Preparedness Principles

Tonight, I attended our Church Stake meeting and again our Stake President stressed by asking us the question " Are we ready?" Are we prepared if natural disaster takes place tomorrow? So I came home, took my bag out to look at what's missing or need updating.
Being prepared requires time and effort, it's not just a matter of keeping a torchlight by your bed or a bag of rice. It requires understanding the principle in being prepared, tailoring a plan for your own family, involving every member . Then putting the plan into practice. I was thinking "ok, this week end  I am going to shut down the power and see how my boys and I survive the winter cold without heat"  Heavy snow buries Mid-Atlantic, houses losing power in winter storm. We hear that often enough during winter. Now, the problem is ....CAN I DO IT???? Without power for the weekend...means no computer time!!! Yikes.

72 Hour Emergency / Evacuation Kit

 Our church had a meeting on this issue a  couple of weeks ago and these are the items that were suggested we have in our 72 hour kit. Each member of the family should have his/her own kit . Keep your kit in a location near the front door of your home so you can grab it and go. Put kits in easy carry backpacks. Rotate food and water, check batteries and make sure the clothing still fits. Check all these at least once a year.



Water
 - 1-3 gallons of water per person                                      
- Water Filter                                                                                                          
- Water purification drops or tablets                                                                

Warmth
- Windproof/waterproof matches                                                                  
-Sturdy tent
- Sleeping bags or wool-blend blankets
- Emergency reflective blankets
- Hand and body warm packs

Light
- Flashlights
-Extra batteries for flashlights
- Candles
- Light sticks

Sanitation
- Dish washing detergent
- Washcloths
-Feminine hygiene supplies
- Alcohol wipes
- Garbage bags & twist-ties

Communications
- Radio with batteries or alternate power
- Whistle
- Signal mirror
- Pencil and paper

Toiletries
-Soap
-Toothbrushes
-Toothpaste
-Combs
-Tissues
-Razors
-Lip  Balm
-Sunscreen
-Shampoo

Special needs
- Prescription medications
-Baby items (diapers, formula,etc)
-Other items needed by family

Extra clothing
- Warm Shirts
- Long Pants
- Underwear
- Warm Socks

First Aid
- Bandages
- Gauze pads
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipes
- Fever reducer/ pain killer
- Clean washcloths

Stress Relievers
- Scriptures or a book that you love
- Hard candies
- Small games
- Children's favorite security items

Food
- Small camp stove
- Mess kits or camp cooking kit
- Plastic or Lexan utensils
- Dehydrated foods
- Crackers
- Canned foods that do not need cooking
- Can opener
- MREs

Miscellaneous
- Pocket knife or Leatherman
- Insect repellent
- Sewing kit
- 50 foot rope
- List of phone numbers you might  need

Prepare, prepare.

After many natural disaster, many of us still do not learn. Well, it's about time that we take the time to learn about taking care of ourselves first when natural disaster strikes. Looking back at Katrina, if everyone of those people were trained to prepare themselves for at least 72 hours until help arrivals. For any help to arrival it is estimated that it will take at least 3 days and if everyone is prepared and have supply of food and water to sustain them for that many days , they will not panic.

An Emergency Plan.

Every family should have an emergency plan, what to do and not to do, where is their meeting place if disaster happens during the day when each member is at school or at work. All this has to be thought out carefully and put into practice so that every member of the family will remember what are required of them to do when disaster strikes. Where we live, we are prone to earthquakes. Our community and the City of Orem , Utah has its plan if earthquake strikes. Our neighborhood has a block captain for 10 houses, we meet every quarter. In the meeting we update on family profile...moving in or out, how many members, contact numbers, etc.
Next , I will write about the 72 hours kit. What is essential for the 72 hours kit.