Water Crisis Threatens Bottled Water Prices
One of the biggest problems with extreme weather is how its negative effects can impact us weeks and months later.
Take this past summer’s sizzling heat waves and lack of rain, for example. Those two weather events not only took a toll on our nation’s electrical grid and crops. They also hurt our water supply.
Mainly because they resulted in lower water levels in our rivers and streams. With the Mississippi River and its tributaries experiencing historic low levels, another major problem will develop.
Officials in Louisiana say saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico will continue to intrude into the state’s drinking water systems. And that means drinking water will be compromised. It’s already happening in some southern parishes. And it will be felt even more strongly later this month.
Mississippi River to Reach ‘Historic Lows’
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to barge 36 million gallons of freshwater per day into the lower Mississippi River near New Orleans. But will that be enough to avoid a catastrophe?
Parts of the central U.S. experienced drought over the summer – thanks to the heat and less than average rainfall – leading to the Mississippi’s lower water levels.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said the mighty river is forecast to reach “historic lows over the next several weeks.”
A 1,500-foot-wide underwater levee was built in the Mississippi River during the summer in anticipation of this problem. But they need to add at least 25 feet to the height of this artificial basin. And that will take time and only delay the inevitable by a couple of weeks.
Drought Leads to Saltwater Intrusion
During a normal summer, there’s enough rainfall in the central U.S. to offset this potential problem. But not this year.
Edwards said he does not believe there is “sufficient precipitation in the near term anywhere along the Mississippi River to materially change the conditions for the better.
“Unfortunately, we just haven’t had the relief from the dry conditions that we need” to keep the situation from worsening.
A press release from Edwards’s office read: “In some areas, the increased salinity from the saltwater intrusion is forecast to exceed the EPA maximum standard.” This will impact public water systems and introduce “the risk of corrosion to water distribution systems, machinery, and appliances.”
Cautioning Against Hoarding Bottled Water
The plan is to add the projected 36 million gallons of freshwater per day to water already being held in treatment centers. This is designed to create a mixture safe for treatment.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell signed an emergency declaration that will also allow the governor to order the delivery of bottled water for Louisiana residents.
Some of the state’s 5 million residents are already receiving bottled water. Including those in the Louisiana parish of Plaquemines.
Edwards promised his state’s residents that there will not be a bottled water shortage and cautioned against hoarding it.
Freshwater Facing a Tough Challenge
What goes unseen during most years in the South is a battle between freshwater and saltwater, with freshwater winning year after year.
Freshwater movement from the Mississippi and other rivers keeps saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico from infiltrating freshwater bodies. But when freshwater levels fall, it opens the door for saltwater to intrude, “contaminating” the freshwater.
Last year to a certain extent – and definitely this year – saltwater has had an opportunity to gain the upper hand in this ongoing battle.
As Edwards said, “Most of the state has been experiencing prolonged drought and above-average heat, and has presented a number of challenges including wildfires, drought, heat-related deaths, injuries, and so forth, and now saltwater intrusion.”
Winter Precipitation Will Come Too Late
Weather experts are calling for more precipitation than usual in the Midwest this winter, which will eventually result in Mississippi River levels rising. But that won’t occur in time to solve the current water crisis.
As recently as 2019, Louisiana was experiencing intense flooding during a particularly rainy year. Things are very different now.
Just two months ago, the largest wildfire in Louisiana history (the Tiger Island Fire) was aided by high heat and lack of water.
Louisiana has already passed its annual average for heat-related deaths and emergency room visits this year. Ninety percent of the state is considered to be in drought conditions.
Counting on Bottled Water? Not $mart!
When demand increases compared to supply, prices almost always rise. Sometimes significantly. The situation in Louisiana is already increasing the demand for bottled water.
So, expect bottled water prices to rise in grocery stores in the near future. And not just in the central U.S. where this particular problem is occurring. When one state faces a crisis, others are likely to suffer as well.
The lower water levels of the Mississippi also could cause cargo ships carrying water and other goods to become stranded.
What Louisiana really needs right now is significant rainfall. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be in the cards.
The saltwater intrusion is expected to continue its climb upstate, affecting more and more of the state’s residents. And no matter where you live, if you depend on bottled water to keep your water cleaner and safer, you may feel it in your wallet as well.
