Pandemic Preparedness Challenge

Well, we survived Christmas and are well on our way to 2009.
I thought that a great way to start the year would be to issue a challenge. So here it is...This is a 10-week program. This week by week challenge will give you the babysteps to help you along the path to peace. You'll have the items you'll need so you can deal with a pandemic flu situation. CLICK HERE for the details. Your family will be much better prepared than you otherwise would have been.

Please let me know if you take this challenge and how it's going for you.

For more info on Pandemic, see the post called "Got Flu?" from Dec 9th.

Merry CHRISTmas !

I just wanted to wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas!

I hope that the Real reason that we celebrate is at the forefront of our thoughts as we celebrate this time of year. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ came, the first time, as a tiny perfect baby. He will come again in his Resurrected Glory to rule and reign here on the earth... We are preparing for the prophesied calamities that will surely come before that time. We know that these things will be difficult to endure, but I take comfort in knowing that each one brings us closer to the Peace that He will bring.

Take a minute and view some great Christmas videos. (Be sure to pause the "Playlist" music first)

http://www.joytoeveryone.com/

Got Food Storage?

Do you know how to use it?

We follow the Prophet and get our food storage, but it seems that so many of us stop there, (I'm guilty too, but getting better). If you don't have your longer term supply, continue to work on that. If you do have your supply, even if it's just a start, your next task is to figure out how to use it.

There is a link on the right side of the page in 'links' that will help you out. http://www.everydayfoodstorage.net/ is my favorite site that really shows you how to use all that food and how to incorporate it into your every day meals.

This does several things; it gets you used to using your food storage so that the food is not foreign and in a crisis you won't have added stress, it helps you with your rotation plan (you have one right?), it saves you money by using what you have stored and didn't have to run to the store for, Your body needs to adjust to 'food storage' type foods if you aren't using them regularly, and when you learn how to use your storage, you can then go and teach others.

I am an 'Everydayfoodstorage FANATIC' and check for new stuff on a daily basis, I suggest you take some time and take a look around this fabulous site.

Got Flu?

It's that time again, Flu season is upon us....and more importantly, we are preparing for the big nasty.....a flu (or other) pandemic. This can be a very scary and overwhelming thing IF you are not prepared for it. Remember "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear". So let's get ready for this, the Church is getting ready and so should we. The following are great step-by-step instuctions on how to deal with and treat your loved ones who are infected. Of course avoiding a pandemic, by following a strict SIRQ (self-imposed reverse quarantine) is the best way to deal with it, but chances are you may need to care for someone who was unable to avoid being exposed.

Please take the time to:

1. Print-out these documents (click on the words that are highlighted above) and add them to your preparedness binder, so that they'll be accessible when needed.

2. Take an inventory, and then make a list of the 'FTK' (flu treatment kit) items that you are missing.

3. Take the list to the store and get it done. If you can't get it all now, add several items to your grocery list each week and buy these items instead of frozen dinners or oreos.

4. The most important thing, that is not included on the list, to have in your FTK is a vial of consecrated oil, and a worthy priesthood holder at the ready. If you don't have one in your home, find one who will come when called.

Please don't put this important stuff off for later. Do it now!

Wendy Dewitt presentation....

WOW! We had over 600 people show up for the Food Storage Class. I was so impressed. She did a fantastic job in making food storage so doable. With her permission, we did record the event. So watch for that in the coming days. We'll figure out how to make it available to as many as want to see it. In the mean time, take a look at Sister Dewitt's blog here.

Got Shivers?

Think of a time that you were really cold...Come on, play along. Maybe you were sledding as a child and your feet got wet and started to burn because of the cold., maybe you were unprepared for winterstorm in October and you were caught with no coat and you shivered uncontrollably until the heat in the car finally kick in, maybe you came home from vacation in a snowstorm and the furnace wasn't working and it's not just the pilot light (personal experience here)...not a good memory was it? All you could think about was finding a way to get warm right? Now think about your children being in the same situation and not having a way to change it. Imagine it's the middle of winter and the power is out in your home for a couple of days, maybe a week, what if it was several weeks. Do you have a plan for this?

