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Trust is Essential – Who Can You Trust?

Who do you Trust?

By Denis Korn

With the current state of affairs and the pervading uncertainty in our society today, it is no surprise that a significant number of people are seeking products for preparedness planning and self-reliance.  While I have addressed the question of why prepare in another commentary on our home page, this article focuses on the crucial issue of trust.

Preparedness planning is a prudent and wise action to take.  This search for provisions however, can create a dilemma – Who do you trust?  Remember, you and your family are relying on preparedness products, especially food and water options, to sustain you during critical times.  Some situations can be so catastrophic as to have life or death consequences.  It is this very real potential scenario that compels me personally to take the process of emergency planning very seriously.

My 35 years in this industry with extensive research, valuable networking, and hands-on experience has enabled me to be very discerning as to the reliability and knowledge of those attempting to represent the emergency planning process and appropriate products.  Numerous preparedness dealers and websites have recently appeared on the scene, and many are claiming the virtues of their products and are hoping to take advantage of current demands.  I have been in this industry for a long time, and I have seen numerous companies come and go as political, economic, or prophetic issues dominate the news.  With the advent of the internet, it has become even more difficult to assess the reliability of online companies.

Many companies are conscientious and dependable – as a previous manufacturer of food reserve products I have had business relationships with a number of these companies over the years.  Unfortunately many are very questionable.  I have examined their products, their data, and the accuracy of their information – it ranges from inadequate, to unclear, to erroneous.

I urge you to carefully examine the preparedness marketplace, and as you investigate and evaluate companies in which you may make a small or possibly a substantial investment for foods or products, please give careful consideration to our company – PrepareDirect – and what we can provide for you.  To help establish trust and confidence in our company’s ability to service your needs, we ask that you review our experience and knowledge, and our commitment to offering only the highest quality products from established industry leaders.

For specific guidelines in evaluating sources of preparedness foods I highly recommend that you read and answer for your own benefit the questions in the article titled Purchasing Food Reserves – The Essential Questions. In many instances equipment considerations can be applied to these questions.

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Beginning & Improving Preparedness Planning

By Denis Korn

This post is so important and it was so popular when I wrote the original article and then did a blog post in March, that I am once again revisiting it as a new post.  I am grateful for all the calls I get for more detailed one-on-one conversation with serious preparedness planners.  You are encouraged to give me a call with your questions and suggestions.

As current events become more critical to the conscientious prepper, reliable and accurate information and guidance has become more vital.  That’s why I have created this blog – Learn To Prepare – and our product site PrepareDirect.

If you are a newcomer to preparedness planning or have been engaged for some time, the information and suggestions contained in this article will certainly help you begin or add to your experience of confidence and peace of mind, and assist you with practical steps you can take.

The first step in the preparedness planning process is the acknowledgment that you have made a wise and sound decision and have chosen to take responsibility for you and your family, and to be prepared in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Be encouraged to continue this process with diligence, motivation, and discernment.

It is my intention in this article to present a guideline that can be followed which will lead you on an important journey to being prepared in the event of any number of potentially unexpected events. This process is basically undertaken in three phases – each one of which will take as much time as you wish to devote, and the degree of urgency you are experiencing.

1. First, there is an initial assessment necessary to determine the direction you are heading.
2. Second, there is further evaluation, research, and planning required to develop a firm foundation for the third phase, and to develop the clarity required for appropriate and accurate decision making.
3. Third, there is taking action and assembling the appropriate provisions and critical information you have determined are necessary for your security and peace of mind. This phase is ongoing as you continue to evaluate, research, and build up your supplies and information.

To read the entire article Beginning & Improving Preparedness Planning go to the “7 Foundational Articles on Preparedness Planning” link on the right, or click here.

