Emergency Preparedness/LDS Resources/Food Storage/Self Reliance

The First Weekend of October

2011-09-26T23:16:00.000-06:00

The first weekend of October we change out the batteries in the smoke detectors and test them (by pushing on the button), and buy flashlights (with batteries) for each of the rooms and cars. We also fill up the car tires (air) to make sure they are ready for winter. Simple and economical.

It is recommended to take pictures of your home's contents and store them on a thumb drive, cd, etc, away from the house. This will help with insurance adjusters if you have to file a claim. All it costs is your time.

Preparation of All Kinds, Blesses Saints in Joplin, Missouri

2011-09-14T19:34:00.001-06:00

Water, food and light Oh My....
I read this article and this article really brought out three main points: Account, Assess and Report Promptly. The article also points out the importance of faith in God helps people overcome the unexpected challenges of being in a disaster.

http://lds.org/ensign/2011/09/preparation-of-all-kinds-blesses-saints-in-joplin-missouri?lang=eng

Just some thoughts to help you relax.

2011-08-26T21:32:00.000-06:00

Maybe you haven't ever thought about preparing and now you don't have time. Some quick things you need to get you on your way.

Water bottles, full tank of gas, a place to stay and tell your loved ones how to reach you. Pet food if you need it. Favorite blanket or toy for children. Call now to reserve a room at a hotel if you need to get away. Have a flashlight. Don't listen to rumors. If you are staying home, plan on not having electricty for 9 days. Could be faster, but plan long. Have toothbrushes, clean underwear and socks and other toiletries as needed.

PILLOW. A disaster can be stressful, but having your usual pillow relaxes you when you can sleep. Take documents such as Birth, marriage, financial information and passwords. Don't forget your medicine too. If you are doing ok, perhaps check on your neighbor who is sick or poor or old or widow or a single parent. Take them a meal or cookies or just drop buy to let them know they were thought about. And don't forget to smile. The sun comes up morning. Things are always better in the morning.

Family Meeting Place i.e. evacuation plan

2011-08-25T22:06:00.001-06:00

Ok, so its been over two years since I've logged in. Does being in Iraq count? The picture I posted is an actual dust storm, no camera filters, this is the way it looks there. Enough rambling...

Free idea....
You don't have any money, but you want to do something that can make a difference in making your family more self-reliant. How about sitting down at dinner tonight and coming up with a place that if everyone in the family is not able to come home due to some disaster or evacuation, snowstorm. flood, etc... can head to. If cell phones are busy or out of service and you can't get home, you know automatically to head there. Place #1.

Pick a spot everyone can easily get to, might be grandma's house, a church, store, somewhere convenient. Then, if that spot is unavailable, select another location. Place #2. This way, you always know where to meet. Its free and you have greater peace of mind. Try it out and let me know how it works out.

With two earthquakes, a hurricane headed up the east coast, cell phones jammed due to too many people and flooding etc..all in the same week, makes for a good time to make sure you know how to find your family if the unexpected happens. But then, that will never happen to us......right. :)

Water...an incredible find!

2010-03-27T11:37:00.000-06:00

I read in the National Geographic about a new way to kill the bad stuff in water when there are not alot of options (chlorine, boiling, filtering, etc...). Solar energy can destroy 99.9% of the microorganisims that cause dieases such as dysentery, cholera and chronic diarrhea (E coli).

Solar water disinfection, also known as SODIS.

Take clear platic PET bottles wash them out, then with clear water that is not pure, fill them up and set them in the sun for at least 6 hours. You want to get the water hot so you may even put them on a hot metal surface. Not a long term, large scale solution, but great for individuals and families.

2010-01-17T10:16:00.001-07:00

Earthquake in Northern California and no power or water for days. The devestating earthquake in Haiti. The government is not functioning, the US govt is trying its best with no existing infrastructure and aid agencies are squabbiling over who gets what, where. The common denominator is water, food, medicine, gas/diesel and communication . And gratefully they live in a warm environment. The lessons learned for all of us is to be more self-reliant. I have provided resources that are only suggestions. Each person, family and community should adapt the principles to their own circumstances and not take these as rules!

The one thing Haitins don't have that we do... is time. Disaster WILL strike all of us sometime. It may be unemployement, a change in family circumstances (death, divorce, illness), natural disasters and any number of other events. Resolve to do something today, don't wait.

A great resource is http://www.providentliving.org/

CPR, take a look

2009-11-29T18:55:00.002-07:00

I recommend attending a Red Cross class for CPR. Use this refresher until you get to a class. Take a look at this short video and the article found on CNN!

Enjoy.

http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/videodemo/adult-cpr-video.html

Read more on CNN here:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/07/02/cpr.cardiac.arrest/index.html

Weather links

2009-11-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

Being prepared is knowing what is coming. Here are some great weather links:

Local Weather............... http://www.intellicast.com

Local Weather............... http://www.wunderground.com

Local Weather.............. http://www.usatoday.com/weather/default.htm
.
Hurricane Weather......... http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/

Hurricane Weather......... http://www.hurricanesafety.org/tv.shtml

Tornado Weather............ http://weather.org/tornado.htm

Lighting

2009-10-21T23:17:00.003-06:00

Light is the most important need in an emergency. It provides the psychological assurance of normalcy and safety.

There are many ways to provide light. Here are a few:

Flashlight
Candles
Light Sticks
Hurricane lamp
Battery booster unit
Coleman propane lantern
Solar powered yard lights
Generator

Flashlight is the preferred method immediately during an emergency and short term lighting needs. Suggest you have them in the same place with extra batteries. A flashlight for each person is a good idea. At home I have the usual hand held flashlight ($5-$10). In the car I carry a headlamp that can be worn on the head to provide hands free use while changing a tire ($10).

Candles are to be avoided. They are the most common and inexpensive. But they have the potential to cause house fires and casualties. If you must, keep out of reach of children, on a surface that is not flammable (stove), and away from an arm or cloths that can accidentally brush it (cost is just a few dollars).

Light Sticks from Wal-Mart cost a couple of dollars. They don't really do a great job of making light, but they are wonderful to have when children have to go to bed scared at night without power and they each have their own night stick. Make sure they don't have the rope that hangs from the neck as they go to sleep.

Hurricane lamps are great because they produce a lot of light. Does require storage of lamp fuel which stores for years. They can cause a fire if left unattended, or knocked over. The flue is fragile and can break easily, but they will bring the peace you need when the batteries are dead. They are nostalgic and bring back memories of the “old days.”

We bought ours at Wal-Mart (Oil lamp $10, oil $8 Wal-Mart).

Battery booster unit is the best short term solution. This is the WOW in your preparedness kit. Buy a battery power unit (the one with the battery jumper cables attached). You can get them from a car parts store for $50-$100. If you get one with an outlet (three prongs “AC”), when it is fully charged it can provide light for around 6 hours depending upon usage (battery recharging unit $65, light bulb $1). You can plug it directly into a lamp in your home!

We bought a unit with the plugs designed for cigarette lighters in a car. We bought a power inverter (Wal-Mart or auto parts store $50-$100) which plugs into the unit, then, (here comes the good part) we plug in the lamp. Viola…..Light. Just like normal. What we did was to buy a florescent light bulb of 25 watts. This way it puts out normal light while using less energy than a normal light bulb and will extend the battery unit.

This means if you have as short term power outage (day or two which is what most outages are) you can have light at night for a couple of hours while you are getting ready for bed and then light in the morning and evening of the next day.

Coleman propane lantern is a great resource to have on hand. Great for camping and emergencies and its safe (propane lasts indefinitely) but it is so bright indoors that we use this as last resort. But you pick it up, attach the canister, flip the switch and instant light. ($25 for lamp and $12 for a six pack of fuel)

Solar powered yard lights are something to consider. The lights recharge outside then at night you can bring them in and provide minimal light (great for kid’s room – similar to a night light). Especially great for a bathroom where you don’t need a lot of light. For as little as $4 at Wal-mart.

Generators are an option. Considerations are noise, price, maintenance, used once a year, take up a lot of room, heavy, and if not used correctly, lethal. We don’t own one. But those in the hot and humid South (hurricanes) love them for running the fridge, fan, TV and lights ($200 + not counting fuel).

I found this link to a wonderfully written and easy to understand page that outlines lighting, heating and fuel options. Encourage you to take a look!

http://sspl.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/let-there-be-light-pdf1.pdf

Heat Your Home

2009-10-21T23:16:00.000-06:00

TWO WAYS TO HEAT YOUR HOME:

Small portable Coleman PROPANE heater (below)

That is referred to as a catalytic heater. That means it burns at such low temperatures that it’s safe to operate indoors without a flame. We still feel it is safe to open a window a little bit ($75 outdoor store). Burns up to 7 hours on one 16 oz propane canister. This won’t heat a home, but rather a room or tent.

Kerosene heater (below)

We encourage the use of a kerosene heater. Some people have fireplaces or wood burning stoves which are great. We have adapted our solutions to our needs. For heat we have selected a kerosene heater (about $100 from Home Depot). I am not advocating one brand over another.

When there is no power; the furnace doesn’t work, even if you have natural gas (it takes electricity to operate the starter as well as run the blower). It smells a little when you light it and when you turn it off. Kerosene fuel (1-K fuel) is much safer than gas. The inside air is not contaminated as it burns, but you must crack the window ¼ inch because it uses oxygen. Fuel storage should be outside-cold does not hurt it. Remember to refuel outside as well.

It can be stored for years, best in a plastic blue container (red is for gasoline). Some people recommend using a fuel additive to increase storage life. The five gallon metal containers from Home Depot work fine for short term storage 3 to 12 months.

Some recommend buying a heater that can double as a cooking surface. I have other ways to cook, but having a product that can do multiple tasks only makes sense.

Some say about 50 gallons would suffice through a winter. It all depends on usage. Keep in mind local ordinances when considering how much to store.

Finally, keep your paper work that deals with maintenance of your heater with your important papers and don’t forget to periodically dry burn your wick. Consider buying a battery operated pump to siphon from fuel container into the heater – you will thank yourself every time you fill. Make sure you buy a pump specifically designed for pumping fuel, not water! Above all, like all heating devices, never leave it unattended or run empty.

Fire Safe

2009-10-21T23:12:00.002-06:00

A small, fire and water proof box that costs around $40 at Wal-Mart. We have included some very important things in case we evacuate. It is a great resource in the event a wallet is stolen or someone is incapacitated or passes away to have all the important papers in one place. It an easy target in the event the house is broken into. Exercise wisdom here.