What would you do to keep your family warm. Here is some wonderful information to get you thinking about alternative ways to Heat, and Light your home when you don't have any power. Like the water info, this is lots of information to digest. Just do what you can NOW and then work to add to it. Start with the basics and go from there.

An easy start is to make sure that you have warm clothes and enough blankets for every member of your family, and maybe even extras for those who might come to you for help. Again, thrift stores are great for this, these clothes do not have to be pretty just functional.

It seems winter is upon us, at least for a little while.

Your assignment for this weekend is to prepare yourselves to be stuck in the car, in the cold, with all your kids for several hours. Now, I hope that this never happens to anyone but, reality is, that it does. Do you remember the story that Elder Cook shared during his conference talk? http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,49-1-947-32,00.html I want you to add blankets, extra coats, warm clothing, food and water, diapers, a light/heat source etc. Walmart has their school back packs for about $3, this would be a great thing to put this kind of stuff in. You might also want an extra pair of walking shoes if you wear dress shoes typically.

A quick trip to DI or Savers can provide most of the stuff for this assignment.

Stay warm and safe!

General Conference...

What a wonderful rest conference weekend is. Well not actually the weekend but the conference itself. I so need this every six months. It buoys me up and propels me on for another six months. To see the proceedings of this October conference just click here, sit back and take it all in.

In addition to having the opportunity for personal revelation, we are promised additional blessings if we are willing to apply the teachings after conference weekend is over. Elder Paul V. Johnson said, “Decide now to make general conference a priority in your life. Decide to listen carefully and follow the teachings that are given. Listen to or read the talks more than once to better understand and follow the counsel. By doing these things, the gates of hell will not prevail against you, the powers of darkness will be dispersed from before you, and the heavens will shake for your good. The Blessings of General Conference, CR October 2005

Mom, I'm Thirsty......!

During our everyday lives, hearing these words is no big deal...you get a cup, fill it up, and give them a drink. But during a disaster situation when you turn the tap and nothing comes out..that's a problem. Click Here to find out all the information you every wanted to know about storing water for a crisis.

After you read the info, make a plan to get your water stored and practice it, your thirsty children will thank you.

Got FHE?

Guess what? Tomorrow is Monday....AGAIN. Gosh it's been coming every week for a while now, I guess it's gonna keep on coming and I should get in gear and plan my FHE for this week...Here's some help for you in case you have a Monday tomorrow too.

Family Night Lessons dealing with preparedness. Love it!

Got Fun?...Morale boosters for Evacuation Kits

Morale Boosters for Your 72 Hour Kit
Author - Terrie Lynn Bittner

When we put together our 72 hour kits and prepare for even longer stretches of need, we often think so much of the body that we forget the spirit. In hard times, the spirit needs even more than the body. Here are some items you can include in your emergency preparedness that will nourish the spirit. You might want to put a few of them in the backpacks you put together for 72 hour kits.

1. Scriptures. In an emergency evacuation, you may not have time or even remember to find the scriptures. Put an inexpensive copy of the scriptures in each pack, along with a red pencil, a pen for underlining, and a plasticized bookmark for underlining and marking scriptures. Since they will be unmarked, you can entertain yourself by finding all your favorite scriptures and marking them. You might prefer to pre-mark a few scriptures relating to comfort in advance. If you’re in a shelter, you can even offer it to someone as you leave.

2. Games. During an evacuation, you may have long empty hours to fill and entertaining children can be especially challenging. Carefully select a few games children can play alone, as well as some they can play with others. Many popular games come in travel sizes.

3. Creative activities. Keep the mind occupied with art projects, drawing paper, crayons, puzzles, and other creative activities. If you have a writer in the family, include paper.

4. A small journal. Let each person write what they experience, feel, and learn during this time, and also tell about the people they meet. It will make a powerful record for the future. Younger children can also draw in these.

5. Treats. There is nothing like a treat here and there in an emergency. Think about each person’s favorites, but make sure they will last.

6. Crazy socks, t-shirts, and hair things. If you’re packing clothing, make some of them nutty. They’re more fun and you’ll need cheering up.

