The Tie That Binds: Why We Should Help Others Prepare.
We tend to ‘preach’ it a lot around here at Prepare Magazine headquarters. We actually have different names for it around the office, but no matter how you paint it – many people don’t quite understand why the most important part of preparing for life as we know it to change is helping others to see the need to prepare.
Not that long ago we were seen as alarmists or survivalists, or just plain weird. But the truth is that in the past, the louder voices of preparedness sang a lone-wolf song and used the ‘look out for number one’ mantra. It’s no wonder people are a little resistant when we try to share the need to prepare – it seems so selfish to some people. But we can work hard to change that perception.
Here are some suggestions you may want to try in order to help others prepare:
Gather. Form a group or bring a friend or two to a group to which you belong. Often this is enough to break the ice and see most on this journey are ‘normal folk.’
Share. Give a ‘gift box’ of extra batteries, flashlights, or candles if your neighborhood is prone to power outages. Share your extra blankets in the winter and some surplus food in the summer.
Encourage. When someone shows interest of their own in preparedness or simply has questions, offer encouragement rather than negative advice. Don’t overwhelm them or try to scare them to act.
Plan. Simply plan a little bit for your loved ones or people you care for on your own. You know the people that will likely turn to you in crisis. Are you willing to help them? Why not plan now to be able. What’s a little more storage on hand among family and friends?
We would like to add another voice to impress upon us all the importance of not attempting to go it alone or leave others in their denial. It is important to know why we should consider working with others, bringing new people into the fold and consider outreach as a vital part of our preparedness plan.
Neighborhood Emergency Teams
A Guest Blog Post – By David Browne, Author of Are You Ready?
If we understand what we are preparing for, then it is just common sense to prepare for it. If we could look into the future and see the problems, it is easy to then prepare for it. Thus, the real issue of preparedness is to know what the future holds. If we prepare for the worst and it is much better than that, great, but if we don’t prepare hard enough, we lose. And people die. Not being prepared will ultimately flows downhill to others and make life worse for everyone.
I have told many people that to understand the future look to the past events. Look to Hitler, look to the end of Vietnam and the Khmer Rouge killing fields and today with ISIS. Is there an example of someone, anyone who we can look to for a pattern to save lives and how they did it? One very good example is the movie “Defiance”, starring Daniel Craig; a true story where four brothers saved some 1,500 people from the death camps of Hitler in Poland. Watch it!
What can a neighborhood do or a church do to prepare? The answer is teams of people organized in a survival coop.
You will need to organize in work groups in all areas that you feel you will need. Areas such as spiritual, food gatherers/hunters, cooking, sanitation, builders, water, safety, medical, farmers, butchers, scroungers, scouts, schools, trade shops, and the top management team of 12 elders.
Each group will have a leader and two helpers and a chain of workers. If a group can establish this type of relationship with others they will have all the advantages of life.
No man is an island; if you horde your food storage, it will rot before you can eat it or it will be destroyed. The key to survival is helping one another and anyone who comes to you for help.
David Browne, Author of Are You Ready? , was assigned to guard duty in the Watts Riots, the Dominican Republic Riots and then in Udorn Thailand with the CIA Air America. His experiences have given him great insight on surviving riots and war. His family lived off the grid for over 10 years in Southern Utah Mountains. His intention is to take what God sent him to learn and pass it on for you to prepare for the new millennium.
There is safety in numbers. Many hands make light work. No man is an island. No matter the cliche’ there is truth behind the fact that the more people you can have that are prepared around you, the less likely the opportunity for the mayhem around to reach you.
The Tie that Binds us together will actually help more of us thrive emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. So shifting the thought process from ‘How much can I store up’ to ‘How many people can I help’ has a ripple effect that will keep more stability and offer more good will for an unstable future.
In the upcoming, August 2015 Digital Issue of PREPARE Magazine, there are several more articles on this topic by well known authors. It is our hope that this blog, our guest’s insert and the upcoming Free Digital Issue can help you lay the groundwork to help other people around you to also prepare.
