Like many here, I've been thinking a lot about what to buy and stock for a round or two of influenza pandemic.

This is the first in a series of shallow, to be fleshed out, reviews of what can be done to avoid the crowds and the panic.

There are just a few basic categories:

Household Items
Food Items
Medical Items
Life's Little Diversions and Entertainments
Personal Health & Safety Items
Drugs (yum)
Getting One's Life in Order...Exploring the Options... Looking Within

Please, please feel free to pick a topic and exhaust it with your own thinking.
Later, we can sort wheat from chaff.

Foooood Items:
Look at your options: SAFE storage area or storage areas. Temperature conditions. Ease of Accessibility. Items that can store at any room temperature, and items that require "cold" (aka electricity) or heat (electricity and or gas).
CATEGORY ONE: LIQUIDS
Item # 1: Water. Drinking....Rectangular 3 and 5 gallon, clear blue plastic bottles, specifically produced to store water, using a plastic that does not leach into the water contents. If you are considering a 50 gal drum, think again. They are NOT sterile. If you like your water to taste like chlorine, well that's your choice. The 3 & 5 gal, stackable water bottles will hold water, unopened for easily 1 year and possibly 2 years if you keep them cool and out of the sunlight. Type of water? That's your call, but the main type is bacteria free. Waterstore water runs through an ultraviolet filter as the last stage before coming out of the spout. That kills a bunch of the bad buggers.
Set up a personal program to rotate your water. First in First out, the rule from cost accounting 101. As you use water, you just place the "newest" bottles at the end of the line, and keep moving through the line. How much water? Well, that's personal. Figure an average of 3 gallons/liters per week per person, in water consumed. That's fair and generous. The rest is simple math. Cost? In the US, about 10 - 35 cents per gallon, plus the bottles at about USD $5 each. The bottles will last you a lifetime. Dispensers? Well again, it's all personal. The smaller the footprint, the more convenient it is to retain the water. The internet must be loaded with dispensers in every range and size. Mine's a crock that holds one 3 or 5 gal bottle upside down. I found that the 3 gal bottle is best for me; I can easily lift it and it has neat nipples and cavities, 4 to a side, that make stacking the water sideways very very easy.
Item #2: Juices. We need "salt" and electrolytes, especially if we get sick and become dehydrated. We also like "sweets". Many juices contain fruits and vegetables that are scrumptious-sounding...until you read the label on the container. Aha, what container? 1, 2, 3 G L A S S. Cans are nowadays treated with a plastic lining. And plastic containers are not meant to hold the liquid for eternity. For those who enjoy plastic, there're your two yummy sources. For those who enjoy the taste of the fruit or vegetable, well, there's always G L A S S. Juice drinks? Pshaw, overpriced sugar masquerading as an ersatz juice. It's one thing to drink that stuff now and then. It's another to choose to drink that when the exercise is survival in top physical health. Juice-drink imbibers, please stop reading here. Now, for the rest of us, let's scan the shelves in our mental grocery store.

Vegetable juices: There's a salt source in any of the many V-8 blends, if you like tomatoes and the greens that go with. Before charging into 4000 cases of V-8, buy one of each kind that doesn't have 87% of the daily sodium chloride requirement in one glassful, and that appeals to you. Your taste test will identify for you the juice you want. Do a simple, repeating calculation... How much do you think each person will drink over 3 months, assuming there are alternative things to drink? One glass every 3 days? The math answer for you is a plug figure. Most tomato juice is canned. As my favorite liquor store owner said to me when I asked which container was best for the beer I wanted, he too said GLASS bottles will store longer without degrading the food contents. There are other vegetable juices available also, again based on personal taste, to determine what you really will drink without gagging or forcing yourself or the others who'll be with you during this time. Bottom-line, watch out for liquid salt; the vendors want our money way too often and so they press their thumbs on the back end of the scale as we watch them weigh out the contents. No salt. You can always take your own dirt cheap box of salt and do the honors yourself.

Fruit Juices: It's always surprising how the pictures on the outsides of the bottles and the advertising art are so deceptive. Boy, they look so inviting, until you pop open the lid and pour a glassful at which time you wish the manufacturer was alongside you so you could react appropriately. This is all a matter of taste; and again, GLASS ONLY. Sure, the juice is much less expensive when not in glass, but this is not an exercise to train us to save a few dollars; it's frankly a matter of how we view the value of our own lives.
Don't forget that plastic will leach; so "x" out any further thought of plastic (yes I expect to hear from the plastic bottlers of the world, but those folks can write their own list of what they think you should buy.) There's a juice brand in the USA called Kedem. They make concord grape juice, and sell it in 22 oz bottles. It's wayyyy expensive and it's the true, old fashioned, delicious taste of what grape juice is supposed to taste like, deep, tangy, thick, and addictive. If you can afford that stuff (taking your case discounts), then you've found a source of both juice and food flavoring as you can pour it over grains and even over tofu. It's the one source serves all. There are "nectars" on the market. Long ago, they were thick and pulpy; now they're imitation and watery. I'm still looking for a great nectar. And the old stand-by, prune juice? Well that's a minefield. Firstly, you want to stand back from plastic bottles. Buy different brands and hunt for a prune juice that's not so darned watered down that the water is complaining because it's so lonely in the bottle. If you find one, post the brand name here.