Is Your Water Filter Getting the Job Done?
We’ve all seen our fair share of water contamination news stories in recent years. Actually, water contaminations have been occurring as long as we’ve been alive. But only recently are they getting much media attention.
And that’s why we also hear a lot more about water filters than we used to. Even our modern refrigerators come with purification systems these days. Although those filters don’t seem to last too long.
But how much do you know about the filter in or on your fridge? Are you aware of which contaminants it supposedly removes? And how effectively it does so? Are those contaminants the same ones known to be lurking in your local drinking water supply?
That’s what I want to discuss today. Perhaps it’s time to look into a more effective way of filtering out contaminants that can make you and your family sick. Or worse.
Clearer doesn’t always mean cleaner
The issue of water contamination has become more publicized over the past couple of decades. And a number of filters have become available in your local stores.
Some of them use a process called reverse-osmosis. Their two-tiered pitchers have a carbon and resin filter the water goes through. They usually get rid of the odor and taste of chlorine. This improves the taste.
They also focus on certain contaminants. Such as copper, zinc, mercury, and cadmium. But making water look clearer and taste cleaner does not necessarily equate with removing contaminants that can damage our bodies.
A study from the University of Berkeley in California found that filters which are not designed to kill enough bacteria can actually lead to providing a breeding ground for microorganisms. This is especially true when filters are not changed as often as they should be.
Don’t settle for half measures
Eliminating some bacteria is not the same thing as eliminating 99+ % of bacteria. That’s what you should aim for in a water purifier. As well as a filter that lasts a long time.
There’s another problem with popular but not necessarily effective water filters on the market today. It’s their inability to eliminate fungus and viruses.
Among the bacteria, fungus, and viruses found in disturbing amounts in some water systems are legionella, bromates, and barium.
Each of them can cause major health concerns. And if a filter has a shorter life than it should, even the few issues it does take care of will become problems again until that filter is changed.
Choose a filter that will fight for you
The reality is that we should be purifying our tap water before we use it for drinking, cooking, cleaning, etc.
And unless you’re 100% certain your water filter is doing a much better job than most others on the market, you should be skeptical of that water as well.
When you select a water purifier for your home, make sure it gets rid of a huge percentage of bacteria, viruses, pharmaceuticals, and VOCs (volatile organic chemicals). As well as pesticides and herbicides. Plus heavy metals including lead and mercy, and arsenic, chlorine, and much more.
Then you can rest easy and enjoy that cool, crisp, and cleaner glass of water any time you want to.
One final note – You may not know which water contaminants are most prevalent in your area. To find out, contact your water supplier directly. Or check the Environmental Protection Agency’s website regarding local drinking water information.
Are You Road-Ready for Winter Storms?
One of the first things we think about when it comes to extreme weather is the inevitable power outage.
How will our home stay cool in hot weather or warm in cold weather when there’s a blackout? And how will our food stay fresh when there’s no electricity to keep the refrigerator and freezer working?
But how we suffer from the effects of extreme weather events is not limited to when we’re indoors. Not by a long shot. We’re vulnerable to a wide variety of issues outside our homes when severe weather strikes.
It could be serious, multi-vehicle accidents on roadways or gridlocked traffic that leaves us stranded for hours. Or closed roads that force us into unfamiliar territory or high gas prices resulting from supply chain problems.
Today I want to take a closer look at some of the problems we face on the roads due to inclement weather. And how we can better prepare for them.
Hurricanes Brewing in Atlantic Ocean
With the Atlantic Ocean churning up following a relatively calm start to the hurricane season, analysts are talking about gas prices again.
They were already at a 10-month high last month, averaging $3.88 per gallon nationally. Which was 31 cents higher per gallon than the previous month. In a dozen states, the average cost of a gallon of gas was $4 or more. That’s according to the American Automobile Association.
Those increases were attributed mostly to production cuts from countries such as Russia and Saudi Arabia.
In addition, heat waves in the U.S. caused disruptions in some refinery activity, which pushed prices up for the gas that was available.
Gulf of Mexico Is a Target
The biggest concern regarding potentially higher gas prices over the next couple of months is the hurricane risk. It has gone up as ocean temperatures continue to rise.