Popular Questions
Why is it important to help others prepare for emergencies?
Helping others prepare for emergencies fosters a sense of community and resilience. When individuals work together, they can share resources, knowledge, and skills, which enhances everyone's ability to respond effectively in a crisis. By encouraging preparedness among friends and neighbors, we create a support network that can significantly reduce panic and chaos during emergencies.
How can I encourage my friends to take preparedness seriously?
To encourage your friends to take preparedness seriously, start by sharing your own experiences and the benefits of being prepared. Organize informal gatherings where you can discuss preparedness topics and share resources like emergency kits or survival tips. Offering practical help, such as assembling a basic emergency kit together, can also make the idea of preparedness more approachable and less intimidating.
What are some effective ways to share preparedness resources with my community?
One effective way to share preparedness resources is to create a community group focused on emergency readiness. You can host workshops or informational sessions to educate others about the importance of preparedness and provide them with practical tools. Additionally, distributing items like emergency kits or informational pamphlets can help spark interest and motivate others to take action.
How can forming a group help in the preparedness process?
Forming a group can significantly enhance the preparedness process by pooling resources and knowledge. When individuals come together, they can divide responsibilities, ensuring that all aspects of preparedness are covered, from food storage to medical assistance. This collaborative approach not only makes the process more manageable but also builds strong relationships that can be vital during a crisis.
What role does emotional support play in helping others prepare?
Emotional support is crucial in helping others prepare, as it can alleviate fears and anxieties associated with potential disasters. By providing encouragement and understanding, you can help individuals feel more confident in their ability to prepare and respond to emergencies. This supportive environment fosters a proactive mindset, making it easier for people to engage in preparedness activities without feeling overwhelmed.
“What is the Best Alcohol to Store for Emergencies?” This question is surprisingly not asked often enough. We see many options and percentages on the sales shelves near the bandages but do you really know what is best to purchase and keep on hand for your home emergency kit?
Selecting the type(s) alcohol is only one part of the process. Knowing what you intend to use it for helps you to make the selection.
We hope to address a few of the things that are rarely thought of when you’re told to have alcohol on hand for an emergency. With the variety to choose from and what each percentage can mean for potency. The more you know, the better you can make an educated choice for your storage and preparation plans.
There are two differing types of Alcohol: Isopropyl & Ethyl
In reference to health care, “alcohol” refers to two water-soluble chemical compounds—ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol—that each have generally underrated germicidal characteristics.
Isopropyl alcohol – Per britannica.com
Isopropyl alcohol is one of the most common members of the alcohol family of organic compounds. Isopropyl alcohol was the first commercial synthetic alcohol. It is easily synthesized from the reaction of propylene with sulfuric acid, followed by hydrolysis.
In some cases the hydration of propylene is carried out in one step, using water and a catalyst at high pressure. Isopropyl alcohol is mixed with water for use as a rubbing-alcohol antiseptic.
Isopropyl Alcohol is also called: 2-Propanol; Dimethylcarbinol and Rubbing Alcohol
Ethyl Alcohol – Per brittanica.com
Ethyl Alcohol is an important industrial chemical; it is used as a solvent, in the synthesis of other organic chemicals, and as an additive to automotive gasoline (forming a mixture known as a gasohol). Ethyl alcohol is also the intoxicating ingredient of many alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits.
Ethyl alcohol, also called ethanol, grain alcohol, or simply alcohol.
Both Ethyl & Isopropyl alcohol are effective but not equally.
Isopropyl Alcohol is effective in as little as 10 seconds. It kills bacteria, viruses, fungus, and tubercles on contact. But depending upon potency must come in contact with these contaminants for at least 10 seconds.
Isopropyl Alcohol is often already diluted in a variety of percentages before being sold. Isopropyl is most commonly sold in 70%, 91% and 99% solutions.
