Many people are impacted psychologically by an event.  Understanding that a child will have a relatively difficult adjustment period compared to an adult will help parents or guardians prepare ahead of time for this situation as well as be more attentive to the child and their needs. 

Children Will Be Looking To You For Support

After a disaster, children will be looking to parental figures for guidance on how to appropriately deal with the residual feelings following a disaster.  While some children may have nightmares and be overly clingy, other children may simply withdrawal or possibly act out aggressively.  The way a child reacts depends on the severity of the disaster the child went through, as well as the age group the child is in.  Understanding the signals and watching a child closely for distress signs after the turmoil of a disaster can help a parent or guardian give the child what he or she needs to heal and move on.

According to the NASP, the way a child copes after a disaster depends on their age group:

• Preschoolers - thumb sucking, bed wetting, clinging to parents, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, fear of the dark, regression in behavior, withdrawal from friends and routines.
• Elementary School Children- irritability, aggressiveness, clinginess, nightmares, school avoidance, poor concentration, and withdrawal from activities and friends.
• Adolescents - sleeping and eating disturbances, agitation, increase conflicts, physical complaints, delinquent behavior, and poor concentration.  In rare cases, adolescents who suffer from serious mental health problems, like PTSD or depression, may be at an increased risk for suicide.  If a child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, if possible, should be referred to a mental health professional for an evaluation.

The NASP also suggests that “it is important to acknowledge that although a given disaster may last for only a short period, survivors can be involved with the disaster aftermath for months or even years, especially if children had to leave their home,or start school in a different area that is away from everything they knew.  In attempts to reconstruct their lives following such a natural disaster, families are often required to deal with multiple people and agencies (e.g., insurance adjusters, contractors, electricians, roofers, the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Salvation Army.)”

For the most part, children need a state of normalcy.  An emphasis of safety must be emphasized if a child has symptoms of PTSD.  For a list of symptoms, click here.  The fact that they have a hard time understanding and adjusting to change can cause prolonged issues and long term effects.  If the parents or guardians can find a way to give the child what they need when the symptoms of trauma first appear, then the adjustment period will not be as prolonged as it could be. 

There are ways that parents or guardians can work with the child to help them come to terms with what they experienced.

• Look for signs of children and adolescents who are not adjusting well.  PTSD can start out early on after a disaster, but can have long term effects if a person does not deal with it.  If a child is having symptoms of PTSD, start finding ways to help that child adjust to what has happened.
• Teach proper coping skills and strategies that are appropriate to their age group.  Encouraging children to talk about their experience promotes healing, and will also bond the family together even more.  If children are unable to verbalize their experience, parents can suggest having the child draw their experience, or journal their experience or play out the experience.  If the child is still not adjusting well and symptoms are still present or becoming more severe, seek out a professional (if possible) to help the child.
• Encourage supportive relationships within the familial system.  Help children and adolescents understand the disaster event that they experienced.  If immediate help is given to children with PTSD, then the child or adolescent has the mental tools available to deal with what has happened, and help them move on from the ordeal.

The American Red Crosshas created a child centered online learning place for families to learn about disasters, help children deal with the aftermath of a disaster and learn to be safe.  This would be a great learning tool for families to do together.

The below recipes were found of the forums of  www.survivalistboards.com.

Laundry Detergent

I have used the below recipe for a little over two years now with good results.  It is cheap and easy to mix up and gets the dirt out.

Ingredients

• 1 bar of soap – whatever kind your prefer
• 1 box of washing soda – in the laundry detergent aisle of stores.  It comes in an Arm and Hammer box and will contain enough for 6 batches.
• 1 box of Borax – optional, but really kicks the cleaning up a notch.
• 5 gallon bucket with lid – or a container that can hold up to 15 liters.
• 3 gallons of tap water

Put about 4 cups of water into a pan on your stove and turn the heat up on high until it’s almost boiling.

While water is heating up, begin shaving strips off of bar soap into the water until most of the bar of soap is shaved off into the water.  Make sure the soap shavings have dissolved into the water.