Those rising sea temps are capable of limiting the effects of the El Niño weather pattern that normally works to keep Atlantic Ocean storms from entering the Gulf Mexico.
That’s where the major U.S. refineries are located. It’s also from where energy exports such as liquefied natural gas are launched. And where offshore oil production occurs.
When major hurricanes (Category 3 and above) strike in the Gulf of Mexico, it can negatively affect gasoline supplies for weeks and perhaps months. And that means prices go even higher.
New England Got Slammed
With sizzling temperatures across the country during the spring and the recently completed summer, few of us have thought much about snow. But it’s coming, and it’s certain to cause major problems for drivers this fall and winter.
Just last January, a major snowstorm caused more than 100 automobile accidents in New England. It killed drivers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It also produced power outages for thousands and resulted in school closings.
Officials lowered the speed limit to 45 miles per hour across New Hampshire due to the snow, ice, and poor visibility. But the state still had numerous accidents. Including those involving tractor-trailers and rollovers.
With more than a foot of snow falling in some areas of New England, roads were a mess everywhere. Some drivers fortunate enough to avoid accidents were still stuck for hours in some places.
Ice Storm Down South
Arkansas drivers who might have thought, “It can’t happen to me,” learned differently in January.
A major ice storm resulted in a series of vehicle crashes on Interstate 40 and Highway 70. It brought traffic to a standstill.
The Forrest City Fire Department warned drivers of the problem. They referred to “extremely hazardous driving conditions” and posted photos of accidents involving semi-trucks.
Farmers’ Almanac Predicts Harsh Winter
Of course, those were just two of the many weather-related accidents and miles-long backups that occurred last winter and spring. Not to mention every year.
What’s going to happen this fall and winter? Well, the Farmers’ Almanac says “the brrr’ is back” with “more snow and low temperatures nationwide.”
The publication’s editors predict that the increases in snow and the lower temps will be especially notable in the Great Lakes region, the Midwest, and northern New England areas.
They’re calling for blizzards in December in several areas of the country, including Oklahoma, Arkansas, and even New Mexico.
Prepare Your Car for Winter
Your best bet when it comes to avoiding potential deadly accidents during extreme weather is staying off the roads. But that’s not always possible.
So, it’s important to have your vehicle as winter-ready as you can. That includes making sure you have a good spare tire, as well as working windshield wipers and defrosters for front and back windshields. Also, make sure your battery is in good shape.
You also want to build or purchase an emergency car kit that will help you deal with whatever occurs out on those roads. Make sure it’s as comprehensive as possible, because you never know what you might need.
It’s just a matter of time before severe weather hits while you’re driving. The better prepared you are for it, the better you’ll be able to handle it – safely and securely.
Your How-To Guide For Critical Communication
You know, I’ve spent years helping folks prepare for the unexpected through life-saving food & gear. But today, I want to talk about something that often gets overlooked in disaster readiness: communication.
You see, when disaster strikes, communication becomes your lifeline. Just like having a trusty solar generator or cleaner water, having a solid communication plan can be the difference between chaos and control.
That’s why I created a “Critical Communication Guide” for you. And it’s an important one. So read it over and feel free to print it out.
Let’s dive in!
Critical Communication Guide
- Anticipate Possible Disasters
Start by thinking ahead. While we can’t predict every twist and turn of Mother Nature’s moods, we can prepare for potential scenarios based on past events and our community’s vulnerabilities. Whether it’s wildfires, hurricanes, or earthquakes, understanding the risks unique to your area and family is key.
- Assemble Your Communication Team
In times of crisis, well-coordinated communication is key. So instead of having multiple folks, just designate 1 person to be the “voice” of your family. Be sure that “voice” is both knowledgeable & empathetic. That’s important because this is the voice your family will trust when things get tough.
- Establish a Coordinated Plan
Communication isn’t a solo act. While you may pick 1 person to be your family’s voice… You can always give everyone their own special job during a disaster. Be sure to communicate their roles and when it’s time to take action.
- Craft Clear & Compassionate Messages
When disaster strikes, your family will be looking for guidance. Keep your messages simple, devoid of jargon, and loaded with the information they need most. Be the calm voice amid the chaos, offering timely updates.