It includes:

Hard copy of emergency documents: you don't get access to a printer or computer in the FEMA line when applying for Govt assisstance
Accounts and passwords
Maps (for evacuation)
Cash as well as quarters for phone calls and parking in distant cities.
Extra set of keys for each car
Recent pictures of the family as well as photos of the cars
CD of important documents, a thumb drive works too
The outside has a copy of our evacuation plan with important phone numbers.
I also added my last three years of tax returns, medical records with immunizations and allergies.

List of Resources

2009-10-21T23:11:00.003-06:00

So you are in charge of making a list of resources for your church or community, start with this list:

Resources to Identify in Wards/Communities

Skills

CERT Trained
Counselors
Funeral
Pharmacist
Dental
Electrical
Flooring
Roofing
Plumbing
Financial
Legal
Engineer
Handyman
Auto Mechanic
Security
Nurse/Doctor/PA
Welding
Painting
Sanitation
Languages (Spanish, German, Sign Language, etc…)
Those with access to or know how to run large equipment (backhoe, etc)

Vehicles
- Pick up trucks
- Vans
- Trailers

Cooking equipment
Camping equipment (cots, tents)
Generators
Wet Vacs
Swimming Pools
Wood burning stoves/Fire Places
Portable heaters with fuel
Chain saw
Ham radio

Sanitation

2009-10-21T23:09:00.002-06:00

Purchase ahead of time:

1 to 2 buckets (used for flushing toilets or cleaning
Bleach
Lysol
Pine-sol
Ajax
Rags
Liquid hand soap
Liquid dish washing soap
Liquid laundry detergent
Toilet paper
Garbage bags
Water for washing clothes, dishes, bathing and drinking
Alcohol based hand sanitizer
Feminine supplies
Shampoo and shaving cream with razor
Kitty Litter, to sprinkle in bucket when done, helps with odors

Bury refuse 12-24 inches below ground

Keep refuse at least 200 feet downhill from water sources such as wells or springs

Wash hands before eating and after toilet use

Disasters

2009-10-21T23:01:00.007-06:00

Hurricane (June to November Hurricane season)

Best to evacuate (evacuation plan)

Most important things wanted in a hurricane: ice/water, gas and cash

Suggested to have on hand a large tarp (to cover roof damage) nails, hammer and battery operated clock and radio (for news updates)

Stock up on high energy food

Hygiene supplies: soap, liquid detergent, feminine supplies and bleach

Do not leave pets behind

Fill tub with water

Close all doors and stay in an interior room

Hazards include: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes and flooding

Evacuation

Decide ahead of time, when you will leave, three days before a disaster (hurricane) is the best. Let others know when you leave and destination and leave a note at home telling others where you can be found.

Do not listen to rumors

(Evacuation plan)

Keep at least half a tank of gas in the car at all times

Become familiar with alternate routes. If your primary route is jammed, so will your secondary route (because everyone else is using that) so have a tertiary route planned and take that first!

If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to.

Take your 72 hour kit

Close and lock all house windows and doors and take your pet

Don’t drive through flooded areas

Avoid electrical wires

Take extra fuel containers, preferably full (ahead of time)

Take clothing and bedding (sleeping bags)

Lessons learned

When evacuating - DON'T DELAY EVACUATION. It took Houston residents 12 hours to travel 45 miles. When everybody leaves at the same time, nobody leaves.

In an evacuation, no gas is available, the wait may be hours long or gas is used up in an evacuation due to stalled cars on the evacuation route.

In Rita (hurricane), if you left Thursday (three days before land fall), by the next day, you are still on the belt way-not out of the city.

Many sick or elderly have no transportation; the poor have broken down cars and no money for gas.

No gas is available for rescuers (police, ambulance and fire)

No gas to return home

Flood

Don’t wait to purchase flood insurance, it takes 30 days for the policy to go into effect. Purchase through your insurance agent. Consider purchasing flood insurance in February (before the spring snow melt).

Move valuables such as papers, pictures, furniture, and electronics to upper floors.

Fill bathtubs with clean water.

Turn off electricity at the main power switch.

Move to a safer area

Do not drive through flood waters.

Throw out foods and medicine exposed to flood waters

Boil water until local authorities indicate water is safe to drink.

If you have suffered a loss, call FEMA to register, if the President declares your area a federal disaster area 800-462-9029

Document flood damage. (videos, pictures)

Look out for animals and snakes that have moved into your house.

Do not use match or any open flame until an electrician and gas company inspector has inspected your house.

Remove debris from storm drains.

   Immediately notify county officials if streams become blocked by debris.    

Request sand bags from county officials BEFORE flooding.

Fire

Purchase and test monthly a smoke and C02 detector

Purchase a fire extinguisher (ABC) and practice using (PASS). Point, Aim to the base of the fire and sweep Side to Side).

Always know of at least two ways to leave a room in a fire.

Before opening a door, with the back of your hand feel if it is hot, if so, do not open.

Crawl, crawl, crawl (smoke is higher up)

Select a location to gather when everyone is out

Call 911

No candles

A fire doubles in size every 60 seconds

Never leave the stove unattended. If there is a pot on fire, cover it with a lid or throw baking soda on the fire.

Teach children to Stop, Drop and Roll

Wildfires

Clear at least 30-50 feet safety zone from away from structures

Plant tress and shrubs less flammable such as hardwoods, avoid pine and evergreens

Have an emergency supply of water such as above ground tanks and swimming pools

Keep matches away from children and comply with firework regulations

Have your evacuation plan in place

Clean the roof and gutters of leaves and other debris

Have a ladder that reaches the roof

Keep tools available such as rakes, shovels, buckets, leather gloves and chainsaw

Listen for news updates

Earthquake

Crawl under sturdy table

If trapped, don’t yell, tap against an object (avoids inhaling dust)

EVACUATE a building as soon as possible, if outside avoid buildings and power lines

Evacuation plan has all your important phone numbers (phone lines will be down or jammed, texting will probably work better.

Strap water heater and bookshelves to wall studs.

Expect after shocks.

Don’t turn off gas unless you smell or hear it. Must be turned on by a professional.

Stay away from beaches due to potential of tsunami.

Open cabinets carefully, glassware and pots have shifted.

Falling debris around the exterior of buildings represents a serious potential for injury. Exercise caution when entering and exiting a building.

Avoid using the phone for anything other than an to call 911. Likely 911 will be jammed. Listen to the news to know other ways to report urgent emergencies. Calling city hall to get life or death information through may be another option. Structure damage is not life threatening. Avoid calling family members, texting is preferred for a method of getting assurance of your family safety.

Check out the After Disaster Plan

Check water, sewer and gas lines, do NOT turn off unless damaged

Expect after shocks

Avoid travel to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles

Phone lines will be busy, communicate with text

USGS provides real-time and accurate information. www.usgs.gov

Tornado

Watch - Weather conditions are just right for a tornado to form.

Warning –Tornado has been sighted. Seek shelter immediately

Tornados can occur any time, but most often occur during late spring and early summer. (4pm-8pm)

Best shelter is in interior rooms and hallways, if outside lay in a depression or ditch and cover head.

Seek shelter in the lowest place (basements and bathrooms)

Cover yourself with a mattress or other heavy soft item to protect from flying debris

Listen to the radio. Take a flashlight, sturdy boots and leather gloves

Do not stay in a mobile home or car during a tornado

Thunderstorm/Lightening

Do not use the telephone (land line) or electrical equipment (hair dryer or electrical blankets) during a storm

Disconnect electronic devices (computer, TV)

Avoid tall objects such as trees.

A car is safer than standing outside. Inside a building is better

If your hair starts to stand on end, crouch low on your toes, don’t lie flat

If on water, go to land immediately

Pandemic

Pandemic means a sickness that spreads through the population very quickly. The sickness (of whatever kind) causes people to have flu-like symptoms for long periods of time. It comes in waves of 3-4 months or longer. It results in people not being able to go to work, shopping, church or other places where people congregate. It overwhelms clinic and hospitals. Delivery of food, utilities, and other essential services could be disrupted due to illness, fear of exposure, and travel limitations. Flu shots take up to two weeks for protection to develop after vaccination. Flu season funs from November to March with peaks in January or February. Vaccine is good for three months. Avoid large crowds (church, school, work, store). You are contagious up to 8 days AFTER the onset of syptoms. H1N1 affects youth more than elderly. The seasonal flu tends to affect the elderly more than youth (generalization).

Exercise, eat healthy, drink plenty of liquids and get plenty of sleep.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water, if not available, use alcohol based hand cleaner. 

   Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If no tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve.    

   Stay home when you are sick (i.e. church, school, work shopping).    

   Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes    

   Avoid close contact with sick people    

   Those at greatest risk are elderly and children and you are contagious for 8 days after on set of symptoms.    

   Pandemic History 

   1918-1919 estimated 675,000 US deaths (Spanish Influenza)    

   1957 estimated 69,800 US deaths (Asian Influenza)    

   1968 estimated 34,000 US deaths (Hong Kong Influenza)    

   Definitions: 

   Flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.    

   Avian (bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H1N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.    

   Pandemic influenza is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily form person to person. Source: Department of Health and Human Services.    

Drought

Never waste water (get leaky faucets fixed)

Take shorter showers and install a low volume shower head

Run washer and dishwasher only when full

Water lawns during designated hours (see local government guidance)

Avoid misting sprinklers and keep grass at least three inches or higher

Learn micro or drip irrigation

Follow water conservation rules especially washing cars and watering lawns

Plant drought resistant plants

Heat Wave

Do not drink soda, caffeine or alcohol.

Drink plenty of water or Gatorade.

Young people and elderly are especially susceptible to heat injuries.

Watch for clammy skin, no sweating, dizziness and seek help

Avoid jogging or hard work during the hottest part of the day.

Slow down, stay indoors, and wear light clothing.

Never leave a child or animal in the car on a hot day

Wear a hat and sunscreen lotion to help prevent sunburn

Winter Storm

Winter storm watch – possibility for bad weather, take precautions such as having water, food and light available  (heat and light)

Winter storm warning- severe weather, stay home, have fun, relax.

Dress in layers especially head (75% of body heat lost through head).

Protect ears and nose with scarves and mittens.

Broken pipes, necessary to know where to turn off water valves.

Prevent frozen pipes and plumbing by covering outdoor faucets; let water drip slowly from indoor faucets.

Most people drive the same in good conditions or bad, plan on the other driver being unsafe.

Carry a shovel and kitty litter or sand

Count on bridges and road curves to always have black ice.

