I have been aware of BF for a long time know. But since I have found this site I am shocked with how unaware and unprepared I was. Since then I have been preparing like crazy!!!
Welcome. I have been posting on the Preppers from North Texas site. There are a few of us in the Houston area. What part of Houston are you located in? Let’s stay on top of this. Anyone else around lurking?
Hey I’m in SurgarLand…….I’m sure there are a lot of lurkers…..it took me a while to start posting…..I just couldnt what I was reading and wanted to get informed first.
Hey ElisaD - welcome to Fluwiki! I live in Friendswood and like North of Houston have also posted in the Preppers from North Texas site.
Okay………Thanks for the welcome….Now…I am preparing, but very concerend about sooo much information on this site!! I have started and have so much to do. Does anyone have a guestimation on when this thing might =hit the US??
Possibly early fall to late spring next year.
Wow…So I have a little more time than I thought. I was reading somewhere online that this summer after the birds migrate. I think that was on the American Red Cross site. Why do you feel late spring next year?? How long have you been preparing?? Also~~~~~North HoustonElisaD May 19, 2006, at 01:34 PMhow long have you been preparing?
I have prepped for hurricane season for a long time. I lived in Galveston several years ago. Bird flu prep is basically the preps you do for hurricane season with some additions.
Non-perishable foods Water Alternative cooking sources Alternative light sources
In addition, I also have N95 masks I ordered from Lab Supply. I am currently adding vitamins, cold remedies, cough medicines, anti-diarrhea meds to my preps.
There is a thread on the wikie called “Owl’s Prep List.” This list contains useful information.
By the way, don’t forget the young ‘uns on your list. Make sure you have extra diapers, baby wipes, Pedialite, etc.
Well, so far I have done all that ….even the face masks. I got the N95 ones at Walmart!!!! They were 2 to a box…..But i really want to ORDER more. We have 6 in our family. My husband 3 boys 14, 13, 11 and a little girl 21 months. I have gotten latex gloves….you might want to do that too. I have done all the typical hurricane things….because of what happened last year….I didnt mess around with that. Thats how I found this web site. I was looking for list on hurrincane prepardness….found this…..now I’m sooo nervous. It seems like almost everyone here has been planning for this for a year or so.
My drug list is quite funny…..when I am buying all this stuff….people are just starring at me….and the cashier always says something like…….what are you preparing for…….like its her business:).
Any recomendations on how to store all this stuff. I have a very large pantry…thank god…but its completley full and now I’m using very large rubbermade containers…..I need some help on this one……..
Just ignore those folks! They stare at me, too!
I use the rubbermaid containers as well. Try to get some that fit under your beds. I would also suggest that you check out Home Depot or Lowes for a garage ceiling mounted shelf. It mounts to the roof of the garage and enables you to drive a car under it.
Lots of folks here also store stuff in their attics. Be careful with that and our infamous Texas heat, though!
Oh…..no joke!!! I think I’ll skip the idea of the attic. I like the idea of the ceiling mounted shelf!! I’ll have my husband check that out. I have a huge closet…..I think I can use that too…….love the idea about under beds….great idea. What are you doing with the water? I have some already….but that one is my hardest idea on what to do with.
I keep several trash cans that are full of water during hurricane season. I don’t use them for anything else. I fill the trash cans weekly and then dump them on the vegetable and flower gardens at the end of the week. This water along with a filled bathtub will be used for flushing toilets and washing dishes, etc.
I find that the 2 gallon jugs of water work better for me than individual water bottles or the 1 gallon size. They store easier on a shelf as well.
Some folks here bought collapsible water containers at Walmart or Academy. Check out the camping section there.
Hey girl! Sounds like you are on your way. I’ve been taking this seriously since last fall. I found this site by accident, also. I have learned so much! There are some very intelligent professionials on this site that seem to know what they are talking about.
There are 3 of us here. It takes a lot of time and $$ to get everything, and I still am not done. I also ordered masks from Lab Safety. They are very nice to work with and if you have any questions, just ask for the tech person and he/she will help. Masks seem to be less expensive if purchased in bulk (20 pack). You can also get them at Northern Tool. There is a store on I45N north of Greenspoint. I don’t know if they have any other stores closer to you.
I’ve got stuff stashed all over the house. I also have a walk-in-closet in a spare bedroom that years ago, my husband added shelves to. I think it will make it easier to inventory once I get it all together. I use plastic crates for things like flour, sugar, rice. I put those items in the freezer for a few weeks to freeze any possible pests, then put into ziploc bags and store in crates. Look for space in the bathroom under the counter, underbeds, under sofas. As far as water goes, I pick up gallons at Walmart and store in the garage. We do have a small pool in the backyard and we have found a source that has gravity siphon filters that will filter water for drinking…next on my list to order. (We can always use it for hurrican prep, too.) Lots to do and sometimes it seems so little time. Just hang in there. Remember plan for the worst but pray for the best!
I live inside the loop in Montrose/Midtown area. I’ve been lurking around here for several months and post sometimes. I’ve got a good supply of food, water catchers/containers, and camping gear. I call this my Phase 1 esentials. If it looks like it’s getting worse I have a Phase 2 list of the more expensive equipment.
Welcome Cosmo.
I am also buying the 2 gallon water jugs. They are so much easier to store. My concern is that I will forget some kind of medication….Its hard to buy that stuff right now when everyone is fine. I love this site because I too have learned tons is such a short time. Water is the only hard thing for me to store….especially the amount that we will need for a family of 6. I still have a long way to go….but I’m off to a good start:)
Houston folks….just got back from HEB….2 liter coke products on special this week for 67 cents. The shelves were almost empty. I did pick up some for storage…read someplace that 2 liter bottles keep better than the cans.
gotta go to HEB. I never knew that!!:)
HI guys. I am in Tomball and also have been on North Texas. Thanks for doing this one North of Houston., You may want to check Home Depot for the N95 mask. Last I checked a few months back they were 20.00 per box of 20. You will find them by the house paint. On the water thing be careful about setting it out on concrete. Read somewhere that the chemicals in concrete can get into plastic jugs. Do not know if that is true but better safe then sorry. Also in your cokes dont store those in the garage as they contain benzene (cancer causing) and the hotter the drinks get the more benzene builds up. Heard that on the news. I am a big coke drinker, ex-husband works for the coke company and I had never heard that before. Ok all I can think of for now.
Testing… can’t figure out how to register onto this website. Sorry, if this takes/testing!
Okay. I figured it out.
Alvin/SE Houston. ElisaD--- I have a masters degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. I have 5 grown children and 13 grandchildren. I am going to reread this thread closely and try to give you some helpful input. *In graduate school I helped develop a course for a professor: World Hunger. In it we included a section on setting up refuge camps. At the time, we figured some students might end up in 3rd world countries. We also had several from 3rd world countries enrolled at the school. We threw in info relative to the US, primarily because of the hurricane prone areas… never dreaming the likes of last summer would occur! My dad was a pilot in the AF, and my husband was special forces in VN. I had no choice but be “trained” in survivalism!
Does anyone have a guestimation on when this thing might =hit the US?? My optometrist told me Wednesday, he feels strongly during Christmas time-frame. But, who knows. I have talked to a doctor from UTMB, several from other hospitals… all of those doctors are not worried about it at all. My county health department sent me an email to watch that made for TV movie. Since then, I have been talking to everybody and anybody I can to get a feel for what is going on locally. My husband works for a fortune 100 company… corporate office in Sugarland… they are taking this very seriously. They are an international company. My husband and I are handing out pertinent information to the medical and business community in the Houston area.
Texasgirl – at 23:33
Coca-cola, most soft drinks and many processed foods, including Taco Bell sauce packets contain compounds that will form Benzene in your body upon ingestion.
No amount of gasoline in your body is healthy, so no amount of benzene should be considered tolerable.
Channel 11 ran this story on Tuesday 6p.m. news. Gives you some idea of what is going on at least with HISD.
Houston-area schools prepare for threat of bird flu
06:39 PM CDT on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 By Janice Williamson / 11 News
Fear of the bird flu has local school officials hustling to come up with a plan on how to deal with a potential outbreak.
If the Avian flu gets here they could be hustling to lock the doors, but school closure is just one option that has been considered.
If bird flu hits Houston, school-age children could be among the hardest hit. It is estimated illness rates would reach 40 percent in the classroom.
“We do have the potential to be a host site for Avian flu,” said Elizabeth Love, Harris County Public Health.
Representatives from local school districts gathered in a room in north Houston to learn what they can do to save lives.
“The closures of school at the outset of a pandemic could decrease the attack rate in a community by 33 percent,” Love said. “That’s very significant.”
The decision to close schools would most likely come at the request of the city, county or state health department.
Already the city and the Houston Independent School District are on flu watch.