- Tailor Messaging for Your Family
Not all ears are the same. Tailor your messages to suit all the different members of your family. Think about the elderly, children, and those with disabilities. Everyone has different needs… and different types of messaging they’ll respond to. Also when you write your message, think about what it will be like for others to have to read it while under stress.
- Stay Up to Date & Build Trust
Regular updates are your lifeline to building trust with your family. Keep them informed, offer family meetings, and assure them that you’re there for them. After the storm subsides, analyze what worked and learn from feedback to improve future communication.
- Leverage Social Media
In this digital age, social media is your megaphone. More than half of Americans turn to platforms like Facebook and Twitter for news. Utilize social media to provide accurate information, counter misinformation, and engage with your family or extended family.
- Make Communication Easy
When disaster strikes, everyone should have access to life-saving information. Consider diverse channels like online message boards, television, text messages, and hotlines. Create easy-to-read messages with clear text, images, and symbols.
Got 1 last thing for you:
Remember, in the face of disaster, a dead cell phone is as good as no phone. Keep your communication devices charged and ready. (That’s where having a Patriot Power Cell CX comes in very handy.)
That way you can stay connected to loved ones & first responders… even when the world goes dark.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and let’s make sure that no one is left in the dark when disaster strikes. I hope this guide is helpful.
To your survival,
Frank Bates
How to Choose the Best Lantern
There are many ways to provide light in the darkness. The flashlight comes to mind immediately, and it does a very good job.
Prior to the development of light bulbs and flashlights, people used torches, candles, oil lamps, kerosene lamps, and lanterns.
Some of us may think of a lantern as an outdated mode of lighting. Or at least nothing more than a decorative piece to produce some light and ambience at backyard parties.
But the fact is, today’s solar-powered lanterns are a modern convenience. They have a number of advantages over some other forms of lighting. Today I want to take a look at the evolution of the lantern before telling you what to look for in its modern form.
Tracing back to antiquity
The first mention of lanterns we’re aware of was in documents uncovered in ancient Greece. They’re mentioned by Empedocles of Agrigentum and the poet Theopompus.
Other countries of that time also used lanterns, including Egypt and China. They were made of paper, silk, or animal hide, along with wood and bamboo. Candles were the light source inside these lanterns.
Eventually lanterns were made of tin boxes or cylinders with glass panels. They had holes at the top so the candle could get enough oxygen to keep burning.
In order to provide light at night for crossroads, lanterns made of iron baskets filled with wood knots were hung from poles and lit. Eventually they were replaced by oil lanterns using whale oil as fuel. Gas and kerosene lanterns followed.
Festivals and celebrations
In ancient China, fireflies were caught and placed in containers used as lanterns.
Some traditions with lanterns continue to this day in countries such as China for festivals and other celebrations.
The Ghost Festival in China includes lanterns in the shape of lotus (an aquatic plant) placed in rivers to symbolically guide the souls of ancestors.
The lighting of numerous paper lanterns also marks the final day of the lunar New Year in China. Some lanterns can be seen floating in the sky during this holiday celebration.
Becoming increasingly popular
More recently developed lanterns are electric and can be used for illuminating streets and houses.
Lanterns are also sometimes used inside homes to light dark areas at night. They are also useful during camping and hunting trips.
Lanterns are seeing a big surge in popularity in recent years. Both for their practicality and appearance, but also for the ambience they add. They can be used on tabletops or strung as lights on patios. As well as on camping grounds and for RV trips.
Due to their 360-degree shine radius, many people can benefit from their light at the same time. And, of course, they’re put into very good use when the power goes out.
What to look for in a lantern
Earlier I mentioned solar-powered lanterns. Batteries will wear out – often at the most inopportune time – so solar is the way to go. Plus, fuel-burning lanterns can be dangerous. Especially if used in small spaces without proper ventilation.
In addition to affordability, a quality to look for in your search for a solar lantern is its ability to charge other electric items, such as your phone. Make sure it has a USB charge port for that.
You don’t want a solar lantern that will blow over at the slightest breeze, so get one that’s stable but also easily portable. Make sure it is durable and weather-resistant, and has a hook for hanging.
Of course, the level of brightness is important. Look for a lantern that has 800 or more lumens. Which is the equivalent to the light produced by 800 candles or a 6-watt bulb. And if there are various settings for that light, including strobe, all the better.