...installment one stops here. more soon. everyone who'd like to add to this blogollection of things to have on hand, please do so.

This may not be exactly what you had in mind, but I'm going to throw it out anyway.
This isn't my "How to avoid it" or "How to survive in a collapsing society" but rather a "OK you got it anyway".
There are only 2 items that I know of that can help if the virus gets by all of your defenses and you come down with it.
Tamiflu and Sambucol Black Elderberry Extract.
I won't be able to get Tamiflu, but I can get Black Elderberry Extract.
I hate funerals.
I made a list of people whos funeral I would really hate to go to.
I am in the process of buying 2 bottles for every person on my list, as well as their spouses and kids.

What are the optimum storage conditions for Sambucol Black Elderberry Extract?


I'll write extensively about Tamiflu storage, later; the main things to know about Tamiflu are: if you have a prescription, to demand that your apothocary gets and issues you a package with the latest expiration date possible (anywhere between 3 and 5 years out; nothing less makes sense; the short expiration dates are for those who have the flu, now), and storage. This drug REQUIRES a narrow temperature range, and that does not include very cold or very hot. Ideally, it should park at one temperature and stay there. The US carton tells you the story. The Canadian carton is more vague.

The carton says to store in a cool dry place. I keep it in the basement. It's a dry basement. The expiration date on mine is May 07. That should cover it in my opinion.

What are the relative merits and associated problems with Relenza vs. Tamiflu? While Tamiflu can be used for prophylaxis some claim Relenza is more effective for treatment of infections in the respiratory tract. A professional opinion here would be much appreciated.

US sourced Tamiflu must be "weaker" than your sourced prescription.
The requirement in the US is 77 deg F / 25 deg C.
That is NOT cool. It is tepid, room temp.
On top of that, the USP spec's, referred to on the US carton, state clearly that any excursions away from this temp are to be BRIEF.
There's a pharmacist in the family. He says that the mfr has defined the temp because the drug will degrade when it goes outside the temp range; it's his opinion that if it says 77 / 25, then that's what the mfr believes is the ideal temp.
Everyone who holds this drug does so as a matter of life and death, and not because they expect to catch the California version of the virus. Thus, on this one topic, there are only arguments with the devil. It's preposterous to say that the holder of the Tamiflu knows what's best for the maintenance of the quality of that drug. There's only one answer... in the USA. Of course, if you're outside the USA, it's probable that the carton of Tamiflu says, store within a range of 15 C to 30 C.
Basements are great options...but 77 / 25 is not a typical basement temp.
There are solutions. As I said, I'll speak to these later.

Has anyone asked Sambucol's Israeli mfr at what temp range it must be stored?

Re Tamiflu, the ideal temp is 77 F / 25 C per carton.
The excursion range is 15 C - 30 C, around 59 F - 85 F; and again, the excursions are referred to in the USP literature as to be brief.
There is USP language that's more foregiving, as well, under this same "room temperature" storage requirement.
Again, everyone can drive this car the way they want. When I drive a car, I'm notorious for not obeying the driving reg's to the letter of the law. But when driving this car, I've set aside all my ego thoughts; the only empowerment I give myself when interacting with Tamiflu is by total respect and conformance to the storage directions on the carton.

For flu treatment alone, we stock a constant supply of Theraflu, Nyquil, colloidal silver, ibuprophine, frozen elderberries, blackberry brandy, caster oil, pepto bismol, and various assorted antibiotics (for secondary infections) to take as directed by competent medical personnel. Also we do have FLorinef (which helps the body retain salt and minerals) which could be used if dehydration occurs.

Hydration, we have gator aid, V8 juice, an ample supply of water, tea bags (herbal and regular), and jello (to which water and salt can be added) for a liquid drink.

For the household or other disinfectant: We keep bleach (regular and color safe), spray disinfectants, peroxide, alcohol, betadine, topical iodine (Lugals), extra sheets and blankets, extra towels, easy clothing, an extra bed, and plenty of soap.

Easy foods: We have a few TV dinners, cans of chicken noodle soup, cherrios (easy on the stomach when munched without anything else and as a snack - good vitamin content), various other canned soups, some candy, frozen and canned vegies. Other regular foods which require a little more preparation.

No doubt I've probably forgot something inportant.

suzy

Not to say a pandemic is imminent but things could be looking better. I've stocked up on the basics (masks, bleach, medicinal herbs, OTCs, hand sanitizers, etc.).

I more things on my list that I am steadily working through.

