Paycheck 9- Food Preservation

Food Preservation

Food is a huge part of our lives  both for nourishment and social interaction.  food brings us together and can ultimately tear us apart.  A hungry man is a dangerous man.  This is why it is crucial that you start learning how to preserve food and how to store it safely.  If you are going to take this mission on you will need to read books, watch YouTube videos, and learn from someone that knows what they are doing. 

It's not rocket science so don't shy away from it.  You just need to make sure you follow proper guidelines and techniques when handling and storing food.  The entire point behind prepping is to stay a live so don't let your own preps kill you! On a positive note, food preservation is a fantastic skill to have and it is very fulfilling.  I love eating a pasta sauce on a cold winter's night that came from my summer garden! So go out and grow it, hunt it, and then preserve it!

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Preps To Buy

• Kosher Salt (10 lbs.)

• Sugar (20 lbs.)

• Curing Salt (10 lbs.)

• Pickling Salt (5-10 lbs.)

• White Vinegar- a Few Gallons

• Apple Cider Vinegar- a few gallons

• Molasses (5-10 lbs)

• Powdered Fruit Pectin

• Canning Jars (in an assortment of sizes), lids and rings

• Food Drying Racks You can also make these yourself

• Pressure Canner

• Food strainer

• Canning rack

Pantry Preps

• Mylar Bags (in different sizes)

• Oxygen Absorbers

• 5 Gallon Buckets & Lids

• Desiccants

• Plastic Food Storage Containers

• Food Vacuum Sealer with plastic liners

• Heat Clamp or Iron- (Curling Iron will work) this is to seal your mylar bags

• Food Saver ( If you have the extra cash)

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Prepper Projects:

1. Research: Begin researching and finding resources to have on hand for the different food preservation methods. There are some great resources for preserving food on different homesteading websites and even homesteading magazines. Check Out Our YouTube Channel for suggested videos!

2. Food Preservation: Practice makes perfect! So, start practicing today. You need to learn about canning and growing food.

3. Garden: Start a garden so you can grow food to preserve for later use. If you’re limited on space try the Square Foot Garden Method!

4. Food Storage: ind a safe, dry area in the home to store your longer-term food supplies. Those who are tight on space can use creative methods such as shelving units high in their closets, extra bedrooms, under the bed or closets. As long as the space is dry, is free from temperature fluctuations, and is large enough to store the food it will work. It is best not to use a garage or attic for a food storage area due to the drastic temperature fluctuations that occur in these areas of the home.

5. Food Supply: Make a list of what types of long-term foods you plan on storing for your long-term food supply. Those that have family members with special dietary needs should do further research on which types of foods they will need.

6. Practice using your food storage tools on short-term foods to ensure that you understand how the  tools work. If you have leftovers use your food sealer to store them for later use. Dehydrate meats into jerky or preserve fruits in a dehydrator for latter use!

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Prepper’s Tip

Where To Purchase These Products?

• Amazon- For smaller scale purchases

• Sorbent Systems– For Food Storage Items

• Latter Day Saint Food Storage Warehouses

• Mountain House

• Wise Food

• Patriot Supply

• Winco

• Azure

• EBAY

• Costco

• Your Back Yard!!! Start your survival garden today!

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Paycheck 11-Build A Prepper's Tool Box

How To Build A Prepper's Tool Box

As a prepper it is important that you create a list of tools to purchase so you can build up your prepper's tool box.  Buying tools is not enough on it's own, you have to learn how to use them.  I highly recommend that you stock up on manual tools so they can function when the grid is down.  Power tools are great for now but they eat up a lot of fuel and electricity so you can not relay on them for a long-term grid down scenario.