“They watch for trends and if they see peaks or things that are of concern or interest we follow their recommendations,” said Evelyn Henry, HISD Medical Services.
With their propensity to touch things and not always wash their hands, school age children may be the primary transmitters of Avian flu.
That is why area school districts are scrambling to come up with a plan to keep students and staff safe.
Thirty HISD schools with large parking lots and cold storage will be used to store and distribute medicine. Schools will also be used as mass vaccination sites.
Experts said it is not a matter of if the deadly virus will make its way to the Houston area; it’s a matter of when.
I was also wondering when this thing might hit!! I have been told next year….after the birds migrate this summer….etc. You all seen to give such great advice….what is your idea?? I know that noone knows for sure but a guestimation would be great. Tonight I bought my whole family ZPaks! Well 5 of us. I cant buy it for Lauren our 21 month old. I am going to call my Pediatrician and ask her for some perscriptions. I ordered the Z-Packs through Us-Pharmacy-dicounts.com. I got that address from another discussion on this site. I am so glad to have this site to stay in touch with. I have 4 children, 14,13,12 and Lauren 21 months….with a wonderful hubby!!! I just want to make sure that I am prepared for this thing. My husband stands behind me but hes not doing anything or is worried about it. I dont know if thats because he knows I will react for both of us like I did during Y2k:). But I have emailed this site to many friends….and not one word from any of them….so I really feel like this is my only outlet to discuss this without sounding really crazy!! Thanks for listening and giving the best advice!!
Any recomendations on how to store all this stuff.
WalMarts has bedrisers for about $6. That will allow storage for larger stuff under beds.
Check resale shops and places that sell stuff besides just clothes. Also, garage sales. I find all kinds of things at a fraction of the cost. Specifically: storage containers, dehydrater, vaporizer, breadmachine, camping items, portable toliets, shelves, chest-a-drawers (can be used for storage & be used as decor)… just all kinds of stuff.
Rethink your “cabinet” spaces. I forgo things like linen pantry, towels in cabinets, fancy diningware, etc. It can be boxed and stored for use as needed… in the attic or storage shed. Food & medicine need climate control and attention. I use my storage as an “in house” store. I use from it, replacing what I use as I use it. I keep wicker baskets in my bathroom for towels, hand towels and wash cloths. I keep an emergency change of linen items stored, easy to retrieve. That frees up cabinet space. I don’t need more than I can use daily, plus a few extra towels, etc. You just have to rethink things and see how you can creatively redo traditional. This isn’t traditional! My china cabinet base now houses my “sick” food… chicken broth, chicken rice soup, juices, pear nectar, applesauce, etc. It’s all together… in a grab quick place. Surplus is in my college sons closet. I put plastic shelves in the right and left sides… leaving him the open area and top open area. The top R & L area hold BOB stuff. Same goes for all closets in the house… and cabinets… and pantry. If something can be stashed someplace, I stash it. But, you have to have a system… or when SHTF… you will be going crazy trying to find it. Don’t want to “forget” where it is stashed. Also, you have to be able to check expiration dates… First in/First Out… but by expiration date.
I have read on this site about people putting things in their attics like toliet paper, paper products. Vermits will get into those too! Nesting material. Never under estimate vermit “power”… especially when things get goofy. Even packing in hefty garbage bags I have had vermits gnaw their way into stuff. It is worth a vermit proof container. I once lived in a very nice neighborhood in SE Houston… had possums bust into my attic! uggggh.
I also put together “kits” for ease: 1 week breakfast, 1 week lunch, 1 week supper, bread making, soup making, flashlight/light, bug (bites, spray), etc.
For the first time in over 20 years of coastal living, we got trapped by a hurricane. It was a real eyeopener. We got out in plenty of time. However, when we got to our hotel rooms… they were occupied! There is some “rule” that you can’t bump out an occupant during an emergency. We had 9 grandkids, 8 adults (including my 84 year old mother in a wheelchair who has alzheimers), 2 boats, a lowboy, 7 vehicles, dog, 2 cats and a bird. We ended up going to where we go fishing… and got slammed by cat 2 storm. Couldn’t get out because of road conditions. People evacuating for the most part were the most part totally unprepared. Came dressed up, with overnight cases. We had food for a month with us, plus stuff like chainsaws. To preserve ourselves, we had to organize people and get the enite fishing camp secure. There were over 30 people over 70 alone! It was just a real eyeopener.
I hope this helps!!
Wow!!! Well, I have to say that I have learned so much by what your doing. Great ideas!!! I think its so important to be organized and to use what you have and rebuy. I love the ideas of storage!! I plan to use some of them. Thank you so much!! The kits were a really neat idea too!!!!:)
Krogers have their vitamins on sale buy one get one free this week. Some of the multivitamins have 300 in the bottle. Last week the large Maxwell House coffee was $4.99 (regularly almost $9) Dollar General has a decent supply of very reasonably priced vitamins, and ammonia is 50 cents a bottle… small bottle. I have heard Family Dollar has some good buys on vitamins, but have not been there. Also heard they have generic vapor-rub… which I can’t find anywhere. I am really having to watch expiration dates… even at Krogers.
Water: We have a sunbeam water cooler that serves cold or hot water. It also has a very small refrigerator in the bottom. We have a well and have a generator. I’d like to figure out an economical means of keeping “ice” on hand. Guess that’s a dream in the deep south, in survival mode!
ElisaD--- how is it going with you menu planning for your crew? Need any ideas? Anything you have questions about? I will try to help! Any chance you are breastfeeding that baby!!
The kits were an expansion of BOB’s!! My family is so large I had to think outside the box!
Academy has 5-gallon collapsible water containers for about $5 each. I bought a few and am going back for more this weekend. I don’t see the need for storing actual water now but I do see the need for the water containers. Also I priced 45 gallon garbage cans at Home Depot for collecting rain, storing cleaning water and toilet water. They run about $25 each. I’m getting two if the news get worse. I just don’t have a lot of room to store them in my townhouse now unless I want to keep them in my living room. My wife would have a fit if I bought them this weekend.
EnoughAlready~~Just stopped her on breastfeeding.:) My first concern was water…then meds…now I’m on food. I have quite a supply going….I have a large pantry…I have always kept a very well stocked pantry….so I’m storing in rubbermade containers…I’ve gotten so many new ideas for storing now!!! Thanks to this web site. What do you think about generators?? My husband was talking about getting a really good one.
I did go to Kroger and took advantage of their 10 for 10 deals…..HEB also has something like that as well. I really stocked up on staple goods doing that!! My only frustration is the water….I will need soooooo much.
Did you make lots of these kits? I really liked that idea.
I’ll get back with you on all the other… I promise! But, how long have you stopped BF??
Cosmo – at 01:23
My husband said something about tractor supply having large plastic containers that would hold water and fuel. he is asleep, but I will ask him later. He said they were a good deal. he has mentioned some other ideas for water and fuel containers… that’s his department! ;) I will ask him tomorrow.
EnoughalreadyElisaDWhy do you ask?
Cosmo~~Are you going to be storing fuel? How long can you do that for?
Fuel conditioners can extend the useful life of gasoline to more than 18 months and under some conditions longer.
ElisaDWhy? do you ask?
BF is very helpful in a situation like we are looking it. I’d venture to say it could be paramount on your prep list. You may be able to restart the lactation process… it has been done. You could contact la leche league about this relactation process. For example, in places like Sudan, a child is BF because it is the surefire source of nutrition. Breastmilk also has healing properties, like aiding a baby with diarrhea or dehydration. If food is scarce, you’d have an onhand source… not to mention, milk!
Your right about that!! But after a month I can restart? I’ll have to check into that one. But in the situation we’re getting ready to be in your right it is the absolute best thing. No worries there:) I think I will check that out….very good point!!:)
I’d offer her nursing and see what she does. I’d definetly offer her as a comfort type thing. This isn’t very PC… in today’s society. But, I wouldn’t give a care. It has been done. Adoptive mothers have even breastfed! I think there might even be something your ob/gyn could give you to help… I’m not sure. La leche league, WIC (call and ask to speak with the breastfeeding specialist that’s a nutritionist… not the helper person who is not degreed/peer something), or a certified breastfeeding consultant (your ob/gyn or hospital will know… or WIC can give you a contact person) will be able to help you. La leche league would be where I would start… they are such hardliners!
<a href=“http://www.lalecheleague.org/nb.html”>La leche league</a>
oh yeah, in the la leche league link, type relactation in the search box. you’ll see!!
Enough Alread….what tractor supply did your husband find water containers? We stopped at the one in Brennam and they only had chemical tanks. Your comments are so helpful. Thank you.
I’m so glad to see everyone on this thread!
Welcome, EnoughAlready and Cosmo!
