Bug Out Bag Basic Checklist --Group Effort

BUG OUT BACK CHECKLIST (Emergency Supply List)

First note: you MUST have a plan with your loved ones where you can all meet up for then an escape route—especially if you live in the city and are looking to “bug out” of town. Many of you are like me, homesteader, so you will “bug in” and not “out”. Either way, you must know what your plan is to then know what to pack in your bag. Another important note: don’t pack stuff you don’t need or have no idea how to use. Take only the essentials with you. It should be easy to be carried on your back, in case a car is not an option. Your bag will be different than everyone else’s based on your plan and situation. Below are the basics across the board, vary yours for your own specific need. Example: if you have to leave your home and get out of town but have no family to go to, camping might be your option, add camping gear to your list. For this purpose though, it won’t be mentioned.

Basics Include:

Flashlights—2 of them with 6 sets of batteries for each

First Aid Kit—plenty in there for every event. They sell great kits at Walmart

Blankets or sleeping bags—even if it is summer, you need protection from the elements or if someone is ill, wrap them

Hunting Knife

Matches and lighters

Shovel

Pot for boiling water and a frying pan to cook in

Trash bag to act as a rain poncho

Tarp to cover your stuff to keep it dry—or plastic sheeting

Rope

Can opener

Hatchet

Vodka—sterilizes wounds

FOOD: 3 day supply of

Bottle water

Canned food

Note: if you are bugging in to you homestead, this list won't apply to you. This is for those that need to get out of the city and get safe. 

Brining your Herbs Indoors

Bringing your Herbs Indoors

-By the Mad Potter

 Spring, summer, fall have passed and the herb garden has seasoned you're  summer dishes well. Every one stares at the pots on the patio wishing I could keep them all year. here are a few tips on how to do that.

  To grow well indoors, herbs need as much natural light as possible. Place them in a sunny spot near a window where they’ll get at least 4 hours of sun daily. Windows that face south or southwest are your best shot at sun, though east- or west-facing windows also will do. North-facing windows are not bright enough.

   The best way to ruin a tabletop or windowsill is to let a potted plant drain on it. The best way to ruin most herbs is to let them sit in water so the roots will rot. Be sure to use a saucer, liner, or drain pan under the pot to catch water and protect your surface. Do not use Terra Cotta saucers they will drain right through.

    Most folks want Basil indoors.Basil is trickier.  If you have plenty of sun and warmth indoors, basil should thrive, but don’t keep it on a cool windowsill. Basil leaves will droop and fade after a short time in cool air. It prefers indoor temperatures in the 70s day and night.
   Remember that the air next to a window will be cooler in winter (or hotter in summer) than your average indoor temperature, so adjust your plants accordingly. Dry air, whether from air conditioning or heating, is hard on most herbs, so if you can give them a weekly shower in the sink, they will be happier.

   Rosemary does not like wet feet I let mine get close to dry before watering again.

Here are a few herbs that do well indoors

Chives
Lemon Balm
Marjoram
Mint (Chocolate Mint, Peppermint, Spearmint, or Sweet Mint)
Oregano (Greek Oregano, Italian Oregano, or Hot & Spicy Oregano)
Parsley (Flat Italian Parsley or Curled Parsley)
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme (German Thyme or Lemon Thyme)