Tools To Buy   

• Work gloves for all members of the family

• Protective eye wear for all members of the family

• Paracord Rope

• Hammers (a claw hammer for hitting nails, and a ball peen hammer used for striking metal)

• Saws (Hand saws and hack saws with extra blades)

• Screwdrivers (4-in-1 screwdrivers, Phillips, Robertsen)

• Wrench sets (Allen wrenches, pipe wrenches, combination wrenches)

• Adjustable wrench set

• Ax with a sharpening device

• Wedge to help in cutting firewood

• Pliers (an assortment of sizes)

• Socket set

• Vise grips

• Squares (roofing squares and framing squares)

• Levels (short square and a 4-foot level)

• Bit and brace

• Measuring tape

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Prepper Projects:

1. Tools: If you are not handy with tools, purchase a how-to guide and begin practicing this essential skill. Remember, you only have to be 10% smarter than the tool to get it to work.

2. Grid Down Practice: Simulate a grid-down scenario in your home and practice what life will be like without the modern conveniences we are dependent on today. It’s simple turn off the power for two days and start to take notes. This is a great way to find out what you are missing from your preps. Do you have enough lights & batteries? How will you stay warm? How will you entertain the kids without the internet and Youtube?

Prep Like A Pro: End Of The World Tool Kit

This article previously published at Manitoba Preppers Network

Today we’re going to look at what a basic end of the world toolkit looks like. This is by no means an absolute list, but rather a starter kit you should have at your home or retreat. You can add to it as money and skill allows. None of these tools are particularly expensive, and most could even be picked up at yard sales if you are careful about checking for wear and quality. If you can afford the cost and storage for multiple tools, double up (or more) whenever possible. Tools do get lost or break sometimes, and they are nifty barter items.

Your Shopping List:

Hammers – There are a lot of specialized hammers, but you need a minimum of two types: a claw hammer for hitting nails, and a ball peen hammer used for striking metal.Saws – Handsaws are cheap and easy to use. For the long term, think about learning to sharpen them by hand.Hacksaw – buy plenty of blades, they wear out. For cutting metal objects such as pipes.

Screwdrivers – A complete range of slotted, Phillips and Robertson screwdrivers would be the minimum for me. There are other specialist types such as Torx, but if you’ve got the big three, you’ll be okay in most situations.

Allen wrenches – Also known as hex keys, these are used for the recessed hexagonal headed screws/bolts seen in many applications. A good quality set with a range of sizes.

Measuring tape – at least one of 25’ or so. If you can afford a large reel tape of the sort you see surveyors use, that’s nice to have, as well.

Squares – Two types here, roofing or framing square, and a smaller combination square.

Levels – Two again, short one and at least a four footer.

Bit and Brace – what you’ll use after your electric drill doesn’t run. You might need a little practice using it, and make sure you know how to keep the bits sharp. Try to have a nice variety of lengths and sizes of bits.

Hand drill – NOT a bit and brace, but similar in use. Generally a hand cranked, geared drill, you can use it for lighter, tighter, and finer work than the bit and brace.

Socket set – ½ “ size, with a good variety of sizes and some extras like extensions and maybe a breaker bar.

Combination wrenches – A wrench with an open jaw one end and a box end on the other, in a variety of sizes.

Adjustable wrenches – At least two, and more in a variety of sizes if you can afford it. There’s always an off size bolt you’ll need these for.

Pipe wrenches – Always in pairs, and two pairs if affordable in larger and smaller sizes.

Vise grips – There probably isn’t a more abused tool out there, but it is invaluable for many jobs. Multiple sizes and styles if possible.

Pliers – The traditional style to start, then add needle nose and other types as you see fit. There are dozens of types, but have found lineman’s pliers and fencing pliers very useful. Your mileage may vary.

Pump pliers – in two sizes. These are adjustable long handled pliers that come in handy in a variety of situations.

Files – A variety of sizes and types, used for metal work/ sharpening.

Tin snips – For cutting sheet metal.

Cold chisel – Used to cut heavier metal.

Wire stripper – Self explanatory, I would think.

Side cutter pliers – Used to cut wire, you’ll find other uses the manufacturer never intended.

Wood chisels – A moderate range of sizes will keep you going in most circumstances.

Wood plane – a general purpose plane such as a jack plane. Learn how to use it.

Bolt cutter – Also known as a chain cutter, this is a specialized tool, but one I think necessary for certain uses. Buy a large one.

