A Beginner’s Guide to Clearing Land Timeframes to complete this project have everything to do with making sure you have all your tools and materials first and at the ready. These are estimated timeframes: Prepper: Weeks to Months Preppy: Many Months to Years Skill Level: 4 out of 5 (some shovel digging & rock hauling; Heavy equipment operation, drainage/run-off design, Hauling debris, harvesting trees, Fencing, Animal care, Permitting, Knowing where to dig. Need to eat lots of Wheaties every morning to get the muscle power you will need.) WARNING: Clearing land is not for the faint of heart or the lazy. It requires much work and if it isn’t done right, you can permanently damage the landscape, and incur extensive penalties from your county or state, or EPA.

Step 1: Assess the Land You never want to just grab tools and start without first evaluating the area. There are many factors that influence the approach you should take to clearing land. Some questions to ask yourself include: • What do I want to do with this land? • Are there any pieces of vegetation, such as trees, that I want to keep? • How big are the trees and shrubs? Do they any have deep roots? Will I need to remove the stumps? • Are there any structures on the property? • What is the quality of the soil? Do I need to remove rocks? Once you have a strong idea of what should be removed, determine what tools you need to carry out this project. If you are unsure about what equipment will be necessary for a specific growth or structure, seek advice from a trusted friend or neighbor. Sometimes a worker at a home improvement store can also help you identify which tools are required to clear the land. Step 2: Create a Budget and a Plan Once you have a strong assessment of the land, you will then need to establish a budget for the project. This will help in making a plan to clear the land. Some tasks will require larger, more expensive tools. If you need to remove difficult objects such as a stump or structure, you may also need to rent a bulldozer. Be sure there is room in your budget for the rental of any equipment, if necessary. For larger trees, you will likely need to request a quote from a tree removal service. It is always a good idea to compare quotes from several companies before making a final decision. With an established budget and understanding of the cost of your project, you can then move forward with creating a plan for how long it will take and the order in which you will complete the tasks. Before you do any work on your property that might involve digging, make sure to call Ms. Utility for your area to have them mark where it’s safe to dig. Usually dialing 811 will get you to the correct people. In NY you can also check here: https://udigny.org/ Here is a general outline to follow when clearing land: 1. Remove structures such as buildings, sheds, chicken coops, barns, or fences if possible 2. Cut down unnecessary trees 3. Clear large rocks 4. Dig up tree stumps 5. Clear any brush or weeds 6. Level the land 7. Plow the soil Not every step will be necessary for all land clearing projects. The outline is to assist you in developing your individualized strategy. Step 3: Check for Any Necessary Permits To ensure no permits are necessary for your land clearing project, you will need to contact your local government. This step is especially important for larger projects. There may be regulations on how to remove trees or dispose of timber. Your property may also include gas, sewer, or water lines that need to be identified and avoided. In addition, land clearing can sometimes become an environmental issue, so you will want to get your project approved before you get started. Step 4: Clear the Land This is the step where you finally get to see results. Be sure to follow all safety measures when working with tools. Wear gloves and goggles, if necessary. If you are using power tools, it can be beneficial to wear ear plugs to prevent hearing loss. Clearing land can be hard work, so remember to take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.

Step 5: Clean Up and Dispose of Waste After all of the uprooting and cutting is done, you will need to remove the pulled weeds, timber, or structural fragments from the land. The weeds can be placed in the yard waste bin to be taken out with the trash. If the remaining timber can be utilized, you can either sell it or store it for a future project. The structural fragments will need to be disposed of properly. Save any materials that can be reused. Any other parts can typically be thrown away in a large dumpster. We often burn the wood leftover from clearing areas of our property, but make sure NOT to burn any poison ivy or other poisonous plants; this can cause health issues for anyone who breathes in the smoke. Consider renting a woodchipper if you can use wood chips on your property for gardening or mud control. Step 6: Prepare Your Land for Use After the land has been cleared, the last step is to prepare the property for its designated purpose. You may need to plant grass seed or lay down sod. For any type of farmland or yard, a fence could also be necessary. If you are looking for advice on installing a fence, here are helpful articles to get you started: • Types of Wire Fencing • Electric Fence Installation for a Family Farm • How to Dig a Fence Post Hole by Hand Best Season to Clear Land The best season to clear land is NOT when things are in full bloom. In our area, early Fall and early Spring are a great time to clear the land because the plants aren’t growing or growing as quickly. It gives you time to get things cleared without competing with new growth. If you start in the Fall, you can clear things out, plant grass seed, and you’ll have some time before new growth will start competing. The downfall is that Fall rain or snowfall may increase mud. Winter is a fantastic time to work because there’s no growth at all to compete with. The ground may, however, be frozen, and it’s not always my favorite weather to work out in. The main issue I have with working in the winter, however, is that it’s nice to work during a time of the year where you can identify poison ivy and other poisonous plants. Once winter comes and the leaves fall off, it’s sometimes hard to identify these plants. Unfortunately, you can still get poison ivy in the winter as the whole plant produces the oils. Here’s some photos of the areas we are trying to clear in the late winter. As you can see, my husband was out here with his chainsaw cutting some older trees down/apart. We’ve been hauling them to our woodshed slowly.