Ethyl Alcohol has the percentage is shown by the ‘proof’ on most grain and distilled spirits.
It can be used straight on a topical area or surface but is significantly weaker than Isopropyl Alcohol. If relegated to using a high proof Ethyl Alcohol such as Vodka for sterilization purposes, carefully check the percentage before diluting – especially since Ethyl Alcohol is already less effective against some contaminants than Isopropyl.
Effectiveness for each alcohol drops significantly when concentration is below 50%. So when searching the bottles at the drugstore for puchase or diluting for use – be careful to keep the percentages as high as possible for maximum potency.
Neither Ethyl nor Isopropyl alcohol are capable of killing spores, therefore cannot be used in “high level sterilization.”
There are Disadvantages & Advantages of both types of alcohol.
The main disadvantage to storing alcohol is that both Ethyl and Isopropyl Alcohol are highly flammable. However, under certain circumstances this may actually be an advantage for fire starting.
Another mix of both advantage and disadvantage is that they can cause damage to rubber (hardening) and destruction of glues. This can work either for or against you, depending upon how it is needed. Either way, being aware is important.
An outright Advantage is that each of these are among the longest shelf-stable disinfectants known. And perfect for long term storage options. With very little breakdown or decomposition, alcohol lasts for a very long time for future use.
Another advantage, unique to the Ethyl Alcohol, is that it can be used to make tinctures and extracts for medicinal herbs. And lastly the advantage of storing Ethyl Alcohol is the opportunity to barter it and offer it up for another person’s consumption or addiction.
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Popular Questions
What is the fastest way to improve What is the Best Alcohol to Store for Emergencies? without making beginner mistakes?
The fastest way to improve What is the Best Alcohol to Store for Emergencies? is to simplify the process and control one variable at a time. Start with the most important baseline: define the goal, identify the main failure point, and test one change before making another. Keep short notes so you can connect the outcome to the adjustment you made.
What should you check first when What is the Best Alcohol to Store for Emergencies? is not working well?
Check the most immediate bottlenecks first: setup errors, missing inputs, bad timing, or inconsistent follow-through. Before buying anything new or changing the whole system, confirm that the basics are being done correctly and consistently. A small diagnostic checklist usually reveals the real problem faster than broad trial and error. Once the weak point is clear, make one correction and watch the result before adjusting anything else.
What common mistakes make What is the Best Alcohol to Store for Emergencies? harder than it needs to be?
The most common mistakes are changing too many variables at once, skipping the basics, and judging results too quickly. Many people also copy generic advice without adapting it to their exact situation, which leads to weak results and confusion. A better approach is to work from a simple baseline, make measured changes, and give each change enough time to show whether it helped. That makes progress easier to track and repeat.
Maybe you haven’t given it much thought about how Alcohol and Diet Impact Health and Preparedness, but they both do. The use or abuse of either one of these areas of consumption have a great impact not only on one’s current physical state, but also upon the mental acuity to handle stressful situations when they arise.
In these troubled times and the potential of future struggles ahead, many people turn to substances in an attempt to cope. Alcohol and food are legal substances that when abused, in an attempt to cope, have a long lasting adverse affect on one’s health and ability to be best prepared.
Below is a more detailed article about how alcohol and diet affect the body:
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Alcohol and Diet
The phrase “you are what you eat” is especially true in today’s world. That isn’t to say that if you choose to drink, you will become your favorite libation. What it does suggest, however, is that choosing to drink alcohol or not can affect your well-being and functioning so any decision to indulge should be an informed one.
Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Alcohol affects the body in a variety of ways other than intoxication. It can affect the digestive system and how vitamins and nutrients are utilized by the body. Too much alcohol can slow down digestion as the body prioritizes breaking down alcohol to processing food. Alcohol is a toxin to the body so it is processed ahead of food in the liver’s attempt to keep functioning well. As alcohol is broken down into toxic byproducts, the liver and pancreas can be damaged and become less efficient. Since the liver is an organ that helps to fuel the body and keep it clean of toxins, alcohol makes it work overtime. A single episode of overindulging can actually lower your immune system for up to 24 hours afterwards. [1]
Depletes Vitamins
Alcohol is also known to deplete the body’s store of vital nutrients needed for good health. B complex is comprised of several different vitamins that link together to make a chain. The most common are B1, B6, B12, riboflavin and niacin. Certain vitamins in the B complex chain are more easily destroyed by alcohol than others. You may have learned that by taking a B complex vitamin before a night out on the town, you can avoid at least part of the nasty hangover from overindulging.
Alcohol and the Diet
Small to moderate amounts of alcohol have been shown to lessen the development of heart disease, however, alcohol in larger amounts long term can harm the heart making it less efficient at pumping oxygen and nutrients to the organs that need them.
Even smaller amounts of alcohol can disrupt neurotransmitters in the brain like glutamate causing forgetfulness or blackouts in more severe cases. Alcohol can affect your speech and motor control causing slurring and balance issues. Alcohol also affects serotonin, a neurotransmitter which helps to regulate your emotion and release endorphins, which explains why drinking alcohol use can feel relaxing and sometimes alters our emotional reactions.
Weight Gain
One of the most common problems associated with drinking alcohol frequently is weight gain. Alcoholic beverages contain what are best known as “empty calories”. They offer minimal, if any, nutritive value, and, when consumed in excess, can add unwanted pounds. An active person who drinks the occasional one or two beers while watching the game will not normally see a dramatic change. This weight gain occurs mainly when the consumption of alcohol escalates to the point where there are more calories being consumed than there are being used through exercise and other forms of activity.
As the liver and the rest of the body return to functioning at peak performance post drinking, nutrients will be more easily broken down and absorbed by the body. The blood will be able to carry more oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Energy levels will increase and a person’s overall mood and ability to concentrate will rise.
When you begin to understand how alcohol affects your body, you may find you have further motivation to begin or maintain a healthier lifestyle. You can decide if, how much, and when you want to indulge in alcohol and support your use of alcohol so the effects on your body are minimized. You may decide that you enjoy and value the feelings of sobriety more than you enjoy the effects of drinking. It’s all in the choices we make and live with.
Faith Moore, JD, is the Public Relations Coordinator at Saint Jude Retreats, a non 12 Step alternative to traditional drug and alcohol treatment centers and rehabs. Saint Jude Retreats provides residential, online, and home study programs for people with substance use problems that concentrates on self-directed positive and permanent change. Through the program, individuals with substance use problems are offered the opportunity to self-evaluate and explore avenues for life enhancement and happiness.
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Popular Questions
How does alcohol consumption affect my diet and overall health?
Alcohol can significantly impact your diet by slowing down digestion and depleting essential nutrients. When consumed, the body prioritizes breaking down alcohol over processing food, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, excessive alcohol intake can contribute to weight gain due to its empty calories, making it crucial to monitor your consumption for better health outcomes.
What are the long-term effects of alcohol on mental acuity and preparedness?
Long-term alcohol use can impair mental acuity by disrupting neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to forgetfulness and decreased cognitive function. This can hinder your ability to handle stressful situations effectively, which is vital for preparedness. Reducing alcohol intake can help improve your mental clarity and emotional regulation, enhancing your overall readiness for challenges.
Can moderate drinking have any benefits for my heart health?
Moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, as it may improve circulation and heart function. However, it's essential to balance this with the potential risks of excessive drinking, which can harm the heart over time. Making informed choices about alcohol can help you enjoy its benefits while minimizing negative health impacts.
What role does diet play in mitigating the effects of alcohol?
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can help mitigate some adverse effects of alcohol consumption. Foods high in B vitamins, for example, can support your body's recovery and nutrient absorption after drinking. Incorporating healthy foods into your diet can enhance your overall well-being and help maintain your health even if you choose to drink.