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Essential Emergency & Disaster Preparedness Information – Celebrate Peace of Mind

Press Release from PrepareDirect & Learn To Prepare – Distributed by PRWeb & written by Denis Korn

Denis Korn - Founder of PrepareDirect & Learn To Prepare

Nevada City, CA (PRWEB) July 14, 2010

Denis Korn, an expert in emergency & disaster preparedness since 1975, has created an easy to use blog with reliable & essential information for those beginning or improving their emergency preparedness planning. Specific guidelines, lists, essential questions, thought provoking articles and recommendations are presented relating to the planning process, self-reliance, food storage, preparedness equipment, do-it-yourself packing, survival kits and camping.

The uncertainty of the times, and a call from government, business, Red Cross and preparedness organizations to be ready for unexpected emergencies, requires trustworthy and experienced guidance to ensure security and peace of mind. The information and products available from Learn To Prepare and PrepareDirect are crucial to surviving and helping others to cope with the stresses and shock of an unforeseen emergency or disaster. Clear and dependable tips and guidelines and reliable provisions are essential.

Learn To Prepare is a very user friendly blog for individuals – families – and businesses that support ‘people resources’ – who need accurate and reliable information on beginning or improving a preparedness plan. Learn To Prepare is committed to providing information and instruction that may save people’s lives, contribute to their well-being, and make emergency situations and outdoor activities more comfortable and secure. Their mission is to inform and teach preparedness for emergencies, outdoor adventure, and self-reliance that is trustworthy, relevant, and easy to understand.

One will find on the Learn To Prepare website not only specific and detailed guidelines, lists, questions and instructions, but also insightful reflections and observations pertinent to preparing for emergencies and outdoor adventure – expressed with an attitude of empowerment not fear.

PrepareDirect is a product website whose purpose is to supply both essential and beneficial emergency and disaster preparedness and camping and backpacking products of superior quality. These products provide emergency planners and outdoor enthusiasts with security, comfort and peace of mind during challenging and adventurous situations.

“After 35 years of educating, supplying, and encouraging folks for emergency preparedness, I truly believe that the most important element in emergency and disaster preparedness is one’s attitude”.

Socrates the father of critical thinking in ancient Greece, used specific and focused questions to help his peers and students understand for themselves how to act and think appropriately. This is the technique used by Denis Korn to educate folks about preparedness and self-reliance. The right question is critical to discovering the right answer.

How do I get started? This is the number 1 question from those who realize the time has come to get serious – take responsibility – consider the safety and well-being of loved ones – and move from idea to action. Beginning and Improving Preparedness Planning is an indispensable planning guide – taking one from inspiration to completion. What essential items do I need to have on hand for an emergency or outdoor adventure? This is another important question from beginners and a crucial question for everyone at any stage of planning for emergencies and outdoor activities. 18 categories of items are listed in the Emergency Kit & Outdoor Recreation Essentials List.

For details about PrepareDirect and Learn To Prepare contact Denis Korn by phone at 800-775-1991. Mr. Korn welcomes inquires from media, individuals, companies, preparedness groups, non-profit and service organizations, government agencies, schools, churches and temples. He is available for interviews, counseling and consulting. You may learn more about Mr. Korn’s background at http://bit.ly/DenisKorn.

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ALIVENESS – A Reflection

By Denis Korn

ALIVENESS is a noun – the state of being ALIVE.  Here are 2 of the definitions of alive from the Encarta Dictionary, on-line:

a.live (adjective)

4. full of life

Full of energy and vigor, and with a zest for and interest in life.

5. animated

Active or animated, especially full of busy activity or a sense of excitement.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Those of you who have read other posts I have written know that I value attitude as an essential factor in emergency preparedness and outdoor adventure.

I read an excerpt from a book recently that has had me reflecting on my attitude and state of mind as I go about my daily routine.  I want to take this opportunity to share some thoughts and insights on the value of ALIVENESS.

I’ll begin by sharing two quotes.  The first from the excerpt I read, and the second from President Harry Truman – put on the side of a design-it-yourself mug given to me by my daughter:

- Don’t ask yourself what the world needs.  Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

From a spiritual mentor of Gil Bailie as quoted in Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

- I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and advise them to do it.

