Emergency Preparedness/ Videos

 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1980/10/prepare-every-needful-thing?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/spiritual-preparedness-start-early-and-be-steady?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1976/04/family-preparedness?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1981/04/the-need-to-teach-personal-and-family-preparedness?lang=eng



Members of the Church have been counseled for many years to be prepared for adversity. Preparation, both spiritual and temporal, can dispel fear (see D&C 38:30).
Elder L. Tom Perry taught, “The need for preparation is abundantly clear. The great blessing of being prepared gives us freedom from fear” (“If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear,” Oct. 1995 general conference).
With the guidance of Church leaders, individuals and families should prepare to be self-reliant in times of personal and widespread tragedy.

The principle of preparation

As members of the Church, we know that it is our responsibility to provide for ourselves and our families both in good times and in bad. Part of fulfilling that obligation is making preparations now to face whatever challenges may come our way.
President Spencer W. Kimball taught that we must be “anxiously engaged in a positive program of preparation.” It is not enough to hope for the best; we must prepare for it.
He explained, “The Lord will not translate one’s good hopes and desires and intentions into works. Each of us must do that for himself” (The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 8).

How does the Church prepare for emergencies?

The Church prepares for emergencies by establishing and maintaining an emergency response plan in each ward and stake.

Ward and Stake Emergency Plans

Wards and stakes should prepare for natural and man-made disasters that are likely to occur in their respective areas by creating an emergency plan. These plans are prepared under the direction of the bishop or stake president. They should be updated periodically.
Each plan should:

1. Identify likely disasters.
2. Gather critical information.
3. Outline assignments and procedures.
4. Identify emergency communication methods.
5. Encourage member preparation.

Use the Stake and Ward Emergency Planning Guide worksheets at preparedness.lds.org in your planning efforts

How can I prepare for an emergency?

Church members are encouraged to make an emergency plan and update it regularly.
Elder L. Tom Perry instructed, “Start now to create a plan if you don’t already have one, or update your present plan. … The instability in the world today makes it imperative that we take heed of the counsel and prepare for the future” (“If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear,” Oct. 1995 general conference).
As you make an emergency plan, consider each of these elements.

Avoid debt and live within your means

It is needful that we discipline ourselves by avoiding debt and living within our means. Doing so will put us in a better position to help ourselves and help others during times of personal or widespread crisis.
Debt should be avoided, “with the exception of buying a modest home or paying for education or other vital needs” (All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances). However, debt of any kind should be approached carefully.
Elder L. Tom Perry said, “Necessary debt should be incurred only after careful, thoughtful prayer and after obtaining the best possible advice” (“If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear”).
But it isn’t enough to simply avoid financial tragedy; we should take care to spend less than we earn.
“We urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt” (All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances).
Elder N. Eldon Tanner described what happens when we allow ourselves to spend more than we earn:
“I have discovered that there is no way that you can ever earn more than you can spend. I am convinced that it is not the amount of money an individual earns that brings peace of mind as much as it is having control of his money. Money can be an obedient servant but a harsh taskmaster. Those who structured their standard of living to allow a little surplus, control their circumstances. Those who spend a little more than they earn are controlled by their circumstances” (“Constancy Amid Change,” Oct. 1979 general conference).
Living within our means allows us to maintain control of our circumstances. Falling into debt only leads to further hardship.

Gain an adequate education

In an ever-changing world, we must prepare for uncertainties. One way that we can do this is by first gaining an adequate education and then continuing to increase our knowledge and skill base as time and circumstance permit.
We have been counseled by the Lord to seek learning in a variety of topics by study and also by faith (see D&C 88:118). This training will prepare us to take care of our families and serve others.
“In our educational choices we should prepare to support ourselves and those who may become dependent upon us,” taught President Dallin H. Oaks. “It is necessary that we have marketable skills. Education is mandatory to personal security and well-being” (“Learning and Latter-day Saints,” Ensign, Apr. 2009).
However, our commitment to education cannot end once we’ve received a certificate or gotten a job. Elder L. Tom Perry stressed the importance of ongoing education, especially in regards to our vocations. He stated, “We can become antiquated in our professions if we do not stay up-to-date” (“If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear”).
It is vital that we stay abreast of current industry practices and continue building our skill set. Doing so will give us the best chance at gainful employment.

