Asian Chicken Stir-Fry

We wanted to give our blog readers a sneak peak at our new Stir-Fry Combo combo that is on sale in August for only $89.99. It includes Freeze-Dried Asian Style Seasoned White Chicken, Freeze-Dried Portabello Mushrooms, Freeze-Dried White Onion Flakes, Freeze-Dried Broccoli, Carrot Dices, and White Rice. This is a great opportunity to try out our new FD Asian Style Seasoned White Chicken as well as our recipe for Asian Chicken Stir-Fry.

First Aid for Minor Cuts and Scrapes

397-Piece First Aid Kit

First aid is something that we all have some experience with. You may have had to treat a scraped knee, a blister after a hike, or something much more serious. The sight of blood coming from a wound can be very upsetting for some people.

It is wise to study up on first aid in advance so if you have the need to provide first aid assistance, you can stay as calm as possible and take proper action. Remember to keep your first aid kit well stocked at all times!

The following are some guidelines for handling minor cuts and scrapes:

• Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water removing any foreign material, such as gravel or dirt, which can cause infection
• Cover with a sterile dressing and bandage
• Keep it clean and dry at all times
• Wash the wound area daily (without scrubbing) and reapply a clean dressing until it is completely healed
• Sponge area lightly with disinfectant

Some experts feel that applying products like hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and iodine directly onto the site may delay healing of the affected area. Use your judgment, if you are hesitant, you can swab the area surrounding the cut instead.

The 397-Piece First Aid Kit is a great kit to add to your emergency supplies. It comes organized in a quality travel bag and includes a bonus mini backpack which is perfect for having access to first-aid items anywhere. It is on sale for only $32.99 through the end of August.

Mobile Washer - Customer Review

"I bought the mobile washer five or six months ago, but didn't really expect much. The first time I used it though, it more than paid for itself. I had a couple of really gross cleaning rags and didn't expect them to come clean. I let them soak for about fifteen minutes with some dish liquid and a little bleach then spent about three minutes plunging them. I was amazed at how clean they got.

I've washed slips, nightgowns, and other small items with less soap and water and in a lot shorter time than using a washer. It's especially nice because I live in an apartment building and it can be a pain in the neck to get a washer."
-- Linda, Louisiana

This washer uses a technique of pushing and pulling the water through the clothes without excess friction (which also reduces the wear on your clothes). This mobile washer uses minimal water and because of the agitation motion, less soap. Use in a bucket (5-gallon suggested), sink or tub. This hand washer is also able to rinse your clothes using fresh water. The Mobile Washer is a great item to have with your emergency and outdoor supplies.

Click above to watch the video

Natural Disasters on Vacation - Guest Post

Do you have a preparedness or food storage experience, tip, recipe, product review, etc.? Become a guest blogger on Preparedness Pantry and earn a $20 Emergency Essentials gift card! Click here for details.

Natural Disasters on Vacation

Recently, I was out of town with three children (two of those with autism). We ended up getting stuck in a hotel during not one, but two tornado touchdowns all within four miles of our location. I don't know how many of you have ever bee in a hotel during a tornado but it is not fun. Of course there is no power, but when the hotel loses power then the alarm starts to go off. Unfortunately, the hotel staff had no idea how to turn the alarm off so we had to deal with that nonstop high pitch squealing that seems to aggravate the senses of most people.

The hotel clerk moved everyone to the lobby. When I pointed out that the lobby was glass encased, he nodded and asked me where we should go. I lined my charges up in the hallway beside the lobby. My daughter looked down the hallway and pointed out that it looked like we were in a creepy horror movie which of course, added more stress to the situation.

Thankfully my kids had left the room with their DS and iPods because that was the only source of light and entertainment that we had for over two hours. I was actually beginning to panic because I knew the batteries would not hold out much longer and of course, there was no way to recharge them.

We did make it out safely and without any major damage but all the way home, I kept thinking of ways that I could have been more prepared for that unexpected emergency.