1. Pets: food, litter, heart/flea medication
2. Prescription drugs: been refilling as soon as possible, not when needed. The last place I'm going to want to be is in the pharmacy during a pandemic.
3. Need to write a Will. If worst comes to worst, no sense leaving loose ends.
4. At a certain point (not sure what it is yet) will transfer all investments to something less volatile (bonds?).
5. Making all regular doctor visits as due or a little early (dentist, gyno, etc.)
6. Something that hasn't been discussed much, and maybe for good reason: I've applied for a gun permit. Just as we cannot count on the government to help us medically in the event of a pandemic, I do not think we will be able to count on the police to protect us. Under trying circumstances people will do things they normally wouldn't.

I really hestitated to add #6, but I think it should be put out there or at least some kind of protection, whatever you are comfortable with. I will also buy a wrist rocket with ball bearings. Sounds silly, but the it can cause some serious damage and most importantly, from a distance.

Hopefully this is all for nothing, and I can feel sheepish in a few years. Until then I don't have to worry as much knowing certain things are taken care of.

I've been through a hurricane, and as soon as it is announced as a warning, the stores are swamped and not a supply to be found. Even then there was somewhat of a mob mentality and I would imagine during an outbreak it would be compounded exponentially.

The one area I am having trouble getting info on is cytokine storms. Not sure if anything can be done about it but extra info would be much appreciated.

One possible treatment I've found is Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook (thunder god vine, Lei Gong Teng). It's used a lot for arthritis, but is shown to inhibit T Cell production. It also can be very toxic if not used correctly.

If anyone can comment on the herb, more info on cytokine storms, or how to determine when it is occurring it would be much appreciated.

What I've read is pretty scientific and last time I checked there wasn't an MD or PhD after my name.....

__________________
“There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness. “Until the day when God will deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these two words,—‘Wait and hope.’”” The Count of Monte Cristo 

Foooods: Liquids - cont-

Milk: Some don't drink it. If a morning cereal is an important part of daily life, and milk is used, or if coffee or tea are part of the daily routine, there's an easily surmounted hurdle, lack of refrigeration for the amount of milk required for 3 + months. The solution is ultra-pasteurized milk. In the US, there's a manufacturer named Horizon. They produce one pint cartons of ultra pasteurized organic milk. This stuff ain't cheap. It comes in the following flavors: milk, vanilla, chocolate (and possibly low fat). If there are kids in the house, having cartons of chocolate milk may go a long way to take the frustration edge off from junior for a reasonable amount of time. Bribery at times of duress may be within the "rules". The flavor of this milk is nearly indistinguishable from fresh milk. If you're a milk drinker, life can continue without a scintilla of inconvenience regarding milk.

Alcoholic Beverages: As you wish, with one caveat. Lowering ones resistance, which is what I understand alcohol does, doesn't present itself as a very good idea. However, as with the chocolate milk, access for an adult to an entertainment, beer or wine or distilled spirits, may lift the spirits more than the amount of temporary suppression of the immune system. It's an individual call.

Other Liquid "Candies": Drinks like Starbucks coffees and others will serve in ways that are similar to alcoholic beverages. They're just diversions. Again, think of how much you and the "others" would consume over a 3 month period, remembering your larder will be stocked with water, juices, and possibly milk and alcoholic beverages.

Liquid Electrolytes will be covered under Medical Supplies.

Before leaving the topic of liquids, let me observe, yet again, being housebound all or most of each day is not even close to "abnormal". the psychological stress of being self-quarantined most or all of the time will turn into a profound personal challenge that quite a few of us are not able to endure. Liquid "Candies" may go a long way to help kick up some happy thoughts and feelings. They'll be cheap therapy if and when the time comes.

In a next email, I'll summarize a range of foods suitable for storage, and the reasons for and against them. (Yes, I'm sure everyone wants to get to the section on what to do if you're exposed and believe you're infected. That's a yes, that will be discussed, but not be me now.)

Everyone here who wants to discuss any aspect of Pandemic Preparation is encouraged and appreciated.

Regarding milk, we've found out it freezes very well in various containers (as long as there's a little expansion room at the top of the container). We usually have anywhere from 3-4 gallons (in smaller quart bottles) in the freezer at any given time. It thaws on the counter or micro easily. Eggs also freeze well - but won't do an easy over so well again - great for scrambled or cooking though. Same with butter - easily freezes.

Everybody probably already knows this but just for the refresher.....

suzy

I think you wrote this in reply to my message, but I'm not sure. In my post I quoted you asking about Sambucol storage conditions, but you also talked about Tamiflu. My response of "cool, dry place" and the expiration date of May 07 and my storing in the basement was about my Sambucol Black Elder Berry Extract.

One of the things almost no one thinks of is Potassium loss. It can take all your strength and make you feel much, much worse if you are deficient.

Recently, I had that nasty flu virus that was traveling around. I had no desire to eat and I know I barely drank enough fluids to make up for what I was losing.

So, I would take 1/2 tsp. of No Salt (which is potassium chloride) in a glass of water morning and night. I felt so much better by replenishing the potassium in my body.

There are 650 mg of potassium in 1/4 tsp. of No Salt. So I was getting 1300 mg. twice a day. This is not too much.