Keep a reserve of food and other supplies

Another way we can prepare for an emergency is by building up a store of needed supplies to help carry us through a crisis.
President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “We have built grain storage and storehouses and stocked them with the necessities of life in the event of a disaster.” But those goods cannot help us if we cannot reach them. He continued, “The best storehouse is the family storeroom” (“If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear,” Oct. 2005 general conference). It’s the most accessible reserve in times of need and the best suited to our individual needs.
As you build and maintain your emergency supply, include the following items:

• Clothing and bedding
• Drinking water
• Financial reserves
• Important documents
• Longer-term supply of basic food items
• Medication and first aid supplies
• Three-month supply of food that is part of your normal diet
• Ways to communicate with family following a disaster

Obtain first aid training

Another way to prepare for an emergency is to receive first aid, CPR and AED training through a certified program.

Videos

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-01-0001-family-home-storage-meet-jean?lang=eng&_r=1


https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-01-0002-family-home-storage-meet-maureen?lang=eng&_r=1

Food Storage

Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to ‘prepare every needful thing’ (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we may care for ourselves and our neighbors, and support bishops as they care for others.”
“We encourage members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings. We ask that you be wise, and do not go to extremes. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve.” (See All Is Safely Gathered In.)

What am I supposed to have in my food storage?

 

 here are three main components of food storage:

• Food supply (three-month and long-term)
• Water supply
• Financial reserve

Store foods that are a part of your normal diet in your three-month supply. As you develop a longer-term storage, focus on food staples such as wheat, rice, pasta, oats, beans, and potatoes that can last 30 years or more. Learn more about a long-term food supply.

How much food storage do I need?

Take the amount of food you would need to purchase to feed your family for a day and multiply that by 7. That is how much food you would need for a one-week supply. Once you have a week’s supply, you can gradually expand it to a month, and eventually three months.

For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans. A portion of these items may be rotated in your three-month supply. (See All is Safely Gathered In.)

Where should I store my food storage?

Make sure your food storage is properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place.
If water comes directly from a good, pretreated source, then no additional purification is needed; otherwise, pretreat water before use. Store water in sturdy, leak-proof, breakage-resistant containers. Consider using plastic bottles commonly used for juices or soda. Keep water containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Learn more about water storage and purification.

How much does it cost?

Costs may vary depending on where and how you purchase your food storage. It is important to remember that you should not go to extremes; for instance, it is not prudent to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. Develop it gradually to diffuse the overall cost over time so that it will not become a financial burden.

Sept quotes

President Ezra Taft Benson 1980

Those families will be fortunate who, in the last days, have an adequate supply of food because of their foresight and ability to produce their own.

 

food orders

      Food orders are due Friday Sept 28th. 
                          

Now that Winter is coming we need to make sure we have some stuff the be ready. 

 Put a “winter supply” box in your car. 
  This is the single most important thing you can do for your car and for your personal safety. Having  a box full of winter supplies in your trunk can make all the difference when something goes wrong while traveling on a cold winter day.
 Here’s a quick list of items you should include in that box: a flashlight, road flares, a first-aid kit, a few blankets, a change of warm clothes for the driver, a few extra pairs of gloves, a radio, a charged cellphone for 911 calls, a bag of sand (for traction), an extra ice scraper and some high-energy snacks (like nuts or jerky).




Get your furnace and boiler inspected. Instead of begging for service when your boiler blows on a dead-cold January night, sign a contract now with a reputable heating company. Many oil and propane suppliers are happy to bring you on board with an annual service contract. It’s worth it.

    

• Clean gutters and downspouts in mid-fall and double-check them before winter.
• Replace the filter in your furnace.
• Close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather.
• Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and turn off the water.
• Buy a snow shovel and other winter supplies before the messy weather hits.
• Keep extra water and canned food in storage just in case.
• Test your heating system, so that you know it will work properly when you need it
• Check the attic, walls, and basement for adequate insulation.
• Feel around electrical outlets and switch-plates for cold air, add insulation where necessary.
• Look around doors and windows for gaps and potential places where warm air can escape.
• Caulk or apply weatherstripping around problem draft areas.
• Have a contractor look for damaged roof shingles and loose gutters.
• Have a heating/cooling expert look at your furnace if you are unsure of its efficiency.
• Have chimneys and woodstoves cleaned early in the season.
• Test the flue for each fireplace for a tight seal when closed.

Family Food Storage order

February 24th

Home Storage Center Order Form

“Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to ‘prepare every needful thing’ (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we may care for ourselves and our neighbors, and support bishops as they care for others.”

“We encourage members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings. We ask that you be wise, and do not go to extremes. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve.” (See All Is Safely Gathered In.)