ElisaD - just wanted to give you a heads up on your little ones. I had 17 Rita evacuees in my home last fall. Two were under the age of 5. They endured a 22 hour evacuation, then a 12 hour evacution to my home from Lufkin. The little ones would not eat for 2 days due to stress. We tried EVERYTHING including mac & cheese with hotdogs (their favorite). They would drink fluids but no solids. Finally, we hit upon tomato soup with goldfish. They ate 2 cans of soup!!!!!
Make sure you have things stored that will tempt the little ones to eat during what could be a very stressful time.
I,too, have started putting a week’s worth of breakfast, lunch and dinner preps into large ziplock bags. This helped me to organize things a bit better.
Another tip - make sure you practice prep foods on your family. In another thread, I discussed how my husband I tried this on a lark. It turned out we learned LOTS about what we needed to add to the preps - i.e., not enough variety, not enough green vegetables, etc.
Someone please explain these “kits” you are putting together. Are you putting a full week menu into each bag? What size bags are you using?
North of Houston - I put my kits into the extra large ziplock bags. I found that trying to figure out what was for breakfast, lunch and dinner was becoming unmanageable after I had about 6 weeks of food in the house! Stuff was EVERYWHERE!
Let’s talk about breakfast for two of us. I took the super humongous zip lock bag and placed in it 14 packages of oatmeal (7X2), a small bottle of tang. Next, I took another bag and placed in it 14 packages of pop tarts, 14 small cans of fruit.
For lunches, I placed 14 packages of prepackaged tuna lunches with small cans of fruit.
For dinner, I placed a small can of ham, a can of veggies, small tube of crackers, can of fruit. That was one dinner. I couldn’t put all the dinners in one bag so I just gathered together things I thought were appropriate for dinners.
I don’t have my dried goods (beans, rice, potatoes, etc.) separated out yet. I just have those stored. I can’t decide if it makes more sense to just leave them alone or prepackage them.
Hope this helps!
ElisaD – at 01:46
I have not thought much about storing fuel but storing an extra 25+ gallons would be prudent. I try and always keep my cars topped off (I had two full tanks during Rita) and I’ve got a pair of nice bikes for local trips. I live in the center of town so I never have to go far for anything, in fact I only really drive on the weekends now. I’m planning on my bikes for local transport and saving my cars for emergencies or bugging out.
Speaking of Rita…One interesting observation I made during Rita. When everyone was rushing the grocery stores, I went to the huge Spec’s Warehouse liquor store downtown and they were still fully stocked up on everything (Ice, water, food, …liquor). I would recommend if there is ever another panic like Rita, just skip the grocery stores and go to the large liquor stores. Even if you don’t drink the larger liquor stores have all the basics.
North of Houston – at 09:12
I talked to him this morning about it. He is at the Tractor Supply as I type, getting critter stuff. He is going to look again while there. My husband is a chemist. He is going to look into this and I will get back with you when he lets me know! I’ll get back, I promise! I told him to consider various sizes and especially prices. I specifically told him to look for food quality containers. He told me he was a chemist and understood my “honey-do” marching orders. ;)
North of Houston – at 09:37
My Kits:
Because I have such a large family, and because of what I learned from being trapped in Rita, I had to come up with an emergency contingency plan. In addition to my regular store, I have made these “kits”. I put them in 66 qt. plastic sterolite containers with latching lids. They are easy to stack, store and carry.
Breakfast kit for a week: Special K bars, poptarts, dry cereal (individual size pkg in bowl), instant oatmeal (taken out of box & into ziploc… increases storage capacity), bacon (precooked kind)(can make sandwich or even scrambled eggs if possible), homemade trail mix, tang, powder milk, milk flavoring (chocolate/strawberry), coffee stuff (I collect when we stay in Hotels the stuff they leave out… individual packets of sugar, creamer, etc), canned fruit. I try to make sure during the duration of the *day* we are getting a complete protein that at the end of the day tallies. (For example, 1/4 cup of milk in oatmeal = complete protein. Or, rice at lunch and beans at supper.) These aren’t necessarily the most nutritional meals, but they will work in a crimp. These things are fast, easy and filling. This isn’t how we plan to eat forever. It just helps so much while things are so bad. *I have some small UH milk containers but not many, they are too expensive. they are handy, so I put some in for the babies.
Lunch: I use to store large canned items exclusively, until Rita. I discovered we didn’t eat normally. For that reason I get smaller sized foods for the kits. We eat when we want. We “try” to keep the kids, and even ourselves, on somewhat of a “schedule.” But, we found in Rita that just flew out the window some days. Also, the food doesn’t “have” to be heated… when your hungry, you forget about some stuff! Example: small cans of ravoli, spaghetti, spaghetti-o’s. {Not complete protein, however, if I can add cheese or eat nuts for snack it will equal out.) Some days it was so hot we didn’t care if it was heated… we were hot and hungry. Lunch kits have above, plus tuna, pretzles, salsa (use pretzles if have to)(trying to get nutrients in w/salsa), sardines, canned herring, individ puddings that don’t have to be refrigerated, crackers (like the $1 size from walmart… cheese nip type or flavored). I put containers of drink mix that flavors water… koolaid type stuff… that is enriched with Vit C. Raisins, banana chips. Again, a key I found was getting stuff out of boxes to save space. Cup of soup… incase we have ability to heat. We usually do. Cup of soup is something I bring when we travel internationally… you can heat it from hot water in sink. Also, you can leave water out in sun to get hot water. Tea bags… for solar tea. Those already cooked beans and rice in packets (there is a whole line of that stuff out.) PB and small containers squeezable jelly. Small containers mayo.
Dinner: I do use large cans here. Meal examples: Veg soup plus vegal. Bean with bacon soup plus carrots, navy beans and diced tomatoes. Chicken noodle soup plus carrots, peas, and canned chicken. V-8 juice (for soup base/stock), knox spring veg dry soup mix (I usually toss in can of spinach/chopped because this soup mix has some spinach in it), canned vegetables (whatever your family will eat… we like all vegetables… but corn, green beans, etc.), canned ham. Large can chili, pintos, tomatoes, dehydrated peppers. Dry Gumbo mix, chx broth, instant rice, diced tomatoes, can chx. Canned tuna for tuna pasta. Solar tea! Lemon from platic lemon things.
Also… Wolfgang Puck self heating cans of coffee! Pop the lid and heats up the coffee.
Kits: I have flash lights, batteries, candles in kits of their own. Small plastic storage containers. Storage of batteries is seperate, but have “kit” of batteries easy to grap and use.
The idea behind the kits… they are easy to grap and use in a pinch. Can remake them later. Oh… snack kits. Which includes popcorn that can be popped w/o microwave.
Hope this helps!
I am going to throw out to you all some ideas that I hope help in your prep.
Think stock. The difference in soup, stew and a cassarole is the consistency of the “stock.” Flavor… fish, poultry, meats, vegetable… chicken broth, V-8 juice, beef broth, etc. Starting with my “stock” I can “build” a lot of meals. *I am able vary this idea using canned or fresh or frozen stuff.
If I add Masa flour, I can create mexican meals. I can create cajun & all kinds of “flavors” depending on what I add next.
Chicken stock: I can make chicken veg soup all kinds of ways depending on what I add… barley, rice, noodles, various vegetables. I can make stews… potatoes, carrots, etc. I can make Chowder… clams (canned), potatoes, corn. I can make chicken enchilidas.
If I want “white” soup/stew, I don’t add paparika, chili. I do add white beans, etc. Split pea soup.
What I am trying to say is, if I have on hand basic stock and basic ingredients I can build a lot of meals. I use a lot of dry soup mixes to create various meals. You can flavor cans of beans with different things… like liquid smoke, a little chili mix, a few tablespoons of meatloaf mix (dry kind.) I can make bean soup a bunch of ways that taste different. I can make stew that doesn’t necessarily have to be “Irish” type stew.
I hope this is clear and I hope it helps.
North of Houston – at 09:12
Hubby returned and I don’t understand a thing he is telling me. He is off again on another errand. He said he would get on here sometime this weekend and explain.
He said they have a catalog you can order from. He looked over the stuff and said it is food grade although it might not say it is. Something about the plastic and UV stuff. Also, something about dip sticks to test water quality. He is going to explain it all later. He also said the prices for the containers seem to be running about $1 per gallon. *ALSO… said the guy at tractor supply told him that today he had more inquiries about water storage containers than he ever had before. He asked my husband specifically about the pandemic situation. Apparently people were asking about that. Anyway… I have been arguing food grade with my husband (that’s what I know about, trained in). He says it is the composition of the container and the UV stuff.