7. Books that make you laugh. Make sure everyone has something fun to read, including joke books for younger children. The family can trade books if you choose them carefully.

8. Post cards and stamps. If there isn’t phone service, send these out at the first opportunity. Have them pre-addressed to anyone who will worry. This nourishes your soul because you won’t worry about who is worried.

9. A means for providing a small service to someone. In time of evacuation, you will meet many who have need, whether it’s a material need or an emotional need. Think of something each person could do to serve another’s emotional needs during this time. The ability to do so will cheer you up and make you feel you are doing something valuable.

Got Oil?

Preparedness isn't always about stuff, in fact, if you are not Spiritually prepared, the 'stuff' doesn't really matter. Watch this short video, feed your spirit and 'gather some oil'

Emergency! Do you know where your children are?

School is back in session, do your kids know what to do in an emergency if it happened during the school day?

● Do you know your schools emergency plans? Each school has a plan and you should know what it is.

● What happens in the event of an emergency, at what point will your kids be released to you?

● Do you have a plan for picking up your children, what will you do with your little ones in the chaos of a mass pick-up. You might want to make plans with a friend or neighbor to watch your little ones while you pick up your and your friends children. In this case, make sure that the school knows ahead of time that you are authorized to pick them up.

● Do your children know where to meet you when they are released?

● Do they have an emergency kit in their desk, backpack or locker?
A kit would contain things like:
• Compact emergency blanket
• Small Flashlight
• Food/Water
• small first-aid kit/essential medication
• Identification card
• Contact information, emergency plan/ Family photo
• A small game or book
A note of encouragement, to them from you, would be nice for some reassurance that you’ll reunite with them as soon as possible.

Talk to your children about this situation before it happens so they have input about what items they'd like in their kit. If they are prepared for disasters, wherever they are, they'll be much better able to cope with whatever comes their way, and also, they'll be able to help others who aren't so ready.

Just Do It!

Don't just read about it....
Do Something Today to Become Better Prepared

Fill or re-fill water bottles, read or watch preparedness material, gather together preparedness items, make a list, purchase something or make something. Do something today, and everyday to become better prepared.

This is a wonderful compilation of prophetic statements about the times we live in. Pay attention to the promises that are there for us. How grateful I am to be led by a living Prophet, especially in these last days.

Frustrated?

When the task of "preparing every needful thing" seems to overwhelm you to the point of not making any progress at all, remember that you are not alone.


God's Answer to Life's Frustrations. For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it.

You say, "It's impossible."
God says: "All things are possible." (Luke 18:27)

You say, "I'm too tired."
God says: "I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28-20)

You say, "Nobody really loves me."
God says: "I love you". (John 3:16 - John 13:34)

You say, "I can't go on."
God says: "My grace is sufficient." (II Cor. 12:9 - Psalm 91:15)

You say, "I can't figure things out."
God says: "I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say, "I can't do it."
God says: "You can do all things in Me." (Phil 4:13)

You say, "It's not worth it."
God says: "It will be worth it." (Romans 8:2)

You say, "I can't forgive myself."
God says: "I forgive you." (I John 1:9 - Romans 8:1)

You say, "I can't manage."
God says: "I will supply all your needs." (Phil 4:19)

You say, "I'm afraid."
God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear." (II Tim. 1:7)

You say, "I'm always worried and frustrated."
God says: "Cast all your cares on ME." (I Peter 5:7)

You say, "I don't have enough faith."
God says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)

You say, "I'm not smart enough."
God says: "I give you wisdom." (I Cor. 1:30)

You say, "I feel all alone."
God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Heb. 13:5)

Q. What do I do with all this stuff?

A. Use it, that's what. How many things do you think you can make with wheat? how about beans, what about oats? If you're answer to that is; wheat bread, bean soup, and oatmeal, then you need to think again and get yourself educated about 'back to basic' cooking.

The following link will get you off to a good start, you'll start to think differently about how to use your basics and hopefully have fun doing it.

I'd love to hear about your successes and do-overs as well. Take pictures, email them to me and I'll put them on the blog for all to see. We can certainly learn from one another.

The recipes above should be printed out and included in your RED emergency binder. (Remember that assignment)

Happy baking.

