This Cooking Mistake could Prove Deadly for the Homestead

This is how many house fires happen in the US every year,

And if you live the homestead lifestyle, you really

should pay attention to what I have to tell you here!

It’s more than you think.

When it’s something that shouldn’t happen even once.

House fires have ruined people’s properties.

Everything they worked for.

And in the worst cases, it has taken their loved ones.

It’s time we turn down the heat on this risk and stir up some safety measures.

Let’s address the elephant in the room, unattended cooking.

It’s the primary cause of these fires.

Picture this, you’re sautéing vegetables, the cellphone rings, and you step away, thinking, “It’s just for a moment.”

But brother, a moment is exactly what it takes for a fire to ignite.

The golden rule is simple. Stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food.

If you must go out, even for a short period, power down the stove.

So let’s talk about what’s cooking on your stovetop. Crowded cooktops are a recipe for disaster.

Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains – away from your stovetop.

A clean cooking area is a critical precaution against fires.

For those who love a good simmer, setting a timer is your ally.

It’s an easy step that serves as a reminder that you’re cooking, especially useful when you’re simmering, baking, or roasting food.

In the unfortunate event that a small grease fire starts, remain calm.

If it’s safe to do so, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and powering down the stove.

Keep the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

For an oven fire, keep the door closed and close the heat.

Remember, water is a foe in this scenario as it can cause the oil to splatter and spread the fire.

As I always say, being prepared can make a world of difference.

Consider keeping a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and ensure every family member knows how to use it.

But more importantly, if a fire grows out of control, don’t hesitate to evacuate and contact 911. Your safety is paramount.

God bless, and always stay safe and very aware!

What NOT to eat in a crisis

I wasn’t planning on writing an article today…

Especially since the Mrs always tells me how I should be spending more time with her and the kids.

But I just saw something at the grocery store that I had to let you know about.

And to make sure you’re not making the same mistake.

There was this dude with a cart filled with canned food.

You know, canned beans, canned soup, canned meat, and the like.

And I overheard him saying how he’s creating an emergency stockpile.

And how these cans will be essential in bad times.

While I appreciate a man who’s trying to look out for his family,

Canned food ain’t it, brother.

What some folks don’t know is that canned food has a high sodium content.

A single can of minestrone soup contains around 1,550 mg of sodium.

That’s more than half a teaspoon of salt!

You might be thinking that’s nothing,

But let me tell you, if you give that to your family in an emergency,

This is what you’re risking.

Picture this.

The power’s been out for days.

The storm of the century has hit.

And you have your water supply starting to run low.

Then you reach for those canned beans.

And you’re stuffing down salt even though you’re dehydrated!

I’m no doc, but this isn’t healthy.

Take a look at what happens when you’re dehydrated.

The last thing you need in an emergency is for your kids and you to have high fever, sweating, or vomiting.

See how easily things can take a turn for the worse?

Everyone thinks canned goods are ideal for emergencies.

But if you think one step ahead, you begin to see the flaws.

So what’s the moral of our story? Balance, folks, and a keen eye on the details.

It’s not just about having enough to eat but having the right things to eat.

Foods that provide sustained energy, require minimal processing and don’t sap your precious water supply are your real allies in a crisis.

Stay safe, stay smart, and remember, survival is as much about what you don’t do as what you do.

Until next time, please stay safe, God bless, and keep your head on a swivel!