Best Equipment to Clear Land Whatever method you use to clear land, it’s important to remember that the brush and trees will grow back if you take too long. It’s better to clear a small portion of land, seed it with the appropriate grass, then move on to the next portion if it will be a slow process. To give an example, we’re letting our goats and sheep clear brush in our back pasture. Ideally, we would use temporary fencing to contain them in a small area, 1/4 acre or thereabouts, wait until the area is mostly clear, then rotate them to a new area. The goat manure is a good fertilizer and we could seed grass in the cleared zone; we would need to clear anything by hand that they didn’t take care of first, however. If you want to clear the land in a shorter period of time, you either need a huge team to help clear by hand, or you need the proper equipment. You can rent equipment or hire a company to come and clear the land for you. Here are your options for equipment and tools to clear land: • Disc mulcher • Root plow • Land excavator • Bobcat Clearing Land the Old Fashioned Way We have been clearing land “by hand.” We’ve used a variety of hand tools, including: • Chainsaw: Stihl is a highly recommended brand. You want a fairly high-powered chain saw for this time of job so go with gas. A larger blade allows you to cut larger logs. You’ll also want protective gear such as a helmet and chaps. Clearing land is risky. • A pole saw is helpful for cutting taller tree limbs and such. I don’t like to wave electronic devices with sharp blades above my head so I use a manual tool instead. • If you want to try chemicals like herbicides, a backpack sprayer might come in handy. Personally, I try to avoid herbicides seeing I garden and run farm animals in my space. • Hedge Trimmer • I’ve used my reciprocating saw for a lot of yard cleanup- probably not what it’s intended for, but I often use what I have on hand, rather than buying more tools. • This gas powered string trimmer has a lot of great attachments for clearing land too. • Small pruning clippers are helpful for smaller items. • Rake for moving cleared brush • Shovel for digging up roots • Heavy duty gloves to protect your hands from thorns, poison ivy, etc. • You can chip or burn a lot of brush, or compost it. Just make sure to set aside poison ivy and other poisonous plants- if you burn them, you can get very sick. Those are better to place in • Using Animals to Clear Land • If you’re in a farming group, you’ve probably hear about using animals such as goats or pigs to clear land. This can work well, particularly if you’re not on a tight schedule. We have 8 acres and some of the areas aren’t cleared yet. The goats and sheep have access to the dense brush to clear, should they choose to do so. • The benefit to using animals is that they’re relatively environmentally friendly (compared to just smashing all of the land in one day), and hands off if you get the fencing setup properly. You’ll need to provide water and some food for them. They’ll possibly need vet care. Most people who use animals to clear land use temporary fencing such as electric fencing. When they’re finished clearing the land you can sell the animals, rent them out, or fill your freezer. You can also opt to rent the animals to clear your land. • Goats tend to enjoy a lot of brush such as poison ivy and blackberry bushes; they like to remove the stuff people don’t want to get near. You need a LOT of goats to clear a small area, however, unless you have a lot of time. And I highly recommend larger breed goats for clearing land; my Nigerian Dwarf goats can’t keep up with the growth on our property. Goats can provide entertainment, milk, and meat as well as clear property. • Sheep will also graze some brush, but they love grass as well. They need to be sheared once or twice a year, unless you get hair sheep, and the fleeces can be used for weaving, knitting and crochet. Sheep can also be used for milk and meat. • Neither goats nor sheep will tear up roots, however, or kill trees. This can be a good or bad thing, depending on how much clearing you want the animals to do. • I’ve heard good things about using pigs for clearing land. They like to root at the ground with their strong snouts, digging up roots and trees. It takes 6-12 months to grow out pigs for butcher so if you have a small area of land to clear, a decent fencing setup, and you aren’t opposed to dealing with pigs, they might do a better job of getting the entire section of property cleared than sheep or goats would. • The problem with using animals, however, is that they have limits. It’s a slower process and animals can be expensive. You have to worry about local predators that may injure or kill your animals, and you may end up with expensive veterinary bills. • Animals require fresh water which you’ll need to bring to them regularly; this can be an issue if you don’t have a well yet or city water, or if your weather falls below freezing. Using a Tractor Some people recommend using a tractor with a bush hog attachment to clear land. This can work if you have a ‘big’ enough tractor and bush hog to handle the job. Look at your vehicle’s manual before doing this, however. We thought our tractor could handle it, but we ended up paying for expensive repairs instead. Wood Chipper Obviously a woodchipper won’t do the job itself, but it is a useful item to have on hand while you’re clearing your property. As you remove brush and trees, you can chip them for use in the garden or to manage mud. I recommend getting a heavier duty woodchipper or renting one because a slow machine will slow you down. How Much Does it Cost to Clear Land? The overall cost of clearing land will depend on many factors such as the size, objects needing to be removed, and the final purpose of the land. It will also vary based on the tools you already own and what equipment will need to be purchased or rented. Choosing to clear the land by hand can save money but will take more time to complete the project. Angie’s List estimates a land clearing project to cost anywhere from $1,198 to $4,040 on average. In my area, a small dense 1/4 acre area was going to run around 1-2 days worth to clear, roughly $1000-2000. Clearing the 2-3 acres that is still wooded would cost quite a bit more. Quite possibly between $12000 - $15000. If you have trees that need to come down and there are buildings nearby, it may cost more to have them removed. It’s better to hire a professional to do any clearing if you are worried about your physical safety; removing trees can be dangerous if you don’t know how to do the job safely. The best way to determine how much it will cost to clear your land is to first assess your property and identify what equipment is needed. How to Earn Money from Clearing Land You may be able to earn money in the process of clearing your land. Here are some options. 1. Sell Timber and Firewood: If your land has valuable timber, you could sell the trees to logging companies or individuals looking for firewood. Ensure you work with a reputable timber buyer or a forestry consultant to get fair compensation for your timber. Usually they only want to work with someone who has a decent amount of acreage that needs to be cleared. 2. Lease the Land for Grazing: Before clearing the land completely, you might lease it to local farmers or livestock owners for grazing. This can be a win-win situation where animals help clear some of the underbrush, reducing your clearing workload while you earn rental income. Usually the rental income is low, but you benefit regardless. 3. Agricultural Leasing: Depending on the vegetation state, parts of the land might be suitable for farming. Leasing sections of your property to local farmers for crop cultivation can generate income. This arrangement might also benefit you by having certain areas cleared and maintained by the lessee. 4. Sell Organic Material: Cleared brush, branches, and organic waste can be chipped and sold as mulch or compost to gardeners and landscapers. Renting a woodchipper could turn your land clearing debris into a profitable product. Before pursuing any of these options, it’s essential to research and comply with local zoning laws, environmental regulations, and any required permits. Additionally, thoroughly assess the market demand for the services or products you plan to offer to ensure a profitable venture. Environmental Considerations of Clearing Land Land clearing has significant environmental implications. It’s crucial to consider soil erosion, water drainage, and habitat disruption. Retaining certain trees can provide benefits like shade and wind protection, while also considering the ecological balance of your property. It’s important to consider the environment when you’re clearing land to place a house or other structures, paddocks, etc. If you remove too many trees on a lot that’s already pretty wet, you may run into water drainage issues building your home or adding items such as an inground pool. At our last home, the land was pretty wet and our neighbors had issues installing a pool; the installers had to run a sump pump to remove water from the soil to get the pool base into the ground. Our home had two sump pumps installed and the basement was waterproofed well to prevent the basement flooding. Tree roots and native plants help soak up water; removing them removes a natural means to control water drainage so you need to plan for other ways to do so. Tree roots provide a lot of structure in the soil and help prevent erosion on your property. They also can lower cooling costs in the summer if they’re near your home because they’ll provide shade. You want to keep trees far enough away from the home to prevent roof damage from falling branches, and damage to underground pipes and the home foundation from tree roots. But a healthy tree without an invasive root system can also be beneficial to grow near your home. You may also wish you’d left trees for a wind block. Currently, we live on the top of a hill and have a lot of strong winds. The previous owners planted some fantastic evergreens as wind breaks along the property line, far away from our home and other structures. Our house is on the top of the hill and the rest of our land is sloped down from the house’s elevation. This helps reduce water drainage issues near the house. The driveway gets no shade on it over the winter which is nice because the sun often melts away snow and ice. You can strategically remove trees in bad locations and keep ones that are in good locations. If I plant trees along the driveway on one side, the shade may fall on the driveway during the summer and not during the winter (due to the position of the earth/sun). We had a perfect peach tree near our chicken coop that would shade the coop during the summer. Some trees are more prone to falling and causing damage; the invasive Tree of Heaven is a problematic tree that many people want removed. It spreads easily, grows quickly, and is prone to damage from wind and storms. We’re working on clearing part of the land, but we need to be extremely careful about removing some of the brush and trees. If we remove everything, then seed with grass, we could have a rainstorm wash away not only the grass seed, but the soil. The environmental factors are important considerations and having a professional help you plan out your property could save you time, money, and energy. Sometimes states or counties have professionals on staff who will provide help with this. Takeaway Clearing land can be a great way to transform your property into the pasture, lawn, or house lot you have always wanted. This task can include a lot of manual labor, but the right approach can lead to more efficient results. Following the steps detailed in this guide can help you create a strong plan for clearing your land. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it when you get to see the outcome and feel satisfied in all the hard work it took to get there! Please share and pin this post! If you make this project, share it in our Stuff Mama Makes Facebook Group. We have regular giveaways for gift cards to craft stores. You can also tag me on Instagram @doityourselfdanielle; I love seeing everything you make! End Project Gr11/2024 Article sourced from: https://diydanielle.com/how-clear-land/