Prepare to loose power and heat. Have a way to heat the house with kerosene or catalytic (propane) burners  (heating). Pull out flashlights and blankets. To conserve heat sleep in one room. If heating with kerosene or propane, ensure ¼ inch window open to allow oxygen into room.

Car kit should have hand warmers (car kit)

Do not cross ponds/lakes in the winter (thin ice)

After the storm, check on neighbors and remove snow. Don’t over exert

Remove snow near mail box and fire hydrants to assist mail carriers and fire departments

Close off rooms not being used to keep heat in key rooms

Fill up car with full tank of gas before the storm

If stuck in a car, don’t leave. Run car for 10 min every hour, put up a bright rag on the antenna and keep moving arms and legs.

Do not remove snow from roof. Most roofs are designed to hold 18 lbs of snow per square foot. Keep in mind the danger of a collapse occurs when snow melts and pools on the roof. Best to hire someone rather than risk personal injury.

West Nile Virus

Use mosquito repellent high in DEET 23% or higher

Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds (standing wter)

Report dead birds to authorities http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/city_states.htm

For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

Blackout

Call power company (See your list of important numbers)

Turn off air conditioner and unplug electrical devices (computers, TV, microwave)

Avoid opening the fridge and freezer.

Freeze plastic soda bottles ahead of time to help keep fridge cold.

Use food from fridge first, then the freezer, then the pantry

Be patient

Utility crews may need access to your yard, tie up your pet.

Use a generator outside.

Back up computer programs regularly.

Buy a surge protector and UPS (uninterruptible power supply)

Have an old fashioned rotary phone (does not use electricity)

Know how to open the garage door with no power (some people don’t carry a key to their house because they rely on the garage door, recommend carrying a house key)

Leave one light on, to know when power is restored.

Avoid travel - traffic signals out

In a blackout, children like having light sticks that glow in the dark when snapped. It doesn’t really produce a lot of light, but it helps them sleep in their beds more quickly because they have their own special light stick. Remove the rope from the stick so it does not get tangled while they sleep. Light

Flashlight with extra batteries (no candles)

Use an oil lamp

Purchase a battery booster used to recharge car batteries.

It will provide about six hours of light for a lamp with a 25 watt bulb.

News

Battery or hand crank radio

Fan

Southern climates get very hot and humid. A car booster unit will run a fan for a few hours.

Cooking

Coleman propane stove with extra propane bottles. Great for cooking and heating water.

If you want to go the extra mile, consider a portable instant hot water shower unit ($150) and power inverter $50-$100 that can be hooked up to a car battery to supply light and power to other electrical devices.

Tsunami

If the water recedes on the beach unusually far, seek high ground immediately

If near a large body of water (ocean, lake, pond) and an earthquake occurs, seek higher ground immediately

A tsunami is caused by forces sometimes thousands of miles away, listen to and heed news reports.

Volcano

Carry dust masks or breath through cloth

Carefully remove large accumulations of dust on the roof, may collapse roofs

Snow may melt from heat; evacuate low lying or canyon areas.

Close windows and doors

Avoid driving, dust clogs air filters

Use goggles to protect eyes

Lost

Stay in one place, unless you can see help. (Scouts hug a tree)

Answer noise with noise, keeps critters away and helps searches find you

Build a fire

Make a monument of rocks, spell a name

Take steps to stay dry and warm

Drink water

Hunker Down

Hunker down means no fuel, no escape, no assistance for days or weeks, no electricity or running drinking water.

Disaster During a Vacation

Know evacuation routes away from the city

Know several ways how to get out of the airplane or hotel

Have bottled water available and high energy food (granola bars)

Know where your family will meet if separated

Have emergency phone numbers on each person (especially out of town contact)

Contact Red Cross for assistance and to let them know you are accounted for

When going on vacation shut off the water into the house.

Ask a trusted neighbor to look after your home while away.

Identity Theft

Contact each of the three credit bureaus fraud departments.

Experian 888-397-3742

Equifax 800-525-6285

Trans-Union 800-680-7289

For any accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, contact the security department of the appropriate creditor or financial institution. Close these accounts. Put passwords (not your mother's maiden name or Social Security number) on any new accounts you open.

File a report with local police where the identity theft took place. Get the report number or a copy of the report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the crime later.

Call the ID Theft Clearinghouse toll-free at 1.877.ID.THEFT (1.877.438.4338) or TTY (1-866-653-4261) to report the theft. Counselors will take your complaint and advise you on how to deal with the credit-related problems that could result from ID theft. The Identity Theft Hotline and the ID Theft Website (www.ftc.gov/idtheft) give you one place to report the theft to the federal government and receive helpful information. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2002/02/idtheft.shtm

Know what to do, if it happens to you. http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs17a.htm

Check your statements monthly for charges that you did not make.

Financial Disaster

   Save for an emergency (put away something, even if it is only a small amount)    

   Check your auto and home insurance BEFORE a disaster    

   Make copies of important documents    

   Conduct an inventory of your home belongings including model and serial numbers, the best way to document your inventory is through video    

   Recovery will take years    

   You may live in temporary housing    

   Seek out assistance from local, state and federal resources (loans and grants) 

   FEMA http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm    

   Small Business Association http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/index.html (despite the name, homeowners apply for disaster aid through the SBA)    

   State    

   Local city/county government    

   Red Cross www.redcross.org    

   Other volunteer organizations    

   File insurance claims (insurance link)    

Auto Accident

Do not move an accident victim ESPECIALLY THEIR HEAD.

Dial 911

Don’t admit fault or offer to pay damages

Keep victims calm and still. You need to be in control as well. Hold back your emotions.

Ask the victim if they have any medical problems.

Treat for shock (blanket)

Move the vehicle, if possible, to a safe location out of the flow of traffic (right side of the road).

Exchange drivers license information and insurance information

Write down license plate number, state, appearance of driver and appearance of car, if the other car tries to leave.

Fill out police report at police station (keep a copy)

Contact insurance agency immediately

Get a second estimate

Funeral

Preplan written instructions separate from your will.

   Name of the mortuary    

   Burial (embalmed) or cremation    

   Type of casket or urn    

   Where remains buried or scattered    

   Will there be visitation (open or closed casket)    

   What prayers, songs or poems    

   What you want on the grave marker    

   Cemetery where you wish to be buried    

   Leave survivors with all your important papers such as: 

   Life insurance    

   Real estate holdings    

   Banking information    

   Account numbers, passwords and pin numbers    

Pet Preparedness

For health regulations, most shelters do not accept animals.

License your pet and have them wearing their id tags at all times.

Store extra food and water for pets.

Pets should not be left behind. Take to a family members home (animal shelters will already be closed).

If left behind, leave a large container of water that can’t be tipped over and plenty of dry food. If necessary, leave some water in the tub or a facet dripping.

Do NOT tie or cage your pet.

Post a sign on the window to alert rescue workers of how many pets were left behind.

Disaster supply kit for pet

www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/animalservices

Pet first aid kit

Pet carrier

Leash or harnesses

Food and water for one week for each pet

Photo of pet

Large plastic bags for pet cleanup

Tips for Elderly

Keep a whistle to signal for help

Find two people who will check on you.

Dentures

Hearing aids and batteries

Eyeglasses

Medications along with list of allergies

Equipment (canes, walkers, wheelchairs)

Copies of insurance cards and Medicare cards

Emergency contacts

Because taking medicine usually requires water, have at least two weeks of water on hand "how important is water?"

If an evacuation were to happen, pre-arrange to have someone pick you up.

Tips for Infants/Children

Have on hand for a minimum:

Diapers

Formula

Medication

Bottles

Powdered milk

Moist Towelettes

Diaper rash ointment (Desiten)

   Do not place cribs near a window or book shelves that may topple or break during an earthquake     

   Teach children to recognize the smell of natural gas    

   Teach children to crawl when they smell smoke, leave a building immediately during a fire and introduce them to firemen in their full fire uniform so they will not be afraid in an actual event    

   As part of your evacuation plan, include blankets and a wagon or stroller    

WOW Ideas

Buy a manual can opener 

Buy a breaker bar and socket that match your vehicles tire nuts exactly. Store it in the trunk. This way if you need to replace your tire you aren’t relying on a six inch car tire tool that comes form the manufacture to loosen nuts that are stuck and purchase some work gloves and a tarp to throw on the ground when you need to retrieve the tire under the car in the snow, dirt or mud. 

   Water storage for a year using dry chlorine    

   Go to a cheap dollar store, buy a wrench, match it to the right size of your gas meter, coat it in WD-40, put it in a zip lock bag and tie it to the meter. This way if you need to turn it off, the shut off wrench is already the right size in case water rusts it.    

   Buy a medicine dropper (can be used to add liquid bleach to contaminated water). Put it in your first aid kit.    

   Become familiar with alternate routes. If your primary route is jammed, so will your secondary route (because everyone else is using that) so have a tertiary route planned and take that first! Carry a map of local and state roads.    

Communications Plan

2009-10-21T22:59:00.001-06:00

This is the weakest link in all plans. This is the first to break down, become overloaded or Murphy’s Law takes over in an emergency.

Let’s go over your current plan.

Cell phone
Cell phone
Cell phone…Did I leave anything out?

Tornado: Salt Lake City - August 11, 1999, cell phones circuits overloaded

Terrorism: New York City - Sept 11, 2001, significant telephone disruptions

Hurricane: New Orleans - August 23, 2005, communications infrastructure destroyed

Fires: Southern California - October 2007, phone circuits overloaded and power lost

Snow/Ice Storms: Oklahoma - December 8-11, 2007, damaged phone lines and no power

for land line phone service as well as cell phone power ran out, unable to recharge.

Bottom line, cell phone networks are not designed for the occasional surge from rare events such as disasters or large scale emergencies.

Nearly all modern phones require electricity to operate. Only the old rotary phones from the second hand store, made in the 80s and earlier do not require electricity.

Ok, enough with the editorializing. So what is a reasonable communications plan for my family in an emergency?

I have prepared a list of emergency contact phone numbers (evacuation plan) that is important to have on hand. The list I have includes evacuation points if our family were separated. This enables us to still reunite if I am pulled away to help the community.

Cell phone:

Text msg: (when cell phones may not work, you may be able to text in emergencies)

Land line: (rotary)

Plan: You may not be able to reach anyone, no matter how prepared you are;

therefore, having gathering points if you are separated is essential.

These gathering points can be neighbors, church buildings, schools and family.