Power in Preparedness - July 2008

As promised, the much anticipated FHE lessons for July have arrived. Thanks again Teri, for sharing your talents with all of us. You are fantastic!

Download the Word file that contains all the information you need for 4 FHE Preparedness Lessons.

Lessons include:

Week 5 - Emergency Shelter and Clothing
Week 6 - Hygiene and Sanitation Storage
Week 7 - 72-Hour Kits
Week 8 - Vehicle Preparedness

Q. How can I eat this elephant??

A. One bite at a time...(just take the first bite, ...please)


Too much to do, not enough time, money, space, knowledge? (you pick the reason/excuse)

Do you ever feel like this food storage monster is too big to even bother with?

Are you frustrated because you think that you'll never have your 'years supply'?

Take comfort and realize that we are not alone in your efforts, Our Savior is very aware of our struggles and the intent of our hearts and is just waiting for us to walk through the door of obedience so that he can pour out His blessings upon us.

Do the very best you can with what you have and YOU WILL BE BLESSED!
Take a look at the video clip below...
Bishop McMullin video clip on Food Storage

Wheat Grinder Power usage test...

I have a friend who is a solar power whiz and very knowledgeable in various other forms of alternative energy. One of my concerns with using my food storage is how am I gonna grind all this wheat if I have no power for an extended period of time? WELL... this friend came over to test the actual power usage of my grinder (Wondermill) and 3 others to see how much power they would require and what kind of alternative power source would work for powering them. Below are the results of the test.....

We tested a total of 4 grinders using a product called kill-a watt, grinding 1 #10 can of wheat. They measured 13 cups per can against my original 12. I will remeasure on the next run on our grinder.

Here are the numbers (All are AC 120 volt grinders) :
*K-Tec*5.5 Amps / 650 watts operating consumption
14 minutes 17 seconds
130 watt-hours

*Nutrimill*5.4 amps / 625 watts operating consumption
10 minutes 1 second
100 watt-hours

*Wonder Mill*11 Amps / 1180 watts operating consumption
4 minutes 17 seconds
70 watt-hours

*Grain Country Mill - 35 years old and going strong*8.7 Amps / 700-850 watts operating consumption
4 Minutes 11 seconds
50 watt-hours

*Golden Grain Mill*8.7 Amps / 700 watts operating consumption
1 minute 50 seconds
20 watt-hours

The new Xantrex 1500 (this is a battery pack that has solar arrays to capture energy) has 51 amp-hrs of storage of which 25 amp-hours is usable.
25 amp-hours times 12 is 300 watt-hours of energy. Therefore, the Xantrex 1500 can grind the following number of #10 cans of wheat per charge of 300 watt-hours:

K-Tec (Loudest)*2.3* cans

Nutrimill *3* cans

Wonder Mill (quietest) *4.3 *cans

The Old Grain Country Mill (no longer made)*6* cans

The Golding Grain*15* cans *Recharge Time*

To recharge the battery will require over 300 watt-hours of solar panel time, say 330 watt-hours to make up for system losses.

In Utah, we could use the 5 hours of sun (averaged). 300 watt-hrs divided by 5 hours, gives a requirement of 60 watt panel. This will require a FULL day of FULL sun to recharge.

Cloudy days would double the time probably. More panels will work better, say 120 watts of panel will recharge in 1/2 the time, or 1/2 day of sun.

Adding the external battery will provide for more grinding if needed or power for other uses.

*Summary* The Xantrex 1500 is the *MINIMUM* size of power pack that I would recommend. Couple that with one 60 watt solar panel OR one 120 watt solar panel and a Morningstar SS-10, one could use any of the above grinders to grind your wheat safely. Obviously the more efficient ones will provide more wheat per watt-hour of energy.

(Andrea's Summary)While grinding wheat can certainly be accomplished by using a gas generator, those things are very loud. Couple that with the grinder noise and you might as well be hearing a jet engine, on take-off, in your garage...and also, we are talking extended power outage in this scenario, so.... how much fuel do you have stored to power your generator. My take on the whole thing is let the sun, that the Lord provided for us, charge those batteries and enjoy a little peace and quiet, (after the grinding of course.) Ladies, I think that it might even power that Bosch too. Never mind, we need some exercise anyway and the hand kneading will take care of those Relief Society upper arms. (I'm only speaking for myself of course )

Got Water?