I suspect the loss of potassium is why so many die from the flu. It is absolutely essential to have potassium in your body if you want to survive.

I was told by my grandmother there were ways you could keep stuff could without power, i cant remember exactly how, but it should be possible.
A way to produce vitamins is to grow seeds like wheat. You can do it in any window with a bit of sun and takes just a few days. I would buy several types of seeds and learn the process before its needed.
This weekend I have been on a red cross exercise, we stayed outside without tents and used a storm kitchen for cooking. It works so well. Could it be used inside for cooking? If you have a fireplace maybe it would be a good idea to buy lots of wood and outdoor cooking gear for fireplaces.....

The only thing I have found that actually *cures* the flu is fresh-ground red cayenne pepper. Elderberry help alleviate flu symptoms and is a good preventative, but will not cure it.

Mix one heaping tablespoon full of cayenne into a glass of hot tap water and shoot it straight down. The flu will be gone within a couple hours. This works *every time*, without except, for me and everyone else I have gotten to try it.

You can find the best price on it in the bulk section of health food stores. Fred Meyer stores have it in their health food section in bulk as well. Look for the rack of big spice jars.

Another thing I have stocked up on that will be completely unavailable should a pandemic hit is medical gloves and masks. Here is a good source (a dental supply house):

https://www.pwexchange.com/exchange...58-DBDB2246D0B9

Hello to all and thank you for all the helpful information. This is my first post. I am new to this preparation endeavor and would appreciate direction to a source for the kind of water bottles recommended by GuadiaRay. So far, my searches have been unsuccessful.

Rectangular 3 and 5 gallon, clear blue plastic bottles, with cavities, 4 to a side, that make stacking the water sideways very very easy.

Thank you,
Perelandra

I would try camping shops. ex.:http://www.thecampingsuperstore.co....y.asp?catcode=8

More about Water Storage

(and welcome Perelandra and other newcomers )

This weekend a local PBS program interviewed a County Disaster Preparedness educator in my area.

She said an excellent water storage container is the common 2 litter plastic pop bottle. She said those containers can store water easily for a year, and in fact she has some stored water in those containers that has held up to annual testing for 15 years!

Two important caveats: rinse out the bottles with water only. NO soap. Soap can stick to the plastic and possibly feed bacteria. Also, she said it was important to fill the bottles right up to the top. No air, no bacteria.

It was recommended to NOT use plastic gallon milk or juice jugs since that plastic is not designed for long term storage and degrades.

Store bought water she said had a recommended shelf life of only 6 month. She cited the air trapped in the store bought containers as being problematic.

Thanks for that post, justathought. Never would have thought about the difference in containers like that, nor filling to the max with water to keep out the air. Excellent information!

John

Some good ideas can be found here:
http://standeyo.com/News_Files/LTAH_Water_Store3.html

__________________
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"For the greater good, in a time like this it is better to be constant, alarmist and informative than piecemeal, confusing and late."-by Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post 

I am pretty much doing what Mikalia is:

***Medications....stocking up on 6 months or more of prescription medications (and general medicine chest products).

***Tamiflu and Antibiotics....have bought both, though I am still uncertain about the effectiveness of Tamiflu on whatever the final strain of H5N1 might be. However, I think antibiotics are VERY IMPORTANT to both kill whatever "silent" infections your body may be working on, to give your immune system more capacity to fight the Flu, and to help prevent post Flu opportunistic infections while in a weakened state.

Several Bird Flu reports have indicated that one of the findings of Bird Flu infection is a low white blood cell count. I would surmise we want all available white blood cells to fight the Bird Flu virus rather than anything else. Amoxicillian (cheap generic) and Erythromycin (some say better for post flu infections, but may be more prone to side effects) are available on the internet without prescription at a number of Pet medication sale sites. Look under "Fish" antibiotics. Reportedly they are human antibiotics with a different label (a rose by any other name...).

***Power Outages....bought a two burner, sit on the counter, propane fueled camp stove this weekend for under $20.00 (at Wal Mart). Will give it to someone for camping if this blows over. In the meantime, if the power goes out, will have cooking capability. Also re-stocked batteries.

***Gasoline Storage....very Important. No Gas, No Go.

If vehicles are parked on the street and gas becomes truly scarce, syphoning thefts will become common in some areas. If gas production, refining, transportation, or distribution are interrupted, the only gas that can be counted on may be what is stored in the garage or house (though some may be able to securely store gasoline in a second vehicle gas tank, etc.). I bought two more 5 gallon gas cans (under $5.00 each) and a gas syphoning kit this weekend ($3.00).

A gasoline additive available from auto stores, Home Depot, etc., can extend the "storage life" of gasoline for a year or so I understand (next shopping trip).

***Non-Food Consumables ....are easy to stockpile since unlike some food items (bulk rice, pasta, beans, canned milk, etc.) they will be used and useful, Pandemic or Not. Things like Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Garage Bags, Baggies, Kleenex, Cat Litter, Dry Cat & Dog Food, Laundry Soap, Lysol Spray, Bleach, and so on.