Campfire Chili Recipe

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2024-12-11 - Food Prep

Campfire Chili Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the classic flavor of chili. Made with beef, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices, this chili is sure to please everyone around the campfire. So fire up the campfire and get cooking!

Timeframes to complete this project have everything to do with making sure you have all your utensils and Ingredients first and at the ready. These are estimated timeframes: Prepper: 45 mins Preppy: 1 hour Skill Level: 1 out of 5 (some chopping) Tools Required • 5-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven - Williams Sonoma • Chef prep knife - CHOPCHOP • Soup or Chili metal scoop - Ladle Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef 1 onion, diced 1 green pepper, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained 3 tablespoons tomato paste 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup water Prepper Pro-Tip: If you want to get more miles out of your chili, add about 8 oz of Beef Broth to it. It will give it great flavor and allow the dish to stretch its legs a bit as it’s cooking. Directions: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the beef, onion, green pepper, and garlic until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, sugar, salt, pepper, kidney beans, pinto beans, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes until thickened and flavors are fully developed. Serve hot with garnishes of your choice, such as sour cream, cheese, or fresh chopped cilantro. Feeds: 3-4 people (Need more? Double the recipe)

Preppy Pro-Tip: To get the full-blown campfire feel with this recipe, use a cast iron Dutch oven 5-Quart pot for this chili. It will bring the magic to the campsite and make your chili taste better! End Project

Source for Recipe: https://happycampingmama.com/camping-chili-recipe GR11/2024

Recipe:  How to make homemade SPAM!

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3. Recipe:  How to make homemade SPAM!

2024-12-11 - Food Prep

Recipe: How to make homemade SPAM! When you are hungry, you know you want some SPAM! It is full of calories and if you are doing an activity that is burning calories, this is the perfect dish to get you back into the active zone!
I know what you are thinking, “SPAM?!?! Gross!!!” I used to think the same thing until my wife bought some at the supermarket and brought it home and fried it up for me. It was so GOOD! So, if you still aren’t sold on it, and you definitely won’t be purchasing any at your local grocery store, then try making it yourself. You won’t believe how easy it is to make, and as soon as you slice it up and taste it, every meal will have SPAM in it! Let’s get the ingredients together and get this SPAM party started! WARNING: This is a meat product. Specifically, pork shoulder and Ham. If you are not into the carnivore thing, you should go ahead and skip to the next recipe. Timeframes to complete this project have everything to do with making sure you have all your utensils and ingredients first and at the ready. These are estimated timeframes: Prepper: 1 hours Preppy: 2 hours (depends on how much whiskey during the process) Skill Level: 1 out of 5 (bring on the meat sweats)

Ingredients

• 5 lbs - Pork Shoulder (ground) • 1 lb - Ham (ground) • 2 TBS + 1 tsp - Tender Quick • 3 TBS - Sugar • 3 TBS - Corn Starch • 1 TBS - Kosher Salt • 1 Cup - Cold Water

Preppy Pro-Tip: If you don’t want to go through the grinding process, save a bunch of time and get already ground Ham and Pork Shoulder. It will allow for more time with the Whiskey!