Since returning home, I have been on a mission to be prepared for any emergency. I have been reading Preparedness Pantry daily. The insight articles are invaluable and have provided me with a wonderful framework to follow. I have since created a backpack for each of our family members that will provide them with enough provisions for three days. I have also created small "to go" boxes for each of our animals in case of an evacuation. I am now in the process of stocking up on different types of emergency food (MREs, canned, freeze dried).

-- Bridget, KY

Basic Emergency Backup Meal - Customer Review

"We were impressed with the price and quality of the Basic EBM. We were amazed by everything we got in just one package. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the nice mix of meat and non-meat meals. I was glad to see some vegetarian alternatives. I bought 24 meals and over all, received a really good assortment of meals. The food was easy to fix and very filling. Totally blown away by how good the food tasted!!! We will definitely use these for camping trips and backpacking trips in the future, as well as survival food."
--Mona, NM

With Basic MRE Emergency Backup Meals (EBM) you get all-in-one convenience. They are compact and easy to store with a great variety of ready-to-eat meals. These EBMs are packaged in a handy zip-top bag idea for camping, backpacking and emergency preparedness.

You can purchase these EBMs individually for $5.75. If you purchase 12 or more, they are on a special sale price this month for only $4.60 per EBM. This is a great value and they are perfect to add to your emergency supplies.

8 Tips to Stay Cool Without Air Conditioning

For many of us, having our air conditioner go out in the middle of an extreme heat wave would be considered an emergency. Since a large portion of the United States is currently experiencing severe heat, we found some great tips to share from Metro West Daily News on how to stay cool during extreme heat even if you don't have air conditioning.

Grooming For Summer
• Take a cool shower
• Use bathroom vents - Humidity caused by a shower can make your house feel warmer
• Dress for summer - Wear cotton, silk, or linen in light colors and loose styles
• Store lotions in the fridge - rub them on hot, overtired feet

Cooling the House
• Use a ceiling fan - It uses a lot less energy, costs less to buy, and doesn't require professional installation like air conditioning units
• Install attic vents - Since heat rises, having cooler air in your attic will help cool the rest of the house
• Park the car - If your garage is under your home, consider leaving your hot car outside to cool off before you put it in the garage

Chilling Your Body
• Exercise early or late - If you are used to exercising during the middle of the day, try to change your schedule so you can take advantage of the cooler temperatures earlier or later in the day. If you can't change your schedule, scale down your workout
• Keep water bottles in the freezer - Take one with you when you go out side. When the ice melts, it will give you a nice supply of cold water
• Move on - If all else fails, find an air-conditioned public building and spend some time there

For more tips, visit the Metro West Daily News.

Emergency Financial Planning

Mounting debt is perhaps one of the most trapping situations and greatest deterrents to getting ahead financially in today's world. If you, like many other people in America, find yourself weighed down with too many bills and feel like you are drowning in them, what can be done?

One of the best ways to get out of debt is to stop using credit cards. Then pay them off as soon as possible. They are beneficial should you need to rent a car or encounter an extreme and rare emergency; otherwise avoid using them at all costs.

Always pay your home mortgage bill before it lapses into 30 days past due. If you get behind 30 days or more on even one payment to your mortgage company, it triggers a black mark on your credit report that may jeopardize obtaining a loan on future home purchases.

Other money-saving tips:

• Shop grocery sales (buy one; get one free) and stock up on your favorite items.

• Eat basic wholesome foods; avoid prepared boxed mixes.

• Prepare menus in advance and shop from your list

• Don't buy furniture, clothes, etc. on credit. Shop at second-hand stores, flea markets, garage sales, and swap meets. You will be surprised at the great deals you can land for a fraction of the price you would spend on new items.

• Attend "dollar movies" or rent videos, instead of paying full price for a theater ticket.

• It is recommended to store what you eat and eat what you store. This is a great way to save money and rotate your food storage.

With so many options, it is a great idea to brainstorm with your spouse or family members on additional ways to save money.

Financial preparedness is an essential part of any preparedness plan. Once your finances are in order, other areas of preparedness will fall into place.

Click here for more articles on education and planning.