***Miscellaneous Food....other than personal favorites, convenience food, and just-in-case foods like 25-50 pounds of rice, etc. (which I won't get until the last min.) might include: quick baking mixes like Bisquick, Scones, a variety of Pancake Batters (just add water), extra Jams, Jellies, Honey, and fun Flavored Syrups. There are also a wide variety of Hot Cereals to choose from ranging from Oatmeal to pure Wheat Germ. Cinnamon and Sugar/Brown Sugar and Molasses help make many things more palatable, as do Raisins, Nuts, and Chocolate Chips. Sugar will soon be on sale everywhere until after Christmas. Canned Milk is on sale now at Fred Myers until January (2 cans for a dollar).

The local Food Bank will be happy next year if all is well.

***Self Defense....guns, AMMUNITION, and target practice.

***Vaccinations....the pneumonia vaccine may be valuable for adults to get. Anyone over the age of 50 should have it anyway (and a booster if the vaccination is more than (8 years or so old). The Bird Flu apparently bypasses the normal respiratory infection route and goes straight to the lungs, quickly destroying tissue and causing pneumonia (and also attacks other important organs). The pneumonia vaccine does not protect against all strains of pneumonia causing bacteria, but it protects against many, and should reduce secondary infection risk.

The Common Flu Vaccine starting to be offered in the US. in community Flu Clinics at stores, pharmacies, Doctor's Offices, etc., will at the least help people discount "common flu" symptoms if a Pandemic strikes so Tamiflu, etc., is not wasted.

Someone mentioned that the current Flu vaccine "might" have some small effect against the Bird Flu. As has been previously reported, one of the three current flu strains included in the present Common Flu vaccination has an N1 component. From the CDC:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/weekl...4-05summary.htm

First Stop 6 Months out

My first stocking goal is 6 months. Then, depending on how things unfold, I may do another quick 6 months. After a year, even with huge dislocations, supply systems and essential services should start to recover. Vaccine will help, but most important will be the hard-won immunity of survivors.

Those Immune Survivors will be recruited to fill the holes in First Responders, medical care, government, and essential services. Immune volunteers will make all the difference.

I don't think "volunteers" will be the operative word.

This is probably better suited in the PREPS board, but my $0.02

Sue and I discussed this topic and we decided it needs to be moved to the Prep Room. I am doing so now.

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DILLIGAF?
 

Bird G., Thanks for the information. Helpful.

Everybody's Preps will tend to reflect their unique circumstances.

There are many differences between people in terms of environment, housing, climate, age, experience, household size, income and resources, mobility, prep comfort level, etc. There is no one-size-fits-all. The value of sharing our individual preparations and preparation schedules, is to stimulate food for thought, and information sharing.

You said,

There are no sources of ignition in my garage. None (except a light bulb).

Regardless, in a perfect world it would be nice to have a variety of other gasoline storage options, but many people do not/will not. "Needs Must" and each person will have to examine their own risk/reward situation.

This I don't understand.

It is estimated that approximately 50% of the population would not be infected in a pandemic. They would mostly not be immunes, just lucky or smart. Do you think someone is going to go around taking a census in the midst of what would be chaos and armed guards will crack whips and point guns at folks who survived infection to make them work??

The incentive system always works best. Some people who have had the Bird Flu and survived in a near normal condition, would volunteer in a Pandemic Crisis because they are needed. Some because they will be paid (just like Katrina and other disasters).

Vaccine supplies will slowly increase, and people will rebuild (it could just be really messy for a while if the promise of a high body count holds true).

Thanks for the water info. I've given up finding the clear blue rectangular bottles at a reasonable price. A local water store sells them (3 gallon) for 13.95 USD full of water. I bought some cases of bottled water in gallon bottles at Trader Joe's today...artesian water from New Zealand at $11.16 a case and will keep adding to it.

My wife, who has associated with Mormons before remembered they are big on preparing for emergencies - they have a site with a "food calculator"

http://lds.about.com/library/bl/faq/blcalculator.htm

this calculator is at - http://lds.about.com/od/preparednessfoodstorage/

I have stocked up on paper plates, cups, bowls and eating utensils, just in case i don't want to use water for washing or illness. Cheap Plastic flip-flops to go to and from the garage with and disinfect after use. Sterno to put over an inverted large coffee can for warming things that are pre cooked,(be sure to cut an opening in the side for air and use elevated from counter) or a cold cup of coffee. Rodent poison for those who want to share my food or house. Tube breads for the fridge because they will last longer than the loaves and can be used for other things. Trying to see what other things i use or do each day that could cause a problem.

Jam, what are tube breads? I'm guessing that you are talking about those pop-open tubes of ready made dough like Pillsbury makes for biscuits and rolls. Am I close?

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DILLIGAF?
 

