Emergency Preparedness
A Message from Amy
This is Amy, your new emergency preparedness specialist. I am very excited about this new calling as I have loved emergency preparedness and food storage for over 20 years now. I recently attended a 3-day emergency preparedness conference, where I was reminded again of the importance of preparing for the future events, (events that have been prophesied of for thousands of years now) that will take place before the return of the Savior! We have had a lot of warnings and a long time to prepare for these events, yet statistics show that only 6% of the members of the church have in storage what their family will need in times of an emergency!!! I am hoping to help the members of this ward increase the 6% statistic to 100%.
In an effort to help you be prepared, I will be offering bulk food items on a regular basis.
I will give a due date of when you need to have in your order AND payment for the order. If I do not have the payment ON TIME it will not get ordered!
The first month’s item is HONEY!! The new crop of honey was just extracted from the hives in august. So it is very fresh, Utah honey. I LOVE honey! In fact, I have studied the properties of honey for a long time and could write a book about it, but I won’t bore you with that! I will just give you some of most basic but profound things honey can do for you.
-Honey has been consumed for thousands of years for its health benefits
-Honey has been known to treat allergies, fight infections, and heal wounds and burns
-Honey has been known to help with colitis, ulcers, constipation, acid reflux and hay fever
-Honey is helpful with night cramps, insomnia, aching joints and boosting immunity
-Honey can provide instant energy for athletes and can even help with depression
-Honey is one of nature’s most natural healers
HOWEVER, honey ONLY has these medicinal properties if it is RAW, UNFILTERED, UNADULTERED, AND HAS HAD NO PRESERVATIVES OR WATER ADDED TO IT.
PURE RAW HONEY IS VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND ON GROCERY STORE SHELVES.
Honey is one of the most important food storage items and if it is truly raw will stay good for many, many years (some sources say hundreds).
A tub of honey would be a great Christmas gift for those hard to buy people in your life!!
*This honey will be available from Oct. 11- November 4, 2015
*I will have the honey available for pick up by Nov. 8, 2015
*Make checks payable to Amy
*Order forms will be available on Sunday
60 lb – bucket of honey for $160 (great for long term storage)-
24 lb – bucket of honey for $72 (great for long term storage only lighter)-
30 lb – case of 6 smaller tubs for $95 (great for daily use)-
5 lb – bucket of honey for $17 each
Family Finances
Spending less money than you make is essential to your financial security.
“We encourage you wherever you may live in the world to prepare for adversity by looking to the condition of your finances. We urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt. … If you have paid your debts and have a financial reserve, even though it be small, you and your family will feel more secure and enjoy greater peace in your hearts” (All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances).
Every family has the responsibility to provide for its own needs to the extent possible. The responsibility to manage family finances should be shared between husband and wife with an attitude of trust and openness. Wise financial management can provide security and promote family well-being. Members may experience financial troubles due to unemployment, overspending, unexpected emergencies, or mismanagement of finances. Paying an honest tithing, living within your means, saving for unexpected expenses, and avoiding debt are essential parts of financial stability.
How can my family manage our finances?
Keep a record of your expenditures. Record and review monthly income and expenses. Determine how to reduce what you spend for nonessentials.
Use this information to establish a family budget. Plan what you will give as Church donations, how much you will save, and what you will spend for food, housing, utilities, transportation, and clothing.
How can my family avoid debt?
Spending less money than you make is essential to your financial security. Avoid debt, with the exception of buying a modest home or paying for education or other vital needs. If you are in debt, pay it off as quickly as possible.
How can paying tithing and fast offerings help me manage my finances?
Successful family finances begin with the payment of an honest tithe and the giving of a generous fast offering. The Lord has promised to open the windows of heaven and pour out great blessings upon those who pay tithes and offerings faithfully (see Isaiah 58:6-12; Malachi 3:10).
If our tithing and offerings are the first obligations met, our commitment to this important gospel principle will be strengthened and the likelihood of financial mismanagement will be reduced.
How can I teach my family about good financial practices?
Teach family members the principles of financial management. Involve them in creating a budget and setting family financial goals. Teach the principles of hard work, frugality, and saving. Stress the importance of obtaining as much education as possible.
Reposted from lds.org
September Emergency Preparedness Newsletter
The Ultimate Emergency Car Kit
No one enjoys being stranded on the side of the road, but when you have a well-equipped emergency car kit packed away in the trunk, the situation can be more bearable.
This emergency car kit checklist covers the basics, but also has suggestions for items you may have overlooked. Consider packing these supplies for a super vehicle emergency car kit you can bring along on a road trip, or just your next long-distance excursion with the kids.