Harry S. Truman

The more I study and observe the current political, social, emotional and moral state of our society the more I realize how mentally and spiritually numb most people are today.  People are out of balance and out of touch with the realities that are all around them.  They are incapacitated by fear, unhappiness, confusion, dependency, indoctrination, ignorance and the list goes on and on.  Folks hope for change and security – without the capability for felling ALIVE and DYNAMIC.

While I feel blessed to have finally grasped the true value of ALIVENESS, I am filled with compassion and sorrow for those who have not realized its worth.  The less than honorable agendas and schemes of those who exert the most powerful influences on our society today have robbed so many of the ability and yearning to feel and act ALIVE.

The difficulties of the present have enabled many people to seriously consider and critically assess their response to the uncertainty and anxiety of these times in which we all find ourselves.  Use this opportunity wisely.

Evaluate – embrace – and embody the actions and attitudes that awaken in us the exhilaration of ALIVENESS.  Quietly reflect on what it is that makes you feel truly ALIVE.  We all have had times in which we have felt joy, passion, excitement  inspiration and fulfillment.  What were you doing when you felt these emotions?  Strive to do it again and again!  It is never too late to grow from just existing, reacting and filling space, to waking up and LIVING.

Because what the world needs are people who have come ALIVE!!

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Reflections on Fear and Preparedness

By Denis Korn

This is the first in a series of posts on fear and its influence on emergency preparedness planning, actions and being self-reliant.  The purpose of these posts is not to give you some magic formula on how to live without fear.  I simply wish to point out some insights for your reflection.  It is my belief that understanding the affect of fear on one’s attitude and actions before – during – and after a disaster or catastrophe is essential to right action, peace of mind and survival.

Fear is natural and instinctive – it has a purpose for our life.  The issue at hand is: Can we control it and use it to our advantage?  Can it so overwhelm us as to be an obstacle to proper action? Can we understand its influence on our behavior?  Can we discern when it is appropriate or detrimental?

Fear can be valuable tool and assist the planning process – or it can adversely affect the decision making and evaluation process causing one to act and think ineffectively and inappropriately – it can also prevent us from acting at all.

I have recently read articles that deal with the uncertainty and anxiety of the times, and specifically address this last point.  Many people are so afraid of the truth or reality of a situation and what responsible action or attitude would be required of them, that being in denial is preferred to being enlightened.

Definitions

While most of us have a pretty good idea of what fear is, here are some definitions and synonyms relating to this post for reference:

–noun

1.  A distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.

2.  A specific instance of or propensity for such a feeling

3.  Concern or anxiety; solicitude

4.  That which causes a feeling of being afraid; that of which a person is afraid

—Synonyms
1.  Apprehension, consternation, dismay, terror, fright, panic, horror, trepidation. Fear, alarm, dread all imply a painful emotion experienced when one is confronted by threatening danger or evil. Alarm implies an agitation of the feelings caused by awakening to imminent danger; it names a feeling of fright or panic: He started up in alarm. Fear and dread usually refer more to a condition or state than to an event. Fear is often applied to an attitude toward something, which, when experienced, will cause the sensation of fright: fear of falling. Dread suggests anticipation of something, usually a particular event, which, when experienced, will be disagreeable rather than frightening: She lives in dread of losing her money.  The same is often true of fear, when used in a negative statement: She has no fear she’ll lose her money.

Attitude

For those of you who have read other posts and articles I have written, you know that I consider one’s attitude as an essential factor in both the preparedness planning process and during the emergency or disaster that could possibly occur.  I highly recommend you read my post on attitude and that you be inspired and educated by the insights and experiences of Viktor Frankl in his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning” that I mention in that article.