Hello, This is my first post on this forum. I’m north of Humble. I think people who are from Houston and witnessed or went through Rita last year know exactly what our problem is going to be if the BF hits. The flu itself will be bad enough, but my main concern will be people’s reactions. The first few days after this thing hits will be the same as what we saw last year. A total run on gas and food. Most everyone will be staying home. Business and government plans of employees working from home is a joke. My work cannot be done at the house. Are there any guarantees that our basic services will be maintained? Just how long are those store shelves going to be empty, who’s going to refill them?
This is the Big picture as I see it (praying I’m wrong). 1) No food in the stores for extended periods 2) Questionable electricity. Just how fun will it be, stuck in the house in July. 3) Questionable water. 4) Medical services completely overwhelmed. I would not blame any medical professional who stayed home to take care of his/her own family. Without a vaccine running through my veins, I’m certainatlly not wanting to help BF victims. What about all of the other sicknesses, will they just be put on hold? I think not. 5) Now comes the fun stuff. How long before people start to rob and murder other folks to fulfill their own needs. If I’m somewhat prepaired, am I going to help my neighbor when he comes over asking for food?
We are looking at three waves lasting up to a year before its over. That is a very long time to prepare for. How many folks can say that they can be totally self sufficient for that long, I can’t.
Hopefully this pandemic will not happen. Hopefully it won’t be that severe. Hopefully the U.S. and the world will be ready. Hopefully people will act civilized and take care of each other.
I don’t have much hope.
Oh my goodness!!!!
BluebonnetElisaDThank you so much for your input on what happened during Rita. That is my fear with the babies….I will never for get seeing all that happend on tv when all those buses came to Houston with all those precious babies…I was worried sick about them for days!!! I realize they will get stressed. Just because they are so small doesnt mean they dont realize that something is wrong. Love the tomatoe soup and goldfish idea!! Your a doll thanks for your ideas….and if you have any more that you can remember just let me know….I will definitley use them:)
Now…EnoughalreadyElisaD May 20, 2006, at 05:51 PMWOW!!!! Girl you got it going on!!!!!:) Monday is another shopping day for bf for me…..and I am ready. Tonight when I get a free minute……….I will be writing down all that you have told us!!! What a wonderful idea!! When I was taking all the groceries out and putting them into my containers….I was thinking ….theres’s got to be a better way!! So I did a large rubbermaid container full of pastas, different sauces, rice….all different kinds (too many kinds:). I did another for just snacks…..chips, cookies, puddings, beef jerky, gosh….I cant remember all that I started with in that one….Lots of Granola bars….the ones that have chocolate on them you know the good ones.:) Another container of breakfast stuff…dry cereal, oatmeal, pop tarts, etc……..Each container is labeled accordingly…Pasta, Snacks, Breakfast items. I still have tons more to do. I did the same with medications, toiletries and batteries.
I really love the idea to make the kits!! It really lets you know how much you really have….especially when it is all broken down. Then your able to keep a running total……..such a great idea….you really should post that idea on different disscussions…. Thanks so much!!! Your doing a great job!!!! I will definitley call LeLache group!! I have heard that you can take pills to start you back to lactating again. I didnt know how well that worked. Thank you so much for the link….and for being so knowledgeable. I agree with you by starting as a comfort thing
I ordered our water filtration filter and siphon for the pool yesterday…it came today! We started testing it tonight and hopefully should have drinkable water from the pool tomorrow. It may be a slow process, but the system supposedly can clean even a mud puddle. Husband was quite impressed. Ordered from a company in Denton and they were most helpful. I also purchased an extra carbon filter as a spare…total cost about $80.00 and they pay shipping. Their webpage is http://www.pwgazette.com/gravity.htm for anyone interested.
With all the news the past few days, I want to get more prepped than ever. My daughter gets on a plane in 2 weeks…..I’m really nervous. Let’s all stay alert and in touch.
North of Houston- You and I must be on the same wave lenght. I ordered the exact same water filtration filter frome the same vender. How long did it take to receive from order to delivery? I had been thinking about this purchase for a few days but seeing the news on the DrudgeReprot sealed the deal for me. I made the order the second after the story went main stream.
North of Houston – at 23:26
When that TS Alison hit, our pool turned spinach green! lesson we learned… be prepared to treat it yourself to clear it up! While our neighbors were months getting their pools straightened out, it took us a couple of weeks. Many had to drain their pools. Also, those black pool covers, or at least a tarp or some sort of netting, would be worth the investment, IMHO. It would help keep the unwanted debris out… and critters.
ElisaD – at 17:51
You are doing great, keep it up!
I went through a couple of those kits to see what I did have in them. One thing I didn’t mention was Carnation Instant Breakfast… except I get the generic brands from either Krogers or WalMart. They are about 1/2 the price and the nutrient value is actually higher. I figure it will help the taste of powdered milk and is a nutritious meal.
Also, I have been hitting those “junk stores”. I found a 6 quart pot with a latching lid, looks to be something from the 40′s or 50′s… not wearever, but a lot like it. Inside were 2 trays that sat in the pot … it was an egg poacher! It only had 6 poachers in it. I paid $1.41 for the pot! Later I found 6 more poachers for .25 cents, the trays stack on top of each other. The bottom of the pot where the water boils--- I figure I could use for grits or something. I called my 78 year old mother-in-law (who is a country girl!) and asked her about freezing eggs. She told me that people use to do it all the time. She says to scramble them, put them into plastic containers or freezer bags. She said not to leave head room. She also said these frozen eggs could be used for cooking… like cake or casseroles. So… I figure we can have eggs in this nifty thing I found! (Look for old timey “tools”… I ahve found all kinds of good deals and I mean cheap… on mayonaise maker, kitchen gadgets, etc… by keeping my open for what the “pre-electric push button” generations used. Don’t go spend a lot of money on this stuff… just keep your eye open and you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find!) (My kitchen “decor” is now junktique gadgets from days goneby!)
I also found a “sitz bath.” It is basically a step-up from a bedpan with a hot water bottle looking thing that attaches to it. I had bought one of those $6 solar showers from WalMarts, and this sitz bath looks sturdier all the way around. Got a bedpan, and maybe some way to bathe. Cost = $2.40
Storage items--- tin cans. Like those big tins that popcorn comes in at Christmas. Heck, they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes.
when I said “scramble them” … I don’t mean like scrambled eggs. I mean like beat them like you would for scrambling eggs… but don’t cook!
Cosmo: Ordered on Tuesday, they shipped that same day, and came by UPS before noon today. Neat shipping method…all recyclables…ours came in a Tuna Box.
Enough Already: My husband does the pool. If we loose power for an extended period, then all our pools will look spinach green. This ceramic filter we just got is supposed to clean all the crud, algea, and yuk. Then the water goes through a carbon filter to remove any trace of chemicals. It’s a syphoning filter, but you can put a handpump on it. Supposedly water is drinkable with just the ceramic filter, the carbon one helps the flavor. Some of the research I did on filtration systems, show that the military uses ceramic filters as soldier’s personal water system. Will let everyone know if it doesn’t work.
I cooked chicken breasts and thighs today, chopped and put in freezer. Will freeze the broth tomorrow. Figure if power is out, we won’t loose the cooked stuff. Also plan to freeze eggs in ice cube trays, then pop into ziploc bag. Gotta make a run to Sam’s this week.
$80--- so which one did you get? Sounds like this would work with ponds and water troughs, too. Even “collected” water. Anxious to hear your report!
The eggs in ice cube trays is a good idea! We went to sam’s this weekend. Not much savings… did get those big washing powder/dishwasher containers. Sam’s use to be better. I wanted those large PB containers… all expired this summer so I scratched that. I am thinking about trying Costco. My brother swears by them. He says they are cheaper and better. I dunno, never been there.
I had to take a course in grad school, “alternative medicine.” Class books were by Tyler: Honest Herbal & Herbs of choice. Back then, I thought it was a stupid class to have to take… one of those “okay, nice to know” things. I ordered copies a couple of weeks ago… decided wasn’t so stupid. Must be a lot of people ordering them because it was suppose to be less than 5 days to get. Actually had recipes for herbs as medicine. Figure it couldn’t hurt to have it on hand. Anybody interested could check the books out at library to see if they want to purchase. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0789008750/102-5004781-0545725?v=glance&n=283155
Whole bunch of info on this fluwikie about all kinds of stuff here: http://fluwikie.com/index.php?n=Opinion.ForumTopics
Includes preserving eggs… among a WHOLE bunch of other stuff. They also suggest using muffin tins to freeze eggs. (*so much work… and ____ time?)
North of Houston- How is the water filtration syatem working out for you? The carbon filter does more than improve the taste. It will also remove the pool chemicals from the water. I bought Siphon Filter Style A and C for $67. That’s the ceramic filter and carbon filter.