Directions • Mix Tender Quick, sugar, cornstarch, Kosher salt and cold water together until everything is dissolved. (4-quart bowl) • Combine with ground meat and thoroughly mix. • Spread mixture into 2 - 9x5 loaf pans and press firmly to remove air bubbles. (I use a smaller pan as I don’t have a large family to feed. I use a 7x4 pan shown above.) • Tightly seal with aluminum foil, place into a water bath and then into a 250º oven for 3-3.5 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 155º. • Remove from oven, place a heavy flat object (I used a brick) on top while still hot. • Let thoroughly cool, then place into the refrigerator with brick overnight. • Remove SPAM from pans and slice as desired. Enjoy!!

The Finished Product! Equipment Needed:

• Meat Grinder - http://amzn.to/2fk6rKe • Tender Quick Cure - http://amzn.to/2fkakPw • Aluminum Loaf Pans - http://amzn.to/2egwn8W • Victorinox Graton Slicing Knife - http://amzn.to/2fkcfDK • Calphalon Non-Stick Skillet - http://amzn.to/2egwCk4 • 4-quart Bowl (preferably Glass) - https://www.target.com/p/pyrex-2pc-2-5qt-and-4qt-glass-mixing-bowls-with-plastic-lids/-/A-88156163#lnk=sametab • One Brick (LOL)

End Project GR11/2024 Recipe source: http://www.thewolfepit.com/2016/10/homemade-spam-how-to-make-spam-at-home.html

Building a Fire Pit

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3. Building a Fire Pit

2024-12-11 - projects

Building a Fire Pit Fire is essential to warmth for survival. It is also a great way to entertain. Whether you are looking to do some warming up, or making sure your fire is ready for cooking, this project should be a fairly easy one you can complete from start to finish, over the course of one weekend. If you are like me (Preppy), I’ll do the hard manual labor part on day 1, and then do the actual building of the pit on the 2nd day. I’m not built for extended hours of hard labor. LOL As always get all your supplies and materials first, so you don’t have any delays in building this super great Fire Pit! Have fun and enjoy!

Timeframes to complete this project have everything to do with making sure you have all your tools and materials first and at the ready. These are estimated timeframes: Prepper: 1 to 3 hours Preppy: 4-6 hours Skill Level: 1 out of 5 (some shovel digging & rock hauling; need muscles) Tools Required • Rubber Mallet • Shovel • Hammer • 2x4 (for scrape leveling) • Carpenter’s Level Materials Required • Weed tarp/barrier • Many bricks or paver stones • construction caulk (glue) • Pea gravel • Big flagstones • Lawn staples • Weed killer (spray) • Border tracking (optional)

Step #1: Find a suitable area in your yard where you want the fire pit to be laid down. Don’t build too close to fencing, or under any kind of tree cover. The last thing you want is to be the one on the news that night, responsible for starting a neighborhood fire. Also, since you will be doing a little digging, please dial 411 for your local inspector to come out and locate gas lines. It’s pretty obvious they don’t want any type of fire near their supply lines. Do this about 5 days before starting the project, to give them time to respond. Also, if you have propane tanks on your property, please don’t build the pit anywhere near those. Once you have found your suitable area, let’s go to step 2!

Step #2: Mark off the space and lay a border. You don’t have to get super fancy with the plastic guards that are shown in this picture. You can honestly use something as simple as some spray paint to outline the area where you want to dig your fire pit. Either one is fine. If you are using the plastic guard rails because you plan a much larger area to lay patio stones, have fun with that and get creative.

Step #3: Decide what material you want to use for your stone fire pit. Some people use bricks. Some people like a little more decorative look so they use those Nicolock Pavers. You can pretty much use whatever you like, the key here is we are looking for something that will allow a protective barrier around the fire itself. Choose something that will not burn. You can even use rudimentary, river rock if you have some on your property you had laying around. It will be very caveman rustic looking, but if it is functional and holds the fire, you win!

Step #4: Get Digging! Dig the grass around the area you marked off for the pit. Use a shovel and put some effort into it. This will not be easy, as grass has roots and you will have to really work at it. Work your way around the outline and remove all the grass from the middle. It doesn’t have to look pretty just yet, but will allow you to get access to the soil below with the shovel. Once you have the grass removed, now use the shovel to dig down into the soil two inches. You want two inches so your first layer of paver stones sit inside the edge you are digging and have a place to be anchored. Once you have a 2-inch depth all the way around and across the middle, you can use one of the pavers to tamp down and make the ground/dirt level across the entire circle (or rectangle) you dug out. It should start to look much nicer now. You are ready for pavers once you have this part done.

Step #5: This part is all a matter of preference. You may want a very shallow fire pit (2-3 layers of brick/pavers). For myself, I like a fairly tall fire pit, so I will be using many pavers. I want mine 4-6 layers high, and I want a double ring, so I can sit down on it for nights where I want to be close to the warmth. Don’t forget to calculate how many pavers you will need for the bottom of the pit, if you choose to pave that as well. Calculate the bricks/pavers: Approximately 15 pavers per layer. Mine will be 5 high. 75 pavers. However, I want an extra ring to make the ledge of the pit wide for me to sit and warm my butt. So, I should calculate an additional 3 pavers per layer. 90 pavers. Grand total of all pavers needed: 165 (That’s A LOT!) Bottom: 16 pavers Step #6: Start laying down your brick or pavers! This is the fun part and usually goes very quickly. If you are going to have brick for the bottom of your fire pit, do those first. Tamp them down a little bit so they are firmly into the dirt. For me, since I am more of the Preppy persuasion, I will skip placing pavers for the bottom of my fire pit and opt to have an Earthen bottom. (I like less work, not more) On layer (ring) 3 as you are laying down the brick, make sure you leave an inch of space between two bricks, then do the same on the opposite side of that layer. That way you have built in breather holes. Then you can lay down the 4th layer per normal with the bricks touching all the way around. You can choose to use construction caulk if you feel the need to have your bricks or pavers secured to each other. I don’t feel this is normally necessary, so I am choosing to also skip that part.