Ham radio: http://www.hello-radio.org/whatis.html

Where to start when a disaster strikes you

2009-10-21T22:57:00.001-06:00

After Disaster

Expect the best and worst from people
Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up
Keep record of who you spoke to, id numbers and when
The phone representatives are the experts and they are there to help you. When you feel yourself getting frustrated, hang up and speak to another representative. Keep in mind, if they can’t do something, they will tell you and you need to find an answer somewhere else or ask a different question. They really do want to help you as much as they are able when you speak to them.
Be patient, expect recovery to take years

Family

Contact your out of state and in state family members and notify them you are ok and how to reach you.
In a large scale disaster go the Red Cross website and register that you are safe and location athttp://disastersafe.redcross.org/

Insurance

Contact your insurance company and file claim

Allstate 800-547-8676
Auto Club 800-672-5246
Farmers 800-435-7764 (24/7)
State Farm 800-732-5246
USAA 800-531-8222 (9-5 CST)

Find out if damage is covered under policy?
How long to file the claim?
Do claims exceed deductible?
How long to process claim?
Need an estimate of repairs?
Keep copies of all receipts (hotel, meal, clothing costs)
Provide inventory and pictures
Don't threaten to call your attorney. You won't win friends or get very far.
If safe to return, take steps to prevent further loss or damage such as use tarps to cover roof holes or moving objects away from flood waters

Employer

Call your employer and let them know what happened, when it happened and how soon you can be back to work. Do you qualify for FMLA (medical), do you have sick or vacation days to cover missed time, and will the employer accommodate time off?

FEMA

You need to register at the link or phone number below

http://www.disasteraid.fema.gov/IAC/displayPage.do?forward=home&

800-621-3362 TTY 800-462-7585

Social Security Number
Description of losses caused by disaster
Information
Directions to damaged property
A telephone number where you can be reached

State

Find out what state resources are available

IRS

If you have relocated, you need to update your address with Form 8822

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8822.pdf

Disaster assistance inquires 866-562-5227

Personal taxes 800-829-1040

Post Office

http://moversguide.usps.com/ICOA;jsessionid=EF9351B3797A6D37385B9DAE55EB9A0D or visit local post office for change address kits

Utilities

Light
Water
Gas
Phone
Internet

Bills

Explain the situation and request hardship deferral

Bank/Credit Union
Credit Cards
Student Loans
Mortgage
Car Loans
Other Loans

Emergency Documents

2009-10-21T22:56:00.000-06:00

The purpose of this document is to help you have copies of important papers in one place in the event you need them quickly (i.e. evacuation, lost wallet, death). You may consider putting them in a plastic bag possibly in a fire safe. Consider putting them on a flash drive.

Copy of wallet or purse contents

Drivers license
Credit/debit cards
Health insurance cards

Birth certificates
Marriage license
Death certificate
Divorce decrees
Adoption records
ID cards (school, military employer)
Passports: State Department Passport Services 202-955-0430
Voter registration cards
Social Security cards http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/
Immunizations and Blood Type
Medical records and Allergies
Life insurance policies
Military papers (especially discharge) VA: 1-800-827-1000 or TTY 800-829-4833
School Records
Home Owners policy
Household inventory
Deeds, Mortgage, lease papers
Diplomas
Car loan or title
Recent pay stub
House loan or title
Wills, living will, trusts
Citizenship papers 1-800-375-5283
Recent picture of family
Tax returns IRS: 800-829-1040 ( three most recent years)
Patriarchal blessing
Genealogy (paper copy, disc or flash drive)
Page of passwords, account numbers and pins
Page of important phone numbers and contacts (see evacuation plan)
Family names, phone numbers,
Friends names, phone numbers
Neighbors names, phone numbers
Calling card number and pin number
Bank accounts (Checking/Saving), phone #, acct number, password
Safety deposit box, location
Credit cards, acct number, phone #
Student loan name, phone number, account number
Car loan name, phone number, account number
House loan name, phone number, account number
401k name, phone number, account number
If in the military, spouse should have at least 5 copies of travel orders and itinerary.
Court orders (divorce, child custody, child support)
Have an extra set of keys for house and car
Add your spouses’ name to all accounts

Evacuation Plan

2009-10-21T22:54:00.000-06:00

Evacuation - What to Take and When

A. What to take if you have 5 minutes. (Three Items)
Medicine Chest / First Aid Kit
Cell phone
Portable fire safe: (Cash, Maps, Documents, Pictures)
Cash $10s, $20s and quarters (This is the emergency money you may need to buy gasoline, food, lodging and chocolate, remember ATMs don't work when you need them, decide how much money you think you may need to save up)
Maps of local and state roads
Copies of important documents
Recent pictures of your family

B. What to take if you have 30 minutes…if cold weather, take portable heater, stove
Take contents from A and Coleman fuel containers
Sleeping bags
Pillows
Children’s pictures
Turn off water
5 gallon water container
Power supply
Portable heater
Leave note where you are going

C. What to take if you have 1 day
Full gas tanks (priority)
Take A and B
Genealogy
Fire safes
Turn off water, lock doors and windows, turn off major appliances
(fridge, stove, water heater, computer)
Food, water, clothing, appropriate outer wear
Canvas car carrier

Where we will meet.

Wife’s cell phone *** **** email
Father 24-555-5555 email
Calling card *** *** ****
AAA ############ 800-222-4357

Willard friend 825-5555
Ward House friend 774-5555
South (Salt Lake): friend 466-5555 email
South (Salt Lake): family 466-5555
West (Grantsville): family 435-884-5555 email
North (Logan): family 435-750-5555
North (Ammon, Id) friend 208-523-5555 email
South (Arizona) friend See below

Friends and Family
Friend (car pool) 773-5555(H) 510-5555(C)
Friend (neighbor) 776-5555
Friend 928-555-5555 928-555-5555 email
Mom 872-555-5555 email

Purifying Water

2009-10-21T22:53:00.011-06:00

You have just been told you cannot drink tap water. What do you do?

1. Boil for 1 min. Water is safe to drink, no matter the altitude or…

2. Chlorine

Take chlorine used for laundry (i.e. Clorox) -must be unscented/no dyes. After treating with bleach, leave the water bottle open for 30 minutes to let the bleach evaporate. Treated water should have a slight taste and smell of bleach.

Size........................Clear Water...........Cloudy and/or 40 degree

1 quart .....................2 drops.................... 4 drops

2 liter bottle.............. 4 drops.................... 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon)

3 liter bottle.............. 6 drops.................... 12 drops

1 gal (4 ltr/4qrt)....... 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon)… 16 drops (1/4teaspoon)

5 gallon..................... ½ teaspoon............... 1 teaspoon

15 gallon.................. 1 ½ teaspoons......... 3 teaspoons

55 gallon.................. 2 Tablespoons........ 4 Tablespoons

Stored water does not go bad. There is NO expiration date. It may go flat but is still safe and drinkable. To restore taste, pour back and forth between two containers to add air. Chlorination is commonly used as a disinfectant for drinking water at a concentration of 3 parts per million (ppm) from your water department.http://www.vmtrc.ucdavis.edu/s_sanitat.html

Boiling will kill 100% of all the above! Boil for 10 minutes.

Chlorine alone does not provide adequate protection against protozoa cysts, it is recommended that water be first passed through a filter to remove parasites and then treated with chlorine for 30 min. The water should have a slight smell of chlorine. This is good, you want that. If there is no smell, chlorinate again and allow another 30 mins. If there is no smell of chlorine, find another source of drinking water.

Filters remove bacteria and protozoa cysts, not viruses. That’s why combined with chlorine (kills viruses) they provide the protection from all three contaminants.

Filtering and chlorination will not make water contaminated with chemicals (pesticides, oil, and gas) safe to drink, look for another source. Store water in soda bottles, juice bottles or large clean, unused barrels (usually blue). Do not store in milk jugs, they will leak in a few months.

Water Storage for a Year

2009-10-21T22:51:00.000-06:00

You will need:

Medicine dropper that measures in milliliters and teaspoons. (This is needed when you need to purify water with liquid Clorox bleach. You can purify water with this method
1 teaspoon
1 qt container that measures in ounces and milliliters. (Mark with black marker the 16 oz./1pt)
2 gallon container
15 gallon container
Pool chemical testing strips (measures free chlorine, alkalinity and ph).
1 pound of Dry Chlorine 70% calcium hypochlorite, 30% inert ingredients

Add and dissolve one heaping teaspoon of high-test granular calcium hypochlorite (approximately ¼ ounce) for each two gallons of water. The mixture will produce a stock chlorine solution. DO NOT DRINK THIS.

To disinfect water, add the stock chlorine solution in the ratio of one part of stock chlorine solution to each 100 parts of water to be treated. This is roughly equal to adding 1 pint (16 ounces) of stock chlorine to each 12.5 gallons of water (approximately ½ liter to 50 liters of water) to be disinfected. To remove any objectionable chlorine odor, aerate the disinfected water by pouring it back and forth from one clean container to another.

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/emerg.html

Dry chlorine must contain only Calcium Hypochorite about 70% and the other part inert ingredients of about 30%. It must NOT contain anything else. Anything else is poison. I found a good source for this chemical through Kayak Kataloge Corp of Lancaster, NY (800-526-7337). Order item number CB235220 +/- 4.00 per pound. CalledSUPER Shock Chlorinator -1lb.

Once the final water has been mixed together, allow it to sit for 30 min. With the testing strips, take a sample and follow the directions to test the water.

If it smells of too much chlorine, here is another secret, if you grind up a vitamin C tablet and sprinkle it over the water. Allow another 30 minutes to pass and the excess chlorine will fall to the bottom of the water as harmless salt. The water is safe to drink. It is still recommended to run the water through a water filter.

It is a good idea to practice this before you need to know as well as exercise caution.

Top 10 Items to have...not in any order

2009-10-21T22:49:00.001-06:00

Items you should have on hand BEFORE an emergency

· Money
· Gas
· Water/ice
· Prescriptions
· Radio
· Toilet Paper/Feminine Hygiene
· Poncho
· Tube Tent (for shelter and privacy)
· First Aid Kit (w/Medicine Dropper)
· Flashlight

Car Kit

2009-10-21T22:47:00.000-06:00

Every kit needs to be adapted to your specific needs. There is no right or wrong kit.

