WEEK 16
Keeping Clean
The importance of keeping reasonably clean cannot be overemphasized when it comes to disaster preps. Being able to wash up not only is a huge boost to morale but also goes a long way toward preventing infections and illnesses.
Imagine being stuck at home for several weeks during a quarantine (self-imposed or otherwise). Faucets aren’t working, so no running water is available. It’s the height of summer, and no electricity means no air conditioning. Each day you and your family are working hard in the garden to bring in needed food as well as making any necessary repairs or improvements to the home itself.
You are all constantly sweaty, dirty, and disheveled. And there’s also an infant in the family going through perhaps a dozen diapers a day. A stink like that will get into your very soul. You need to plan ahead so you and your family members can clean up, at least somewhat.
Start with laying in a good supply of baby wipes, whether you have a young child in the home or not. These work great for quick sponge baths. They can also serve as toilet paper, of course, should you run out.
Next, stock up on soap and shampoo. While I fully realize bar soap can be used to clean hair as well as the body, generic shampoo isn’t all that costly.
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash are all essential. Make sure you have plenty of extras on hand. Figure out how long a tube of toothpaste lasts your family and multiply that out so you have at least enough for a few months. Toothbrushes are supposed to last about six months, but they’re cheap, so figure about five extras per family member. By the way, don’t throw away the old ones. They’re great for small cleaning projects.
Stick to unscented deodorants and avoid using body sprays in emergency situations. Trust me, as a father of a teenager, body sprays are highly overrated when it comes to masking other smells.
Hand sanitizer is critical. It’ll allow you to wash hands quickly after using the bathroom without expending water. But sanitizer does tend to dry out skin, so you might consider adding hand lotion to your shopping list.
A camp shower will probably be welcome after a few days without bathing. You can buy these at any decent sporting goods store or make your own. A five-gallon bucket, painted black, will heat water nicely on a sunny day. If you’re the handy sort, drill a hole in the bottom of the bucket and rig up a small hose-type fitting. Suspend the bucket above head level. Then, attach a hose and nozzle to turn the water on and off. Or you could just have someone on a ladder dump water over you while you wash up.
Remember, you want to use rainwater for bathing purposes and not water you’ve stored for consumption.
WEEK 16 ASSIGNMENTS
TASKS
1. Begin stocking up on things like soap, hand sanitizer, and other hygiene products. As I always say, watch the sale ads and use coupons if that gets you a better deal than buying generics. Your first goal is to set aside enough for three months. Once you’ve accomplished that, go for six months.
2. Begin acquiring what you’d need for a camp shower, either by purchasing a kit or building your own.
SAVINGS
Add $10 to your Prepper Savings Account.
TOTAL PREPPER SAVINGS ACCOUNT: 
WATER STORAGE
One gallon (or two 2-liter bottles) per person or a case of bottled water for the household.
TOTAL WATER STORAGE:
GROCERY LIST
3 cans vegetables, your choice
2 cans fruit, your choice, but stick with those packed in water or juice, rather than syrup
1 can chili or stew, your choice
1 package or jar gravy mix
1 box of tea bags, your choice (even if you don’t drink tea, this is a great barter item)
1 jar pasta sauce, your choice
1 lb dry beans, your choice