Sanitation
• Toilet paper • Hand sanitizer • Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss • Plastic tablecloth • Trash bags • Baby wipes • Bar of soap • Disinfecting wipes • Feminine protection
• Small box of tissues • Zip-top bags in different sizes
Sustenance
• Energy bars • Almonds • V-8 juice • Sport drink, premade or a mix • Peanut or other nut butters in foil packets • Jerky • Dried fruit • Applesauce/fruit cups • Hearty, whole wheat crackers • Hard candies • Tuna packs • Dry cereal • Jam/jelly cups • Trail mix • Sunflower seeds
Survival
• Water • Water filter • LED flashlights and/or headlamps • Rain ponchos • Emergency radio • Heavy-duty trash bags • Reflective emergency blanket/sleeping bag • Duct tape • Fleece blankets • Tarp • Paracord • Multi-purpose knife • Extra batteries • Hand/foot warmers • Work gloves • Small shovel • Waterproof matches • Multi-tool • Binoculars • Light sticks • Maps • High quality first-aid kit • Bandannas • Small pair of scissors • Small backpack • Shoelaces • Floppy cotton hat • Sunblock • Medications • Face mask • Bug repellent • Moleskin • Survival and first aid manuals
Security
• Whistle • Cash-bills and coins • Camera • Pepper spray • Emergency phone numbers on a laminated card
Sanity
• Deck of cards • Foam ear plugs • Books • Small journal/pen or pencil • Lip balm • Battery-powered fan
“TO-DO’s” Before You Drive This Winter
1. Check your tires. Your vehicle’s primary contact with its environment should be in tip-top shape for cold weather conditions. All-season radial tires will allow you to drive in dry winter conditions, but dedicated snow tires are a must for handling steering and stopping in snow, ice and other unpredictable cold weather surfaces.
2. Check your brakes. While your tires allow your car to get going, regularly serviced brakes are the only way to ensure you’re well set up for safely stopping in the cold. Have your brakes inspected and repaired or have parts replaced before the first layer of salt goes down on the asphalt.
3. Check the oil level in your car. One of the most overlooked aspects of cold weather engine performance and reliability is the oil level. Switching to a thinner lubricant is crucial to do before cold weather set in.
4. Check your battery. The last thing you want to have is a car that won’t start in cold weather. Be sure your battery is free of leaks and able to reliably start your car, or boost others. Recharge or replace weak battery and check posts, cables and your alternator for clean contacts.
5. Check your wipers. In order to navigate the road in winter, you need to be able to see it. Replace sun-dried wiper blades with a fresh pair in the fall. This will ensure you’re not squinting through streaks on your windshield next time it rains or snows.
6. Check your lights. Even more important in precipitation, your lights are your only way of seeing in heavy snow, rain or in the dark. Replace any burnt out bulbs right away. Confirm all your turn signal, running, head, high beam and hazard lights are working properly.
7. Check your heater. If you get stuck with a car that still runs, your heating system could save your life. Get this looked at in late summer or early fall. Also confirm that your antifreeze levels are topped off and your radiator is in good working order.
8. Check your exhaust and ignition. Modern engines don’t need time to warm-up. What’s more important is ensuring they start and run smoothly at a variety of temperatures. Have your mechanic check for exhaust leaks that could cause rough running or carbon monoxide fumes in the cabin. In addition, make sure your car purrs on the road and when it is idling. Be sure to have your ignition checked if your engine takes more than two seconds to turn over when starting.
9. Have a survival kit in your car. In the unfortunate event that you are left without a working automobile, you need to have a solid plan for your safety until help arrives. Buy or put together a car survival kit. Make sure you include a first-aid kit as well.
Family Contact Cards
Important emergency planning information for your family.
Important emergency planning information for your family.
Important emergency planning information for your family.
Important emergency planning information for your family.
Evacuating Yourself and Your Family
Evacuations are more common than most people realize. Fires and floods cause evacuations most frequently and almost every year, people along coastlines evacuate as hurricanes approach. In addition, hundreds of times each year, transportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances forcing many to leave their homes.
When community evacuations are necessary, local officials provide information through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods are used, such as sirens, text alerts, emails or telephone calls. The amount of time you have to leave depends on the hazard. If the event is weather related, such as a hurricane, you may have a day or two. Many disasters, however, allow no time for people to gather even the most basic needs. This is why planning ahead is essential.
Evacuation Guidelines from Ready.gov
Whether the circumstances are voluntary or mandatory, there may come a time when you need to evacuate. Follow these guidelines:
- Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood. Use the Family Emergency Plan to decide these locations before a disaster.
- If you have a car, keep a full tank of gas in it if an evacuation seems likely. Keep a half tank of gas in it at all times on a regular basis in case of an unexpected emergency. Gas stations may be closed or unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion on the roadways and delays.
- Become familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an emergency.
- Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
- Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts, they may be blocked.
- Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.
- If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave. Make arrangements with family, friends, neighbors or your local government.
- Take your 72-hour kit with you.
- Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.
- Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be permitted in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency.
If time allows:
- Call or email the out-of-state contact in your family communications plan. Tell them where you are going.
- Secure your home by closing and locking all doors and windows.
- Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions, computers, printers and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
- Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
- Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a cap.
- Check with neighbors who may need a ride or help evacuating.
Family Communication Tips
Identify a contact such as a friend or relative who lives out-of-state for household members to notify they are safe. It may be easier or make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get ahold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friend that you have them listed as your emergency contact.
Teach family members how to use text messaging (also known as SMS or Short Message Service). Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.
Subscribe to alert services. Many communities now have systems that will send instant text alerts or emails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc.
Follow Be Ready Utah on
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeReadyUtah
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bereadyutah
Be Ready Utah blog: http://bereadyutah.blogspot.com/
Be Ready Utah YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/bereadyutah
Utah Shakeout on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UtahShakeOut
Utah Shakeout on Twitter: https://twitter.com/utahshakeout
For more information about staying informed on Utah’s vast and varying terrain, visit: http://www.utah.gov/beready/family/be-informed.html
Utah Department of Public Safety
Division of Homeland Security
1110 State Office Building
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801) 538-3400
(800) 753-2858
Be Ready Utah
http://publicsafety.utah.gov
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