Safety and Preparedness - Guest Post

Do you have a preparedness or food storage experience, tip, recipe, product review, etc.? Become a guest blogger on Preparedness Pantry and earn a $20 Emergency Essentials gift card! Click here for details.

Safety and Preparedness

I admit it freely; I am a proud preparedness and safety geek. Whether it is taking a class from the American Red Cross, working with my local Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT), or preparing my family for the next big earthquake to hit the Pacific NW, I am there. As a Boy Scout, the motto, “Be Prepared!” is one that I took seriously then, and still do today.

What a lot of people fail to realize is that 9/10 of safety is being prepared. Prepared to eat, drink, shelter, and live on your own or with loved ones for days, weeks, or months. Safety goes hand-in-hand with preparedness.

When you drive your car, you put on a safety belt. When you go outside to trim the bushes with your brand new power-saw, you put on safety goggles and safety gloves. When you work on a construction site, you wear a safety hat. All of these things are safety preparedness. Preparing for things you hope will never happen, but sometimes do. You don’t expect to get into an accident, poke out your eye, or have a 2X4 hit you in the head, but accidents happen.

Accidents, natural disasters, and life are inevitable, preparedness isn’t. Preparedness is taking the step to ensure that when these things happen, you are ready to meet them head-on, without fear, and with the knowledge that you can survive them. Preparedness can eliminate the unknown, which causes people to panic, and creates a stressful environment. Preparedness is being responsible to your family, so you can continue to support one another during a difficult time. Preparedness brings the peace of mind that you took time to mitigate risks that occur without warning. Preparedness lets you feel comfortable in the power that you and your family will not be dependent on a government, non-profit, or neighborhood group that might be too overwhelmed, or incapable of handling the disaster unfolding.

Up in the Pacific NW where I live, there are floods, landslides, earthquakes, and fires. These are the kind of accidents people usually think about last, but need to be prepared for the most. They usually occur without warning and affect a wide-area. Recent events in Chile, Japan, and New Zealand have shown that the Pacific NW needs to be prepared for a major earthquake, probably within my lifetime. Having a one-stop resource like Emergency Essentials to prepare makes the task that much easier. Do yourself and your family a favor, and like the Boy Scouts, “Be Prepared!”

--Stephen, OR

Staying Safe During Extreme Heat

According to the National Weather Service, heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. Statistical data shows that heat causes more fatalities each year than floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined.

As the weather continues to be abnormal across much of the United States, here are some great tips from FEMA about what you should do before a heat wave to ensure you are prepared and to better avoid heat related illnesses.

Before Extreme Heat:
• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside
• Weather-strip doors and windows to keep cool air in
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent)
• Keep storm windows up all year

During Extreme Heat:
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a doctor
• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks

Katadyn Hiker Water Filter - Customer Review

During the month of July, we have a special Katadyn® Hiker and Blue Water Bottle Combo on sale for only $47.89 (Regular Price: $63.90). This is a savings of 25% off the regular price for this combo.

The Katadyn® Hiker is the best selling microfilter in the US Outdoor Market. Its unique filter prevents early clogging and its ergonomic handle makes it easy to pump up to one quart per minute. Compact and lightweight (only 11oz), the Katadyn Hiker is great for emergency kits, backpacking, and camping. The water filter's simple design makes it easy to use and it eliminates bacteria and protozoa (Giardia and Cryptosporidium). A carbon core reduces pesticides and chemicals, producing fresh tasting water.

Technical Specifications:
•Microfiltration Method: AntiClog Technology with 0.3 micron glassfiber and activated carbon granulate
•Output: Up to one quart per minute
•Cartridge Capacity: Up to 200 gallons, depending on water quality
•Weight: 11oz
•Height: 6.5"
•Hose Length: 36"

"The Katadyn® Hiker is an excellent, simple and lightweight filter ideal for small families or individual use. I use this filter with Katadyn® Micropur Tablets and have never had a problem with my drinking water, even when filtered from swamp water. It makes a great addition to emergency kits for short term use; it's also great on the trail. Note: Take care to ensure your water container is properly cleaned, disinfected and prepared to receive the filtered water. Follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning and sanitizing after use and before storage."
--Steve, WV

How to Survive a Dust Storm

Monsoon season in the United States begins in late June to early July and affects most of the Desert Southwest. During monsoon season the weather can quickly change causing high winds, rain, floods, lightning, thunder, and  dust storms.