Put three gallons of hot water, or 11 liters or so into the 5 gallon bucket.  Then mix in the hot soapy water from step one, stir is for a while, then add 1 cup of the washing soda.  Keep stirring it for another minute or two.  Add a half cup of borax if you are still using borax.  Stir for another couple of minutes, then allow it to sit overnight.

Once the mixture has settled overnight, it will look a pale shade of gelatinous mixture.  One measuring cup full of this mixture will be roughly what one would need to do a load of laundry. 

3 gallons of this mixture will give you 48 loads of laundry detergent.  The author of this recipe broke the cost of this recipe down and came out to 3 cents/per gallon.  Not a bad deal, if you ask me.

Fabric Softener

• 3 cups of vinegar
• 2 cups hair conditioner
• 6 cups water

Mix it all together and add to washing machine at the proper cycle.

Note - some people only use 1/4-1/2 cup of vinegar as their chosen fabric softener, but the above mentioned is another version.

How To Wash Clothes Without a Washing Machine

 This video was too precious not to share.  Pioneer Living  has instructional videos on a variety of subjects .  The video below is of their daughter, Alicia teaching everyone how to properly wash clothes on a wash board.  Thanks Alicia for the great instructions!

“For anyone living in an inland area, I consider salt the highest priority barter and charity item.  Buy a lot of salt, in several forms.  As space allows, buy 20 to 30 of the 50-pound plain white salt blocks from your local feed store.  These are great for barter — both for folks with livestock and for people that want to attract wild game.  Buy a couple of 25 pound sacks of iodized salt for your own use.  Also buy 100 to 200 of the standard cardboard one pound canisters of iodized salt for small scale barter transactions.”

Survival Blog

The Importance of Salt Should Not Be Underestimated

In the CBS apocalyptic series, Jericho, there were towns that literally went to war over salt. 

Everyone knows that salt is a necessity in food preparations, but it has many other important functions around a homestead environment as well.  Animals, as well as humans cannot live without some salt in their bodies.  On a physiological level, salt is a requirement to sustain a body.  Specifically, salt assists in regulating the functioning of the digestive system and the kidneys, as well as helps conduct electric signals in the body.  Additionally, farmers have also used Epsom salt to heal scratches and rashes on their livestock.  This type of salt suppresses muscle aches and inflammation.

Ways to Use Salt Around the Homestead

• Food preservation – Table salt is the most important ingredient in curing food.  According to Wikipedia,  salt kills and inhibits the growth of microorganisms by drawing water out of the cells of both microbe and food alike through osmosis.
• Medical Purposes- Modern medicine has recently rediscovered the healing effects of salt on the body.  Salt provides antiseptic and bactericidal qualities when ocean salt is used.  A way to treat chronically inflamed skin is by bathing in salt (Dead Sea salt or normal salt can be used).  The salt helps to regenerate the skin.  Therefore, it would be effective in the use of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and chronic eczema, inflamed mucous membranes, as well as arthritis. 
• Tanning hides is another way that salt can be used on the homestead.  The salt preserves the hide.  Experts suggest that for “Hair on tanning,” spread fine granular salt (table salt, canning salt or solar salt) on the hide to completely cover it.  The hide should be salted for 1-3 days.  For further instructions, click here.
• Soaps can get an added boost when  adding salt, specifically sea salt to the soap making process.  The added benefits are that the salt will exfoliate skin and naturally heal the skin from it’s natural antiseptic factors. There are different methods to the soap making process, and research should be done as to which process is right for you.  Additionally, a person can add 1 cup of finely ground sea salt to 1 cup of liquid soap to make a daily exfoliating soap.
• Livestock - Mineralized salt blocks are a supplemental feeding that can be fed to livestock such as horses, sheep, and goats.  Not to mention, salt blocks can be  used to attract wildlife.  Deer will go the distance to find salt blocks.  Luring wildlife to the homestead would be a beneficial way to hunt without wasting much needed energy when searching.  The wildlife will literally come to you.

Salt is a multipurpose, low cost prep that will be highly desirable if a long term disaster were to come around.  Prepping calculators suggest having 25 pounds of salt stored for one year.  With all of the uses that salt can provide, perhaps we should think about stocking up a little more on this worthwhile prep item.