How can I make informed choices about alcohol and my diet?
To make informed choices about alcohol and your diet, consider your health goals and the potential impacts of your consumption. Educate yourself on the effects of alcohol on your body and mind, and assess how it fits into your lifestyle. Keeping track of your drinking habits and prioritizing nutritious foods can help you maintain a healthier balance and improve your preparedness for life's challenges.
I love sitting by my wood stove during the winter months preparing for my garden. I organize my seeds, layout my garden on graph paper and utilize a now faithful tool called the Garden Notebook by Angi Schneider. The Garden Notebook is a printable e-book which allows you to track your garden year after year. Keeping notes of your garden each year can be extremely helpful moving forward in many ways.
Being able to record how much you produced at the end of the year based on how much you planted will aid you in determining if you need to plant more for the following year to fill your pantry shelves. Documenting how you got rid of certain pests and what worked best for your soil is also helpful.
Another book you may find extremely useful is The Art of Gardening by Susan Vinskofski. This book could be a tremendous help to you in working with your soil as well as the Back To Eden film which can be found at BackToEdenFilm.com.
Did you know you can look up your hardiness rating and zone for your area at http://garden.org/zipzone? Knowing your hardiness rating and zone can help you to decide which seeds will work best for your area and when it is best to plant your varying seeds. Purchasing heirloom seeds is important as well. An heirloom seed is a hardy seed that has stood the test of time, has no GMO’s and can be saved for the following year. Here are some examples of some of the seed companies that I purchase from: Seeds from Generations, Mike Gardener’s Seeds of the Month, Good Seeds, High Mowing Organic Seeds, Annie’s Heirloom Seeds, Rare Seeds Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Territorial Seed Company, Berlin Seeds, Seeds of Change, and Seed Saver’s Exchange.
Here is a great tool that I have found useful in tracking my planting times based on my zone and last frost date.
Something else you should give some major consideration to when you are getting prepared for your garden is companion planting. To ensure that you have a bountiful harvest you want to be sure you are planting your plants wisely where they will flourish because not all plants do well side by side.
Vertical planting is something else you may choose to consider. I intend to utilize vertical planting both in my raised beds in my garden and in my greenhouse to provide even more planting space.
One of the reasons I love being able to pre-plan my garden during the winter months is because it is a much slower time for us and this provides me with more time to research all the things I would like to accomplish and overall allows me to be much more prepared for the season.
Here in Idaho, we have an extremely short season so being prepared and even ahead of the game is important. Getting your seeds started early enough is key when you have a short season and being able to cover your plants toward the end of the season will eliminate you losing your valuable bounty to frost or even snow in our area.
If you are new to gardening, don’t be afraid to talk to your local gardeners and farmers for planting tips. If you don’t have space to plant a garden consider checking with your county to see if there are any community gardens to which you can purchase or barter space. If you don’t have such options in your area you could check with friends or locals with acreage to see if they would be willing to allow you to use a small space to grow a garden and work out some sort of a deal.
You can also easily plant your garden in large pots on your patios, in your flower beds and even on your apartment balcony. Don’t allow a small space to stop you. It is such a rewarding feeling to be able to work your soil, plant your seeds, watch them grow, and to harvest your wholesome edibles.
Another very rewarding aspect of gardening is sharing it with a child. If you have children or grandchildren it is an amazing skill for them to learn and it is always helpful to have extra hands.
I encourage you to embrace gardening this year, if for nothing else, but to put some very wholesome food on your table. Gardening is also a very relaxing and healthy thing to do.
My two favorite things on our homestead aside from our animals is gardening and canning. I love to have full canning shelves at the end of our season.