Clickin' on 3 for MY family size, I see 900 lbs. of grains, 180 lbs of dried legumes, dry milk, powdered fruit drinks, and only 42 gallons of water. Dried beans use a LOT of water and many rices are 1-1 cup rice/cup water. Pasta water requirements are even greater than rice, IMO.

It's just not this simple, IMO. Even their OTHER "requirements" are based on how THEY cook things AND what THEY'VE traditionally eaten.

Ought Six..."The only thing I have found that actually *cures* the flu is fresh-ground red cayenne pepper. Elderberry help alleviate flu symptoms and is a good preventative, but will not cure it.

Mix one heaping tablespoon full of cayenne into a glass of hot tap water and shoot it straight down."

What degree of heat for the cayenne did you use? I once used the hottest and thought my insides were on fire for over an hour.

Moggy

Lib, yes, they can be rolled out and used for pies, sandwiches, pigs in a blanket, fry bread, and pasties. Probably more too.

Power, water, food, tools, community.

That about sums it up for me.

Oh, let me add vodka to that list



nanna

__________________
yaireva patanaM dravyaiH siddhistaireva choditA .
shrI kauladarshane chApi bhairaveNa mahAtmanA .

It is revealed in the sacred doctrine of Kula and by the great Bhairava, that the perfection is achieved by that very means by which fall occurs. 

My boss, kind of a warped guy, which makes work fun shared this piece of advise for prepping

Have a gun...Know where the Mormons live.

Tongue in cheek folks.

Most Mormons I know, family included, will damn sure shoot back. But it was funny in the moment. Always include a sense of humor on your prep list!

__________________
"When the enemy is in range, so are you!" - Murphy
كافر & Proud 

Hi Boots. My thing with the Morman calculator is that it's based on buying lots of grain. Unless you are willing to buy a grain mill and mill it yourself I wouldn't do it. It does give me a pretty good idea of how much I might need for my family of 4 though.
I already have 8 months worth of food and only a few weeks of water. Will be working on the water now that our Government leaders are suggesting we store water to.
I plan meals that take a minimum amout of power or are easy for anyone in the family to fix. I've written this down in a notebook along with other nessesary information so that some calmness might prevail if one or more of us get sick or GFB die.
As to accumulating food storage, always expensive, I try to buy at least 1 extra complete meal every time I go shopping. TP and other paper products are and will always be needed so I buy extra of this to. And I try, if I have the $$$, something to put in the desaster box. It's really a box of fun, silly, break the _____ (terror, bordom, darkness, ......) box. Hope this helps

Hey Glockd1,
I'm a Morman, Not a very gooood Morman, but a Morman. All the Mormans I know will open the door and share. Don't have to shoot us. We're sharers.



Live Like You Mean It

Probably should have put a disclaimer at the bottom.

If you had 3 people in a hot climate - would think they would drink a liter a day per person. About 4 liters is a gallon - say a gallon a day = 365 gallons a year.

Maybe I missed a space in the table for beer.

B

Hey, that's ok Boots
In case of emergency come to my house. Wa. Stat has lots of H2O.


Live Like You Mean It

Just sayin'.

[QUOTE=suzy]For flu treatment alone, we stock a constant supply of Theraflu, Nyquil, colloidal silver, ibuprophine, frozen elderberries, blackberry brandy, caster oil, pepto bismol, and various assorted antibiotics (for secondary infections) to take as directed by competent medical personnel. Also we do have FLorinef (which helps the body retain salt and minerals) which could be used if dehydration occurs.

Some of these sound pretty creepy - like masking signs of an infection, etc. From: http://home.intekom.com/pharm/bm_squib/florinef.html

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION
Although the physiological action of fludrocortisone is similar in kind to that of hydrocortisone, its effects, particularly on electrolyte balance, and also on carbohydrate metabolism are considerably heightened and prolonged.
Since fludrocortisone acetate exerts so profound a mineralocorticoid effect, its usefulness is limited to clinical applications which utilise this effect, and it should not be used as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of such cortisone-responsive diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, certain allergies and dermatoses.
Small oral doses of fludrocortisone acetate produce marked sodium retention and increased urinary potassium excretion. Fludrocortisone acetate also causes a rise in blood pressure, apparently because of these effects on electrolyte levels. In larger doses, the steroid inhibits endogenous adrenal cortical secretion, thymic activity, and pituitary corticotrophin secretion; promotes the deposition of liver glycogen; and, unless protein intake is adequate, induces negative nitrogen balance.
The approximate half-life of fludrocortisone is 18 to 36 hours. It is highly protein bound and is eliminated by the kidneys, mostly as inactive metabolites. Duration of action is 1 to 2 days.