You also want a lantern that is simple to use at the touch of a button, especially if children or grandchildren will occasionally operate them. Even a solar-powered lantern will contain a battery, so make sure it’s one that has long run times.
If you’re looking for a way to light up your indoor and outdoor activities, a solar lantern would be a great choice. Just make sure you get one that provides everything you need.
[VIDEO] Survival Minutes | Toothpaste for Stings
Join former Navy SEAL Cade Courtley as he unveils a self-reliance hack for insect stings using ordinary toothpaste. Discover how toothpaste, a staple in every survivalist’s bug-out-bag, can draw out venom and provide instant pain relief. Tune in for this “Survival Minute” and learn how to be a survivor, not a statistic.
The Inside Scoop 🎬:
– In this “Survival Minute” Courtley presents tips for treating insect stings.
– If stung by an insect, the first step is to promptly remove the stinger, preferably in the direction of hair growth.
– Toothpaste can be applied to a sting site and significantly reduce pain almost immediately.
– Toothpaste contains an astringent which helps to extract venom and menthol that provides a cooling sensation.
Transcript 🎞️:
“Hey folks, this is former Navy SEAL Cade Courtley with your 4Patriots Survival Minute. Now let’s say you just got stung by a bee, a yellowjacket, a wasp. First thing you want to do is you want to get that stinger out of there, okay? Generally speaking, if you can go with the direction of your hair… and you can try and get that out of there.
The next thing you want to do, which is really easy, is you can use toothpaste. Now toothpaste has what’s called an astringent. It’s a fancy word for saying it’s a sponge that will help suck whatever venom’s in your arm out. The other cool thing about using toothpaste, especially the white ones, is generally speaking, they have menthol in them, which is a cooling agent.
So between the astringent and the menthol, you’re going to reduce any of the pain that you’re going to feel from that sting almost immediately. Alright folks, this is Cade Courtley with your 4Patriots Survival Minute. Be a survivor, not a statistic.”
Water By the Numbers: How Much Should You Have on Hand?
In a crisis, clean water isn’t just a convenience — it’s a lifeline. Having water on hand for drinking, cooking & cleaning is critical.
But how much do you need? And how much should you store for your family? I did some digging & here’s what I found.
Overall, FEMA recommends half a gallon of drinking water per person per day. But that number goes up if you’re in a hot climate. Children, nursing mothers, and sick people will require even more.
But that’s just for drinking. You’ll also need about a half gallon for cleaning, and another half gallon for preparing food. Again, this is per person.
So if you’re a family of 4, that’s 2 gallons for drinking, 2 gallons for cleaning & 2 gallons for preparing food for a total of 6 gallons per day.
Of course, there’s no perfect “1-size-fits-all” number. Maybe your family uses more water. Maybe you have neighbors you’ll want to take care of. Maybe you’re worried some of your water will leak. In these cases, I lean towards 1 simple rule. It’s better to have too much than too little. But this should give you a rough outline of how much water you’ll need on hand.
Now, this usually leads to a lot of questions. I don’t have time to go into detail on every one today, but I’ll try to answer a few briefly:
How do I store that much water? You can get reusable water bricks and stack them in their garage. You can also filter the amount of water you need for the day so you don’t have to store large amounts of water at 1 time. Both are good options.
How can I keep all that water clean in an emergency? Gravity-powered filters are the easiest answer. They work in power outages, and usually last a while.
How long can I store water? Purified water stored correctly can last up to 6 months. After that, you’ll want to rotate in fresh, cleaned water.
Water is one of, if not the most, important things you’ll need in any emergency. And having the right amount on hand after a disaster can be critical in keeping your family safe & hydrated.
What Do Fall Activities & Survival Have in Common?
What does fall mean to you? For many of us, it represents the welcome relief of cooler temperatures following a hot summer.
We also love fall colors as leaves in our area and in neighboring states turn beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Fall is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the weather, the sights, and the sounds of the season. It’s also a good time to think about how our fall activities relate to preparedness.
Today I’m going to provide you with 13 fall activity ideas and their connection with getting ready for a crisis. In each case, I hope you can combine family fun with survival preparation.
