Sam found this video that she thought we should share with our readers. Along with a well-stocked food pantry, ready go-bags, first-aid kits, and such, this video discusses Important Papers you may need. Whether it’s a hurricane, fire, or another disaster, there are some very important papers you might need to have to restore your lives. Personal IDs, birth certificates, passports, tax info, SS and/or medical cards and information, and even such things as home titles. and insurances are all items that will make recovery after a disaster easier.
WAYS to SAVE Your Important Papers
The video mentions saving electronic copies (scan those that are not in electronic form). They also suggest creating duplicate copies and storing them in another location.
A few thoughts/concerns:
If you store it on your computer, you better plan to grab it when you need to leave your home or business.
Better yet, save them in online storage, such as Google docs or Drive, DropBox, etc.
You could save them on a USB drive (thumb drive) and easily take them with you.
If you store electronically, don’t forget to have passwords easily available. Of course, using a site like RoboForm, Last Pass, etc would be very helpful because you’ll only need to remember one password (the one for your password manager program).
You could also take photos on your phone, though this could be less secure.
Remember, you don’t want to be worrying about this as you’re rushing to leave your home or business. And it will be too late to gather it in a crisis. So think about this now! Fireproof safes are another option but sometimes aren’t easily retrieved after a disaster.
Clickthis page on their website for some IRS guidance for papers you may need as a family and/or a business.
As always, you are encouraged to make a plan. Don’t forget to keep those documents updated. It’s a bit of a chore now, but will save a lot of headaches should you be in a position to need them!
REMEMBER: When you’re prepared, you have less fear and are able to take action!
No matter what you call it, or how you feel about it, being prepared feels GREAT! As we discuss in our Sunday Snacks today, prices fluctuating, news that can’t help but put us on edge, supply chain issues still occurring with no real end in sight, and so much more, Sam and Ellie share their philosophies about preparedness!
We’re not talking about long-term storage as much as 3 months, 6 months, or up to a year. For instance, if you’d begun adding to your pantry last fall and through the winter, the savings on those items, if you had to purchase them today, would most certainly help your budget.
We’ve discussed in other posts how to get started. You can visit our blog page for more information. You can also join our email list and receive a pdf with tips and lists to start your 30-day food supply.
If you like to read the transcript of the video below,CLICK HERE.
Key Tips for Why Preparedness Can Be Satisfying
No panic.
When you see a store with empty shelves, especially items that you use regularly, you’ll be prepared. Always purchase a few items to keep in your pantry staples.
Less worry.
Price fluctuations won’t be so worrying, especially if you were smart enough to purchase ahead when prices were less expensive.
Calm.
When you know you can care for yourself and/or your family, the latest headlines won’t feel so frightening.
Family action.
When the family works together to be prepared, there’s a sense of “We’ve got this” rather than fear.
Sense of community.
If you have an elderly or needy neighbor, you may be able to help.Note of caution: do NOT broadcast about your food storage. Just know you can quietly help if you so choose.
In the video, Sam shares how pleasantly surprised she was to learn that her kids are much more aware and knowledgeable about being prepared than she realized. In recent storms, her daughter did an amazing job of taking leadership at their Scout Camp. And her son takes personal responsibility in noticing and noting on the grocery list when they need to add items to their storage. If you think about it in the same way you would plan for a trip, you’ll soon discover that it’s not as difficult as you might have feared.
It’s never too late to start. Add an extra item or two with each shopping trip. Think about items you use every day and figure out ways to add an extra for your pantry storage.
Find ways to add calm and a sense of satisfaction by being prepared.
One other thought: knowing you have a little extra means that you can quietly help a neighbor or family member through tough times. For instance, if a couple of elderly friends are having a tough time, knowing that you have a couple of cans of food that you can share, or even a prepared meal that you can walk over to them, is worth way more than the price of the food.
We’re here to help. Have a specific question? Give us a shout. Send us a message on FB if you like. But get started!
NOTE: If you enjoy our life hacks and simple common-sense approaches to sustainability and everyday life, please spread the word. Visit and like our youtube channel and our Facebook page. Sign up for our newsletter – the form’s on the HOME page. Share your thoughts with us on youtube or FB. And, please, share us with your friends. Here’s to your peace of mind because you’re prepared!