“Buggin out or buggin in is one of the hardest questions we have to face in a situation like that.  And I think what it really boils down to is personal preference.  If the person wants to ride out the disaster, they, in my opinion, they need to be prepared for what may come.  And, quite frankly I think they need to know how prepared their city or town is going to be because there is no better example of a government’s mismanagement towards a disaster than with what happened with Katrina… So if you’re going to bug in you need to know that there are going to be situations you may not be ready for.   Your home could collapse, there’s medical emergencies, fatalities… If you’re buggin out you’ve got to make sure your gear is prepared before you leave.  You have to have that 72 hour bag and know to see the signs before it’s too late…”

On Bug Out Bags, Tess reminded the audience that a bug out bag, or 72 hour bag is a great place to begin preparing for a disaster. 

“For anyone beginning to prepare, the bug out bag is the best place to start… for my family we have a 3 day bag, and we also have a 2 week bag… but it’s important to have that because if something does come up or arise, you have those two choices… overall it’s just very important to have it.”

To hear the interview of Tess and James:

Talking with James was a great opportunity, and I have been very lucky to talk with him twice.  He is the nicest man and is a instrumental presence in the world of prepping.  Thank you James for all that you do.

Uses For A Coffee Can

Bug Out Bag 

• Store dry food
• Collect water
• Use a coffee can to make a hobo stove
• Store rope or toilet paper (basically anything that needs to be waterproofed)
• Store ammunition or hunting items (fishing hooks, knives, etc)

In The Home 

• Use metal 1 lb. coffee cans to bake bread.
• Use the lids of the coffee can to place under flower pots to avoid water run off.
• Hold kitchen scraps to use in the compost pile.
• Make a dehumidifier – place a coffee can in a corner where it will be untouched and fill it with salt.  Replace salt monthly.

On the Homestead

• Use a large coffee can as a way to feed livestock such as dogs, horses and other animals.
• Coffee cans can also be re used as flower pots.
• Coffee cans can also be used as a rain gauge.
• Poke holes in the bottom to sprinkle seeds for a garden area.
• Place a coffee can down on the ground to create a safe haven for friendly frogs.  Frogs in the garden area are very useful to have around as they eat unwanted insects.
• Use a coffee can to create a bird feeder.  To create a bird feeder, poke holes around the can.  Glue a large plate or saucer to the bottom of the can.  Punch a hole on the  both sides of the top of the can can for string or rope to go through.  Fill the feeder with seed, and hang in a tree.  The movement of the can will cause seed to drop for birds to eat.
• Coffee cans could also be used as a wind and weather protectant for young plants.  Using a can opener, remove the bottom of the can.  Place the can over the plant being sure to push it into the dirt to hold it in place.  Keep your eye on the plant so that the coffee can can be removed as the plant grows.

 Yeast Bread in a Can

   

• 2 pckg. active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 1 c. warm water (110 F.)
• cornmeal
• 1 tsp. salt
• 5 c. all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 c. warm milk (110 F.)
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 1 tbls. water

In a large bowl, combine yeast and sugar in the water; let stand 15 minutes or until it begins to rise.

Grease the inside of 3 – 1 lb. metal coffee cans and the underside of their lids.  Sprinkle cans with cornmeal, shaking off the excess.

With electric mixer, gradually beat salt, 3 c. flour, and 1 c. milk to the yeast mixture; adding alternately and beating well.

Add 1/2 tsp. baking soda to 1 tbsp. water and dissolve.  Add this to the beaten mixture.  Beat well.

With mixer or spoon, beat the remaining 1/2 c. milk and about 1 1/2 to 2 c. flour to make a stiff dough that is too sticky to knead.

Spoon enough dough equally into cans, top with lids.  Let rise in a warm place until the lid pops off (about 45 – 60 minutes).

Carefully remove lids.  place cans upright on stove rack and bake at 375 degrees F. for 25-30 minutes until the bread top is golden brown.

Slide out of can to test.  Take loaves out of cans and stand upright on wire rack to cool.

Store airtight and keep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 4 days.  Freeze for longer storage.