Here is what we use:

1. Flashlight. I have a light that I can wear on my head to make it hands free.
2. Miniature first aid kit: Pepto Bismal, Motrin, tweezers (splinters), band aids, children's Motrin (liquid), feminine supplies
3. Collapsible army shovel
4. Wool blanket and space blanket
5. Jumper cables
6. Two "Beenie baby" stuffed animals (in the event of an emergency we can share these with our children or other children to provide comfort-put in a plastic bag to stay clean, dry and smelling good)
7. Fire extinguisher (ABC)
8. 10x12 cheap plastic tarp (from Wal-mart, used for laying on the ground under the car or kneeling on to change a tire)
9. Granola bars and crackers and 1 gallon of water
10. Tow rope
11. Duct tape
12. Hand warmers
13. Phillips and regular screw drivers, pliers, knife
14. Winter cap, scarf, socks, gloves and rain poncho
15. Umbrella (rainy day)
16. Bungee cords (carry something larger than the trunk, allows me to close trunk)
17. Baby wipes (children always have a need to
18. Clean rag (serious wound, spill in the car, or keeping hands clean)
19. Siphon kit (Harbor Freight-in case I have to siphon gas).
20. Funnel (used to pour fluids into the car without spilling)
21. Leather gloves
22. Small empty gas can
22. Can of Fix-a-flat
23. Ice scraper
24. I also have a breaker bar with socket size already fitted exactly for my lug nuts even though the car comes equipped with a little bar supplied by the manufacturer, the breaker bar is much better.
25. Kitty litter (Used for ice, I don't carry it, but many people swear by it)
26. Member of AAA

This seams like a lot, fills half the trunk and is bad for gas mileage but its nice to be prepared.

72 Hour Kit

2009-10-21T22:36:00.003-06:00

I do like 72 hr kits, I do not like them Sam I am....

Some people have a belief once they have mastered the 72 hr kits, they are prepared. Not true.

But for those that really insist on doing this...I have prepared something special for you.

When looking at other references for 72 hour kits, you will find the lists are so large you need a pack of elephants to carry everything.

The list below are ideas, we consider the priority in our kits to be: food for 3 days and a bottle of water. We have three large zip-lock gallon sized bags labeled, “Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3.” In each bag we then have three smaller bags one labeled “breakfast”, the other “lunch” and the last, “dinner.” This way, meals are already set out, no decisions to make and each tailored to the specific tastes of each person. Some people use MREs. But our children would not eat a chicken stew MRE for breakfast!

Each kit contains:

Small flashlight

Light stick

Whistle

Plastic spoon (in each bag)

One change of underwear, socks, t-shirt and pants, adapted by season

Hand warmers

Bar of soap in a sandwich bag

Small bottle of shampoo

Hand towel

Toy and or book

Couple of band aids

Ear plugs (in case we evacuate to a noisy building)

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Disposable poncho

Space blanket

Small package of tissues

Pen and sticky pad (for leaving notes and drawing)

Little brush. (elastic for girls hair)

Feminine hygiene

Picture of the family with important phone numbers and any medicine information such as asthma, etc…

Example of "Day One" bag:

Breakfast
- Sandwich bag of frosted shredded wheat
- Vitamin
- Granola bar

Lunch
- Granola bar
- Cup of applesauce
- Crackers

Dinner
- Can of stew
- Hard candy/gum

Extra
- Self opening can of tuna -1 can
- Self opening can of pears - 1 can
- Self opening can of nuts - 1 can

Adults carry
- Toilet paper
- Water purifying tablets and/or water purifier
- 2 way walkie talkies with extra batteries (one for mom and dad)

All this is carried in a back pack or luggage with wheels. We kept the weight down on the children. The parents carry the extras. There is no way we can expect children or adults to carry three gallons of water per person for three days.

H1N1 Flu

2009-10-19T09:08:00.005-06:00

Yes I had the flu this year, no, I don't know if it was seasonal or swine. Yes I advocate flu shots, just didn't get mine in time. Here are some suggestions to help those who may get it. The symptoms come on with only about 30 min notice.

Here is the real catcher...once you have an onset of symptoms...you are contagious for EIGHT days after! Don't go to church! Avoid public places if possible.

Have on hand:

1. Saltine crakers or oyster crackers with NO salt.

2. Yogart

3. Chicken noodle soup

4. Gatorade, Sprite or Propel, whatever you like.

5. Pepto Bismal

Symptoms this year of flu: After about 30 mins of general syptoms, I experienced a severe onset of dizziness, throw-up and the big D....

1. Achiness

2. Throw-up

3. Diziness

4. Diarrhea

5. Weakness

6. Hot and Cold flashes

7. Fever

Water Filter

2009-10-16T10:49:00.004-06:00

I went on a hike during the summer to Yellowstone National Park. We had 12 Scouts with us on a 16 mile hike to Union Falls and Scout Pool. The scenery is really everything you hear and see about Yellowstone. The trail was easy to hike, even for me! We came prepared with our lunches, snacks and plenty of water. We arrived, relaxed, and played in the warm water created by a nearby hot spring that emptied into the river. It was awesome. On the way back, the Scouts had begun to run out of water and after everyone had shared what little they had left, we had none. There were many little streams in the back country, we had been warned of the dangers of drinking unclean water. We finally arrived upon one stream and our guide pulled out a little water filter. That blessed water filter! It took us a long time to fill up, drink and refill multiple times our water bottles, but when we were no longer thirsty we headed back to camp. It was many hours before we returned. The thirst I experienced and the feeling of not knowing how to prepare myself or my troop was a real eye opening experience. That was several years ago. Now, I try to convince everyone I know, one of the most important things to have in your emergency preparedness kit is a water filter. You can have water, food and even money, but look at the experiences of those in New Orleans and other places where money meant nothing and they were surrounded by water. If they had only had a water filter, they could have cooked, cleaned, drank and shared, thereby empowering themselves and others.

Go buy a good water filter.

How long can food be stored for?

2009-08-23T15:36:00.005-06:00

How long does food last?

For a three month supply, its best to refer to the can expiration date. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints suggests the following dates for your longer term storage.

Research shows that these common longer-term food storage items, if they are properly packaged and stored at or belowroom temperature (75 degrees F; 24 degrees C), remain nutritiousand edible much longer than previously thought. Even after longtermstorage, these foods can help sustain life in an emergency.

Food Shelf-Life Estimate in Years
Wheat ....................30+
White Rice............. 30+
Corn.......................30+
Pinto Beans ...........30
Dried Apple Slices 30
Macaroni............... 30
Rolled Oats........... 30
Potato Flakes......... 30
Powdered Milk...... 20

For more information, refer to the source:
http://www.lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Magazines/Liahona/English/2009/LI_2009_03_04___04283_000_005.pdf

Hurricane coming, what should I buy BEFORE the stores sell out?

2009-08-22T23:16:00.001-06:00

Not all inclusive, adapt for your needs, especially taking into consideration, infants, elderly, disabled and pets. There IS a lot of stuff here. Don't be overwhelmed, just use good judgement. I would consider buying the largest tarp you can find, a plastic one at the very least.

Cooking/Lighting:
Matches
Manual can opener
Flashlights
D Batteries
9 Volt Batteries
Propane
Gas
Gas cans
Portable radios

Home Improvement Store:
Duct tape
Lumber (plywood) this is for your windows when they blow out
Tarps (for your roof and windows, should they blow out or leak)
Chain saws, axes, hand saws
Generator
Fire extinguisher
Hammer and nails, screws

Wal-Mart:
Cleaning supplies
Mop
Broom
Dust pan
All purpose floor cleaner
Ajax
Garbage bags (heavy duty)
Paper towels
Hand sanitizer
Dish soap
Bleach
Hand soap
Shampoo
Food
Ice (bring your cooler when you go to the store)
Bread, muffins, bagels, tortillas
Milk
Bottled water
Eggs
Peanut butter
Canned meats: tuna, chicken
Canned soups, chilli, vegetables, stews
Canned beans
Rice
Bullion cubes
Crackers/cheese, cookies, chips
Fruit cups/ applesauce
Granola bars, trail mix, beef jerky
Cereal
Tableware
Paper plates and bowels
Napkins
Plastic forks, knives and spoons
Plastic wrap and/or storage containers
Manual can opener
Gallon-sized freezer bags
Medicine
Vitamins
Toilet paper/feminine supplies
Mosquito repellent

Web Resources

2009-08-22T23:01:00.001-06:00

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
http://www.providentliving.org/
Church guidance on preparing leaders for emergencies
http://www.providentliving.org/
Ward Emergency Preparation and Response Plan (pdf)
http://www.providentliving.org/
Food Storage
http://www.providentliving.org/
Food Storage Calculator
http://www.providentliving.org/
How long can items be stored?
http://providentliving.org/
Frequently asked questions about food storage
http://providentliving.org/
Tips for First Responders (pdf)
http://cdd.unm.edu/products/tips
Federal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.fema.gov/
Amateur Radio Relay League
http://www.arrl.org/
American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/
BYU Living Essentials
http://byub.org/livingessentials/
Utah State University
http://extension.usu.edu/

RECOMMENDED LINKS
USAA - Financial services (open to prior military only)
http://www.usaa.com
Walton Wheat - Local country store - Idaho
www.waltonfeed.com
AAA - Automobile towing services
www.aaa.com
Sams Club - Bulk shopping
www.samsclub.com
CostCo - Bulk shopping
www.costco.com
REI - Water purifiers
www.rei.com
Country Living Grain Mill - Hand crank grinder
www.countrylivinggrainmills.com/
Lehman's Country Store - hard to find products
www.lehmans.com/
Cheap Pool Products - chemical water purification
http://www.cheappoolproducts.com/

WEATHER LINKS
Local Weather
http://www.intellicast.com
Local Weather
http://www.wunderground.com
Local Weather
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/default.htm
Hurricane Weather
http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/
Hurricane Weather
http://www.hurricanesafety.org/tv.shtml
Tornado Weather
http://weather.org/tornado.htm

INSURANCE/LEGAL LINKS
Five Common Myths about Homeowners insurance
http://usaa.com
Inventory list
http://www.iinc.org/
National Flood Insurance Program
Contact your insurance agent
Living Will
http://aging.utah.edu/utah_coa/directives/
Power of Attorney
http://www.operationhomefront.org/

OTHER INTERESTING LINKS
Debunking the Myths of Hurricane Katrina: Special Report
http://www.popularmechanics.com/
Building Your Storm Pantry
http://www.local6.com/
Vaccines for Adult: Who should get them?
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaccines/
Vaccines for Children: When should they get them?
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaccines/
Popular Mechanics
http://www.popularmechanics.com/

Preparedness Calendar

2009-08-22T22:57:00.000-06:00

January
Test smoke alarm
Update important phone numbers
Order free credit report from Trans-Union www.annualcreditreport.com
Review home, life and car insurance
Replace heater filter as needed