Tammy Trayer is a Featured Contributor for PREPARE Magazine. She is a freelance writer, soon to be author, radio show host, web designer specializing in the outdoors, entrepreneur, pioneer, avid hunter, outdoorswoman, homesteader, homeschool mother and wife. She, her husband & Mountain Man of her dreams and family live traditionally off-grid and enjoy educating on autism, gluten free and dairy free cooking, self-reliance, wilderness survival, natural health, gardening and so much more. Find out more about Tammy and her journeys at: http://www.TrayerWilderness.com
Popular Questions
Why is it important to start preparing for your garden early?
Starting your garden preparations early allows you to organize your seeds and plan your layout effectively. It gives you ample time to research and implement strategies like companion planting and vertical gardening, which can enhance your yield. Additionally, early preparation helps you track your planting times based on your hardiness zone, ensuring that you plant at the optimal time for your area.
How can I effectively track my garden's progress throughout the year?
Utilizing tools like the Garden Notebook can help you keep detailed records of your gardening activities. Documenting what you planted, how much you produced, and any pest control methods you used will provide valuable insights for future seasons. This information can guide your decisions on what to plant more of next year and how to improve your soil management.
What resources can help me choose the right seeds for my garden?
Knowing your hardiness rating and zone is crucial for selecting the right seeds for your garden. Websites like garden.org can help you determine this information, allowing you to choose seeds that thrive in your climate. Additionally, consider purchasing heirloom seeds from reputable companies, as they are often more resilient and can be saved for future planting.
What are some tips for gardening in a small space?
If you're limited on space, consider using large pots or vertical gardening techniques to maximize your planting area. Community gardens can also be a great option if you lack space at home, allowing you to grow your own food while connecting with other gardeners. Don't let a small area deter you; even a balcony can be transformed into a productive garden.
How can gardening benefit my family and me?
Gardening is not only a rewarding hobby but also a great way to provide wholesome food for your family. Involving children in gardening teaches them valuable skills and fosters a love for nature. Additionally, the act of gardening can be relaxing and fulfilling, contributing to your overall well-being and self-reliance.
All Bleach is NOT Created Equal! Knowing exactly how to use bleach correctly can disinfect surfaces or purify water. Knowing which bleach contains harmful additives and chemicals, and thus must be avoided, can save your life.
Recently at one of our area Preparedness Meetings, we had the opportunity to learn from an active member of our group. Craig is a Registered Nurse with a background in critical care and emergency leadership. He had recently completed updated training for infectious diseases and modern-day epidemic mitigation, including new Ebola protocols.
Craig was kind enough to share much of what he learned with our group. The topic of using bleach for disinfecting or purifying water has been widely spread throughout the preparedness community. However, Craig shared information that I had not seen mentioned much in detail. I found it important and wanted to share it with readers of PREPARE Magazine.
All bleach is widely acceptable as an antimicrobial and can kill microbes on hard, non-porous surfaces. Bleach seems to be the go-to disinfectant for everything from bathrooms to kitchens. In an emergency situation, it is often promoted as a method for purifying water.
For surfaces that may have become contaminated, or when dealing with a contagious individual in the home, treating an area correctly can be life-saving. But only if it is performed properly with the right bleach, in the correct ratio, for the full length of time, and dried in the appropriate method.
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What’s Wrong With Some Types of Bleach?
When it comes to bleach, you cannot just “grab a gallon” and go. You need to read the label carefully. “Regular” bleach is the only kind you want for disinfecting surfaces or treating water, not any of the other formulations.
If there is anything other than the word “Regular” describing your bleach, relegate its use to laundry only. Thick-cling, splash-less, and scented varieties contain harmful additives that can create as much harm as the untreated surface or water.
Splash-less bleach is not simply splash-less because the spout is shaped differently. The manufacturer has added a soap or sudsing agent to change the viscosity of the liquid bleach, making it easier to pour.
Thick-cling bleach contains even more of these additives than its splash-less counterpart. If you have ever used these products, you may notice a soapy film on the countertop surface or more suds in your washer. This can be harmful if swallowed and may contribute to asthma and respiratory issues.
