The Starting Line: A Disaster Kit & Water

I just received an interesting link to an article titled, "Preparing a Disaster Kit." It doesn't go too in depth, but it gives a great overview of the basic needs to start storing. Check it out by clicking here.

The article cites sources like FEMA and the American Red Cross, so while their information doesn't go into much depth, it's at least from valid sources and gives you a great jumping point. If you wish to go straight to the in-depth source, you can find more information about FEMA's recommendations about water storage by clicking here. And, if you are interested in learning more about what the American Red Cross suggests for disaster kit storage, please click here.

Of particular note in the article is the initial emphasis on the need for water. Since the average person can only live about 2-4 days without water, this is of the utmost necessity. If you wish to start preparing your kit by increasing water storage options, you can do so by joining in the ordering fun this month and getting a water filter. You can view the options available to order by clicking here.

If you wish to participate in the bulk order, and have not already signed up at church or by phone, please e-mail me at peachwoodpantry@gmail.com.

Happy Storing!

Survival Supply Website

I received a great website tip today that I wanted to pass along.

If you are looking to put together a 72-hour kit and you don't know where to start, you may want to consider just purchasing one. You can purchase 72-hour kit buckets at Costco locally, or you can also get bucket/backpack versions here.

I recommend the Deluxe Emergency Backpack Kit (pictured on the left), which costs $54.95 right now (for the 1-person version, though you can buy packs for up to 4 people). There is a bulk discount offered on the website, but it doesn't take any more money off of that discounted price.

Also, you may notice this website has some great advice as well. There's a right hand column that helps you prepare family evacuation plans, what to do in case of flood, fire, or earthquake, etc. This is a great starting point resource if you are looking for some basic information.

For better information on preparedness topics, however, I recommend you visit the FEMA website here.

Emergency Use Water Purifiers

Starting March 20, there are two options available to order for Emergency Use Water Purifiers through the Peachwood Ward. Payment must be received PRIOR to the order being placed. Money must be in no later than Sunday, April 17, 2011, if you wish to receive the discounted price as part of the bulk rate. E-mail me at peachwoodpantry@gmail.com if you have questions about payment options, who to make checks payable to, etc.

It should be noted that neither of the following water filters provides a long-term solution, but both are suitable for emergency situations.

OPTION 1:


For shorter term water filtration, I recommend you purchase the Water Filtration Bottle Kit from the church Distribution Services. According to their website, “This advanced bottle removes up to 99.99% of pollutants and contaminants found in drinking water. Produces up to 100 gallons of filtered water.”

The kit is particularly good because it comes with two filters, increasing your capacity to 200 gallons. It works by filtering the water as you suck the water through the straw, so it filters only what you will be drinking.

WATER FILTRATION BOTTLE KIT $24.20
Includes one 28 oz. water bottle with insulator sleeve and clip, and two filters.

For more information about this water bottle and/or replacement filters, please go to the LDS Distribution Services store here.

OPTION 2:

Manufactured by Pure Water Products in Texas (pwp@pwgazette.com), this is a two filter purifier, using both a Ceramic filter and a Carbon filter.

Ceramic filter removes up to 99.9% of bacteria and other biological contaminants including (but not limited to) e. Coli, Vibrio Cholerae (Cholera), Shingella, Salmonella Typhi (Typhoid), Crytosporidium, Giardia and many other types of bacteria, making it safe to drink. This is a reusable cartridge that will last as long as it can be re-cleaned. If the water is reasonably particle-free, it should last for many thousands of gallons.

Carbon filter removes chemicals in the water, and improves the taste and odor of the water. It is guaranteed for a capacity of up to 1,500 gallons and is easily replaced for a fraction of the overall cost ($15 or less from PWP).

Both filters are silver-impregnated to prevent bacteria growth within the filters.

Specifications: Both filters measure approximately 10" x 2" in physical size. The siphon tubing is ¼” ID x 48" and comes with the adapter to attach to the ceramic and/or carbon filters. Flow rate is about 3 gallons per hour.

Pictured to the right is the SK103 model. On the right side is the ceramic filter, and on the left the carbon filter.

SK103 TWO-FILTER SYSTEM $41.90
Includes one ceramic and one carbon filter along with adaptors and tubing. (The price above reflects a minimum total bulk order of 50 units)

For more information about the SK103 model (or others like it), replacement filters, and so forth, please visit Pure Water Products' website here.

ALL PRICES INCLUDE TAXES & SHIPPING

Note: Only the SK103 Two-Filter System is on a bulk discounted price (because it normally costs $61+tax). The water bottles can be purchased at any time through the church Distribution Services, located here.

Welcome, Welcome!

Welcome to the Food Storage blog for the Peachwood Ward in Clovis, CA. This blog will strive to provide helpful information about all of the following:

• Provident living principles like those outlined here
• Safe and effective food and water storage (both long and short term)
• Local food sales in California's Central Valley
• Opportunities to purchase food storage in-bulk
• Home cooking with food storage items
• Any other tips, tricks, opportunities, or advice that could help ward members live a fruitful, frugal, and provident lifestyle

If you have any questions, concerns, or tips you want to add to this blog, please contact me at peachwoodpantry@gmail.com. Remember, we are stronger when we work together.
Happy storing!

NOTE: This blog is not directly affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is merely a personal platform to disseminate information to local, interested participants regarding food and water storage.