The recent dust storm in Arizona serves as a great reminder of how quickly the weather can change and how many problems the weather can cause with travel, even during the summer. Whether or not you live in an area that has frequent dust storms, it's important to know what to do if you ever find yourself in the middle of one while traveling.

According to the Arizona Emergency Information Network, dust storms are unexpected, unpredictable and can sweep across desert landscapes at any time. Here are a few tips from the Arizona Emergency Information Network on what to do if you find yourself facing a dust storm.

If you are outside:
• Seek shelter immediately
• Cover your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay low and cover up

If you are in a moving vehicle:
• Pull off the roadway or reduce speed
• Turn off car lights
• Set the emergency brake

It's important to have a car kit or some basic emergency supplies easily accessible in your car just in case you get stuck for an extended period of time on the side of the road. You may want to consider including water, food, and extra clothing to protect your skin from blowing sand.

Group Specials for July

The group program is a way for families, friends, and neighbors to work together to obtain discounts on preparedness items. Group orders qualify for free shipping within the 48 contiguous states when the minimum purchase amounts are met.

The items available for group discount during the month of July are:
 

Freeze-Dried Onion Flakes 

When the time comes to use your food storage, these onion flakes can be added directly to your recipes in place of fresh chopped onions, giving robust flavor to your casseroles, soups and more. No additives or preservatives.

When you purchase at least 12 cans of the Freeze-Dried Onion Flakes, they are $12 each. That is a savings of 27% off the regular price.

Freeze-Dried Green Beans

Green Beans are great in casseroles and soups; Freeze-Dried locks in freshness and nutrition. Add this garden favorite to your food storage. No additives or preservatives.

When you purchase at least 12 cans of the Freeze-Dried Green Beans, they are $10 each. That is a savings of 28% off the regular price.

Case of Aqua Literz (12 pack) 

Over 400 ounces of refreshing purified water in a 12 pack. No chlorine has been added to the water and it has a 5-year shelf-life. Great for emergency kits, for baby formula emergencies, and home emergency supplies. A 12-pack will provide water for two people for up to 72 hours.

When you purchase at least 12 cases of the Aqua Literz, they are $22 each. That is a savings of 26% off the regular individual price.

Freeze-Dried Cauliflower 

Add the nutrition of cauliflower to your home food storage. It rehydrates quickly and retains most of its color, flavor, and nutrition. It's great for soup and has no additives or preservatives.

When you purchase at least 12 cans of the Freeze-Dried Cauliflower, they are $10 each. That is a savings of 33% off the regular price.

Strawberry Flavored Apple Chips

 

Keep on hand for use in an emergency or daily recipes. They are also a great snack for anytime.

 

When you purchase at least 12 cans of the Strawberry Flavored Apple Chips, they are $9 each. That is a savings of 35% off the regular price.

Click here for a blog article written about how the group program works and tips on how to organize your own groups.

Quantities are limited on all group products. To order, call toll-free 1-800-999-1863 or click here. Orders for group items should be placed by March 24, 2011. For more information on the Group Program, please click here. An additional charge will be added for orders shipped to Hawaii, Alaska, APOs & FPOs.

New Products - July 2011

It's always nice to get something new. Here at Emergency Essentials, we are continually evaluating and testing new products. You can always click on the "New" tab on the top right of our website (BePrepared.com) for a complete listing of our latest and greatest products.

Here are a few of the new products we have this month. Simply click on each picture for more information.

Cheesy Macaroni & Beef

 Minor Surgery Kit

LED Glow Spotlight 

 LED Glow Flashlight

LED Glowstick

Bosch Universal Plus Mixer

New Meals Ready To Eat:

Cheese & Noodles with Vegetables

Ratatouille

Veggie Burger in BBQ Sauce

Cherry Berry Cobbler

Mango Applesauce

Santa Fe Rice