INDICATIONS
In frank adrenal insufficiency, such as Addison’s disease, the combination of fludrocortisone acetate with a glucocorticoid such as hydrocortisone or cortisone provides substitution therapy approximating normal adrenal activity with minimal risks of unwanted effects. To achieve the same optimal electrolyte and gluconeogenic effects with a glucocorticoid alone would require the use of doses high enough to produce serious undesirable steroid effects; by combining both types of steroid, the dosage of each may be reduced to well below hazardous levels.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Those conditions which are usually considered absolute contraindications to the use of corticosteroids are tuberculosis, acute psychosis, and ocular herpes simplex; relative contra-indications include active peptic ulcer, acute glomerulonephritis, fungal diseases, vaccinia, and varicella. When fludrocortisone acetate is indicated in the presence of any of these conditions, the need for the steroid must be thoroughly weighed against its possible harm.
FLORINEF is contra-indicated in patients with suspected or known hypersensitivity to fludrocortisone or any of the inactive ingredients.
FLORINEF should not be used in patients with uncontrolled congestive heart failure.
Use in pregnancy and nursing
Many corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals at low doses.
Since adequate human reproduction studies have not been done with corticosteroids, the use of fludrocortisone in pregnancy, nursing mothers, or women of child-bearing potential is not recommended.

WARNINGS
Because of its marked effect on sodium retention, the use of fludrocortisone acetate in the treatment of conditions other than those indicated herein is not advised.
Fludrocortisone increases calcium excretion, which may predispose to osteoporosis or aggravate preexisting osteoporosis.
Fludrocortisone may mask some signs of infection, and new infections may appear during its use. There may be decreased resistance and inability to localize infection when fludrocortisone is used. Chicken pox, measles, herpes zoster, or threadworm infestations, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in non-immune children or adults on fludrocortisone.
Patients should not be vaccinated or immunized while on fludrocortisone therapy, especially on high doses, because of a lack of antibody response predisposing to medical complications, particularly neurological ones.
The use of fludrocortisone acetate tablets in patients with active tuberculosis should be restricted to cases on fulminating or disseminated tuberculosis in which fludrocortisone is used for the management of the disease in conjunction with an appropriate antituberculous regimen.
Chemoprophylaxis should be used in patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity who are taking fludrocortisone.
Prolonged use of fludrocortisone may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts or glaucoma, with possible damage to the optic nerve. Prolonged use may also enhance the likelihood of secondary ocular infections.

DOSAGE AND DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Addison’s Disease
The usual dose is 0,1 mg daily, although dosage ranging from 0,1 mg 3 times a week to 0,2 mg daily has been employed. In hypertensive patients the recommended dose is 0,05 mg daily. Fludrocortisone acetate is preferably administered in conjunction with cortisone (6,25 mg to 25 mg daily in divided doses) or hydrocortisone (5 mg to 20 mg daily in divided doses).
Dosage depends on the severity of the disease and the response of the patient. The lowest possible dose should be used to control the condition being treated and a reduction in dosage should be made (gradually) when possible.