Between us, we have over 100 years of experience, and Sam’s only 40!
If you enjoy our life hacks and simple common-sense approaches to
sustainability and everyday life, please spread the word.
We want to discuss something that might irk a few of you. We hope not. But today we were chatting and realized that …
… ‘folks just don’t read.’
The discussion started when Ellie noticed how many folks on social media will be looking at an image, but instead of clicking on it to see the entire thing, they’ll simply comment “What date is it?” or “Where is this?” In this case, it was a poster for an event that unless you clicked to enlarge it, you couldn’t see all of it. If they don’t click on a pic, do they bother to click on a link, visit a website, actively research, etc? With so much info available at our fingertips (or even just talking into our phones), the huge majority of people will instead ‘just ask,’ never check a website, or even go to a favorite’s page.
When we get that lazy, we’re in BIG trouble. We love to share tidbits of info, ‘quickie lists,’ helpful guides and videos. But if you want to be truly successful, you must research what you need to do for your family and your situation. Reading, researching, and practicing will put you way ahead of the rest of your neighbors.
While watching the video, you can read the transcript by CLICKING HERE.
On top of reading and research, you must also ‘practice.’
We encourage you to include the entire family in the planning and the practice.
Following the recent fast and furious storm, broken pole with telephone, electric, and maybe even cable wires attached!
Small Practice Sessions
Just this past week our area was hit by a fast-moving storm that took out trees, some crashing on cars and houses, and, of course, the power was out. Some areas had it restored in 5-6 hours, while others have waited a couple of days.
I (Ellie) realized that this event was a perfect time to figure out what I had AND what I knew how to use. It also showed me where I wasn’t prepared or had no plan of action.
It was also a small example of what happens when our society feels inconvenienced – even when it’s Mother Nature! I saw a post where someone commented that they’d just arrived home from work and wanted to know “what restaurants were open!!!” No power – restaurants don’t fare well either!
Anyway, reading, learning, and practicing are KEY to your preparedness. Practice so that everyone’s comfortable and knows what to do.
These ‘inconvenient’ moments are a perfect opportunity to practice. If you found a hole in your preparedness, give each family member something to research. Then come back together and make a plan.
Read – Research – Plan – Pratice
You’ve got this. Sam and I believe in you. Start small and with each step you’ll become more proficient. You can do this! Think a weekend of ‘inconvenience.’ Then work toward 30-days! You’ll be surprised how easy it can be – one step at a time!
See you next Sunday Snacks with Sam and Ellie!
NOTE: If you enjoy our life hacks and simple common-sense approaches to sustainability and everyday life, please spread the word. Visit and like our youtube channel and our Facebook page. Sign up for our newsletter – the form’s on the HOME page. Share your thoughts with us on youtube or FB. And, please, share us with your friends. Here’s to your peace of mind because you’re prepared!
Between us, we have over 100 years of experience, and Sam’s only 40!
If you enjoy our life hacks and simple common-sense approaches to
sustainability and everyday life, please spread the word.
It’s storming outside. The electric has gone out. There has been area flooding. Your water system is either not working properly or the water is contaminated. What do you do while you wait for the storm to end and the flood waters to recede? Even if the water is available soon, it most likely won’t be safe to drink right away.
ARE YOU PREPARED?
In today’s Sunday Snacks with Sam and Ellie, we share our personal thoughts and suggestions. We don’t have all the answers. We’re working on these solutions ourselves. But we’d like to offer some tips and ideas to get you thinking about your own situation. Our goal? To keep you and your family prepared for just such emergencies.
In our video we share some of the following:
Your hot water tank has potable (drinkable) water. It’s the same water that goes to your kitchen sink (and bathroom, etc)
Products such as LifeStraws™ can help you if you have contaminated water or live near a stream that you can use
If you’re in an area that floods a good deal, there is a bladder (plastic bag) that fits a bathtub. You can fill this with water to use in an emergency.
You can also use household bleach (unscented) to sanitize your water.
Interestingly, if you’ve started your 30-day food supply, the liquid in canned fruits and vegetables can also quench your thirst or be used in preparing meals.
And don’t forget your pets … they’ll need water, too!
PLEASE NOTE: Ellie incorrectly makes a comment about using bleach for sanitizing water. CLICK HEREfor the link to the EPA that explains the amount and use of chlorine bleach to correctly sanitize your water.
