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Is Your House Ready For Anything? Written by: Kimberly Shavatt If you were stuck in your home due to a snow storm, ice storm, or worse a biological or chemical attack - how long would you be able to survive without going out to a grocery store? Do you have a pantry full of supplies? Do you think it needs to cost a small fortune to fill a pantry? Well, think again! Here are a couple tips to help you find the space for a pantry and fill it inexpensively. Location, Location, Location Think you don't have any space available? Consider clearing a shelf or part of a shelf in a closet. Perhaps in a guest bedroom. Another option is purchasing a storage tote and store it in your garage, attic or any place it will fit. If you are seriously low on available space find a box that will fit under your bed. There are even risers available to make your bed higher off the floor, so that a box or under-the-bed storage container will fit. What to Stock Up On It's important to consider what you actually put in your pantry. Some suggestions are: canned or packed meats (tuna, chicken, salmon, etc.), canned veggies and fruits (corn, beans, pears, peaches, etc.), soups bottled water - the government recommends at least a 3 day supply (1 gallon per person per day) manual can opener battery powered radio or television diapers and wipes (for young children and just wiping up) alternative heat source (in case electricity goes out) alternative cooking source - a grill, camping stove, etc. (again in case electricity goes out) Find Supplies Inexpensively First let me point out - you don't need to buy everything all at once. This is especially true if you're on a tight budget. Try to purchase a little bit here and there as your finances allow. Start shopping at your local dollar store. I've been able to find an enamel cup, a Swiss army knife, batteries, candles, solar blanket and more. You can also find tools and kitchen items like a manual can opener. Next, search for items at your local grocery store. Check out the sale papers - some stores offer 10 for $10 sales. This is a great place to stock up on can goods, tuna, peanut butter, and the like. One obvious place to check out is your local discount store such as Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart to find camping supplies (in case your power goes out), oil lanterns, flashlights, etc. Don't forget to look in the clearance sections for great deals. However, the absolute best place to find something for your pantry is on Freecycle.org. You never know when someone is giving away something you actually need and can use. By using a couple dollars a paycheck you can easily stock up your pantry in no time. Think about all those people who tried to live through Hurricane Katrina with very little food and water for days. It could be your family or mine next time. "Better to be safe than sorry!" It's better to be prepared and nothing happens, than to be totally unprepared. About the Author: Kimberly Shavatt provides helpful hints, tips, articles and resources on family and home-based work issues. Anything a mom at home may need help with. Find lots of useful resources http://www.HelpingMomsAtHome.com.

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© 2010 Kimberly Shavatt