Episode 49: Homesteaders Help Hurricane Victims and 2 Ways to Prepare for Weather Disasters

Today, we will talk about one way you can help people in Houston immediately, as well as 2 things you should be prepared for in your own life in case a weather disaster ever strikes your home.

So, before we jump into our regular segments, I want to share with you what I plan to do to help Texas recover from the terrible damage it received from Hurricane Harvey. Some people who I personally know started an organization with a very simple mission right after Hurricane Katrina. I well remember wishing I could just rent a bus, drive down to New Orleans, and start picking people up and getting them the hell out after that Hurricane, don't you? All the while, we heard about how long it was taking FEMA to get their resources to that part of the country. Heck. Walmart was able to move water in faster than the feds and George Bush took one heck of a beating over what seemed like a slow response to we the citizens, and seemed like a fast response to bureaucrats in Washington. What followed was horrifying.

Anyone who knows me at all, knows that I don't believe that the government is better at doing things than people. And while I am open to discussions on this topic over the campfire - we don't have time for that right now. The developing crisis in Houston is something that can benefit from small efforts by individuals right now - not tomorrow - while the big, bulky machine that comes under the heading of "disaster relief" gets itself booted up, deployed, and providing aid.

And it just so happens that there is a small organization looking for volunteers, supplies, and financial support so that they can send small teams into Texas armed with water, food, diapers, wet wipes, and cell phone charging stations. And the best part about the organization? 100% of all financial donations go to the supplies that are being distributed, and gas to get the supplies to Texas, and the delivery drivers back out for more supplies. It's called Citizens Assisting Citizens. They are a 501(c)3. And it just so happens that one of my local Tennessee friends, Jake Robinson, is heading out tomorrow or Wednesday to begin delivering supplies.

Why am I supporting this charity over others? It's because they already have people there RIGHT NOW giving out water, food, and helping folks get in touch with their loved ones. They are basically serving as the bridge between the current crisis, and the time when other aid becomes possible -- all while local officials are focusing on getting people off roofs, into shelters and rescued and alive. These guys and gals are the first wave of help the some people will see between being physically safe, and physically comfortable. So here is an interview I did with Jake right before the show.

Link to Citizens Assisting Citizens: http://www.cacteam.com/ Zello Channel: https://zello.com/cacteam Article about CAC from Jack Spirko: http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/cac-teams-a-call-out-to-help-hurricane-refugees-in-texas

Eating Seasonally and Tales from the Prepper Pantry This is where we share what we are eating as it comes to us - and talk about ways to use what we store. Watercress Cucumber Salad - the recipe of the week - Tomatoes gave a second wave, as did green beans Apples! Yay! This week's Holler Stew Have reorganized canned goods for the fall

What we are preserving this week Where we share what we are preserving for winter storage Apple Sauce Lemon balm Green beans Keeping an eye out for mushrooms

Garden Economics project Where I share what the garden is bringing our way.

Winter is Coming 17 Where we share what we are doing in the Holler to prepare for winter. Goat hay - now it is cheap - in a few months it will be expensive Rearranging the prepper pantry for winter storage Beginning putting growing beds to rest for the spring Must repair the damn greenhouse

2 ways to Prepare In Advance of a Disaster: A minimalist's list.

Bug In Food Do you have enough and some to share How are you going to cook and serve it? Nice to have: spirits can raise spirits when times are hard

Water Stored Filtration

Heating and Cooling What if there is no power and it is too cold or hot? What is your plan Propane/kerosene/wood The Creek or a generator and window as in one room

Animals Food for the animals Care/aid for the animals Nice to have: Extras for other people's animals

First Aid Wounds, illnesses, medicines Hygene! Reference book

Communications Cell phone Land line Radio Plan Ability to Charge

Fuel Gas tanks full Extra credit: Some storage of fuel

Bug Out Prepack Mobile supplies packed and ready to go that cover: food, water, communications, shelter, first aid.

Plans for leaving Where you will go How you will get there Multiple ways to get there and places to go Meet up locations Transportation Access to money How you will communicate with your loved ones or way points