SIDE EFFECTS AND SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Side effects include Cushingoid changes such as facial rounding, buffalo hump or other signs of fat deposition; subcutaneous fat atrophy; weakness or wasting of skeletal muscle; osteoporosis; spontaneous fractures; aseptic necrosis of the hip; necrotising angiitis; bruising or purpura; thrombophlebitis; masking of infections; activation or aggravation of peptic ulcer or other, more minor gastrointestinal difficulties; activation of latent diabetes or aggravation of existing diabetes; menstrual disturbances; hirsutism; acneiform eruptions; vertigo; headache; or severe mental disturbances. Increased intracranial pressure, increased intraocular pressure, papilloedema, and posterior subcapsular cataracts have also been reported with corticosteroid administration. Anorexia, convulsions, diarrhoea, myasthenia, overdose, syncope, taste perversion and hallucinations have been reported.
Since fludrocortisone acetate is a potent mineralocorticoid, most adverse reactions to FLORINEF are caused by this activity and include hypertension, oedema, cardiac enlargement, congestive heart failure, potassium loss and hypokalaemic alkalosis.
Both the dosage and the salt intake should therefore be carefully monitored in order to avoid the development of hypertension, oedema, or weight gain. Periodic checking of serum electrolyte levels is advisable during prolonged therapy; supplemental potassium chloride administration may be needed.
Adverse reactions to fludrocortisone may be produced by too rapid withdrawal or by continued use of large doses.
To avoid adrenal insufficiency, supportive dosage may be required in times of stress (such as trauma, surgery, or severe illness) both during treatment with fludrocortisone acetate and for a year afterwards.
The use of steroids during pregnancy, particularly the first trimester, calls for extreme caution, and infants whose mothers have been receiving fludrocortisone acetate should be examined carefully at birth for signs of hypoadrenalism. The growth suppressing effects of steroids should be borne in mind when they are administered to the paediatric age group.
The anti-inflammatory effect of corticosteroids may mask symptoms of infection and permit the spread of an invading organism. If an infection occurs during fludrocortisone acetate therapy, it should be promptly controlled by suitable antimicrobial therapy.
There is an enhanced corticosteroid effect in patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis.
Fludrocortisone should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex because of possible corneal perforation.
Psychiatric disturbances may appear with fludrocortisone use. These can include insomnia, depression (sometimes severe) euphoria, mood swings, psychotic symptoms and personality changes. Preexisting emotional instability or psychosis may also be aggravated by fludrocortisone. The use of antidepressant medication does not relieve and may exacerbate andrenocorticoid-induced mental disturbances.
Fludrocortisone should be used with caution in patients with the following conditions: nonspecific ulcerative colitis (if there is a probability of perforation, abscess, or other pyogenic infection); diverticulitis; recent intestinal anastomoses; active or latent peptic ulcer, renal insufficiency; acute glomulonephritis, chronic nephritis, hypertension; congestive heart failure; thrombophlebitis; thromboembolism; osteoporosis; exanthema; Cushing's syndrome; diabetes mellitus; convulsive disorders; metastatic carcinoma; and myasthenia gravis. Further, corticosteroid therapy has caused menstrual irregularities and hyperacidity or peptic ulcer. An adequate protein intake is advised for patients on long-term use to counteract any tendency to weight loss or muscle wasting/weakness associated with negative nitrogen balance.
INTERACTIONS
When administered concurrently, the following medicines may interact with adrenal corticosteroids:
Amphotericin B or potassium-depleting diuretics: (benzothiadiazines and related medicines, ethacrynic acid and furosemide): Enhanced hypokalemia. Potassium levels should be checked at frequent intervals and potassium supplements used if necessary (see WARNINGS).
Anticholinesterases: Effects of the anticholinesterase agent may be antagonized.
Anticoagulants, oral: Corticosteroids may potentiate or decrease anticoagulant action. Patients receiving oral anticoagulants and corticosteroids should therefore be closely monitored.
Antidiabetics (oral agents and insulin): Diminished antidiabetic effect. Patient should be monitored for symptoms of hyperglycemia; dosage of antidiabetic medication should be adjusted if necessary.
Antitubercular medicine: Isoniazid serum concentrations may be decreased in some patients.
Cyclosporine: Increased activity of both cyclosporine and fludrocortisone may occur when the two are used concurrently.
Digitalis glycosides: Enhanced possibility of arrhythmias or digitalis toxicity associated with hypokalemia. Potassium levels should be monitored and potassium supplements used if necessary.
Estrogens, including oral contraceptives: Fludrocortisone half-life and concentration may be increased and clearance decreased. A reduction in fludrocortisone dosage may be required when estrogen therapy is initiated, and an increase required when estrogen is stopped.
Hepatic Enzyme Inducers (eg, barbiturates, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin): Increased metabolic clearance of fludrocortisone. Patients should be observed for possible diminished effect of steroid, and the dosage of FLORINEF should be adjusted accordingly.
Human growth hormone (eg somatrem): The growth promoting effect of somatrem may be inhibited.
Ketoconazole: Fludrocortisone clearance may be decreased, resulting in increased therapeutic effect.
Nondepolarising muscle relaxants: Fludrocortisone may decrease or enhance the neuromuscular blocking action.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs): Increase ulcerogenic effect; decreased pharmacologic effect of aspirin. Conversely, salicylate toxicity may occur in patients who discontinue steroids with concurrent high-dose aspirin therapy. Fludrocortisone should be used cautiously in conjunction with aspirin in patients with hypoprothrombinemia.
Thyroid medicine: Metabolic clearance of fludrocortisone is decreased in hypothyroid patients and increased in hyperthyroid patients . Changes in thyroid status of the patient may necessitate adjustment in fludrocortisone dosage.
Vaccines: Neurological complications and lack of antibody response may occur when patients taking fludrocortisone are vaccinated (see WARNINGS).
LABORATORY TEST INTERACTIONS
Fludrocortisone may affect the nitroblue tetrazolium test for bacterial infection, producing false-negative results.
PAEDIATRIC USE
Because corticosteroids can suppress growth, the growth and development of infants, children and adolescents on prolonged corticosteroid therapy should be carefully monitored. Caution should be used in the event of chicken pox, measles or other communicable diseases. Children should not be vaccinated while on therapy with FLORINEF (see WARNINGS). Corticosteroids may also affect endogenous steroid production.
GERIATRIC USE
The adverse effects of systemic corticosteroids, such as osteoporosis or hypertension, may be associated with more serious consequences in the elderly. Close clinical supervision is therefore recommended.

KNOWN SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSAGE AND PARTICULARS OF ITS TREATMENT
Treatment of overdosage should be symptomatic and supportive.
Chronic overdosage:
Development of hypertension, oedema, hypokalemia, significant increase in weight, and increase in heart size may be signs of excessive dosage of FLORINEF. When these are noted, administration of FLORINEF should be discontinued, after which the symptoms will usually subside within several days; subsequent treatment with FLORINEF, if necessary, should be resumed at a reduced dose. Muscle weakness due to excessive potassium loss may develop and can be treated with potassium supplements. Monitoring of blood pressure and serum electrolytes can reduce the likelihood of consequences of excessive dosage (see WARNINGS).
Acute overdosage:
For large, acute overdoses, treatment includes gastric lavage or emesis and usual supportive measures.