February
Test smoke alarm
Copies of important documents
Put together an inventory of your home belongings and photograph them
Purchase extra seeds for planting and for storage
Replace heater filter as needed

March (Peak tornado season March-May)
Test smoke alarm
Update first aid kit (Motrin, children’s medicine, Pepto Bismal)
Plant garden http://www.providentliving.org/channel/0,11677,7809-1,00.html
Check tire pressure
Warmer weather, start exercising (walking, biking, swimming, soccer or new sport/hobby)

April (Earthquake Preparedness Month)
Test and replace batteries in smoke and CO2 detectors
Replace flashlight batteries
Order free credit report from Equifax www.annualcreditreport.com
Update 72 hrs kits with Summer cloths
Clear away brush from house for fire season
Check tire pressure
Earth Day (April 22)Find a location to recycle batteries 800-903-2227 or www.batteryroundup.com

May
Test smoke alarm
Purchase mosquito repellent for home (West Nile Virus)
Fill up extra gas tanks (hurricane evacuation or mowing lawn)
Pool season, never swim alone, never leave child unattended in pool or tub
Stock up on water, batteries, and food (gas too) in preparation for hurricane season
Check tire pressure

June (Hurricane season June 1 to Nov 30) Hurricane Safety
Test smoke alarm
Update important phone numbers
Prepare an evacuation kit/72 hour kit
Buy a fire extinguisher - set off fireworks where and when allowed
If told to evacuate….leave early
Check tire pressure
Going on vacation? Get car checked especially hoses, belts, tires and lights.
Going back to school? Get your student loan/grant papers submitted by June 30. http://www.staffordloan.com/ and http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

July
Test smoke alarm
Order free credit report from Experian www.annualcreditreport.com
Vaccinations (before school starts)
Check tire pressure

August
Test smoke alarm
Busiest month for West Nile Virus-use mosquito repellent DEET
Back to school sales – great time to buy cloths
Back to school, if the school evacuated, do your children know what to do, where to go and how to reach you or someone else?
Check tire pressure

September (National Preparedness Month) FEMA website
Test smoke alarm
Update 72 hrs kits with Winter cloths
Update first aid kit (Motrin, children’s medicine, Pepto Bismal)
Replace flashlight batteries
Put together a car kit
Hunting season – keep guns locked (check local police dept for free locks)
Know how to find light in the house (flashlights, candles)
Check tire pressure
Replace windshield wipers and tires with all season tires for winter

October
Test and replace batteries in smoke and CO2 detectors
Replace heater filter
Keep furnace area clear
Purchase K-1 fuel for indoor kerosene heater or propane
Check tire pressure, do you need new wiper blades?
Know how to turn off water (frozen pipes)
Halloween – flashlights/batteries on sale (stock up)
Know how to heat the house if there is no heat
Pull out shovels and buy salt

November (Winter Storm Preparedness Month)
Test smoke alarm
Thanksgiving – cooking supplies on sale (stock up)
Did you cook the turkey long enough and put the leftovers away in 2 hours or less http://www.gourmetspot.com/listturkey.htm
Avoid candles, keep out of reach from children, away from areas that they can be bumped and put on surface that will not catch fire
Icy roads, drive more cautiously
Replace heater filter as needed

December
Test smoke alarm
Flu shots http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
Tools on sale, buy a large cheap wrench, oil it, properly size it to the gas meter switch, then wrap it in plastic and tie it next to the gas meter (in the event of an earthquake and gas needs to be turned off)
Replace heater filter as needed

Ward Emergency Plan

2009-08-22T22:54:00.000-06:00

I have a Ward Emergency Plan that I would be happy to email to you. With a few minutes of time, you will have a plan ready to go. When I started to look at plans I could find, I discovered that plans are for what to do BEFORE a disater. This was no help when a disasater had occured. The plan I will send you will address the AFTER A DISASTER. Please email me and I will send a word doc for you to adapt to your circumstances and leadership needs.

Gist1776@aol.com

Stake Emergency Plan

2009-08-22T22:48:00.000-06:00

I have a stake Emergency Plan that I would be happy to email to you. With a few minutes of time, you will have a plan ready to go. When I started to look at plans I could find, I discovered that plans are for what to do BEFORE a disater. This was no help when a disasater had occured. The plan I will send you will address the AFTER A DISASTER. Please email me and I will send a word doc for you to adapt to your circumstances and leadership needs.

Gist1776@aol.com

Family Home Storage, a new message!

2009-08-22T22:47:00.000-06:00

http://www.lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Magazines/Liahona/English/2009/LI_2009_03_04___04283_000_005.pdf

I strongly encourage everyone to read and follow its counsel.

Church Talk Quotes- by LDS Leaders (not all inclusive)

2009-08-22T22:38:00.000-06:00

“Many more people could ride out thestorm-tossed waves in their economic livesif they had their . . . supply of food . . . andwere debt-free. Today we find that manyhave followed this counsel in reverse:they have at least a year’s supply of debtand are food-free.”President Thomas S. Monson, “That Noble Gift—Love at Home,” Church News, May 12, 2001, 7.

“Everyone who owns a home recognizes the need for fire insurance. We hope and praythat there will never be a fire. Nevertheless,we pay for insurance to cover such a catastrophe,should it occur. We ought to do thesame with reference to family welfare.”President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008),“To Men of the Priesthood,” Liahona and Ensign,Nov. 2002, 58.

“There is a portent of stormy weather ahead to which we had better give heed…No one knows when emergencies will strike…Set your houses in order. If you have paid your debts, if you have a reserve, even though it be small, then should storms howl about your head, you will have shelter for your wife and children and peace in your hearts. That’s all I have to say about it, but I wish to say it with all the emphasis of which I am capable” (CR, Gordon B. Hinckley, Oct. 1998, 70-72; Ensign, Nov. 1998, 53-54).

“No true Latter-Day Saint, while physically or emotionally able will voluntarily shift the burden of his own or his family’s well-being to someone else. So long as he can, under the inspiration of the Lord and with his own labors, he will supply himself and his family with the spiritual and temporal necessities of life ( 1Tim 5:8) Spencer W. Kimball, CR Oct. 1977.

While we consider when to begin, it becomes too late. Latin Proverb

“Too often we bask in our comfortable complacency and rationalize that the ravages of war, economic disaster, famine, and earth quake cannot happen here. Those who believe this are either not acquainted with the revelations of the Lord, or they do not believe them. Those who smugly think these calamities will not happen, that they will somehow be set aside because of the righteousness of the Saints, are deceived and will rue the day they harbored such a delusion.” (Ezra Taft Benson - October Conference, 1980 Ensign, Nov 1980:32-33

"...when we really get into hard times, where food is scarce or there is none at all, and so with clothing and shelter, money may be no good for there may be nothing to buy, and you cannot eat money, you cannot get enough of it together to burn to keep you warm, and you cannot wear it." (President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. - Church News, November 21, 1953, p.4.)

“We continue to encourage members to store sufficient food, clothing, and, where possible, fuel for at least one year. We have not laid down an exact formula for what should be stored. However, we suggest that members concentrate on essential foods that sustain life, such as grains, legumes, cooking oil, powdered milk, salt, sugar or honey, and water. Most families can achieve and maintain this basic level of preparedness. The decision to do more than this rests with the individual. We encourage you to follow this counsel with the assurance that a people prepared through obedience to the commandments of God need not fear.” The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Ezra Taft Benson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and Thomas S. Monson) June 24, 1988 in a letter to General Authorities and the following Priesthood leaders in the United States and Canada: Area Authorities (formerly Regional Reps.); Stake, Mission, and District Presidents; Bishops and Branch Presidents.

"How on the face of the earth could a man enjoy his religion, when he had been told by the Lord how to prepare for a day of famine, when, instead of doing so, he had fooled away that which would have sustained him and his family." (Elder George A. Smith - Journal of Discourses, vol. 12, p. 142.)

“The principle of the fat and lean kine is as applicable today as it was in the days when, on the banks of the Nile, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream. Officials now warn us, and warn again, that scant days are coming.” (President Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., David O. McKay (First Presidency), Conference Report 1942 as quoted in We Believe, by Rulon T. Burton)

“The time will come that gold will hold no comparison in value to a bushel of wheat.” (Brigham Young, in Journal of Discourses, vol. 1, p. 250, 1943 ed., p. 298.)

“Maintain a year's supply. The Lord has urged that his people save for the rainy days, prepare for the difficult times, and put away for emergencies, a year's supply or more of bare necessities so that when comes the flood, the earthquake, the famine, the hurricane, the storms of life, our families can be sustained through the dark days. How many of us have complied with this? We strive with the Lord, finding many excuses: We do not have room for storage. The food spoils. We do not have the funds to do it. We do not like these common foods. It is not needed -- there will always be someone to help in trouble. The government will come to the rescue. And some intend to obey but procrastinate.” The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p.375

"Let us avoid debt as we would avoid a plague...Let every head of every household see to it that he has on hand enough food and clothing, and, where possible, fuel also, for at least a year ahead...Let every head of household aim to own his own home, free from mortgage. Let us again clothe ourselves with these proved and sterling virtues--honesty, truthfulness, chastity, sobriety, temperance, industry, and thrift; let us discard all covetousness and greed." (President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. - April 1937 General Conference - Welfare conference address, October 1, 1966).

“Should the Lord decide at this time to cleanse the Church -- and the need for that cleansing seems to be increasing – a famine in this land of one year's duration could wipe out a large percentage of slothful members, including some ward and stake officers. Yet we cannot say we have not been warned.” (God, Family, Country, p. 383.)

"As we have been continuously counseled for more than 60 years, let us have some food set aside that would sustain us for a time in case of need. But let us not panic nor go to extremes. Let us be prudent in every respect. And, above all, my brothers and sisters, let us move forward with faith in the Living God and His Beloved Son" Gordon B. Hinckley, in Conference Report, Oct. 2001, 89; or Ensign, Nov. 2001, 73.

“We encourage families to have on hand this year's supply; and we say it over and over and over and repeat over and over the scripture of the Lord where he says, "Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46.) How empty it is as they put their spirituality, so-called, into action and call him by his important names, but fail to do the things which he says. A man should not only be prepared to protect himself physically, but he should also have on hand sufficient supplies to sustain himself and his family in an emergency. For many years the leaders of the Mormon Church have recommended, with instructions, that every family have on hand at least a year's supply of basic food, clothing, fuel (where possible), and provisions for shelter. This has been most helpful to families suffering temporary reverses. It can and will be useful in many circumstances in the days ahead. We also need to get out of financial bondage, to be debt-free.” (God, Family, Country, p. 331.)