I realize how difficult it can be to address and examine one’s fears – especially in light of the suspicions, apprehension, insecurity, and dread so prevalent today.  We deal not only with the anxiety concerning real and potential negative events and the economy, but also with a media obsessed and consumed with the need to promote fear at every opportunity – and when there isn’t a problem, their agenda requires that they create one for you.  Yet as distressing and challenging as it may be, introspection and reflection on your thoughts and feelings can provide an opportunity to overcome the crippling effects of inaction caused by irrational fear.

Honestly confronting your fear in non-judgmental reflection and without allowing it to overwhelm and disable you is the first step to right action, peace of mind and survival.  This takes time and commitment.  Surround yourself with loving and supportive people.

Questions to consider:

What are your specific fears?

What are your worst fears?

Why?

What would happen if the circumstances you fear should occur?

Why do you fear that outcome?

Is there anything valuable to learn if that outcome happens?

(Can you make lemonade from lemons?)

Is there another emotion that can be substituted for fear?

What are the positive implications should your fears come to pass?

What do you fear losing?

What is your attachment to the material issues surrounding your fears?

Do you have friends and family available to help you examine your fears?

Can you acknowledge that you are fearful and still move forward?

Can you transform a fearful thought into a positive thought?

Can you focus on constructive thoughts and not dwell on fearful or negative thoughts?

Do you want to control your attitude?

What is it about a fearful or negative attitude that makes you feel in control or secure?

Can you see in yourself the inappropriate fear that takes over because of conditioning and unconscious patterns?

Have you considered using affirmations and positive thinking to help combat fear?

How do you reconcile the  fear that is felt when discerning the issues surrounding us all – the lack of leadership, the death of common sense, selfishness, corporate greed, hatred, immorality, deceit, utter stupidity – and a media, educational system and entertainment industry obsessed with negativity, blame, self-righteousness and propaganda — with the importance of a positive and life-sustaining attitude that supports peace of mind, mental health and security for ourselves, family and community?

Fear and preparedness

In the 35 years that I have been involved with educating and supplying folks with preparedness information and products, I have been acutely aware of the methodologies used by those in this field.  Promote an attitude of fear or promote an attitude of empowerment.  Some think fear will empower – and with some people it might work.  I look at it differently.

The events that occur during a disaster or catastrophe are indeed overwhelming and devastating, and require a great deal of cooperation and discipline and maintaining focus and purpose.  I will say again – being motivated and guided by fear can work to your disadvantage.

In my opinion, an attitude of fear while preparing for and during trying times distorts the more important issues at hand and can negatively impact decision making, relationships and action.

Your thoughts will determine your perceptions, emotions and actions.

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The Declaration of Independence – The Final Word!

This post quoted from Power Line Blog – July 4, 2010

President Calvin Coolidge rose to the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1926, with a speech providing a magisterial review of the history and thought underlying the Declaration. His speech on the occasion deserves to be read and studied in its entirety. The following paragraph, however, is particularly relevant to the challenge that confronts us in the ubiquitous variants of progressive dogma that pass themselves off today as the higher wisdom:

About the Declaration there is a finality that is exceedingly restful. It is often asserted that the world has made a great deal of progress since 1776, that we have had new thoughts and new experiences which have given us a great advance over the people of that day, and that we may therefore very well discard their conclusions for something more modern. But that reasoning can not be applied to this great charter.

If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final. If governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, that is final. No advance, no progress can be made beyond these propositions.

If anyone wishes to deny their truth or their soundness, the only direction in which he can proceed historically is not forward, but backward toward the time when there was no equality, no rights of the individual, no rule of the people. Those who wish to proceed in that direction can not lay claim to progress. They are reactionary. Their ideas are not more modern, but more ancient, than those of the Revolutionary fathers.

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About Using Oxygen Absorbers Properly – Revisited

By Denis Korn

Interest in the use of oxygen absorbers for those who pack their own food storage has been extremely high since I wrote the following post in February that introduced my detailed article Using and About Oxygen Absorbers. The post highlighted the beginning of my article with an appropriate link to the whole article.  This article is one the the most read I have written to date, and there is no doubt that people want reliable information and guidelines on oxygen absorber usage.