13 ways to fall in love with preparing
- Take a hike in the woods or in a state park. While getting back to nature, you can practice for a potential bug-out in the woods. Including distinguishing between safe and unsafe plants and berries.
- Go on a camping trip. This will be good practice for preparing to take care of your power, food, and shelter needs in the outdoors. It will remind you of which portable items you most need when you’re on the go.
- Get lost in a corn maize. Then use your deductive reasoning and any tools at your disposal such as a GPS to practice escaping from a situation in which you feel trapped in order to reach safety.
- Walk or run a fall 5K. This is a great way to help build up the stamina you will need for a bug-out and/or survival scenario.
- Visit a farmer’s market and purchase fresh fruits and vegetables you can freeze for meals in the winter when it may be too cold to go to the store.
- Plant fall crops in your garden for harvesting later in the year or in the spring. Some plants do very well in the fall, including carrots, beets, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach.
- Carve pumpkins. This is good practice for using a survival knife, as you may be out of the habit of using it regularly.
- Set up an apple toss. Aiming for a basket will help improve the physical dexterity you will need to deal with an emergency.
- Rake leaves. Does that sound more like work than play? Well, think about some of the preparedness uses you could have for leaves. Including composting for your garden, saving for tinder, cushioning your feet to avoid blisters, and insulation and padding for a sleeping bag,
- Take family fall photos. You can enjoy these outdoors photos now, but also save them for potential identification purposes should your family get separated during a disaster.
- Go to the library on an inclement day when you can’t enjoy the outdoors and check out a couple of books on survival and preparedness.
- Get a jumpstart on holiday shopping. This is also a very good reminder to get ahead in your preparedness efforts.
- Use a mini solar-powered generator to power a slow cooker to make a hot meal or heat up your apple cider during a power outage. This will be good practice should a blackout last longer than normal this fall or winter.
Fall is a wonderful season to enjoy the outdoors. But why not learn a few things about preparedness along the way?
Stop Wasting Food – Your Wallet Will Thank You
Imagine trying to lift 1,160 pounds. Impossible, right? But over the course of a year, that’s the weight of food the typical American family of four throws away.
In fact, more than one-third of the food grown in the U.S. is never eaten. That wasted food is valued at approximately $408 billion. And about 95% of it ends up in landfills.
Considering the price of food these days and the number of hungry Americans, it almost seems criminal. In 2021, more than 10% of U.S. households were food insecure at some point during the year. Meaning they didn’t have enough food to meet their nutritional needs.
Today I want to discuss how important it is to avoid food waste. In addition to being the right thing to do, it can save a family of four about $1,500 each year. You could probably take a vacation with that money. And at the end I’ll give you 9 ways to avoid tossing food out.
Detrimental to everyone
Angelos Deltsidis is assistant professor in the postharvest physiology department of horticulture at the University of Georgia.
He said the amount of wasted food in America represents “a very large percentage and it’s detrimental to the producers and, of course, for the consumer.
“Very often people buy products that are perfectly good to be consumed and they end up throwing them out for various reasons.
“When food isn’t consumed the money and energy spent to plant the seeds, harvest, ship across the country goes down the drain.
8 tips & tricks
Following are 8 ways to avoid wasting food:
- Make a specific list of items needed before going to the grocery store and stick to it. Don’t be a victim of impulse buys that often end up being tossed out.
- Eat dinner leftovers for lunch the next day, and maybe even for dinner the next evening if there is still food left over. If you don’t think you’ll eat them before they spoil, freeze them.
- Go through the panty and freezer to find food items that are nearing their expiration dates and put a meal together with them.
- Eat before going grocery shopping. A hungry shopper is more likely to buy food that he or she will end up throwing out.
- Make fewer trips to the supermarket. The more trips made, the more food will be purchased and possibly the more will be thrown out.
- If food that’s nearing an expiration date won’t be used, donate it to a non-profit food pantry.
- Remember that “best by” dates on food packaging do not necessarily mean the food should be thrown out when that date is reached. It may be more about food quality than food safety.
- Look for alternatives to tossing out food you no longer wish to eat. For example, slightly overripe bananas can be used to make perfectly good banana bread.
Dealing with leftovers
Regarding those leftovers I mentioned, they’re not all created equally. Here’s what I mean:
A leftover piece of meat or fish can be wrapped up tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and stay good for a few days in the refrigerator and much longer in the freezer.