“You do not need to go into debt to obtain a year's supply. Plan to build up your food supply just as you would a savings account. Save a little for storage each paycheck. Can or bottle fruit and vegetables from your gardens and orchards. Learn how to preserve food through drying and possibly freezing. Make your storage a part of your budget. Store seeds and have sufficient tools on hand to do the job. If you are saving and planning for a second car or a television set or some item which merely adds to your comfort or pleasure, you may need to change your priorities. We urge you to do this prayerfully and do it now. I speak with a feeling of great urgency.” (Conference Report October 1980, Ensign 10 [November 1980]

"...If we are to be saved in an ark, as Noah and his family were, it will be because we build it… My faith does not lead me to think the Lord will provide us with roast pigs, bread already buttered, etc., He will give us the ability to raise the grain, to obtain the fruits of the earth, to make habitations, to procure a few boards to make a box, and when harvest comes, giving us the grain, it is for us to preserve it--to save the wheat until we have one, two, five or seven years' provisions on hand, until there is enough of the staff of life saved by the people to bread themselves and those who will come here seeking for safety." (Marion G. Romney (Quoting Brigham Young) - April Conference, 1976)

"Remember the counsel that is given,” “...Store up all your grain,' and take care of it!” “...And I tell you it is almost as necessary to have bread to sustain the body as it is to have food for the spirit; for the one is as necessary as the other to enable us to carry on the work of God upon the earth." Elder Orson Hyde (Journal of Discourses, vol. 5, p. 17)

“For over forty years, in a spirit of love, members of the Church have been counseled to be thrifty and self-reliant; to avoid debt; pay tithes and a generous fast offering; be industrious; and have sufficient food, clothing, and fuel on hand to last at least one year. Today there are compelling reasons to reemphasize this counsel.” Ezra Taft Benson - October Conference, 1980

"There is more salvation and security in wheat than in all the political schemes of the world." - Ezra Taft Benson (Journal of Discourses 2: 207)

“More than ever before, we need to learn and apply the principles of economic self-reliance. We do not know when the crisis involving sickness or unemployment may affect our own circumstances. We do know that the Lord has decreed global calamities for the future and has warned and forewarned us to be prepared. For this reason the Brethren have repeatedly stressed a “back to basics” program for temporal and spiritual welfare.” - Ezra Taft Benson, “Prepare for the Days of Tribulation,” Ensign, Nov. 1980, page 32

“Church members can begin their home storage by storing the basic foods that would be required to keep them alive if they did not have anything else to eat. Depending on where members live, those basics might include water, wheat or other grains, legumes, salt, honey or sugar, powdered milk, and cooking oil.” … “When members have stored enough of these essentials to meet the needs of their family for one year, they may decide to add other items that they are accustomed to using day to day.” … “Families who do not have the resources to acquire a year’s supply can begin their storage by obtaining supplies to last for a few months. Members should be prudent and not panic or go to extremes in this effort.” – The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in a letter to General Authorities; Area Authority Seventies; Stake, Mission, and District Presidents; Bishops and Branch Presidents January 20, 2002

"It is better to prepare and prevent than to repair and repent." – Ezra Taft Benson

“How on the face of the earth could a man enjoy his religion when he had been told by the Lord how to prepare for a day of famine, when, instead of doing so, he had fooled away that which would have sustained him and his family.” - Elder George A. Smith, Journal of Discourses, Volume 12, page 142.

“Life is made up of small daily acts. Savings in food budgets come by pennies, not only by dollars. Clothing budgets are cut by mending stitch by stitch, seam by seam. Houses are kept in good repair nail by nail. Provident homes come not by decree or by broad brushstroke. Provident homes come from small acts performed well day after day. When we see in our minds the great vision, then we discipline ourselves by steady, small steps that make it happen.” (Barbara B. Smith, former Relief Society general president - Ensign, Nov. 1980, p. 86.)

"For the moment we live in a day of peace and prosperity, but it shall not ever be thus. Great trials lie ahead...and we must prepare ourselves temporally and spiritually." -- Bruce R. McConkie

"Consider the important (food storage) program which we must never forget nor put in the background. As we become more affluent and our bank accounts enlarge, there comes a feeling of security, and we feel sometimes that we do not need the supply that has been suggested by the Brethren. . . . We must remember that conditions could change and a year’s supply of basic commodities could be very much appreciated by us or others. So we would do well to listen to what we have been told and to follow it explicitly" (Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference Report, Apr. 1976, 170; or Ensign, May 1976, 124).

"We want you to be ready with your personal storehouses filled with at least a year’s supply. You don’t argue why it cannot be done; you just plan to organize and get it done" (Spencer W. Kimball, August 1976).

Avoid Debt: “Few things erode happiness more quickly than debt. In some cultures, debt is becoming both more available and more accepted. But as Church members, we have long been advised to avoid unnecessary debt. The hunger for worldly goods must be bridled just as any other appetite. Applying the pioneer motto ‘Fix it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without’ can help us live within our means.” - Visiting Teaching Message: “Living within Our Means,” Ensign, Feb. 2001, 69

"Say I, Wake-up, ye Saints of Zion, while it is called today, lest trouble and sorrow come upon you, as a thief in the night. Suppose it is not coming, will it hurt you to lay up the products of the earth for seven years? Will it hurt you, if you have your house in order? I want the world to know that we are ready for anything that comes along. If it is good, we are ready for that; and if it is evil, we are ready to stand against it." -Heber C. Kimball

"As long as I can remember, we have been taught to prepare for the future and to obtain a year’s supply of necessities. . . . I believe the time to disregard this counsel is over. With the events in the world today, it must be considered with all seriousness. . . . Create a plan if you don't already have one, or update your present plan . . . We are not in a situation that requires panic buying, but we do need to be careful in purchasing and rotating the storage that we're putting away." (L. Tom Perry, in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 47; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 36).

"Let every head of household see to it that he has on hand enough food and clothing and, where possible, fuel also for at least a year." J. Rueben Clark 1937

"We encourage you to grow all the food that you feasibly can on your own property. Berry bushes, grapevines, fruit trees—plant them if your climate is right for their growth. Grow vegetables and eat them from your own yard" (Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference Report, Apr. 1976, 171; or Ensign, May 1976, 124).

"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" (Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1980, 47; or Ensign, Nov. 1980, 33).

"There is a wise old saying 'Eat it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without'. Thrift is a practice of not wasting anything. Some people are able to get by because of the absence of expense. They have their shoes resoled, they patch, they mend, they sew, and they save money. They avoid installment buying, and make purchases only after saving enough to pay cash, thus avoiding interest charges. Frugality means to practice careful economy." James E. Faust

"The Lord has warned us of famines, but the righteous will have listened to the Prophet and stored at least a year's supply of survival food." Ezra Taft Benson

"Recent surveys of Church members have shown a serious erosion in the number of families who have a year’s supply of life’s necessities. Most members plan to do it. Too few have begun. . . . It is our sacred duty to care for our families, including our extended families" (Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Sept. 1986, 4; emphasis in original).

"The revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah." Pres. Ezra Taft Bensen

"We will see the day when we live on what we produce." Pres. Marion G. Romney

"Let us be in a position so we are able to not only feed ourselves through home production and storage, but others as well" (Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1980, 48; or Ensign, Nov. 1980, 34).

"Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year’s supply of food and clothing and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year’s supply of debt and are food-free" (Thomas S. Monson, "That Noble Gift—Love at Home," Church News, 12 May 2001, 7).

"Ye Latter-day Saints, learn to sustain yourselves, produce everything you need to eat, drink or wear,..." Pres. Brigham Young

"The Lord has warned us of famines, but the righteous will have listened to prophets and stored at least a year’s supply of survival food" (Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1973, 90; or Ensign; Jan. 1974, 80).

"Every father and mother are the family’s storekeepers. They should store whatever their own family would like to have in the case of an emergency. . . . Some have said, “We have followed this counsel in the past and have never had need to use our year’s supply, so we have difficulty keeping this in mind as a major priority.” Perhaps following this counsel could be the reason why they have not needed to use their reserve. By continued rotation of the supply it can be kept usable with no waste" (James E. Faust, in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, 26; or Ensign, May 1986, 22).

"There is no person who knows the real purpose for which this welfare program is being instituted but hardly before sufficient preparation has been made the real purpose will be revealed and when that time comes it will challenge every resource of the church to meet it." Harold B. Lee

"When people are able but unwilling to take care of themselves we are responsible to employ the dictum of the Lord that the idler shall not eat the bread of the laborer". Elder Boyd K. Packer

"No man is truly free who is in financial bondage. 'Think what you do when you run in debt', said Benjamin Franklin, 'you give another power over your liberty.'" Ezra Taft Bensen

In Matthew, chapter 24, we learn of ‘famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes,…’ (Matt 24:7) The Lord declared that these and other calamities shall occur. These particular prophecies seem not to be conditional. The Lord, with his foreknowledge, knows that they will happen. Some will come about through man’s manipulations; others through the forces of nature and nature’s God, but that they will come seeks certain. Prophecy is but history in reverse – a divine disclosure of future events.” Ezra Taft Benson, “Prepare Ye,” Ensign, Jan 1974, 68).

“If in 1936 we had told the Saints, ‘You would better prepare, because the time is coming when’ – remember, in 1936 the problem was money, - there was always enough to buy, but the problem today is something to buy, not money – if we had told you then that the time would come when you could not buy all the meat you wanted, and perhaps not any at times; that you could not get butter, and that you could not get sugar, and that you could not get clothing, and that the farmers could get no machinery, and so on down the whole list of things that you can not get now and that therefore you should prepare for a stormy day, we would have been laughed to scorn. But I say to you again, the advice then given is good today, and you would better prepare for the times ahead, that you may not be like the five foolish virgins with no oil in your lamps. (J. Reuben Clark, Jr. “Church News,” March 2, 1946)

"We encourage you to follow this counsel with the assurance that a people prepared through obedience to the commandments of God need not fear" (First Presidency letter, 24 June 1988).

"Perhaps if we think . . . of what it would take to keep us alive in case we didn’t have anything else to eat, that . . . would be very easy to put in storage for a year . . . just enough to keep us alive if we didn’t have anything else to eat" (Harold B. Lee, quoted in Ezra Taft Benson, "Prepare Ye," Ensign, Jan. 1974, 81).

"We suggest that members concentrate on essential foods that sustain life" (First Presidency letter, 24 June 1988).