Crow bar – used in demolition mostly, but pretty handy to have around.

Nail puller – You can use the claw on your hammer, but the specialized tool is easier on wrists and hands if you’re salvaging a lot of lumber.

Box cutter and blades – multiple uses.

Stapler – I mean the construction type here. Great for tacking up almost everything. Buy lots of staples.

Clamps - If you have room and money, clamps make building anything easier, especially when you haven’t got someone around to ‘just hold this here’.

Bench vise – and some bolts to mount it. Even if you screw this to a log, you’ll find doing a lot of things easier when they are held securely. It is nearly indispensable when sharpening a variety of tools.

There you go, a list of the basics. You can of course add to it, but when acquiring tools keep in mind the likelihood of needing the tool (do you really need a six foot long pipe wrench? Really?) and your ability to use the tool.Some tools come in a variety of weights (hammers, for example) or sizes (saws). Make sure the tools you have are tools you can use safely and without undue fatigue. If you’re not a person handy with tools, start learning now.

There are lots of how-to guides out there for almost every task and project imaginable. Start simple and build your skill, confidence and toolkit. It’ll save you money, and maybe even your life someday.

This list was previously published at Manitoba Preppers Network



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Paycheck 22- Urban Homestead

Urban Homestead

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The idea of having a homestead in the country is a dream to many. One that is filled with self-reliance and work that sustains your survival far from the worries of the world. Many folks feel that they could never move to the country and so Homesteading is an impossibility. I am here to tell you that this is just not the case. Urban homesteading is a very popular topic and many actually live a very self-sufficient lifestyle on a half-acre. Yes, you are limited by space but with a solid plan and a little guidance, you can actually provide a ton of produce and protein for your family. I know because we do it on a quarter acre!

We have chickens, bees and rabbits in our backyard along with 6 raised beds that provide a ton of produce for our family. We use the Square Foot Gardening method and it helps us to maximize every inch of our garden. Last year we harvested over 500 eggs and 100 pounds of honey! Start small like with your preps and before you know it you will be giving food away! Feel free to start by planting a small garden and a few pots. While your waiting for those to grow I highly recommend that you read a few books on the backyard homesteading before jumping into the deep end. It will save you from making simple mistakes!

Suggested Books

• The Backyard Homestead

• The Urban Homestead

• Mini-Farming on a 1/4 acre

• The Backyard Beekeeper

• The Beekeepers Bible

• A Chicken In Every Yard

Gangsta Gardener: Plant Some Shit!!

If he can grow food in a concrete jungle why can’t you grow produce in your back yard, side yard or on the patio of your apartment?

A family that runs a farm in their backyard!

Look at what is possible!

Garden

• Heirloom or non-GMO seeds

• Garden tools: Shovel, hoe, clippers, rake, Pitchfork, hand Saw, Garden Gloves, and sheers

• Containers for long-term storage of seeds

• Seed Vaults

Household Preps

• Toilet paper

• various toiletries

• hygiene products

• Cooking oils

• Oil lamps and fuel

Over the counter medicine

• First aid ointments

• aspirin,

• anti-diarrhea,

• anti-constipation meds

• alcohol

• hydrogen peroxide

• Hand sanitizer (you’ll want lots of this because clear water may be hard to come by and disease will be rampant)

Barter Items

• Teas

• coffee

• cigarettes

• drinking alcohol

• Condoms

• Tampons

• coffee

• wool blankets

• Ammunition

• Lighters

• Old Wool Blankets: they will keep you warm and can be used to make clothing

  Read the Emergency Items: What Will Disappear First for more ideas.

Off-grid tools

• hand saws

• hand drills

• Knife sharpener

• Hammer

• crowbar

• Ax

• Duct tape

Suggested Projects

1. Research the available resources in your area. Are there plants growing wild that would be good grazing foods for your animals? Is there an abundance of organic material for compost?

2. Learn about composting and how to reuse plant waste.

3. Consider taking a vegetable gardening course at a local nursery, community center or gardening club.

4. Learn about different ways you can barter

5. make sure you have treats and luxuries in your preps that you can use for trade