I’m in NW Houston. I haven’t posted because I don’t have anything helpful to offer at this point. I just wanted to let everyone know there are probably a lot of people out here lurking. Where is the north texas prep site? Yall are so organized in your preps. I need to quit playing and get with the program.
Welcome nw houston. Keep posting and keep prepping.
Nothing to new to add from Friendswood. Just keepin on keepin on.
Hey everyone!!! Boy I have been soooo busy prepping. I have done tons!!! So happy with what all I have accomplished in so little time. I have shopped for about 4 days straight. Now when I shop everyone doesnt look at me weird:). I havent found that the dollar store does me much good. I did buy a few things yesturday….but for the most part JUNK!! I will keep checking back though. Yesturday I was in Wallyworld….I bought the last 4 5 gallon collapsable containers. I couldnt believe how little stock they really carry on an ongoing basis. One person could wipe the whole place out in about 1 minute. They had about 6 solar showers left….I did notice that they were low on surgar, flour….evaporated milk…barley any of that as well as water. They only had about 3 gal. of that and 1 slab of bottled water. A little scary…I wonder if word is getting out…I ordered my crank radio at radio shack…that should come in today….I am going to order the water filter today….from the same place y’all did:)……SSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOO, I’ve been having a blast!!!!
Update on water filter. We soaked the ceramic filter overnight in the pool. Hubby checked the water this morning and said was good and clear…du…the pool is clean. Anyway, he tasted without the carbon filter said it was okay but had clorine taste. Going to try with carbon filter as soon as he gets back. Downside…the syphon effect doesn’t work easy due to gravity andcoming up out of the pool. Would work easier with above ground pool. Will possibly have to put water into another container for syphoning ease or get a manual handpump for better syphoning. This will not be a fast operation, but we will have drinkable water.
The syphon effect works better the higher the source water is in relation to the output. I think you would have better results if you put the pool water in a bucket on top of a counter or ladder and have the output on the floor.
Cosms….he is trying that now…will let you know the results….when he had the flow going good, he said it would take about an hour to fill a gallon jug.
Just got back from a run to Sam’s. Everything looks normal. Lots of water, canned meats, soups, rice, flour, sugar, pasta. I stocked up on pet food and liter today. Wow, three months of litter, dog food and cat food is expensive.
Hey everyone….Good news…Daughter just got her student teaching assignment for the fall. She will be in Klein…within a 20–30 minute commute if traffic is moving. We are so relieved! She can live at home and if this things goes down, won’t have to worry about getting her back here. She’s a good kid, thinks mom is “psycho” about bird flu but late one night during one of our speical “moments” she said “mom, I won’t go to school if it happens”. I know it scares her.
Elisa D - at 02:10 - re: nursing toddlers “But after a month I can restart? I’ll have to check into that one. But in the situation we’re getting ready to be in your right it is the absolute best thing. No worries there:) I think I will check that out….very good point!!:)”
Elisa & EnoughAlready, I had West Nile when my third daughter was 9 months old. Ten days of 104 fever, 3+ wks of being seriously, seriously ill, and 6 months of recovery. Especially during the worst of it, the inability to nurse her for extended lengths of time and the fever reduced my milk supply to almost zero for about a month. It took a while but we were able to re-establish it (nobody could figure out why I was bothering…oh well!) and she went on to nurse until her 2nd birthday. If it’s only been a month since you’ve stopped, I think you still have a decent chance of restarting.
As alluded to earlier, I think there are Rx meds that can help. However, I just drank an incredible amount of water and used fenugreek & brewer’s yeast capsules (the fenugreek worked better for me)…in fact, I have a bottle of each of those in my preps in case tshtf and I need to up my nursing of my fourth daughter, who just turned one, since I figure that stress and fatigue may be working against me otherwise. ;o)
North of Houston - I’ll be happy with 1 hour/gallon for the filtration system. I hope mine comes in the mail tomorrow
In fact, it was that West Nile experience (with hubby out of town for part of it) and then the quasi-apocalyptic grocery/water/batteries/gasoline panic when Rita blew through here last year (I’m more in central TX) that are the two defining moments in my evolution as a prepper.
It’s also the West Nile experience that makes me determined to prep as well as possible for the girls’ sake, in case they have to take over if dh and I get sick. I want them to have anything they might need right at hand. (The two oldest girls were about first grade when I was so sick before ~ thankfully they could do PBJ’s and tuna salad back then, make bottles for the baby, and pour 7-up for Mom; now they’re very good cooks and nurses if need be…hopefully there will never be a need!)
Petticoat JunctionElisaDThank you so much for your info!! I’m sorry to hear you went through all that!!! It really sounds like you have great little girls too!!! Mommies little darlings??? I have one and she’s mine.:) Elisa
Petticoat Junction – at 17:32
Thanks for sharing that encouraging story!
North of Houston- that link I put up there from fluwikie… under the water section… talks about storage containers from Tractor Supply. They are approved. It explains why. Thanks for the updates on the water filter!
Today I froze whole eggs in quart freezer bags… 1 dz per bag. Added 1/2 C milk to each bag. Figure I could scramble them. Also, in snack baggies I put 1 egg with 1/3 cup milk and 1/8 C oil… put 6 of those baggies in a quart size freezer bag. (Use to make cornbread, etc.) Total of 11 dozen eggs. Tomorrow I am going to do individual eggs in muffin tins & put into qt freezer baggies. That will give me eggs to cook with. Walmart has frozen egg patties, 18 for about $3.50. I have several of those but I am worried about egg supply. Eggs are the “gold standard” used to measure protein value for all foods. Plus, in cooking they “hold” stuff together. I feel so much better having conquered the egg dilemma. My 31 y.o. daughter and I are talking about putting milk in quart freezer bags too. We think it will “save” freezer space, as the “jugs” take up so much room.
Elisa, Mommy’s darlings but Daddy’s girls through and through, all four of them, lol. I forgot to mention with the relactation, apart from the water and fenugreek, the key was really just giving her as much nursing time as she wanted (or would tolerate, lol) until the supply was re-established.
Love the milk idea!!! Great great idea!!
Enough Already - I’m getting ready to try my first egg-freezing experiment and looking for $ to buy powdered eggs from Honeyville. Have you tried using ground flax/water for binding in the place of eggs for baking? Works pretty well; I do it when we are out of eggs or wanting to go vegan. Plus the flax is good for you on its own. ;o)
You did 11 dozen?????? OMGosh!!!!!!!!!any ideas with bacon??? Can you freeze that??? I have a very picky boy….its been very hard to stockpile food for him…
(LOL, Elisa…my 4 yr old is named Elise and is watching the screen closely, convinced I’m typing her name wrong. ;o)
Petticoat Junction, How many eggs are you going to do? You have a family of 6 too??
Hi there ELISE!!!!:) My daughter’s name is Lauren Elise!!:)
Anybody here in TX preparing to do anything about the heat if we should lose the grid? My house is exposed to the sun all day long, I’m afraid I’ll be losing some weight due to the heat, not from lack of supplies. Have looked at alternatives for months now but price wise I would rather spend that money on necessities.
Elisa, six of us here, too. And the girls are all egg-fiends; we go through a lot of them (cheap protein and all that). I was planning on beating the eggs and putting them in oil-sprayed ice cube trays; my friend who does it says each egg makes about 2 cubes. If I had a big freezer I’d be really stocking up, but alas only have the little one on the fridge; the freezer is at the top of my wish list. So for now I’ll just see how a few dozen go, unless it looks like ts is about thtf in which case I’ll grab eggs while everyone else is fighting over batteries. ;o)
LOLElisaD May 24, 2006, at 07:06 PMSo, can I freeze bacon? I think I can.
Dreamweaver, Buy a generator….or buy some battery operated fans. Believe me, its a concern of mine too being here in Hell, Texas in the summer!!
Update on water filter….He put the ceramic filter in a container on the shelf of a 8 foot ladder with bungee cords. He ran the ceramic tubing out of the container and into the charcoal filter. He tied the charcoal filter to the leg of the ladder. Tubing from the charcoal filter was put into a gallon water container. It runs at about 1 gallon per hour and as long as the ceramic filter is covered with water there is a flow. In a worse case situation, af or hurricane, this would certainly work and provide water for drinking and other purposes. A teenager could even be responsible for keeping the ceramic filter container full and supervising the process.
ElisaD – at 18:49
any ideas with bacon??? Can you freeze that???
We freeze vacuum packaged bacon routinely. I know it stays good for several months and I suspect it’ll keep for much longer.
BTW: I work out of Tomball (key words are “out of”). But I’m y’all’s ‘motel neighbor’ frequently.