Source – www.about.com

Pumpkin Bread in a Can

• 2 c. of cooked prepared pumpkin (or 1 large can of pumpkin, drained)
• 3 c. sugar
• 1 c. canola, rapeseed or extra light virgin olive oil
• 3 eggs
• 3 c. flour
• 1 c. raisins
• 1 c. chopped nuts, optional
• 1 tsp. each of cloves, allspice, salt, baking powder, baking soda
• 2 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat over to 35o degrees F.

Grease and flour 3 (13 oz) coffee cans (or 2 standard bread pans).

In a large bowl, mix sugar, oil and add eggs one at a time.  Set this mixture aside.  Sift flour and all spices together.

Add flour mixture and pumpkin alternately to the sugar/oil mixture.

Mix just enough to moisten all the dry ingredients; it’s better if you don’t over beat the mixture.

Add raisins and nuts. 

Pour mixture into the 3 coffee cans or the 2 loaf pans.  Stir a bit when mixture is in the cans to avoid air bubbles.

Cover loosely with foil.  Bake at 350 degrees for 70-80 minutes.  Cool 10 minutes before loosening from the cans or pans.

Source – www.squidoo.com

Some may find it hard to envision how truly dependent we are upon “the system” that produces our creature comforts such as electricity, running water, transportation of goods, and let us not forget about air conditioning.  What if a massive event caused that system to shut off?  How do you think society as a whole would react?  How would you fare from the entire system being terminated?  Are you prepared?  Could you survive?

In the History Channel’s: After the Apocalypse, this series takes the audience into a shtf situation through a storyline about a family who has to find a way to survive escaping from a city, as well as finding a way to survive the dangers that torment the refugees along the way.  The series also does a good job of explaining how, in fact the fragile system that keeps us collectively docile can quickly unravel thus causing the degradation of society as a whole.

Below is the entire series for your viewing pleasure:

This series puts the importance of preparing into perspective (and silently applaudes those who have the forethought to begin prepping).  Again, it is sometimes hard to envision how fast the country could crumble.  This series is a great tool to use on those that are new to prepping and may not understand fully the importance, or for those friends or family members that you are trying to help begin to prep.

Plan for Pet Disaster Needs

• Identifying shelter. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. Find out which motels and hotels in the area you plan to evacuate to allow pets — well in advance of needing them. There are also a number of guides that list hotels/motels that permit pets and could serve as a starting point. Include your local animal shelter’s number in your list of emergency numbers — they might be able to provide information concerning pets during a disaster.
• Take pet food, bottled water, medications, veterinary records, cat litter/pan, can opener, food dishes, first aid kit and other supplies with you in case they’re not available later. While the sun is still shining, consider packing a “pet survival” kit which could be easily deployed if disaster hits.
• Make sure identification tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pet’s collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home. Make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.
• Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness for your pet so that if he panics, he can’t escape.
• Animals in Emergencies for Owners This video, developed by the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) /FEMA, is intended to help pet and livestock owners prepare to protect their animals during emergencies.

Prepare to Shelter Your Pet

• Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control office to get advice and information.
• If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located. Be sure to research some outside your local area in case local facilities close.
• Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet’s medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current. Include copies in your “pet survival” kit along with a photo of your pet.
• NOTE: Some animal shelters will provide temporary foster care for owned pets in times of disaster, but this should be considered only as a last resort.
• If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger! Confine your pet to a safe area inside — NEVER leave your pet chained outside! Leave them loose inside your home with food and plenty of water.  Remove the toilet tank lid, raise the seat and brace the bathroom door open so they can drink. Place a notice outside in a visible area, advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your vet.

During a Disaster

• Bring your pets inside immediately.
• Have newspapers on hand for sanitary purposes. Feed the animals moist or canned food so they will need less water to drink.
• Animals have instincts about severe weather changes and will often isolate themselves if they are afraid. Bringing them inside early can stop them from running away. Never leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm.
• Separate dogs and cats. Even if your dogs and cats normally get along, the anxiety of an emergency situation can cause pets to act irrationally. Keep small pets away from cats and dogs.
• In an emergency, you may have to take your birds with you. Talk with your veterinarian or local pet store about special food dispensers that regulate the amount of food a bird is given. Make sure that the bird is caged and the cage is covered by a thin cloth or sheet to provide security and filtered light.

