Just in Case (18 page)

Plastic bags (all sizes)

Knives and sharpener

Corkscrew

Aluminum foil (heavy duty)

Quart thermos (for making yogurt)

Standard cooking and baking utensils

Mouse and rat traps

Basic cookbooks

Smoke and carbon monoxide detector**

* Cast iron is the only cookware material that will stand up to the high temperature of wood and woodstove cooking. Most other cookware will be ruined very quickly. There are now brands that come preseasoned from the factory.

** These are must-have items, even in nonemergency situations. Put them first on your shopping list. If you are using alternative fuel sources to cook and heat and light your home, these detectors could save your life.

A well-stocked, well-organized kitchen is not just a pleasure to work in, it is critical when caring for your family in an emergency. “Well stocked” does not mean “stocked with the latest gadgets.” So many specialty items become clutter once the newness wears off. So don’t be too tempted by trendy tools. Instead, invest in good-quality, nonelectric kitchen supplies that will receive daily use, no matter what your situation.

CLOTHING

2 sets of long underwear (silk or synthetic, not cotton)

2 T-shirts

2 turtleneck pullovers

2 flannel or chamois shirts