At this point, my fire pit is completed. I’ll grab some newspaper, some wood, and some whiskey! You can bring over the smores and grape soda! Let’s do this!!! If you are continuing on to do the surrounding area around your firepit, I wish you the best! Please continue to step 7! Step #7: For your patio area around the fire pit, you can use some weed killer if you want to go over the grassy area within the boundary of your border rail (or spray painted) outline. If you opted to remove all the grass in this area, congratulations you are officially a harder laborer than I am. 😊 Now, get your black weed tarp/weed barrier, and start laying it down in the entire area that will be your patio. You can usually cut this easily with good scissors or a Utility knife. Once you have all the tarp/week barrier laid down, you can spike it in place with weed barrier spikes or some sort of landscape staples such as the ones here LAWNSTAPLES. They are super cheap and usually run about $12 for 100 of them. Step #8: Now you have to decide on what kind of fill to use for your patio area. There are numerous different choices out there, and it depends on what you are looking to achieve in terms of look. A lot of people use pea gravel because it is smaller and easy to traverse. I’ve even seen some people use pea gravel first, then place paver flagstones on top of that. (1.5 inch of pea gravel) Some people use river rock because it is easy to have delivered. River Rock is okay, but it does make it a little more difficult to walk on. I’d say if you are looking to ease accessibility, then pea gravel may be the way to go. Preppy Pro-Tip: try to place your patio in an area that will make it easy for the Pea gravel delivery man to back his truck up and pour the gravel out right in the area of your patio. It will make much less work using a wheel barrow to haul it from the front of the house, to the back. (lazy rules the day) Start spreading out your pea gravel evenly. Try to get it as level and flat as possible, especially if you are planning flagstones on top of it. Nothing is worse than seeing wonky flagstones, at all manner of angles and looking all bad. Afterall, you don’t want your neighbors thinking you are an amateur at this do you? Take some time leveling out the pea gravel. It will be worth it. Use a rake and get it moved into place. You can then use a 2x4 to lay on the ground and start using it as a scraper, to level things out even more. You can also place a carpenter’s level on the 2x4 at any place you feel isn’t quite level, and fix what is needed to make it “Bubble Perfect”.

If you are doing flagstones, lay them out in some pattern that makes sense or makes you happy. If you plan to cover the entire area marked out, get to it and don’t drop them on your toes. That’s a lot of flagstones, but man will it look nice! Use a rubber mallet to hammer them down GENTLY so they nestle in the pea gravel nicely! Final Step: Pull out the lawn chairs and enjoy your evening!

End Project Gr11/2024 Pictures sourced from: https://www.homeroad.net/2011/06/building-firepit.html

How to Make Your Own Rain Barrel

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2024-12-11 - projects

How to Make Your Own Rain Barrel It’s pretty easy to build your own rain barrels from plastic drums or trash cans. Search online for “bottles” or “containers” to find an “open head” plastic 55-gallon drum with a cover. Or find a used barrel by talking to car wash managers (they buy soap and wax by the barrel). If you can’t find a container you like, buy a large, heavy-duty garbage can at a home center. For the purpose of this build, we will use 2-55gallon cans, although keep in mind if you are looking for a larger reservoir, you can always go with a 100 gallon can. Links to the items you will need are listed below. Here’s a collection of our favorite decorative rain barrels. Also, find out what is a rain chain. Timeframes to complete this project have everything to do with making sure you have all your tools and materials first and at the ready. These are estimated timeframes: Prepper: 1.5 to 2 hours Preppy: 6-8 hours Skill Level: 3 out of 5 (some light plumbing skills needed)

Tools Required • 2-1/4 in Hole saw • Cordless drill Materials Required • 2-in. female threaded electrical (gray PVC) conduit adapter • 2-in. male threaded electrical (gray PVC) conduit adapter • 4x4 treated lumber and construction screws or stainless steel lags • 55-gal. barrel with lid • Glue • if you build a stand to elevate the rain barrel(s) • Screen • Sections of 2-in. PVC pipe • Silicone caulk • Threaded electrical PVC coupler • Unions reducers and valves Here are the steps (3) Pro-Tip from the Preppy side: This example is for a two-barrel system, you can always choose a One Barrel system to make, if you want to cut down on costs! 😉 You can make cheap, functional rain barrels with trash cans and simple PVC plumbing and electrical conduit fittings. Line up as many as you need to meet your watering needs and save water around your house. To begin, place the drum near a downspout, drill a hole in the side near the bottom and screw in a drain valve. That’s an OK installation if you plan to run a soaker hose to your garden. But if you want to use a wand or a spray nozzle, you’ll need to elevate the DIY rain barrel on a stand for more water pressure. Water is heavy (55 gallons weighs 440 lbs.), so use 4×4 treated lumber for the legs and secure everything with construction screws or stainless steel lags. Keep in mind you want to pick a place that will be permanent. Both barrels full will weigh upwards of 1000 pounds and unless you have a forklift, will pretty much be impossible to more to another location. But don’t place the stand on soft ground. You could kill somebody if the rig toppled over. If you have large gardens and want to store more water, double-size the stand and add a second barrel. Pro-Tip from the Prepper side: You need the silicone seal in order to keep your barrels from leaking out the bottom of the hole you cut! Cut holes in the bottoms of the barrels with a 2-1/4-in. hole saw. Then screw in a 2-in. male threaded electrical (gray PVC) conduit adapter (electrical adapters aren’t tapered like plumbing adapters, so you can tighten them down all the way) and a 2-in. female threaded conduit adapter to make a watertight hole from which the rainwater can flow. Squirt a thin bead of silicone caulk around the opening and screw on a threaded electrical PVC coupler to cinch the DIY rain barrel between the two fittings (see Figure A). Next, glue together sections of 2-in. PVC pipe, unions (to make winter disassembly easier), reducers and valves. As long as you’re at it, install an overflow pipe so you can direct the excess where you want it to go. Find out how you can cut your water bills and live more sustainably by implementing a rainwater harvesting system. Install a large valve to quickly fill watering cans and a smaller valve for a garden hose. Secure the valves to the cross brace with J-brackets. Finally, cut a hole in one of the covers and mount a screen to filter out leaves and debris. Then just wait for the next big rain.
End Project Source: https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-build-a-rain-barrel/ Gr11/2024

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Family Cooking Day: Engaging Kids in Food Prep

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2. Food Prep
3. Family Cooking Day: Engaging Kids in Food Prep

2024-04-18 - Food Prep

Objective: Spend a day cooking with the family, preparing several meals that allow children to learn cooking basics under supervision.

