Preparing 101
Mike Adams Index
Natural News
Jan 22, 2013
One thing you don’t want to be during the coming “crunch” — a polite word for “collapse” — is dependent on the system.

The more you can take care of yourself, the better off you’ll be physically, financially, emotionally and even spiritually.

Here are 20 ways to become more self-sufficient while you still can:
1) Get a small solar system that can be used to run a laptop or recharge batteries
2) Drill a water well and install a hand pump or solar-powered DC pump
3) Set up a rainwater collection system or barrel
4) Stash some cash: stock away some green dollar bills and lots of U.S. nickels
5) Own and learn how to use a handgun, rifle and shotgun
6) Store some ammunition
7) Own and know how to use a water filter
8) Start a garden this spring and acquire more food production skills
9) Save garden seeds so you can plant the next generation of food
10) Acquire a wood-burning stove for heat and cooking
11) Possess a large quantity of stored food; enough for at least 90 days
12) Get to know your local farmers and ranchers
13) Store up valuable barter items that are relatively cheap today: Alcohol, coffee, ammo, matches, etc.
14) Safely store extra vehicle fuel (gasoline, diesel) at your home or ranch
Be sure to use fuel stabilizers to extend their life.
15) Learn emergency first aid skills and own first aid supplies
This could save a life or possibly save a trip to the emergency room.
16) Start growing your own medicine
Plant and grow aloe vera, oregano, garlic, cayenne pepper and other medicinal herbs that can replace a surprisingly

 large number of prescription drugs. Oregano, for example, is a potent antibiotic. Aloe vera treats cuts, scrapes and burns.
17) Own emergency hand-cranked radios so you can tune in to news and announcements
My #1 recommended brand is Freeplay.
18) Boost your immune system with vitamin D and superfoods
19) Increase your level of physical fitness
20) Learn how to raise animals such as rabbits, chickens, goats or cows.

Five Advanced Notes.
1. Create a Food Bank: Everyone should have a back-up to the everyday food pantry.

In this environment, you should consider your personal food bank far more valuable than a dollar savings account.

Start by picking up extra canned goods, dried foods, and other essentials for storage each time you go to the store.

Also, hunt for coupons and shop for deals when they come up. Devise a plan for FIFO (first in, first out) rotation for your food bank.

It is advisable to acquire AIR TIGHT, food-grade bins to store your bulk dried foods, and be sure to label and date everything.

Besides the obvious store-able foods like rice and beans, or canned goods,

some other important items to hoard are salt, peanut butter, cooking oils, sugar, coffee, and powdered milk.

 Don’t forget Medical supplies and paper products.. If you don’t believe the food crisis will be too severe,

 then buy items that you would eat on a normal daily basis. But if you believe the crisis will be sustained for some time,

purchasing a grain mill to refine bulk wheat or corn may prove to be the most economical way to stretch your food bank.

 Some emergency MREs are also something to consider because they have a long shelf life. One of the best advantages of this is,

I found I an still eating canned goods I paid 39 cents a can which I bought on sale in the fall of 2011! Always buy sale items by the case.
2. Produce Your Own Food: Having some capacity to produce your own food will simply become a necessity as the food system crumbles.

If you don’t know much about gardening, then start small with a few garden boxes for tomatoes, herbs,

or sprouting and keep expanding to the limits of your garden. And for goodness sakes, get some chickens.

 They are a supremely easy animal to maintain and come with endless benefits from providing eggs and meat,

 to eating bugs and producing rich manure. Five laying hens will ensure good cheap protein for the whole family.

 If you have limited growing space, there are brilliant aquaculture systems that can produce an

abundance of fish and vegetables in a small area, but start with what’s manageable.
3. Learn Food Preservation: Food preservation comes in many forms such as canning, pickling, and dehydrating.

In every case some tools and materials are required along with a good deal of knowledge. If you can afford a dehydrator,

 they all usually come with a preparation guide for most foods. You can also purchase a vacuum sealer if you have the means.

A bigger ticket item that is nice to have for food preservation is a DC solar powered chest freezer. It is the ultimate treasure chest.
4. Store Seeds: The government and the elite have seed banks and so should you.

Seeds have been a viable currency in many civilizations past and present. They represent food when scarcity hits.

 Stock up with Fresh Food that lasts with www.eFoodsDirect (Ad)
5. Join or Start a Local Co-Op: Joining local cooperatives is very important, especially when food shortages occur.

 You may not be able to provide for yourself completely, especially in terms of variety,

so having a community mechanism to spread the burden and share the spoils will be critical.

If you don’t know if you have a local food cooperative in your area you can search the directory at LocalHarvest.org.

 You may also be able to get information from your local farmers market.  Index to Preparing
 

.