Scented bleach has become popular for laundering. While some people may not notice problems when using it in wash water, dyes and perfumes can have a negative impact when used on utensils, countertops, or in drinking water.
These additives may be hazardous to the digestive system and may also cause skin irritation, allergies, asthma, respiratory problems, and other health concerns.
Which Bleach Is Safe For Emergency Water Treatment?
Regular bleach is the bleach product that should be used when bleach is needed for disinfecting or emergency water treatment. Avoid scented bleach, splash-less bleach, thick-cling bleach, color-safe bleach, or any bleach with added cleaners, fragrances, soaps, or other additives.
Proper Disinfecting Time and Technique
Two teaspoons of Clorox Regular Bleach in one gallon of water will kill germs, but only if it has been in contact with the hard surface for two full minutes and is then allowed to air dry without rinsing.
Important Safety Considerations
Regular bleach is a widely used cleaning method. It should be noted that this is not the only option for disinfecting, but it is one of the most widely accepted when used properly.
Even regular bleach has drawbacks. Bleach is caustic, may cause eye irritation and gastric burns, and can be corrosive to metals in high concentration or with long exposure.
For long-term storage, regular liquid bleach may not be the best option. Compared with some other disinfectants, bleach is relatively unstable and has a limited shelf life.
Please share so we can all help each other be better prepared. Thank you!
Final Thoughts
Not all bleach products are suitable for emergency sanitation or water treatment. Only regular, unscented household bleach should be considered for those purposes, and proper dilution ratios, contact times, and safety precautions must always be followed.
Understanding the difference before an emergency occurs can prevent serious health risks and make your preparedness plan more effective.
Popular Questions
What are the dangers of using scented bleach for cleaning?
Scented bleach contains dyes and fragrances that can be harmful when used on surfaces like countertops or utensils. These additives may lead to skin irritation, allergies, and respiratory issues. It's crucial to avoid using scented bleach for disinfecting, especially in areas where food is prepared or consumed.
Why should I avoid thick-cling bleach for disinfecting surfaces?
Thick-cling bleach has added soaps and sudsing agents that can leave a soapy residue on surfaces, making it unsuitable for disinfecting. This residue can be harmful if ingested and may contribute to respiratory problems. For effective disinfection, stick to regular bleach without these additives.
How can I ensure I'm using the right bleach for water purification?
To purify water, always use regular, unscented household bleach. Avoid any bleach that has added cleaners, fragrances, or other additives, as these can be harmful. The correct ratio is two teaspoons of regular bleach per gallon of water, ensuring it sits for the proper contact time to effectively kill germs.
What should I look for on a bleach label to ensure it's safe for disinfecting?
When selecting bleach for disinfecting, look for the word "Regular" on the label. Avoid any formulations that include descriptors like "splash-less," "thick-cling," or "scented," as these contain harmful additives. Regular bleach is the safest option for both disinfecting surfaces and treating water in emergencies.
Can using the wrong type of bleach lead to health issues?
Yes, using the wrong type of bleach can pose serious health risks, including respiratory problems and skin irritation. Additives in non-regular bleaches can be harmful if they come into contact with food or drinking water. Always choose regular bleach for disinfecting and follow proper usage guidelines to minimize health risks.
only one part of the process. Knowing what you intend to use it for helps you to make the selection.
The phrase “you are what you eat” is especially true in today’s world. That isn’t to say that if you choose to drink, you will become your favorite libation. What it does suggest, however, is that choosing to drink alcohol or not can affect your well-being and functioning so any decision to indulge should be an informed one.
months is because it is a much slower time for us and this provides me with more time to research all the things I would like to accomplish and overall allows me to be much more prepared for the season.
options in your area you could check with friends or locals with acreage to see if they would be willing to allow you to use a small space to grow a garden and work out some sort of a deal.
seeds, watch them grow, and to harvest your wholesome edibles.