Steps: Recipe Selection: Choose simple, fun recipes that children can participate in, like making personal pizzas, assembling tacos, or decorating salads. Safety First: Teach children kitchen safety, including how to handle utensils properly and the importance of cleanliness. Task Assignment: Give each child a job suitable for their age, such as mixing, measuring, or layering ingredients. Cooking Time: Work together to cook the meals. Use this time to discuss the importance of healthy eating and where food comes from. Enjoy Together: Finish by eating a meal everyone helped prepare, discussing what each person did and what they learned. Benefits: Introduces children to cooking Encourages family bonding Teaches valuable life skills

Essential Kitchen Tools for Efficient Food Prep

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2. Food Prep
3. Essential Kitchen Tools for Efficient Food Prep

2024-04-18 - Food Prep

Equipping your kitchen with the right tools can make food preparation quicker, safer, and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of essential kitchen tools every home cook should consider:

Sharp Knives: A good chef’s knife and a paring knife are crucial for efficient chopping, slicing, and mincing. Cutting Boards: Have multiple boards to avoid cross-contamination between raw meats and other ingredients. Blenders and Food Processors: These are great for sauces, smoothies, and chopping or grinding bulk ingredients. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for following recipes accurately. Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker: These can drastically reduce cooking time and are excellent for making stews, soups, and tender meats. With these tools at your disposal, you can handle most recipes and techniques with ease, making your kitchen a more efficient and enjoyable place to cook.

The Art of Meal Planning: Strategies for Busy Lives

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2. Food Prep
3. The Art of Meal Planning: Strategies for Busy Lives

2024-04-18 - Food Prep

Meal planning can transform your daily routine, saving you time, reducing stress, and promoting healthier eating habits. To get started, begin by assessing your weekly schedule to determine how many meals you need to prepare. Here are some strategies:

Create a Meal Calendar: Use a digital calendar or a simple notebook to schedule your weekly meals. This helps avoid last-minute decisions and reduces food waste. Batch Cooking: Prepare large quantities of versatile ingredients like grains, proteins, and roasted vegetables at the start of the week. These can be mixed and matched to create different meals throughout the week. Themed Nights: Implement themed nights, such as “Meatless Monday” or “Taco Tuesday,” to simplify decision-making and add variety. Shopping Lists: Based on your meal plan, create a precise shopping list to streamline your grocery shopping and avoid impulse buys. With a little practice, meal planning can not only save time but also introduce new dishes to your repertoire, making mealtime a delightful experience.

Construction Techniques for Durable Bunkers

1. Home
2. Bunkers
3. Construction Techniques for Durable Bunkers

2024-04-18 - Bunkers

Underground Fortitude: Advanced Construction Techniques for Durable Bunkers

Summary: This article dives into the construction methods ideal for building a bunker that withstands time and elements. It explores the use of different materials, such as reinforced concrete and steel, and innovative technologies in waterproofing and structural integrity.

Key Sections: Choosing Construction Materials: Benefits and limitations of concrete, steel, and other composites. Building Methods: Traditional vs. modern construction techniques. Waterproofing and Insulation: Technologies to protect against moisture and temperature. Reinforcement Strategies: Earthquake-resistant features and structural reinforcements. Ventilation Systems: Ensuring air quality and circulation underground.

Planning and Designing Your Personal Bunker

1. Home
2. Bunkers
3. Planning and Designing Your Personal Bunker

2024-04-18 - Bunkers

Summary: This article serves as a guide to the preliminary planning stages required before building a bunker. It addresses location scouting, design considerations, and legal aspects to consider. The article also discusses different types of bunkers, from simple storm shelters to more elaborate underground living spaces.

Key Sections: Purpose and Type of Bunker: Choosing based on your needs—safety from storms, nuclear fallout, or other concerns. Location Considerations: Strategic placement, accessibility, and legal permits. Design Essentials: Size, ventilation, and long-term livability. Safety Standards and Legal Compliance: Understanding building codes and regulations. Cost Estimation and Budgeting: How to plan financially for your bunker project.

Integrating and Managing DIY Power Systems

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2. Power Stations
3. Integrating and Managing DIY Power Systems

2024-04-18 - Power Stations

Summary: This article focuses on the integration and management of multiple power sources into a cohesive home energy system. It discusses how to use smart controllers, energy management software, and battery systems to maximize efficiency and ensure a stable power supply, regardless of the variability of individual energy sources.

Key Sections: Integrating Multiple Energy Sources: Techniques and technologies. Smart Controllers and IoT: How technology can optimize usage. Energy Storage Solutions: Batteries and other methods to store surplus power. Monitoring and Adjusting: Tools to track and refine your system’s performance. Future Trends in Home Energy: Innovations to watch.

Hydroelectric Power at Home

1. Home
2. Power Stations
3. Hydroelectric Power at Home

2024-04-18 - Power Stations

Summary: This article explores the potential of mini hydroelectric generators for residential use. It covers how to assess the viability of a stream or river nearby, the types of hydro turbines available, regulatory hurdles, and the technical setup required to convert flowing water into electrical energy.

Key Sections: Assessing Water Flow: < a href = “product- afil code”> Tools </a> and methods to measure potential power. Selecting a Hydro Turbine: Types and their specific applications. Regulatory and Environmental Concerns: Permissions and impact assessments. Installation and Maintenance: Steps to ensure long-term success. Case Studies: Real-world examples of mini hydro setups.

