Mock Emergency

In September, I participated in a 7-day Mock Emergency Preparedness Week from the Food Storage Made Easy site. If you have never gone to that site, I highly recommend it. It really got me excited about food storage and actually has a list of baby steps to help you get started. I was able to get our three month supply rather quickly with their help and even have some long term supply as well. We are not fully prepared but at least have a start.

Back to the challenge. I participated in their fun challenge. Well, I use the term participated lightly. Let's just say we are not as prepared as we should so there was no way I could actually do some of the things. Everyday there were limitations and tasks to complete. The entire week you were not allowed to spend money, no going to stores, and no restaurants. I didn't do everything, but I should get some credit for going through the motions mentally and realizing that we would die or just be plain out of luck if some of these things happened to us right now. I did stay away from stores though but had to do a few things that spent money. Here are some things I learned (really for my own sake so just skip post if needs be.....I will not be offended).

Day One: Water Contamination-we have failed to refill our barrels since moving so F- today. Need ways of purifying water.

Day Two: Dietary Limitation-I had to make all meals from scratch. I did this but Wyatt wasn't a huge fan of homemade mac n cheese. Give him the Kraft Easy Mac and he will gobble it up. I learned that I feed my child too many processed foods.

Day Three: Terrorist Attack (EMP)- I learned I would DIE in AZ if this happened because it was 108 on this day and basically our A/C would go out. So, not fun. Luckily, it didn't happen. I didn't do the other tasks due to the "crisp" weather either. I need to buy a gas generator and a solar over (on my wish list already).

Day Four: Economic Crisis- Now, this I could totally due. The challenge was to help some close friends in need due to the economy. Although I didn't actually do everything on the list, I had all the materials needed.

Day Five: Natural Disaster- The ladies in charge said to pick a challenge that would relate to your area. Most of what I thought of is water related or lack there of. Once again....would die without electricity.

Day Six: Everyday Emergency-stranded with a flat tire- although I didn't actually change the tire I know how. But they said that it is a good idea to do it yourself, especially if you have a different car than the last time you "learned how." Yeah, should do that! But I had jumper cables and a car bag already in the car. Points there!

Day Seven: Surprise Visitors-basically people were coming over to look at your food storage supply. -You had to organize it and restock some items, fill the barrels up again, etc.

I think next year I actually want to do everything that I can and not just go through the motions mentally. :) Anyone in? It might be easier knowing some friends are doing it too.

Jason and I reviewed everything I learned at a FHE discussion. He gave some great ideas as well and was sweet to listen to me talk about the entire week and what we need to buy/do to be prepared. I noticed that he became more interested in emergency preparedness last weekend when he bought everything we need to plant a garden. On Saturday, we planted the seeds so now all we do is wait and water to see if our hard work, prayers, fasting, and a miracle is grown. We really are not gardeners so we will see how this goes. I'll post a picture of our little garden soon.