After a Disaster

• If after a disaster you have to leave town, take your pets with you. Pets are unlikely to survive on their own.
• In the first few days after the disaster, leash your pets when they go outside. Always maintain close contact. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet may become confused and lost. Also, snakes and other dangerous animals may be brought into the area with flood areas. Downed power lines are a hazard.
• The behavior of your pets may change after an emergency. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard with access to shelter and water.

Look to the animal for clues as to what the problem may be.  It is advised to research the ailment as much as possible and to look for clues to indicate what the problem may be before trying to remedy the problem. 

• Listen to the respiration and heart rate, as well as take the temperature of the animal.
• Check to see if the animal is eating or drinking.
• Look at the consistency of the manure.
• Try the remedy, but if the problem persists, call a veterinarian.

5 Home Remedies for Livestock

Every farmer who owns livestock has a special remedy that he or she uses to treat their animals.  Here are a few that may be helpful to those that are new to caring for livestock.

Organic Iodine Dextrose

Coughing in horses can be due to a serious, life threatening condition called heaves.  Coughing can be brought on by dust, mold or anything that overworkds the respiratory system.  An inexpensive way to assist the horse is organic iodine.  Iodine is an anti-inflammatory and expectorant that assists in loosening phelgm, making it easier for the horse to cough.  Adding 1 tablespoon of iodine to the horse’s evening grain for 21 days will make the cough go away.  Organic Iodine Dextrose is available at many feed stores.

Aloe Vera Gel

The gel from the aloe vera leave can be used to treat skin inflammation due to insect bites, burns, cuts and scrapes, as well as hot spots.  Aloe vera can also be used to heal deep lacerated cuts (as long as stitches are not required), as it possesses anti-bacterial properties.  Additionally, if aloe gel is placed in area where the animal likes to lick itself, the animal will refrain from licking that area due to the taste of the herb.  Aloe can also be used as a laxative for dogs, however, it is advised to discuss using aloe vera internally with a veterinarian.

 Tea Tree Oil

This multipurpose extract is an anti-yeast, anti-fungal and antibacterial substance that can be used to treat minor cuts and scrapes.  It can be easily found at many health food outlets as well as larger stores such as Wal-mart,

Dry Oats

Dry oats can be given to rabbits to keep them from getting hairballs.  If rabbits get hairballs, they will not be able to regurgitate, thus causing serious complications in the animal’s health.  Oatmeal is a fiber that keeps the digestive system moving and decreases the possibility of hair collection and forming blockage.  Rabbit breeders advise to give a handful of uncooked oatmeal after they have given birth and in the spring when they begin to heavily shed.

Vitamin B12 Shots

Animals who are very frail or just born that have low energy would appreciate an injection of B12 to get their energy going.

This article is intended to offer natural alternative suggestions.  It should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.  Please consult with your veterinarian before taking any home home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site.  Only your veterinarian can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your pet’s unique needs or diagnose your pet’s particular medical history.

Ten Commandments of Gun Safety

1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

2. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.

3. Always keep the action open except when actually hunting or preparing to shoot.  Always wear approved shooting safety glasses and hearing protection.

4. Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions and that the ammunition is appropriate for the firearm.

5. Always be sure of your target and beyond prior to firing.

6. Avoid all horseplay with a firearm and never point at anything you don’t want to shoot.

7. Never climb a fence, tree, or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm.

8. Never shoot as a flat hard surface or water.

9. Firearms and ammunition should be stored and locked separately.

10. Do not use alcohol and/or drugs at any time while handling a loaded firearm.

These guidelines are to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.  If a person is inexperienced with handling a firearm, there are classes available through local gun ranges on assisting a person understand their firearm and how to use it.  Additionally, the National Rifle Association is also a good source of knowledge to fun information pertaining to firearms and safety. 

A firearm should be used as a last resort when all other means of diffusing the situation has been exhausted. 

Gun safety should be taken very seriously when children are present in the home.  Children are very curious and typically live in their world’s of make believe.  Follow certain safety guidelines when children are concerned.