But we should use a porous material such as parchment paper to wrap cheese. Why? Because cheese needs oxygen to stay “healthy” and taste its best.
Whole-wheat flour should not remain in a pantry for too long. That’s because oils in the wheat germ can go bad if they’re not kept cool. It will last for a number of months if stored in an airtight container within a refrigerator.
Unopened butter will last longer in a freezer (12 months) than it will in a refrigerator (4 months). But mayonnaise will stay fresher in the “warmer” part of a refrigerator (the door) than it will in the colder, inner part of the fridge.
Composting
Let me add a ninth suggestion for avoiding food waste, which is dependent upon the time you have and the space on your property. It’s composting.
Compost is a combination of greens that provide nitrogen and browns that provide carbon. It will add important nutrients your plants need, help retain enough water, and be a positive influence on the soil’s drainage.
You can keep it in good condition by monitoring the water, air, and temperature that interacts with it. Just designate an area for your compost pile and start piling it up.
Greens vs. browns
For your greens, you can include lawn clippings, plant prunings, houseplants, fruit peels, vegetable scraps, feathers or hair, bone meal, coffee grounds, hay or alfalfa meal, and others.
Your browns can consist of chipped wood, shredded paper, coffee filters, dry leaves, newspaper, sawdust, pine needles, cardboard egg cartons, aged hay or straw, and more. Try to have approximately twice as many greens as browns.
Moisture
Occasional rains should keep it damp enough, but if you get a lot of rain, cover the pile with a tarp. And if you get very little rain, you’re going to have to water it regularly.
The best way to monitor the moisture level is by grabbing a handful and squeezing. If a few drops of water come out, great. If more than that, it’s too wet; if less, it’s too dry.
Air
It’s very important for air to circulate in your compost pile. Place large sticks at the bottom of the pile in order to ensure an airflow from below, then add a brown layer followed by a green layer followed by a brown layer and so forth.
They’ll get mixed up when you use a pitchfork to regularly turn the compost and create air pockets where things have become clogged. But in the meantime it’s a good way to ensure that you’re getting enough of both.
Temperature
A composting thermometer will be helpful in keeping the temperature of your pile where it should be. It should have a stem of about two feet in length to reach well into the pile. If the temperature is between 80 and 100 degrees, your pile needs a pitchfork.
If it’s between 100 to 130 degrees, your material is being broken down pretty well. If it’s between 130 and 160 degrees, your pile is performing admirably and is even killing the seeds that could eventually produce weeds in your garden.
Break it down
Make sure the items in your compost pile are being broken down completely before you add them to your soil. If compost has not been broken down all the way when it enters the soil, it will steal the available nitrogen from your plants to break itself down. Without some of that much-needed nitrogen, your plants will not prosper as they should.
If like many people you throw away more food than you should, now’s a great time to rein that in. Hopefully the recommendations above will help in that effort.
It’s Finally Fall! Are You Ready for Winter?
After the record-breaking heat many of us experienced the past few months, millions of Americans are relieved fall is finally here.
And while cooler temperatures are more comfortable and fall colors are beautiful, we can’t escape the thought that winter is just around the corner.
The best time to prepare for our coldest season of the year is now. Otherwise, it will sneak up on us. And that means getting our homes, vehicles, and pets ready to face winter.
Today I want to delve briefly into each of those areas. I’ll provide you with lists of activities you can carry out over the next couple of months so you’re prepared for what Old Man Winter might throw at us.
Home
Let’s start with our homes. That’s where we’ll spend the majority of our time once winter sets in. It’s crucial to make sure you’ll be fed, safe, and warm if you have to hunker down for a while due to the weather.
Food – Stockpile as much non-perishable food as possible. Winter storms can knock out power, making it difficult to keep perishable food cold. And they can block roads, making it challenging for food delivery services to get through. Not to mention affecting your grocery store trips.
Water – The general rule of thumb is to store one gallon of water per person per day for drinking. As well as another half-gallon for cleaning, bathing, etc. But we don’t know how long water quality will be affected by extreme weather, so you also need a way to filter tap water.