Petticoat Junction… WalMart has a chest freezer for about $150. Have no idea if it is any good. Also, price at used appliance store or Thrifty Nickle kind of papers. *Divorce sales tend to be good! :0 The fluwikie link I posted up there has an egg thread… people were doing stuff besides freezing. I have not used flax/water… I did buy a little bag of flax. And, I take flax supplement. The powdered eggs are just too expensive… I have 7 people in this family. Two college boys, one is 6′5″/13 shoe. One of my grandsons (we’re raising) just turned 13 and is 5′8″/10 1/2 shoe! I’ve got a house full of Hungry Jacks!
Elisa- Krogers sometimes puts their brand of “real bacon” (cooked) on sale. Managers specials usually are really good deals. And 11 dozen eggs = 1 dz a week. I figure that won’t even touch it with cooking with eggs and all. Normally, I don’t use that many eggs… but this isn’t normal. WalMart has 18 eggs for $1. (ugggghh… enough of this stuff, already! I am pooped!)
North Houston— thanks for the update!
Dreamweaver – at 18:55
Considering we have heat up through October… yeah, I’ve thought about it. No air, hot, lack of ice, maybe lack of water… could be ugly! Misquitoes are already attacking like crazy. I’d like to say sit in the pool all day… but if that is my drinking water…
I dunno, at some point we just do all we can do, then PRAY! I hope somebody comes up with some ideas about the heat. I know after Rita hit the Golden Triangle, people were miserable with no AC & humidity, etc.
I have thought about a room air conditioner, but haven’t done it yet. Last August, after my 80 year old mother went back home after Rita, we took her small window-unit air conditioner out of her garage utility room, installed it in a small bedroom and plugged it into a generator. It at least gave her cool to sleep by at night and if it got too hot-humid during the day, she could go in there to cool down.
For sure, there won’t be any heat shelters open for the elderly and improvished if this goes down. Wonder if anyone has thught about them?
EnoughAlready – at 23:27
I’ve seen the freezer but unfortunately even that is way out of our budget until hubby finishes grad school (though I’m saving up for some kind of freezer!). I’m ‘only’ feeding six and one is little, but the two older girls can out-eat me any day, yikes. (The 11 yr old already wears size 10 women’s shoes!) In my dream world, I would get an upright to store daily-use types of foods and a chest freezer for meats, etc. Ah well. :o)
Several years ago, when things were even tighter budget-wise than they are now, the HEB here had a special…buy a chest freezer for $150 and get a store gift card worth $100 or something like that to fill it. Not only was it out of our budget but we were in an apt with nowhere to put in. At least we’re in a house now…I do so wish they’d run that special again ~ I’d find the $$ somehow!!!
I am right there with you on the cost of powdered eggs. The flax thing does work pretty well, particularly for baking. But I’m hoping the frozen real eggs work for us and that I can find space for them!
We have only really had A/C in all the homes and businesses in the last 35 years or so in Houston. The people before A/C survived the summers here, so we can too.
That’s right Cosmo. I grew up in the no air conditioned Houston. However, our homes then were equipped with attic fans and the homes were designed to allow lots of air flow.
I can tell you that I have camping cots with mosquito bars to sleep on - outside! Back in the day, folks would sleep on porches in the heat of summer. Yes, I realize this might be dangerous - but what can ya do?
I also have some battery powered fans, some empty spray bottles to fill with water and wet us down. The only other tip I can give you is to place wash cloths in the icy water in an ice chest. You can also put towels in there and wrap them around a small child. This feels so good when you are too hot.
My folks from Beaumont/Pt. Arthur all used these tricks during the Rita aftermath.
I have my fingers crossed that if (when?)this comes down it will be in normal flu season - November - March for us. Otherwise - we are going to be hot and cranky!!!
Hey everyone:)ElisaDWhile I was at Wallyworld last night….I did a panic run:)….while I was getting ready to check out guess what I noticed???? A huge section up at the register of LATEX GLOVES!!!!!!!!! Now come on…how often do you see that?!?!?!?! They had 2 different brands….both of 50 and 100 count. Found that very funny!!!! Also, all over this Walmart…on the end of the isles there were different types of preps…..Purell and latex gloves on one….2 different kinds of facial masks on another…..(I bought the last 6 N95). I still havent seen a “Prep Isle” but noticing lots of prepping things on the ends of the isles….but the huge display of latex gloves just cracked me up!!!!! I couldnt believe it was at the front of the store by the registers!!!!LOLOLOL
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ElisaD - yep! I’ve noticed the same thing at my local Sam’s. However, don’t forget some of these items are useful with hurricane preps, too. Several of my neighbors are buying gloves and masks in the event of a hurricane. In-laws as well due to mold contamination of homes after Rita and Katrina.
But, I agree, it is interesting how things are picking up here. Kroger seems to have HUGE stocks of water and canned goods right now.
ElisaD – & - BlueBonnet: I haven’t seen any of this stuff out like that… at any store. I got the last little bitty box of latex gloves on the shelf at local WalM about a week ago. Hubby ordered gloves and masks from some safety place. Hurricane related stuff is all put out, but not gloves, etc. I’ve been clearing out areas to put more stuff. Also, went through kids stuff to make sure they had educational stuff do to if homebound. I have stuff like that on hand, but wanted to make sure it was still age appropriate. Weeded out stuff & gave a hefty garbage bag to my daughter for her kids. I’ve spent the last two days racking my brain with what if scenarios so I can cover bases. Got seeds to plant (garden) if needed and in case I can’t get out next fall during normal planting season. (A lot of places have seeds on sale and they’re good through this year.) I can’t find eucalyptus or camphor oil for vaporizer anywhere… guess they don’t make it anymore.
Went to Sam’s this week. There was no shortages. There was lots of water (all sizes on flats), flour, sugar, rice, tp, etc. Everyone seemed to be shopping for this weekend…lots of hot dogs, hamburger, pool stuff in carts. Then stopped in at Walmart….again, lots of water…the only shortage was in 5 lb. flour; however, I read on another thread that there was a reason for the shortage other than preps. Lots of hurricane stuff. Remember, it is graduation weekend and lots of stores are letting the stockers off for their graduations.
Okay girls………I froze 10 dozen eggs!!!! Looks pretty gross frozen…..will these eggs taste the same when I go to scramble them…..I even put shredded cheese, green peppers…onions etc….like for omlets…..Please tell me they will be good!! Also did singles for cooking…..and did pre-mixes of oil and milk for muffins….etc…..thanks for the ideas. :) SMILE
Did anyone watch OPRAH today…….first time I saw this bird flu show….Would love to hear what you all thought.
Hope everyone is doing well!!!! TA TA!!!
Enough Already @ 18:10 “Got seeds to plant (garden) if needed and in case I can’t get out next fall during normal planting season. (A lot of places have seeds on sale and they’re good through this year.) I can’t find eucalyptus or camphor oil for vaporizer anywhere… guess they don’t make it anymore.”
What all do you plant in the fall/winter? I grew up in CO and have just barely gotten my mind to accept planting before May 15th, lol! I had no idea you could garden through the winter until this last year when we had great success with cauliflower. What else works here?
As for the vaporizer oil, I saw some at WalMart last month. It’s packaged in a box instead of a visible bottle…Kaz brand, I think…on the shelf just above the humidifiers/vaporizers. Might just have been a winter thing, but it’s worth checking.
north of Houston – at 14:09
I went to Costco, finally. Seem to be more like sam’s use to be. I got an electric/portable ice maker. Makes 35 pounds of ice a day! Costco is suppose to be expanding to Clear Lake and Sugarland, so the lady told me. thank goodness, because it is over an hour drive.
Petticoat JunctionElisa D May 31, 2006, at 02:06 AMHey there…Where can I find seeds for food???? I have been looking and cant find any….Well, I only looked at WallyWorld. They had none….:)
Elisa D – at 20:55
I have frozen eggs before, but it has been over 20 years ago! I used them for cooking, tho & honestly don’t remember. I have been looking through old cook books and talking to old timers… they all agree freezing the eggs will work fine. Answer is … I hope they will be good! If we have to use them it probably won’t matter… we will probably be glad to have them!
Yeah, I watched Oprah today. My 2 grown daughters and 24 y.o. son did too. One of my daughters in pregnant. I cried and cried when he said that about pregnant women… and been praying every since! I think it’s important to call local folks and see what the plan is… like county and city level. I got a little tired of the Katrina comparisons, but suppose it was a current event that people could relate to. Sure were a lot of commercials.
EnoughAlready~~So true…Oprah brought up Katrina waaaaaay too many times!! I noticed lots of commercials too!! Good information though…How far along is your daughter?? Try not to worry. We really dont know when this thing will hit. Good probability it wont be for a while.
Elisa D – at 02:06
WalMarts in Alvin has them by the boxes… but not where they usually are. Did you ask somebody? Big Lots and Dollar general and family dollar had some. That plant place that has the big red/white striped tent for symbol (Houston Garden???) has seeds. (They also still have herbs--- 1/2 off.) Tractor supply probably still has seeds.