CLICK HERE to read the transcript while listening to the tape.
Preparation IS Security
We are sharing our tips and ideas – not to frighten you – but to encourage you to consider your own location and situation and to prepare accordingly.
You know we love to hear from you – your ideas, tips, and yes, even your questions.
In the meantime, think ahead and be safe!
NOTE: If you enjoy our life hacks and simple common-sense approaches to sustainability and everyday life, please spread the word. Visit and like our youtube channel and our Facebook page. Sign up for our newsletter – the form’s on the HOME page. Share your thoughts with us on youtube or FB. And, please, share us with your friends. Here’s to your peace of mind because you’re prepared!
Between us, we have over 100 years of experience, and Sam’s only 40!
If you enjoy our life hacks and simple common-sense approaches to
sustainability and everyday life, please spread the word.
Our children turn 18 and the expectation is that they are now ADULTS! Does it happen on their birthday? Of course not, we have to prepare them for the new adventure and journey of entering the adult world. If we’re unhappy that our children seem unprepared, what can we do?
Join Sam and Ellie during Sunday Snacks as they tackle the idea that “18 is NOT a magical number.”
You can follow the transcript by CLICKING HERE while listening to the video.
Our schools don’t teach Home Ec or Woodshop as requirements anymore. And in many homes, mom and dad ‘just do it’ because it’s easier than fighting with the kids.
But that does nothing to prepare our kids to enter the adult world! What can we do to help them out? And no – it’s not better to do it for them!
5 core elements:
Budgeting
Laundry
Cooking
Keeping a tidy home
Maintaining a kempt appearance
In no way, is this list complete. But it is a beginning. Listen in on our discussion. Then let us know what you think.
NOTE: If you enjoy our life hacks and simple common-sense approaches to sustainability and everyday life, please spread the word. Visit and like our youtube channel and our Facebook page. Sign up for our newsletter – the form’s on the HOME page. Share your thoughts with us on youtube or FB. And, please, share us with your friends. Here’s to your peace of mind because you’re prepared!
Between us, we have over 100-years of experience, and Sam’s only 40!
If you enjoy our life hacks and simple common-sense approaches to
sustainability and everyday life, please spread the word.
Welcome to our Sunday Snacks with Sam and Ellie!Today, Sam is wondering if sustainability, which includes her efforts to store a minimum of 30-day supply of food for her family of 4, works with Minimalism. If you follow our conversation, you’ll realize that these two concepts are NOT mutually exclusive. Sam in her 3 bedroom house and Ellie in her 400 sq ft apartment share their ideas. Sam’s ‘hot disaster’ description of her trying to minimalize is given some ‘breathing space.’
At the same time, we also share that maybe the ‘beautiful photos’ of minimalist rooms and as Sam says, “Marie Kondo’s vision of organize and keep only what ‘brings you joy’!” are just that – images. Join us as we tackle these concepts and help Sam see her ‘hot disaster’ as a lot ‘cooler’ than she realizes!
Enjoy this video and let us know if, and how, you make it work. CLICK HEREto read the transcript while you listen.
Sam mentions our friend, Mary Ratzesberger, and her business – organization! Do visit your website and FB page.
Mary’s “WHY”
The practice of helping others eliminate clutter and create streamlined and calm physical surroundings brings me joy! I am committed to reaching my client’s organizing and simplifying goals.
If she’s not close enough to work with, her website gives some great steps to working on it yourself.
NOTE: If you enjoy our life hacks and simple common-sense approaches to sustainability and everyday life, please spread the word. Visit and like our youtube channel and our Facebook page. Sign up for our newsletter – the form’s on the HOME page. Share your thoughts with us on youtube or FB. And share us with your friends. Here’s to your peace of mind because you’re prepared!
Between us, we have over 100-years of experience, and Sam’s only 40!
If you enjoy our life hacks and simple common-sense approaches to
sustainability and everyday life, please spread the word.
IRS Suggestions for Disaster Preparation
No matter what you call it, or how you feel about it, being prepared feels GREAT! As we discuss in our Sunday Snacks today, prices fluctuating, news that can’t help but put us on edge, supply chain issues still occurring with no real end in sight, and so much more, Sam and Ellie share their philosophies about preparedness!