Wind Energy at Home

1. Home
2. Power Stations
3. Wind Energy at Home

2024-04-18 - Power Stations

Summary: For those with suitable environments, a home wind turbine can significantly offset energy costs. This article provides insights into selecting the right turbine, understanding wind patterns, installation, and integration with home energy systems. It also discusses the potential returns on investment and how to maximize efficiency.

Key Sections: Choosing a Wind Turbine: Size, type, and power output. Understanding Wind Patterns: How to assess your local wind resources. Installation Process: Erecting and securing your turbine. Integration with Home Systems: Connecting to the grid or a home system. Economic Considerations: Costs, savings, and incentives.

Solar Power Station DIY Guide

1. Home
2. Power Stations
3. Solar Power Station DIY Guide

2024-04-18 - Power Stations

Summary: Solar energy is one of the most accessible and popular methods for DIY energy generation. This article delves into the specifics of setting up a solar power station, including choosing the right solar panels, understanding inverters, and battery storage options. It provides a step-by-step guide on installation and maintenance, alongside case studies of successful home solar projects.

Key Sections: Selecting Solar Panels: Efficiency, capacity, and cost considerations. Installation Steps: From mounting panels to connecting the grid. Battery Storage Solutions: How to store excess energy. Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Keeping your system efficient. Success Stories: Examples of effective home setups.

Introduction to Homemade Power Stations

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2. Power Stations
3. Introduction to Homemade Power Stations

2024-04-18 - Power Stations

Summary: This article serves as an introduction to the concept of homemade power stations. It explains the basic components needed, the types of energy sources you can harness (such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric), and the overall benefits and challenges associated with DIY power solutions. The piece also covers safety considerations, legal regulations, and initial steps to plan your project.

Key Sections: Understanding Your Energy Needs: How to calculate your energy requirements. Choosing a Power Source: Pros and cons of different renewable energies. Components Needed for Installation: Overview of inverters, batteries, controllers, etc. Safety and Legal Considerations: What you need to know before starting. Planning and Designing Your Project: Tips for a successful setup.

Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning

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2. projects
3. Security
4. Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning

2024-04-17 - projects 2024-04-17 - Security

Step 1: Develop a Home Emergency Plan Create a comprehensive emergency plan for your household that includes procedures for various scenarios, such as burglaries, fires, natural disasters, and medical emergencies. Ensure all family members are familiar with the plan and know what to do in an emergency.

Step 2: Prepare an Emergency Kit Assemble an emergency kit containing essential supplies, including water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Store the kit in a designated location that is easily accessible to all family members.

Step 3: Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and near sleeping areas, and test them regularly to ensure they are in working order. Additionally, install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and other areas where combustion appliances are present.

Step 4: Learn Basic First Aid and Self-Defense Take a first aid and CPR course to learn life-saving skills that could be invaluable in an emergency situation. Consider

Implementing Neighborhood Watch and Community Security Measures

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2. projects
3. Security
4. Implementing Neighborhood Watch and Community Security Measures

2024-04-17 - projects 2024-04-17 - Security

Step 1: Form a Neighborhood Watch Group Gather interested neighbors to form a neighborhood watch group focused on improving security and communication within the community. Work together to establish a communication network and schedule regular meetings to discuss safety concerns and share information.

Step 2: Conduct Home Security Assessments Organize home security assessments for members of the neighborhood watch group to identify potential vulnerabilities and suggest improvements. Encourage participants to share tips and strategies for enhancing home security based on their experiences.

Step 3: Share Information and Resources Create a centralized communication platform, such as a social media group or email newsletter, to share relevant security information, crime updates, and resources with community members. Encourage neighbors to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement and each other.

Step 4: Coordinate Community Events Organize community events focused on crime prevention and home security, such as safety workshops, self-defense classes, and neighborhood cleanup days. Strengthening community ties can deter criminal activity and foster a sense of solidarity among residents.

Step 5: Advocate for Enhanced Security Measures Collaborate with local authorities and government agencies to advocate for enhanced security measures in the neighborhood, such as improved street lighting, increased police patrols, and the installation of surveillance cameras in public areas.

By implementing neighborhood watch and community security measures, you can work together with your neighbors to create a safer and more secure environment for everyone in the community.

Securing Your Home Network and Digital Devices

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2. projects
3. Security
4. Securing Your Home Network and Digital Devices

2024-04-17 - projects 2024-04-17 - Security

Step 1: Secure Your Wi-Fi Network Change the default username and password for your Wi-Fi router to a strong, unique combination. Enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption to protect your network from unauthorized access. Consider hiding your Wi-Fi network’s SSID to make it less visible to potential hackers.

Step 2: Update Software Regularly Keep all devices connected to your home network, including computers, smartphones, and smart home devices, up to date with the latest security patches and firmware updates. Set devices to update automatically whenever possible to ensure they are protected against known vulnerabilities.

Step 3: Use Strong, Unique Passwords Create strong, complex passwords for your devices and online accounts, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and securely store passwords for easy access and management.

Step 4: Enable Two-Factor Authentication Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This requires a second form of verification, such as a temporary code sent to your smartphone, in addition to your password, to access your accounts.

Step 5: Be Cautious with IoT Devices Carefully evaluate the security features of any internet-of-things (IoT) devices you bring into your home, such as smart thermostats, cameras, and voice assistants. Change default settings, disable unnecessary features, and regularly update firmware to minimize security risks.

By following these steps to secure your home network and digital devices, you can reduce the risk of cyber threats and protect your personal information and privacy.

Enhancing Indoor Security Measures

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2. projects
3. Security
4. Enhancing Indoor Security Measures

2024-04-17 - projects 2024-04-17 - Security

Step 1: Install a Home Security Camera System Set up surveillance cameras in key areas inside your home, such as the entryway, living room, and hallways. Choose cameras with motion detection and remote access capabilities so you can monitor your home from anywhere via your smartphone or computer.

