Food Storage is the first place to start. You can buy a really nice system or you can build one.
I found a great system at Shelf Reliance. It is a nice system and very versital. Shelving units can be customized to fit your needs. Depending on your budget, it might be on the exspensive side.
You can also build a shelf. I have instructions available for the DIY project. It is pictured at right. The Craftsman also rotates canned food. This illustration depicts a combination of shelf designs. DIY projects are allow you to customize to fit your individual needs.
The bottom and top are standard flat shelves. The lower four shelves rotate 3.0" canned goods. Fed from the upper shelf then roll to back, drop, and roll forward. The top two shelves simply slant forward and do not rotate food. I use them for food items I do not stock a lot of. Between the two is a set that rotates larger 4" wide cans. This system will manage over 500 cans.
I designed the Craftsman because I would rather spend the difference in cost on food..
Survival Resources
If you have not already done so, now is the time to begin your survival back up plans. Survival checklists and food storage are important whether planning for camping and hiking trips or as a back up plan for in-climate weather, potential natural disasters, or even a national crisis.
I would start with some basic food storage that has a 25 year shelf life. Basic first aid and grab & go back packs are important any time of the year. If you are not prepared, a trip to the snow can lead to an overnight stay without food, water, or necessities.
Purchase edible food books like Mushrooms in the Northwest. Which mushrooms can you eat? Some varieties look strikingly similar and can be a deadly mistake. Some basic knowledge goes a long way.
Heating
A good wood stove is extremely important whether intended for primary or back up heat. Stoves that accept cord wood have the advantage of not requiring electricity. Pellet stoves have the obvious advantage of ease of use and no cutting, stacking, of chopping of wood. However, the hoppers and fans don't work unless you have electricity.
Cooking
Wood stoves also provide a back up for cooking. Propane or old white gas camp stoves are a great addition to your preparedness supplies. Remember, electric coffee pots don't work when the power is interrupted. An inexpensive peculator is important if you like your morning JO like I do. Restoring normality is essential and a cup of hot JO is a great way to do just that.
Generators
Go cheap or buy quality... just be sure to buy a generator if you are serious about being prepared. Please be careful if you choose to hook the generator up to your house. Back feed can kill a lineman while he is attempting to restore your power. Do it right or don't do it at all. Extension cords will work if needed.
Solar Power
If you have the time and money, solar power is a fantastic preparedness item. Solar panels and a battery bank can supply the electricity you require to run a pellet stove. Thinking ahead and you won;t need to fire up your generator.
The Craftsman, Width 51.0", Height 76.0", Material Cost $70.00-$75.00 using basic woods products.
The Harvest
Width: 36.5"
Height 72.0"
$239.99 - $459.99
LOGANSBORO