I would like to know if there are more details or observations you would like me to share, and/or do you have any relevant comments to share with readers?  There is a definite desire among preppers and preparedness advocates to be ready for unforeseen events and surprises.  Many folks choose to pack their own in a way that will ensure a quality meal if the emergency scenario being planned for should come to pass.  Let me know your experiences and thoughts.

February’s post:

I want to start this article by letting those reading it know that after significant research, it was I who introduced the use of oxygen absorbers into the emergency food and outdoor recreational foods industries in the early 1990’s while owner of AlpineAire Foods.  I did it because it was an excellent and very effective technology, developed in Japan, to insure a very low residual oxygen level in appropriate containers, and it was very easy and relatively inexpensive to use.

At that time the goal to achieve for the canning of shelf-stable dried foods was a residual oxygen level of 2% or below.  This was the level required by military specifications for long term foods.  Oxidation and an atmosphere inhibiting microbial growth were significantly reduced at these low levels.  The military specified the #10 can for their long term storage of dried products.  By utilizing the appropriate size oxygen absorber, the residual oxygen levels could be reduced to 0.1% or less – a significant drop in oxygen levels…

Click here, or on Articles on top of site, or Key Articles by Denis Korn, for the complete article on

"Ageless" brand oxygen absorbers

Using & About Oxygen Absorbers.

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The Preparedness Metaphor - An Image of Preparedness Planning

How are you building your Preparedness Plan?

By Denis Korn

I have always liked metaphors and imagery in making a point or in conveying a message.  So for those of you who also like illustrations, allusions and visualizations, here is my architectural metaphor for the emergency or disaster preparedness planning process.

I believe it presents what I would call a holistic approach or picture to the many aspects and requirements to a complete and effective preparedness plan.  In January, I wrote a short post where I named 4 pillars of preparedness planning:  Attitude, Knowledge, Planning and Action.  This article expands on those themes.

The foundation of this architectural rendering is Faith and Action

Any structure or plan must have a strong, secure, reliable and appropriate foundation on which to be built upon.  If you don’t have the faith necessary to believe the plans you are creating are strong, secure, reliable and appropriate, then your structure will be weak and inadequate.  Action of course is what insures that your plan will be realized and complete.  Faith and action must work together – faith without action is infertile and fruitless – action without faith can be directionless and hollow.

The cornerstone is Honesty

You must be honest with yourself, family and friends about why you are preparing – what must be done – are your actions sufficient and focused – are you driven by fear and confusion or clear thinking and discernment – are you being conscientious – are you taking all aspects of planning into account – your provisions and research are they inadequate and just token.  I wrote a post on Honesty here, you are encouraged to read it.

The 3 pillars are:

Spiritual Worldview

Everyone has a spiritual worldview.  We are all grounded in a point of view about spiritual, religious or transcendent issues.  You either believe there is a spiritual influence in your life or you don’t.  Either way that belief will affect how you prepare, why you prepare, when you prepare, who you prepare for and what motivates you to prepare.  Our spiritual worldview has a direct correlation to our actions, thoughts and intentions.

Attitude

Your attitude, emotional state, feelings, thoughts, state of mind, viewpoint and morale have – in my opinion -  an essential baring on how your entire planning process – and you – will hold up during a significant emergency or disaster scenario.  I wrote a post on Attitude here, you are encouraged to read it.

Practical Accomplishment

Here is where your actions are realized and achieved.  You plan appropriately and do what is required to fulfill your goals.  Research, knowledge, planning and implementation – get it done!  I wrote an article on Preparedness Planning here, you are encouraged to read it.

The capstone of your magnificent structure is Peace of Mind

Celebrate peace of mind, security, self-reliance and a job well done!

