockpile ... The Obama administration is likely to reveal a closely guarded secret — the...
• Russian Company Markets Hidden Cruise Missile System ... The Washington post and several other news sources report that a Russian company...
• Pakistan Taliban Chief Hakimullah Mehsud Alive, Says Spy Agency ... Hakimullah Meshud According to reports in the UK’s Guardian, the Taliban leader...
• Taiwan Flight Diverted, Passenger claims Explosives On Board ... A scheduled flight from the Taiwanese capital of Taipei to the eastern Chinese city...
• Two NY Men Arrested For Trying To Help Al Qaeda ... Targeting Terrorism Two United States citizens residing in Brooklyn, N.Y., have been...
• Texas ‘Terrorist’ Arrested For Posting Obama Death Threat ... A Dallas man describing himself as a terrorist threatened to kill President Barack...
• 3 Nations Warn of Terror Attacks Planned in India ... The U.S., Australia and Canada warned Saturday that terror groups were likely planning...
• Terror Alert Kolkata India, Hunt for IM Terror Cells ... Anti-terror police units are on a desperate hunt to track down Indian Mujahideen...
• UK Man Made Fortune Selling Anarchist Terror Guide ... Targeting Terrorism A Portsmouth man faces jail for selling information from Al Qaeda...
• Homeland Security Wants Fire Service to Join Fusion Centers ... DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said America’s firefighters are truly the face...
• FBI Agents Dedicated To Terror Doubled in Eight Years ... The number of FBI agents dedicated to counterterrorism doubled between 2001 and...
• Military Cancels Nuclear Terror Attack Test ... The U.S. military has canceled a major field exercise that tests its response to...
• Israel Distributes Biochemical War Protection Kits ... Israel Tuesday began distributing millions of protection kits against biochemical...
• Cell-All: Super Smartphones Sniff Out Suspicious Substances ... Smart Phone Chemical Censor Prototype Years ago, if you wanted to take a picture,...
• It’s A Disaster… and What Are You Going To Do About It ... No matter where you live there is a chance some type of disaster or emergency can...
• X-Flex Bomb-proof Wallpaper Could Save Your Life ... X-flex bomb-proof wallpaper is one of the most incredible inventions I’ve...
• Privacy Office - Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA) Two new PIAs now available April 2010: USCIS: Customer Identity Verification (CIV) System Update; ICE: Data Analysis and Research for Trade Transparency System (DARTTS) … The availability of information, from personal information to public information, is made all the easier today due to technological changes in computers, digitized networks, internet access, and the creation of new information products. The E-Government Act of 2002 recognized that these advances also have important ramifications for the protection of personal information contained in government records and systems. The Act mandates an assessment of the privacy impact of any substantially revised or new Information Technology System. The document that results from these mandated assessments is called a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA)….See http://www.dhs.gov/files/publications/editorial_0511.shtm Get a PDF of the law at: http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/privacy/privacy_pia_ice_ifs.pdf

And people wonder why I am a Prepper?

Prep On !

Today is the Tomorrow that you worried about Yesterday

From a 50 Something, soon to be rural homesteading, Prepper ;-}