Step 2: Secure Valuables in a Safe Invest in a fireproof and waterproof safe to store important documents, jewelry, cash, and other valuables. Place the safe in a discreet location, such as a closet floor or wall, and bolt it securely to the floor or wall for added protection.

Step 3: Use Smart Home Technology Consider integrating smart home devices like smart locks, doorbell cameras, and smart lighting into your home security system. These devices allow you to remotely control access to your home, receive alerts about suspicious activity, and even simulate occupancy when you’re away.

Step 4: Implement Access Control Measures Limit access to certain areas of your home by installing keyless entry systems or keypad locks on interior doors. This can help prevent unauthorized access to private or sensitive areas, such as home offices or storage rooms.

Step 5: Practice Good Habits Develop security-conscious habits like always locking doors and windows, even when you’re at home, and never leaving spare keys in obvious hiding spots outside. Encourage family members to memorize alarm codes and avoid sharing them with anyone outside the household.

By incorporating these indoor security measures into your home, you can create a safer and more secure environment for you and your family.

Strengthening Your Home’s Perimeter Security

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2. projects
3. Security
4. Strengthening Your Home’s Perimeter Security

2024-04-17 - projects 2024-04-17 - Security

Step 1: Install High-Quality Outdoor Lighting Illuminate the surroundings of your home with motion-activated lights. Place them strategically around entry points such as doors and windows. Bright lights act as a deterrent to potential intruders and also provide better visibility at night.

Step 2: Reinforce Doors and Windows Upgrade to solid-core or metal doors with sturdy deadbolts. Install strike plates with long screws to reinforce doorjambs. For windows, consider adding security film or grilles to prevent break-ins. Use window locks and ensure they are in good working condition.

Step 3: Invest in a Quality Alarm System Install a reliable alarm system that includes sensors on doors and windows, as well as motion detectors inside the house. Opt for a system that offers remote monitoring and alerts, so you can stay informed about any suspicious activity even when you’re away from home.

Step 4: Secure Outdoor Access Points Don’t overlook the security of garage doors, basement entrances, and other outdoor access points. Keep them locked when not in use and consider installing alarms or sensors to monitor these areas. Reinforce garage doors with additional locks or bolts.

Step 5: Maintain Landscaping Keep shrubs and trees trimmed to eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders. Avoid planting tall bushes near windows or entryways. Ensure there are no overgrown areas that could provide cover for someone trying to gain unauthorized access to your property.

By following these steps, you can significantly enhance the perimeter security of your home and reduce the risk of break-ins.

Emergency Communication Plan

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2. Bugout
3. projects
4. Security
5. Emergency Communication Plan

2024-04-17 - Bugout 2024-04-17 - projects 2024-04-17 - Security

Objective: Develop a family emergency communication plan.

Step 1: Identify Communication Needs

List all family members, their contact information, and any special communication needs (e.g., elderly relatives, children). Step 2: Choose an Emergency Contact

Designate a relative or friend outside your immediate area to be an emergency contact. Step 3: Document the Plan

Write out the plan, including local emergency numbers, meeting places, and the role of the emergency contact. Step 4: Distribute and Discuss the Plan

Ensure every family member has a copy of the plan and understands it. Step 5: Practice

Regularly practice what to do in an emergency, including evacuation routes and meeting places.

Basic Home Fortification

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2. projects
3. Security
4. Basic Home Fortification

2024-04-17 - projects 2024-04-17 - Security

Objective: Enhance the security of your home.

Step 1: Secure Doors

Install solid core doors, deadbolts, and strike plate locks. Step 2: Strengthen Windows

Apply security film to windows or install window bars. Step 3: Lighting

Set up motion-detecting outdoor lighting around your home. Step 4: Alarm System

Install a basic home security system. Step 5: Community Awareness

Engage with neighbors and consider forming a neighborhood watch program.

Emergency Food Storage

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2. Food Prep
3. projects
4. Emergency Food Storage

2024-04-17 - Food Prep 2024-04-17 - projects

Objective: Build a long-term food storage solution.

Step 1: Determine Storage Space

Identify a cool, dry place in your home that could serve as your food storage area. Step 2: Calculate Needs

Determine how much food you need per person for a desired period (e.g., 3 months). Step 3: Acquire Suitable Food Items

Purchase long-lasting staples such as rice, beans, canned goods, powdered milk, and grains. Step 4: Proper Storage

Use airtight containers and vacuum-sealed bags to store food. Label all containers with contents and expiration dates. Step 5: Rotate Supplies

Use and replace supplies regularly to keep the stock fresh.

Water Purification System

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2. projects
3. Water Purification System

2024-04-17 - projects

Objective: Set up a home water purification system.

Step 1: Choose a Purification Method

Research options such as UV purifiers, ceramic filters, and chemical treatments. Step 2: Assemble Materials

Purchase the chosen system or gather materials for a DIY filter (sand, charcoal, gravel, and a container). Step 3: Set Up the System

Follow manufacturer instructions for a purchased system or layer your DIY materials in a container for filtration. Step 4: Test the Water

Use water testing kits to ensure the water is safe to drink. Step 5: Educate Family Members

Teach everyone in the home how to use and maintain the system.

Building a Basic Emergency Kit

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2. projects
3. Building a Basic Emergency Kit

2024-04-17 - projects

Objective: Create a 72-hour emergency kit for one person.

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Water: 1 gallon per person per day (3 gallons total) Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (enough for 3 days) Flashlight with extra batteries First aid kit Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife Step 2: Pack Essential Documents

Personal identification Copies of important documents (insurance, home deed, birth certificates) Emergency contact list Step 3: Include Additional Essentials

Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap) Cash in small denominations Local maps Spare keys to your house and car Step 4: Store Your Kit in an Accessible Location

Keep the kit in a designated place known to all family members. If possible, have a similar kit in your car. Step 5: Maintain Your Kit

Check the kit every six months, replace expired items, and update your documents and supplies as necessary.