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Learn To Prepare welcomes Technorati with this post WF5XBPVXVGJ9

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Appliances & Equipment for Emergency Food Storage Preparation

By Denis Korn

Remember: The equipment you have assembled for emergency preparedness should match the scenarios, persons involved and time frames you have determined will affect your unique circumstances.  Inappropriate and incomplete essential equipment for food preparation can significantly affect your emergency experience.  Much of this equipment will be the same as an extended camping trip.

  • Cooking pots/utensils

Avoid using aluminum cookware as the aluminum can be absorbed by the food being prepared in these containers.  Aluminum in food products can be detrimental to your health.  Lightweight equipment is more versatile in emergency situations especially if you need to be mobile.  Cast iron pots, frying pans and Dutch Ovens are great for preparing many foods and if you will be stationary, however they require proper maintenance and are heavy.

  • Solar oven

Many models are available commercially in varying price ranges and some can get quite hot – 300 degrees plus.  Special cooking containers are available.  Consider making your own from available plans, and always have plenty of tin foil for simple emergency solar ovens.

  • Alternative stoves- grills- grates

There are numerous stoves, grills and grates available from camping equipment outlets.  You might desire simple or elaborate heat sources – using various fuels, or you may feel adequate building a camp fire from available natural resources.

  • Fuel- gas/diesel/propane/wood/charcoal/fuel oil/kerosene/shelf stable additive for gas or diesel

Match the type and amount of fuel with the heat sources you have chosen.  In some cases the same fuel can be used for cooking, heating and light.

  • Generator

Depending on your anticipated scenarios, you might want to consider gas, diesel, propane, solar, wind or stationary bicycle powered generators.  There are also units that do not generate power they simply store it.

  • Sprouting jar/rack

If your emergency scenarios are longer term then sprouting is a nutritional must.

  • Mill/grinder

There are many quality manually operated – or electric if appropriate – grain mills available – with both stone and steel burrs.  Cooking whole grains and beans can be done in a shorter time if the particles are smaller, and a wider variety of recipe variations are possible.  Whole grain flours are not recommended for long term storage, so milling your own whole grain flour is best.

  • Wheat grass juicer

Another excellent appliance for longer term scenarios.  Electric and manual juicers are available.  Wheat grass juice is a nutritional powerhouse – especially if other fresh foods are not readily available.  Many folks have stored whole grain wheat, and learning to grow wheat grass should be a very high priority.

  • Canning equipment/supplies

If you have access to extra fruits and vegetables and enjoy do-it-yourself food storage, then wet pack canning is for you.  This would be especially valuable for longer term scenarios.  Canning equipment may be scarce in a prolonged food shortage.  This could also be a very beneficial bartering item.

  • Pressure cooker

This appliance could be an essential if fuel, water or time are scarce in your anticipated emergency scenario.  Cooking whole beans and grains using a quality pressure cooker reduces cooking time dramatically.  Also be aware that beans which have been stored for an extended period of time and/or have lost a significant amount of moisture – becoming very dry, get very hard and are very difficult to impossible to cook  (even when soaking)  in the traditional boil in a pot manner.  Consider using a pressure cooker if you have such items.

  • Books

If you store foods that are not what you typically eat or prepare frequently, then a good set of cookbooks and books that provides guidelines on recipes and preparation is a must.  Also keep in mind that even if you are knowledgeable other folks might have to help in food preparation and they will need assistance.

  • Cleaning supplies

Store appropriate cleaning supplies, disinfectants, or whatever would provide convenience and sanitation given your emergency situation.

  • Food containers- plastic/glass/plastic bags/foil

Always a good idea to have plenty of container options for food or other needs.  Don’t forget large lawn size plastic bags (be careful around children) for not only food issues but also weather and climate protection.

This would include large foil pouches, metal and plastic seal-able buckets, oxygen absorbers, sealing equipment, vacuum sealers, glass and metal containers and sealing equipment and dehydrators.