With clean water being so vital to our existence, I’d like to know who in our family is still lacking adequate water storage for your family (this information is strictly confidential and will only be used to help you get prepared)….

It is recommended that you have 14 gallons MINIMUM for each member of your family. SO here’s the question??

Do you have the minimum recommended amounts of drinkable water? Remember that this is not for cooking, washing clothes, showering, cleaning or flushing toilets, just drinking and very minimal hygiene like hand washing and teeth brushing.

• For a couple you’d need 28 gallons
• Family of 4 = 56 gallons (think 55 gallon barrel)
• Family of 5 = 70 gallons
• Family of 6 = 84 gallons
• Family of 7 = 98 gallons
• Family of 8 = 112 gallons
• Family of 9 = 126 gallons
• Family of 10 = 140 Gallons (you might find grown children coming back to roost in an emergency ;o)

Please inventory your water supply and let me know if you aren’t yet to your minimum levels. I can give you some simple ideas for storing water. Also, I’d be willing to do another water barrel order for those of you who don’t have one yet. The used barrels are $15. Also consider a water filter so that when your store of water run out (and at these levels, they will) you have a way to filter water for drinking.

If you have your minimum storage levels at your home, don’t stop there, please add to them. Skip the soda and buy cases of bottled water. Grab a case of bottled water each time you go to the grocery store and just start making a pile in your home. If you must have soda, at least save the bottles, clean them out and fill with water for storage.

Please let me know your progress in this area.

Keep plugging along, we're getting there.

Power in Preparedness - June 2008

Kudos to Teri Ebert for her time and many talents to put these Family Home Evening Lessons together!

Download the Word file that contains all the information you need for 4 FHE Preparedness Lessons.

Lessons include:

Week 1 - Water Storage
Week 2 - Earthquake and Fire
Week 3 - First Aid and Medicines
Week 4 - Emergency Lighting, Cooking, and Heating

Dr. Puls Fireside Followup

For those of you who attended last night, I think you’ll agree that the Pandemic awareness/preparedness fireside was fantastic. Dr Puls, shared so much great useful information. (THANKS SUSAN!) Granted, it can be a bit overwhelming when you first realize the potential impact that this event can have on your family.

We know, from scriptural references, and from our living prophets that this will occur. Now, you have two choices, be afraid or be ready. I choose the latter and I pray daily that you will too. Please take some time with your spouse and family to read and review the fact sheets on the provident living website. (The link is below) I suggest that you read with a highlighter and mark the things that impress you.

****Your assignment for this week is to locate or purchase a red binder ( the larger the better), some dividers, and a ream or two of paper. This will be your Emergency Binder. It’s red for obvious reasons, so you can locate it quickly, all you have to do is offer a dollar to any child that locates and retrieves the ‘red binder’, I promise that you’ll have that binder in your hand in under 2 minutes.

All of these wonderful electronic resources will do you no good at all if you have no power (electricity), so. Beginning today, I’d like for you to print out the resources that you’d like to have handy in an emergency or even a non-emergency. If you think that it’s worthy to put in an electronic folder, Print it out, hole punch it and slip it in your binder. Not too tough.

The Church's Pandemic Fact sheets are now LIVE on the Provident Living website!

Here is the link! http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,8041-1-4414-1,00.html

Welcome!

Welcome to Let Us Prepare! With so much information to share, and so many mail servers blocking email that is "thought" to be "spam," I'm putting this blog together to ensure that the information gets to the people who want or need it!

Though a lot of the things I post will be specific to my Ward and calling as Ward Emergency Preparedness Guru - the preparedness information is for everyone. Please feel free to forward this blog address, subscribe, and come back often!

Also, if you find this site and you have one of your own, let me know that as well - I'll put a link up so that others can find your preparedness information.

Let Us Prepare!

P.S. Over time, I'll back up and post information that I previously sent out via email. That way everything will be located in one place. (It's always good to have a reminder, isn't it?)