Petticoat Junction – at 01:48
we have acreage. we are going to plant pumpkins, although we should have already had them planted for fall they will make for next spring/summer. We are planting turnip greens, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cucumber, beans (all kinds), cabbage, bell peppers, kale, carrots, corn. I have cauliflower and broccoli too, but have never planted them before. Glad you said you had done that!!! Trick in this area is planting in fall. It gets so hot here that most stuff doesn’t make it through the hot summers. I get stuff to grow, but have better luck during the fall. I also can’t grow traditional garden here… the soil is awful! We have done mostly container gardens. even use those plastic kiddie swimming pools. We are going to make raised bed gardens for the fall. The corn and pumpkins are going in the back pasture. Not sure how successful the corn will be, but worth a try.
I have had a lot of luck with container gardening. Find it is very well suited to this area. I had tomatoes & bell peppers from last year up to about first of May. Still have onions… big onions… which are finally playing out. {In swimming pools.) If you are in neighborhood, plant stuff like marigolds around the base of container and it covers the pool so you can’t really tell it’s a pool. I didn’t plant much of a summer garden this year. I have canteloupe, onions, garlic and a lot of herbs… that’s it. But farmers markets and roadside stands are so reasonable I don’t mind.
This fall, I am going to start my seeds and get the plants a decent size instead of sowing directly into the garden. I usually don’t do this with food seeds, but do with flowers.
I’ve gotten those kaz things. They are pricey. Was wanting eucalyptus oil and or camphor oil. Use to be everywhere and really inexpensive. I have two small camphor trees, just not sure they are big enough yet to harvest. Not even sure how to harvest them. Surely there is those oils some place.
EnoughAlreadyElisa D May 31, 2006, at 02:46 AMLOLOLOL
Look I have come a long way doing all the preps I’ve done in such a short time frame!!! Dont throw a “sick room” at me right now!!! :) Seriously, I just havent gotten there yet. I still have so much more to do. I sorta feel like I’m scattered everywhere. I’ve gotten tons done….but I feel like I am going to forget something….Like planning a trip. And I feel this huge amount of pressure to not forget anything, because when the SHTF….my family will be shocked and probably scared….seeing how I have younger kids. I just cant imagine telling them that we dont have anything else to eat…or we ran out of the Tylenol to get your fever down….what a nightmare….
EnoughAlready~~What are you still doing up? :)
Elisa D – at 02:27
She is due on Thanks Giving Day!
I hope it doesn’t hit this fall or winter or spring… or ever! But, Indonesia is worrisome… it’s like the “perfect storm” breeding ground, IMHO. Our family doctor told me he was having Dr. Zhivago nightmares… total chaos and he gets hauled off like in the movie. Eye doctor thinks it will hit around Christmas. Pediatrician thinks it is all hooey. I tend to agree with expert epidemiologist on Oprah… it’s coming… just don’t know when. Best chance we have is like he said… pressure on local, state, and federal level powers that be to prepare this country better. Is that what you got out of it?
LOL! Same thing as you… “prepping”!
nah… I love this time of day/night. It is so quite and peaceful! Only time I can really read and think uninterrupted! So… what are you still doing up? I am fixin to go to bed tho’… getting loopey I am so tired!
Yes!!! We have to get local, state and federal levels to get busy!!! When they decide to discuss this it will be too late. Do you have any ideas on going about that? We really need to get serious about getting them active about this!!
After Katrina….I know I need to prepare seriously for my family. I find it funny that your eye doctor is so aware of this and your Ped. is clueless. I wonder what mine is going to do when I request pneumonia shots for the boys and Lauren…….Probably tell me to pack sand. :0
LOLOL This is truly the best time of the day/night for me…….noone bugs me…..so quiet…….love it!!! Really, I can assess more at night…then I know what I will need to do tomorrow for any prepping. To hard to figure all this out with 4 kids needing me to go everywhere….ya know?!
Elisa D – at 02:46
ROFLOL!!! I guess that means you aren’t computerizing your stuff either!?! errr… I have mine by expiration date/year in closets in bedrooms. 2007 & 2008 are going to be lean years at this point! :0
Going to bedElisa DTalk to you soon:) And try not to worry too much about your daughter….I know its only natural…she will be fine, after all she has you preparing for her:) Chin up!!!
I have everything dated…….but still feel a bit disorganized……..
Elisa D – at 02:53
Do you have any ideas on going about that? We really need to get serious about getting them active about this!!
Well, yes I do! Tomorrow I will hunt it up for you. I looked it up on the Texas state site and found some stuff. And, found some stuff for Houston, Harris County and Brazoria county. Are you in Fort Bend County? Haven’t looked that up. Brazoria County is who sent me the email to watch that ABC movie. After that is when I started hitting the doctors locally asking all kinds of questions… and the schools. I think we need to contact local, state and federal reps, too. Tomorrow.
Yes Fort Bend County……..I’ll check here in the am for that info from you…I hope to be gettin pneumonia shots tomorrow………..LOL
I have everything dated…….but still feel a bit disorganized……..
It helped me to put canned stuff in boxes like they come in at the stores. That helped me “eyeball” what I had more realistically. Usually places like Dollar Tree and Big Lots, etc, stuff is dated 2006. 2006 is in my kitchen/DR. So I feel better in that sense. Boxing it made me realize what I had and didn’t have and just somehow made it appear more “stored.” Also stacks better! (*I have 4 cans of pink salmon dated 2011! Sad that’s so exciting!)
I’m going to bed now, see ya tomorrow! You are doing great, and thanks for the encouragement about my daughter. We’re getting our pneumonia shots next week.
LOLElisa DHave u checked out this forum…after 3 months then what…..or something like that? I have been reading it tonight….a little to real for me tonight:(……..Check that one out.
Great idea on the cans…
TA TA!:)
I have been following that thread. Elisa D, you heard what that doctor on Oprah said… 18 months. I figure he meant including recovery period. The Great Influenza book by John Barry really spells out what to expect. The first wave hit during late May or early june. Big deadly wave hit that fall, followed by the last wave about 6 weeks later (I think.) That ABC movie… that was wave one. A 2 week supply of tuna under your bed is a joke. Not preparing and not preparing this nation is a sin. It would be one thing if significant people weren’t warning about this, but they are. Hopefully we are ahead of the curve. Get a bunch of ramen noodles… it’ll help you feel more secure!
It’s not going to be pretty, that’s for sure.
Hey guys….I’m in Montgomery County. Last week hubby called the county health department. They are working on a “plan”. No details. No one could answer any questions. He then called our city manager and left a message. Still no call back. Guess it may be time to go to city council meeting. We live in a very small incorporated city. We have our own water supply and police department. Fire department is county and volunteer. Hospitals are branches of med center and county.
Talked to my neighbor who is a psyc nurse in Harris County and husband is a nurse at local county hospital. She has very little info on bf and her husband has been given no info at all. Her words are “pray”. She has a friend who is a infectious disease doctor out of state and the friend says “pray”. Neighbor said they had an incident at her hospital….deputy brought someone in who said they had bf…deputy thought it was funny….put her hospital in panic.
Since it’s raining….again….plan to rearrange and move preps…again. Thinking about getting the software program on the other thread….might simplify shopping and lists…as long as we print it out in case power goes out.
North Of Houston- My water filtration system came in the mail last Friday. I have not had a chance to test it out yet. I’m glad I bought it because I can now check clean drinking water off my list. Did the carbon filter take the chemical taste out of the pool water?
Cosmo- The carbon filter made a big difference.
I have a question though. On another thread, the one about water filtration systems, someone mentioned putting clorine (Clorox) into the filtered water to kill virus. When I reread the website printout on our system, under Cartride Considerations and the ceramic cartridge, there was a list of the bacterial and biological contaimiants it would remove. Nothing about virus. What are your thoughts?
north of Houston- I think the ceramic cartridge should remove most (if not all) of the baddies. However, I read somewhere it would still be a good idea to put some bleach in the dirty water before filtering (8–16 drops/gallon). I guess this would be an extra layer of protection. The carbon filter would then remove the bleach taste
Sounds do-able. Makes sense to clorinate and kill the virus, then run through the filters. Will pass the info the hubby. Thanks!
City manager finally called back this afternoon. Montgomery County is drafting a “disaster plan”. It is all emcompassing but Rita traffic was the tipping point for the plan. The city purchased more generators and fuel storage capabilites but not enough to keep the water service going for a week if interrupted by a grid failure. What it amounts to is dependence on the county to tell us what to do. My husband said you could tell that the city manager knew nothing about a pandaminic…couldn’t answer any questions other than he felt that there was enough employees that were cross-trained to cover for each other…kept referring to the health department, which knows nothing either. Guess we are all on our own!