  • Water-purifiers/filters/additives/distillers/containers

Needless to say this an essential category and one that should be researched with due diligence.  I do not recommend you cut corners when it comes to providing adequate amounts of pure and clean water.  You can never have too much water in an emergency, but you can most definitely have too little.  You can have the proper equipment to treat water because you have a abundant natural source available, you can have stored water available in large containers or small ready to drink packs, or you can prepare with both options.  The amount of water you store and/or the filtering capacity of the filters you possess will once again be determined by the scenarios you anticipate and the drinking, food preparation and hygiene requirements you consider.

Be aware that there are numerous filters, purifiers, tablets and distillers available – depending on your needs – and that purifiers will kill viruses and filters will remove small particles and organisms – you don’t “filter” a virus.  I personally have multiple devices and plenty of treatment capacity.  You might have to be mobile and you might have to seek new water sources.  Make sure you have the proper containers in which to store  your treated water and possibility transport it from a distant source.

  • Camping equipment

Depending on your scenarios, many of the same food preparation equipment items that you will need in an emergency are what you use when you go camping, boating or backpacking.  Suppliers of outdoor gear generally also have  preparedness supplies.

  • Non electric can opener

Don’t forget to have a manually operated can opener available if you have any canned goods.  Fortunately most multi-tools and pocket knives have openers built in.

  • Fire-starter

Have plenty of matches and a quality fire-starter device that will let fires in rain and wind.

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My favorite grains & beans for food storage

By Denis Korn

I am often asked which grains and beans do I recommend for long term food storage?  The ones I recommend I eat often and they taste great.  I must admit I am prejudiced in my selection because I come from 35 years in the Natural Foods Industry.  My list is short and the choices are generally found in Natural Food Stores.

GRAINS:

  1. Quinoa – originates from the mountains of Peru and has the highest protein content of all the grains.  Cooks in about 20 minutes and expands to 3 times its original volume.  Quinoa’s nutty flavor is delicious in stews with small red beans.  Some brands of quinoa should be rinsed before cooking.
  2. Amaranth- is technically not a grain, but this ancient Aztec food supplies an impressive amount of nutrients, especially protein, calcium, iron and zinc.  Amaranth seeds add a slightly nutty taste to homemade recipes.  Great for breakfast.
  3. Millet – is higher in iron and protein than most grains.  It is easily digestible and considered one of the least allergenic of grains.  One third of the worlds population considers this grain a staple in their diet.  Blends well in all recipes.

BEANS:

  1. Adzuki (also called Aduki) – are native to Japan and are one of the most digestible beans.  These very small red beans taste similar to kidney beans, and can be substituted for them in recipes, though they are somewhat more flavorful.  They mix well with quinoa and millet, and cook in about an hour.  Good for sprouting.
  2. Lentils (various varieties) – are best known for making hearty soups.  Two types of lentils are commonly available: small flat red lentils and the larger brown lentils – many stores also carry small French green lentils.  All are fast cooking and do not require presoaking.  Red lentils are often found in Indian cuisine.  Brown lentils work well in salads and as the foundation for vegetarian burgers and loaves. Great in stews and curries.  Great for sprouting.
  3. Mung – are very popular in Asian and Indian cuisine.  Their flavor is complimented by spicy seasonings such as curries, chilies and ginger.  Mung beans can be substituted for lentils or peas in many recipes.  Precooked mung beans and sprouted mung beans are delicious additions to a vegetable stir-fry or salad.  Cooks in about 45 minutes.  Sprouts easily.

Why do I like and recommend these foods?

  • They are nutritionally superior and store well.
  • They are small and therefore cook faster than larger items.  Important when time, water, and fuel are a consideration.
  • The beans and grains combine excellently for a complete protein.
  • These foods taste wonderful, blend well in stews and casseroles, and are easy to season.
  • These items have an unique “lightness” to them and digest more easily than other “heavier” grains and beans.
  • Adults and children like them for any meal.
  • Most will sprout easily creating an expanded level of nutrition.
  • Their smaller size will store more compactly than larger items.
  • They are gluten free.
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