Pipes – As we saw with Winter Storm Uri in Texas, water pipes can freeze when temperatures are frigid. Look around your home for exposed pipes, especially in the attic and crawl space, and insulate them. When temps are nearing the freezing mark, allow a slow drip from all faucets.
Generator – A back-up power source such as a generator will enable you to keep some lights on, your refrigerator working, and a portable heater functioning. Solar-powered generators are safer and quieter than gas generators, and can be used indoors.
Miscellaneous – Keep a number of miscellaneous items handy in case you’re stuck at home when a crisis hits. Including an emergency weather radio, flashlights, small power banks, and extra blankets, coats, and other clothes.
Vehicles
Even before winter officially begins, inclement weather including snowstorms, freezing rain, and high winds can strike at any time. If you have a properly maintained automobile, your odds of getting stranded somewhere outside your home will be reduced.
- Have your battery checked by a trained mechanic. Make sure it’s in top condition to handle winter. Engines need more current from the battery in cold temperatures.
- Make sure your tires have enough tread to handle slippery roads. Nearly bald tires may get your vehicle from here to there in dry conditions. But they’re a death trap on snow-covered roads.
- Check your tires’ air pressure. Cold weather can cause air pressure to drop. For safe traction, you want properly inflated tires.
- Ensure that your anti-freeze mixture is about 50 percent anti-freeze and 50 percent water, or 60/40 in colder climates. That way, the radiator coolant won’t freeze.
- Cold weather reduces your oil’s effectiveness, so make sure your vehicle is current on oil changes. A properly lubricated engine will run best. Use a thinner oil in winter. While you’re at it, check all other fluid levels.
- Change your wiper blades and fill your wiper fluid compartment. Being able to clear rain and snow off your windshield is crucial. Salt on the road gives you better traction by melting ice, but it can smear a windshield.
- Make sure your defrosters in front and back are working properly. When a windshield fogs up, driving becomes dangerous. Check the car’s heater while you’re at it.
- Lubricate window tracks. Freezing rain can seep into window tracks and negatively affect window regulator cables. Use spray silicone or dry Teflon spray lubricant in those tracks. Do the same with door locks.
- Get a tune-up. A mechanic can check your belts and hoses, ignition, brakes, wiring, spark plugs, and your fuel and emission filters.
- Keep your gas tank as full as possible throughout winter. You never know when you might be stuck on a road for several hours and you’ll want to keep the heat running.
- Build or purchase an emergency car kit. It should include extra hats, coats, gloves, and blankets. As well as a shovel, windshield scraper and brush, battery-powered radio, flashlight, escape tool on the driver’s side of the car, and flares. Plus nonperishable food, water, first-aid kit, jumper cables, tool kit, and cellphone charger. And salt to melt ice and cat litter for traction. Not to mention canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair. And a power bank.
Pets
Some folks forget to include pets in their winter preparations, but that’s a mistake. Make sure you’re ready to take care of them as well.
Prepare a bug-out bag for your pets. This bag should contain the types of things an animal will need to survive and stay occupied in a crisis. It should include:
- A large bag of the food they normally eat. The way to keep this food from becoming stale is to rotate new bags in an out of the bug-out bag each time you buy one. Better yet for dogs, acquire long-lasting survival food and be done with it.
- Chew toys. Depending on how long the emergency lasts, you will want to keep your animals occupied. For dogs, this would include treats they can swallow and ones that they will only chew on.
- Any medications your animals need. Ask your vet if you can stay at least one month ahead on their prescriptions. For items protecting against heartworm and against fleas and ticks, you should be able to stay six months to a year ahead.
- Extra collars, leashes, harnesses, and carrying cages. You never know when you might have to transport your pets on several occasions during a crisis, so make sure those carriers are sturdy and secure.
- Papers proving your pets are current with their shots. In an emergency, you might not be able to acquire that information from your vet quickly. But you may have to prove to someone at a different animal clinic or a pet-friendly hotel that their vaccinations are up to date.
- Have current ID tags attached to your animals’ collars, including one or more of your cellphone numbers. Add photos of your pets to their bag for potential re-identification purposes.
- Make a list of local pet-friendly hotels with phone numbers and keep it in their bug-out bag.
Taking care of your home, vehicle, and pet needs BEFORE winter arrives will provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re ready.
