It's All About Water

It's All About Water

Did you know that you can only go without water for 3 days?

Did you know that about 70% of the Earth's surface is covered in water but that less than 1% can be consumed by humans?

Did you know that you should have at least 1 gallon of water stored per person, per day, for at least 2 weeks? And that's the bare minimum.

On September 18, 2003, Hurricane Isabel, paid us a visit and with her visit she took our electricity and along with it our ability to acquire fresh water from our faucets. We were left without electricity for an entire week, but thankfully knew others that had it, so off we went carrying containers to get fresh water for all of our needs. Let me tell you, that gets old real quick! After that I decided I would be more prepared. Now armed with an electric converter, a large 5 day cooler and several portable containers for water I felt more confident facing future storms.

Since then many storms have come our way, and with each one I find another shortcoming in my preparations in regards to having water. I have spent numerous hours researching products and techniques that would allow me to get water as needed for my family.

Have you considered what you would do if you didn't have access to clean water for you and your family to drink, cook with, or wash with? If you unexpectedly lost electricity today how much water do you have? Do you have enough to get you through at least 3 days? what about 5? what about 2 weeks? This is a scary and all too realistic scenerio to think about, but you should think about it and you should be prepared.

There are so many ways to store water, from store bought, to refilling containers, to buying WaterBobs for your bathtubs, etc... What if you run out sooner than expected or a crippling storm hits and you need water longer than 2 weeks, then what? Before that happens you need to start thinking long term...where to get water, how to purify water, etc... Do you know how to get water from your hot water heater? Do you know where you could go to get water? Do you know how to purify water?

Don't wait until it's too late. Start now and be prepared. Better to be prepared than to be without! Also being prepared causes less stress during a stressful situation.

Make a plan and put it into action.

Starting today work on building your 2 week supply of water for each person in your household, learn how to get water from your hot water heater, figure out where you can go to get water if you need to, learn to purify water in more ways than one, learn other storage methods for water,and learn how to get water from your well without electricity. Practice what you learn, write down instructions (no electricity means no computers/phones/tablets), and encourage others to do the same.

Congratulations to those who are already prepared! Why not share your tips and/or advice to help others just starting out on this adventure.

Frugal and Smart Ways to Save While Maintaining Your Automobile

Use baking soda on a damp rag to remove bugs and tar  from paint. grill and/or chrome trim.


Had a child in a car seat? Place an old towel, mat, tablecloth etc...under the car seat to catch spills before they get on seat.


If you have a favorite candle, take the leftover wax and put it in some cheesecloth or sock, tie a knot and put under the car seat for a nice car freshener.


Use clear plastic runners sold for the home for car mats. Just cut it to the size you need.


Use a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water with a toothbrush to remove spilled soda from your cars interior.


Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. This provides better gas mileage, longer life for your tires and better traction and control.


Do maintenance yourself. If you can't do this look for coupons to use at your local shops.


Homemade Windshield Washer Fluid - 1 tbsp liquid detergent, 3 cups rubbing alcohol, 1 gal water.Mix three cups of this solution in a gallon of water for the final product.


Try Lysol Basin Tub and Tile cleaner to clean whitewalls.


Wipe windshields and windows with straight white vinegar after you park in the evening on cold nights to help keep ice and frost down.


Use 70% isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) to remove pine sap from your car without damaging your finish.


Maintenance Check List
Air Filter- Check it every other month and replace if dirty.  Always replace this every 10,000 miles.
Antifreeze- Check the level monthly, and have the system flushed once a year.
Belts and Hoses- Check these on occasion, generally at oil change intervals.
Brake Fluid – Check the brake fluid at every oil change.  The fluid should be flushed and replaced every two years or 24,000 miles.
Power-Steering Fluid – Another item to check when changing the oil.  Be sure to inspect the pump and hoses for leaks, and always check this system before a long trip.
Transmission Fluid – Check along with the oil and replace once a year.

Always keep emergency supplies in your vehicle. Including but not limited to food, water, flashlight, first aid kit, blanket, salt (for winter), deicer, ice scraper, gloves, blanket, etc...