From Today’s Lufkin Daily News - I think this is being held today.
First Friday event features pandemic flu expert
The June First Friday Chamber luncheon is scheduled for noon Friday at Crown Colony Country Club.
To make reservations, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 634–6644. Reservations are $15 per person.
http://www.lufkindailynews.com/featr/content/features/stories/2006/05/31/first_friday_brief.html
We live west of Houston. Anyone out this direction? We have only just begun, however, we live on a ranch, have a generator, rv (we can cook, shower etc. in it), water well tied to the generator etc. etc. So…we are somewhat ready for whatever, bird flu…hurricane…terrorism, etc. With so many threats, I see no reason to postpone preparing for some disruption of food supplies in the future. We just ordered food for 5 for a year. I hated to part with the money, but the thought of long lines for handouts that might not come motivated me. We will be storing some rice and beans as well. I have my buckets and mylar bags, just haven’t bought it yet. I am also considering having our windmill repaired. There is a storage tank next to it. Just some random thoughts from a newbie. Let me hear from you west of Houston.
Has anyone been to Walmart this week? I went for my monthly groceries plus some prep items. There was no Ivory bath soap in the entire store. Everything else seemed as usual with the exception of all purpose flour…even Sam’s was low on that one. Our Walmart is starting to handle a lot of organic products, not just food, but even organic clothing(???, and some things are either moved or have decreased shelf space.
Got my daughter the pnemonia vacination today. Checked and my husband’s and mine are due again in November….will have to wait on that one. Also got some dental visits out of the way this week…more of them to follow….eye exams and glasses are being done this week, too. Thank goodness, insurance is covering most of the expense.
I’ve noticed all purpose flour in the BIG bags are low or depleted everywhere. Costco has more than anybody. I can’t imagine a run on that item. Sugar I could understand because it is canning season. But flour???? I think hurricane season and kids out of school accounts for some of this… but not the flour.
EA, thanks again for the TAMU link last night. :) We are far enough into central TX to be zone 8 instead of 9; I’ve been envying you coastal folks some of the things you can grow better than we can!
I’ve noticed flour, rice, and sugar are low around here, too (of course, maybe I just notice those items more because I tend to be looking for them.) HEB is closing out one of their 2 lb tubs of shortening, the BakeRite all-veggie, no trans-fat one, for $1.99…nobody else here seems to have noticed or cared so I’ve been picking up one or two on each trip; I now have four or five under the cabinet. lol
(btw, EA, Elisa, etc…I set up an email acct today at petticoat.junction at yahoo dot com; just in case ;)
Cosmo – at 15:31
Home Depot has a bleach that kills virus and TB. It’s a little different chemically than regular bleach. And, about the same price. It was up in the front of the cash registers.
Petticoat Junction – at 20:24
I bet your soil is better… this gumbo clay is horrible! That’s why I do all that container gardening. We grew up in NW Louisiana. The soil and climate is probably a lot more like yours.
Gonna check out local HEB, that’s a good deal. I haven’t put up any shortening… well 2 medium bottles of oil… like a normal person would buy! Thanks!!
This dehydrater is just awesome. I actually went out today and bought me a bigger, better one. Giving the salvation army purchased one to my daughter. I have been dehydrating like a fool. Whatever is on sale in the produce department gets zapped! And it is suppose to last 5 years. 3 pounds of carrots shrivels up to about 2 cups. I even got coleslaw on sale and zapped it. 2 pounds made about a cup. (Will use it in soup… it’s just cabbage & a dab of carrot.) This new one makes fruit roll ups. I think this dehydrator has been the best thing I’ve done. I am taking stuff out of my freezer and dehydrating it… like vegetables. (Bell peppers) I just can’t emphasize enough what an awesome, handy tool this thing is!
Peti--- you’ve got mail!!!!
Which dehydrator do you have? We had one of those giant 1970′s hippy ones, lol, when I was growing up. I tried a little countertop one, but ended up giving it away. I love drying food but am looking for a dehydrator that has some ‘oomph’ (but isn’t horribly pricey ~ is there such a thing??)
My dd’s favorite was when I would cut apple slices into rings, sprinkle with a little cinnamon and dry them…mmmm!
(You have mail, too!)
Got mine at WalMart. Cost under $40. Has a blower and thermostat control. What took 3 days in the other one takes 5 hours. Oomph enough for me. Forget a freezer. This is what you need! I think the book said you could dehydrate eggs in it, I’ll have to look.
I would be interested in the brand if you get a chance, thanks. The last one I had was definitely of the 5-day variety, aargh. My father thinks he still has the other one in CO somewhere, though I’m wondering how awful the electric bill would be with it…it’s not exactly an EnergyStar model, I’m guessing. ;o)
Crackers? Really? They’re on one of my next sweeps through the store so I haven’t looked. Well, dh just got back from Russia so everything’s a bit disorganized here at the moment and I haven’t really been to the store in about a week. (That’s my excuse, anyway, lol)
(EA, check again in a minute….)
It is NESCO/American Harvest, Snackmaster Express. And, ummmmmmm, I got another one today at the thrift store… exact same brand… for $5.40!!! Plugged it in at the store and it works great!! I am telling you, these food dehydraters are my cup of tea!! Also, found a box full of canning jars for 10 & 20 cents each. A bag full of gadgets for 70 cents. Contents: egg seperater, fruit slicer/corer, canning thing you put in jar to put stuff into jar, egg slicer, garlic press, key can opener, tiny whisk, utensils, nut cracker and pick, some stuff I don’t know what to do with, and some plastic thing I threw away. Got 18 jars with seal fitting lids to put all this dehydrated stuff in, small canister type, for 90 cents (or less) each. I am telling y’all… junk stores are a treasure trove! Oh… got a gadget that I’m not sure what to do with for $2… my grandmother had one. I think you puree fruit in it. I am going to take it to my mom’s nursing home and see if anybody knows what to do with it. I hope that’s what it’s for… because that’s what I want to use it for. It has a deep basin with blade like thing in bottom and hand crank on top. I picked up 2 hospital gowns for 50 cents each. Ugggh, hope I never have to use those!
Hey all…If your going to save water get 55 galon drums. I am personally getting six this week form baytechconatiners.com . check em out They are located in houston for easy pick up. Oh and everyone stares at my wife and I at the stores like we are nuts …lol. Also Get yourselves a portable D/C Powered television and a car battery. You can watch the Television for information and use a solar powered battery charger (found at any R.V. accessories shop) to recharge. I also have plans for a D/C powered shower system using a bilge pump from a boat(found at Acadamy for 9.95) and a 5 gallon bucket. Connect a shower head to the hose from the pump, connect the car battery and “whalla!!” your clean. Catch the H2O you shower in and pour it into the Toilet and you can use it for a flush.(handy if the water stops flowing) Good Luck
boomerbiker – at 08:55
I don’t know how I missed your post, but I am pea-green with envy over that windmill!! I would love to have one. We have some plans to build one… blueprint plans… a dreamy plans! ;)
Silenced Within – at 18:47
baytechconatiners.com doesn’t come up anything… can’t find is what search says. It is on Hwy 146, between Kemah and Texas City. They have all sorts of sizes of containers… so I’m told! Thanks for headsup!!
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Hope everybody is doing well!! And… collecting rainwater. :) Ugggh… tired of rain!
Hey,
I just read about a new product called clinell wipes on a website http://www.orderhealthcare.com/ . Apperently its proven to kill the bird flu virus. What do people think? Is this all a hype? Apparently it was invented by two doctors who run a company GAMA Healthcare http://www.gamahealthcare.com/
What are your views?
I am sticking to lysol concentrate and bleach. The “product” didn’t seem to touch viruses, only bacteria. Wasn’t impressed with it at all.
Hey everyone! We are still out of town in Northern Georgia visiting the new granddaughter. Plan to be home within the next few weeks. We’ve heard a little about all the rain and flooding….it would have been a good chance to catch rainwater to use the filter system. It is so nice here…temps in he 90′s are headline news! Stores look about the same as back home. Have been to Walmart, Sam’s, Lowe’s and Home Depot. Lots of stock and no apparent shortages.
We are close to the Chatahoochie River and there are lots of ponds with geese, ducks and water birds….lots of geese droppings….sure makes one stop and think when the grandkids want to feed the geese and ducks.
Our electiricity was out for 5 hours today due to a thunderstorm. We broke out the 10″ fans and I have to say that it never felt like the AC was off. I knew that they took 8 D batteries….it didnt seem like a lot when I bought the fans but when I started putting them in I was like OMGosh!!! I realized really quick that you can never have enough ice on hand. I was really glad we had added bags of ice to the inside freezers as well as the outside freezers.
Any word on if Nimon is back or coming back? I missed that whole issue while being out of town…What the heck happened??
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