The Mercy Place
Gluckstadt Ministries, Inc.
959 Woodbridge Drive
Madison MS 39110

ph: (601) 213-8433
info@themercyplace.com

GETTING PREPARED
by Pam Wellington Comans

Introduction

I recently felt the need for our household to prepare for any unexpected emergency. This emergency could come in the form of a tornado, earthquake, solar flare, electromagnetic pulse, terror threat, or economic collapse. Scripture teaches us to be faithful stewards and wise as serpents (the emblem of wisdom and cunning), but harmless as doves. Noah was spared from the flood, but only because he listened to God and prepared the ark for his family and the animals while everyone else in the world continued “eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage”.

Several people have mentioned preparedness or being prepared for an emergency. This can encompass many facets, such as food, water, shelter, transportation, and safety. I realize that I lag far behind. In my quest to “get ready” both spiritually and physically for the future, I felt led to share some of my experiences. Maybe my research can help alleviate some extra work in the duplication of efforts for you as you prepare for you and your family. This is not an exhaustive listing, and I would appreciate your input and additions to what I have written to help others. If we are raptured prior to any wide scale calamity, I thank God. My provisions will be available to those left behind who will endure the tribulation.

Food

This research can be very confusing. Much of your long term food storage depends upon your personal preference and how much food you want available in case of an emergency. Some people want easily transportable lightweight food for a quick “getaway” and keep it in a bug-out bag for quick and easy transport along with other emergency items. Others plan to remain where they are and store food easily accessible at their present location. You may want to combine both ideas.

Bulk food storage for long term- Freeze-dried food that has been packaged with an oxygen absorber or packaged with nitrogen will retain its flavor and nutritional value better than frozen, canned, or dehydrated foods. You can purchase freeze-dried food in a #10 can for larger amounts or in mylar bags for individual or small servings. You may also want to consider MRE’s for a bug-out bag. The #10 cans have an enamel coating that will help preserve the food for 20-30 years when kept in a cool, dry environment. The mylar pouches are easily portable and have a shelf life of 7-10 years. These meals are ready-to-eat and can be returned to their natural state with hot water. Cold water may be used if hot water is not available. MREs are ready-to-eat and have a shelf life of 3 ½ years.

Food Storage for short term- Rather than buying freeze-dried food from the internet, you may want to stock your pantry with canned and dry goods from your local supermarket. This route is much cheaper than buying the freeze-dried foods; however, it’s necessary that you use and rotate the items because the shelf life of these foods isn’t as long as the freeze-dried method. It’s possible to buy local foods that are appropriate for long term storage, such as minute rice, dry beans, ready made mixes which need only water, granola, etc., and re-package these items in mylar bags with an oxygen absorber.


Water

Water straws- Water straws are good to have readily available if you need quick access to drinkable water. A straw is lightweight and easy to carry. These straws have a filtration system in them to filter out most bacteria and parasites. Many filter down to 0.2 microns, or 99.9% of the common pollutants. The cost should be $10-$20 depending upon the straw plus shipping. I compared the following straws-

a) Seychelle Pur Water Straw- This straw advertises that it filters viruses as well as bacteria and parasites. One straw will filter up to 25 gallons.
b) Aquimira Frontier- This straw will filter up to 20 gallons of water down to 0.2 microns.
c) LifeStraw Personal Water Filter- This straw filters up to 264 gallons of water down to 0.2 microns, or 99.9% of bacteria and parasites.

Water Containers for the Bathtub- An easy way to store fresh water would be to store it in a bladder in your bathtub provided you have time to fill the bladder when disaster strikes. These kits are relatively inexpensive. I compared two items-
a) Aquapod Emergency Water- This kit comes with either 1 or 3 tub liners and a lock/load pump. Each bladder will hold up to 65 gallons (The average bathtub holds 70 gallons). These liners are made from polyethylene. The kit with 1 bag costs $25. The kit with 3 bags costs $35.
b) WaterBOB- This product is made of heavy duty food grade plastic and a siphon pump. It will hold 100 gallons. It costs $32.00.

Water bags- You may need a way to carry water from a nearby water source to your house or camp. I decided on the Stansport 292. This is a 2 gallon collapsible bag that can be carried over the shoulder rather than by a handle. It costs approximately less than $10 plus shipping.

Home or Travel Water Filters- You may need to filter water for quite some time if water lines are broken or the water is not suitable for consumption. Several filters, depending upon your situation, can help for a prolonged period of time. I decided on the Berkey Light Water Filter. They have several systems, but this one will fit my needs. The filters will last up to 3000 gallons and the units are gravity fed with 2 water purification elements. The units advertise to filter out viruses as well as the pollutants. The cost of the Berkey Light Water Filter is $231, and you should be able to get free shipping on this item.

Rain Barrels- In case of a prolonged emergency when water is not easily obtainable, you may need to provide a system to collect your own water. Why not use what you already have available, such as run-off from your roof. Whether you have gutters or not, you can channel the run-off from the roof where it changes pitch directly into a rain barrel by strategically placing the barrel under the runoff. You may want to consider adding a screen on top to filter out some debris.