Scriptures
D&C 1:12-Prepare for that which is to come
D&C 29:8 – Be prepared in all things against the day when tribulations and desolations are sent forth
D&C 29:16 – A great hailstorm sent to destroy the crops of the earth.
D&C 38:30 – If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear
D&C 45:31 – An overflowing scourge, for a desolating sickness shall cover the land
D&C 63:33 – Decreed wars upon the face of the earth
Gen 41: 15-36 – Pharaoh’s dream of seven good and bad years
Matt 24:7 - Famines and pestilences, and earthquakes

If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear

2009-08-22T22:35:00.000-06:00

President Gordon B. Hinckley

We can so live that we can call upon the Lord for His protection and guidance. . . . We cannot expect His help if we are unwilling to keep His commandments.
My dear brethren of the priesthood, wherever you may be across this broad world—what a tremendous body you have become, men and boys of every race and kindred, all a part of the family of God.
How precious is His gift to us. He has given to us a portion of that which is His divine authority, the eternal priesthood, the power by which He brings to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. It follows that when much has been given to us much is required of us (see Luke 12:48; D&C 82:3).
I know that we are not perfect men. We know the perfect way, but we do not always act according to our knowledge. But I think that for the most part we are trying. We are trying to be the kind of men our Father would have us be. That is a very high objective, and I commend all of you who are trying to reach it. May the Lord bless you as you seek to live exemplary lives in every respect.
Now, as all of us are aware, the Gulf States area of the United States has recently suffered terribly from raging winds and waters. Many have lost all they had. The damage has been astronomical. Literally millions have suffered. Fear and worry have gripped the hearts of many. Lives have been lost.
With all of this, there has been a great outpouring of help. Hearts have been softened. Homes have been opened. Critics love to talk about the failures of Christianity. Any such should take a look at what the churches have done in these circumstances. Those of many denominations have accomplished wonders. And far from the least among these has been our own Church. Great numbers of our men have traveled considerable distances, bringing with them tools and tents and radiant hope. Men of the priesthood have given thousands upon thousands of hours in the work of rehabilitation. There have been three and four thousand at a time. There are some there tonight. We cannot say enough of thanks to them. Please know of our gratitude, of our love, and of our prayers in your behalf.
Two of our Area Seventies, Brother John Anderson, who resides in Florida, and Brother Stanley Ellis, who lives in Texas, have directed much of this effort. But they would be the first to say that the credit belongs to the great numbers of men and boys who have given assistance. Many have worn shirts that say "Mormon Helping Hands." They have won the love and respect of those they have assisted. Their assistance has gone not only to members of the Church in trouble, but to great numbers of those concerning whom no religious affiliation has been made.
They have followed the pattern of the Nephites as recorded in the book of Alma: "They did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need" (Alma 1:30).
Women and girls in many parts of the Church have rendered a Herculean effort in providing hygiene and cleaning kits by the tens of thousands. The Church has provided equipment, food, water, and comfort.
We have contributed substantial amounts of money to the Red Cross and other agencies. We have given millions from fast offerings and humanitarian funds. To every one of you I say thanks in behalf of your beneficiaries and thanks in behalf of the Church.
Now, I do not say, and I repeat emphatically that I do not say or infer, that what has happened is the punishment of the Lord. Many good people, including some of our faithful Latter-day Saints, are among those who have suffered. Having said this, I do not hesitate to say that this old world is no stranger to calamities and catastrophes. Those of us who read and believe the scriptures are aware of the warnings of prophets concerning catastrophes that have come to pass and are yet to come to pass.
There was the great Flood, when waters covered the earth and when, as Peter says, only "eight souls were saved" (1 Peter 3:20).
If anyone has any doubt concerning the terrible things that can and will afflict mankind, let him read the 24th chapter of Matthew. Among other things the Lord says: "Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. . . .
"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
"All these are the beginning of sorrows. . . .
"And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! . . .
"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
"And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened" (Matthew 24:6–8, 19, 21–22).
In the Book of Mormon we read of unimaginable destruction in the Western Hemisphere at the time of the Savior's death in Jerusalem. Again I quote:
"And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land.
"And there was also a great and terrible tempest; and there was terrible thunder, insomuch that it did shake the whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder.
"And there were exceedingly sharp lightnings, such as never had been known in all the land.
"And the city of Zarahemla did take fire.
"And the city of Moroni did sink into the depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof were drowned.
"And the earth was carried up upon the city of Moronihah, that in the place of the city there became a great mountain. . . .
" . . . The whole face of the land was changed, because of the tempest and the whirlwinds, and the thunderings and the lightnings, and the exceedingly great quaking of the whole earth;
"And the highways were broken up, and the level roads were spoiled, and many smooth places became rough.
"And many great and notable cities were sunk, and many were burned, and many were shaken till the buildings thereof had fallen to the earth, and the inhabitants thereof were slain, and the places were left desolate" (3 Nephi 8:5–10, 12–14).
What a terrible catastrophe that must have been.
The plague or Black Death of the fourteenth century took millions of lives. Other pandemic diseases, such as smallpox, have brought untold suffering and death through the centuries.
In the year A.D. 79 the great city of Pompeii was destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted.
Chicago was ravaged by a terrible fire. Tidal waves have swamped areas of Hawaii. The San Francisco earthquake in 1906 ruined the city and took some 3,000 lives. The hurricane that hit Galveston, Texas, in 1900 killed 8,000. And more recently, as you know, has been the terrible tsunami of Southeast Asia, where thousands of lives were lost and where relief efforts are still needed.
How portentous are the words of revelation found in the 88th section of the Doctrine and Covenants concerning the calamities that should befall after the testimonies of the elders. The Lord says:
"For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand.
"And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.
"And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men's hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people" (D&C 88:89–91).
How interesting are descriptions of the tsunami and the recent hurricanes in terms of the language of this revelation, which says, "The voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds."
Man's inhumanity to man expressed in past and present conflict has and continues to bring unspeakable suffering. In the Darfur region of Sudan, tens of thousands have been killed and well over a million have been left homeless.
What we have experienced in the past was all foretold, and the end is not yet. Just as there have been calamities in the past, we expect more in the future. What do we do?
Someone has said it was not raining when Noah built the ark. But he built it, and the rains came.
The Lord has said, "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear" (D&C 38:30).
The primary preparation is also set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants, wherein it says, "Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come" (D&C 87:8).
We sing the song:
When the earth begins to tremble,Bid our fearful thoughts be still;When thy judgments spread destruction,Keep us safe on Zion's hill.(“Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah,” Hymns, no. 83)
We can so live that we can call upon the Lord for His protection and guidance. This is a first priority. We cannot expect His help if we are unwilling to keep His commandments. We in this Church have evidence enough of the penalties of disobedience in the examples of both the Jaredite and the Nephite nations. Each went from glory to utter destruction because of wickedness.
We know, of course, that the rain falls on the just as well as the unjust (see Matthew 5:45). But even though the just die they are not lost, but are saved through the Atonement of the Redeemer. Paul wrote to the Romans, "For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord" (Romans 14:8).
We can heed warnings. We have been told that many had been given concerning the vulnerability of New Orleans. We are told by seismologists that the Salt Lake Valley is a potential earthquake zone. This is the primary reason that we are extensively renovating the Tabernacle on Temple Square. This historic and remarkable building must be made to withstand the shaking of the earth.
We have built grain storage and storehouses and stocked them with the necessities of life in the event of a disaster. But the best storehouse is the family storeroom. In words of revelation the Lord has said, "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing" (D&C 109:8).
Our people for three-quarters of a century have been counseled and encouraged to make such preparation as will assure survival should a calamity come.
We can set aside some water, basic food, medicine, and clothing to keep us warm. We ought to have a little money laid aside in case of a rainy day.
Now what I have said should not occasion a run on the grocery store or anything of that kind. I am saying nothing that has not been said for a very long time.
Let us never lose sight of the dream of Pharaoh concerning the fat cattle and the lean, the full ears of corn, and the blasted ears; the meaning of which was interpreted by Joseph to indicate years of plenty and years of scarcity (see Genesis 41:1–36).
I have faith, my dear brethren, that the Lord will bless us, and watch over us, and assist us if we walk in obedience to His light, His gospel, and His commandments. He is our Father and our God, and we are His children, and we must be in every way deserving of His love and concern. That we may do so is my humble prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-559-20,00.html

Water Storage for a Year

2009-08-22T22:31:00.000-06:00

It may not be practical to store water for a year. At a minimum it would be 365 gallons of water per person per year, the equivalent of about eight 55 gallon drums. The more you store the better, but I have another method that will help you purify water if have a water supply, but not purified. This is not to replace water storage, but to provide another method to help provide safe drinking water. One pound of dry chlorine will provide enough drinking water for a family for a year.

You will need:
Medicine dropper that measures in milliliters and teaspoons. (This is needed when you need to purify water with liquid Clorox bleach. You can purify water with this method
1 teaspoon
1 qt container that measures in ounces and milliliters. (Mark with black marker the 16 oz./1pt)
2 gallon container
15 gallon container
Pool chemical testing strips (measures free chlorine, alkalinity and ph).
1 pound of Dry Chlorine 70% calcium hypochlorite, 30% inert ingredients

Add and dissolve one heaping teaspoon of high-test granular calcium hypochlorite (approximately ¼ ounce) for each two gallons of water. The mixture will produce a stock chlorine solution. DO NOT DRINK THIS.

To disinfect water, add the stock chlorine solution in the ratio of one part of stock chlorine solution to each 100 parts of water to be treated. This is roughly equal to adding 1 pint (16 ounces) of stock chlorine to each 12.5 gallons of water (approximately ½ liter to 50 liters of water) to be disinfected. To remove any objectionable chlorine odor, aerate the disinfected water by pouring it back and forth from one clean container to another.
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/emerg.html

Dry chlorine must contain only Calcium Hypochorite about 70% and the other part inert ingredients of about 30%. It must NOT contain anything else. Anything else is poison. I found a good source for this chemical through Kayak Kataloge Corp of Lancaster, NY (800-526-7337). Order item number CB235220 +/- 4.00 per pound. Called SUPER Shock Chlorinator -1lb.

Once the final water has been mixed together, allow it to sit for 30 min. With the testing strips, take a sample and follow the directions to test the water.

If it smells of too much chlorine, here is another secret, if you grind up a vitamin C tablet and sprinkle it over the water. Allow another 30 minutes to pass and the excess chlorine will fall to the bottom of the water as harmless salt. The water is safe to drink. It is still recommended to run the water through a water filter.

It is a good idea to practice this before you need to know as well as exercise caution.

AFTER Disaster Plan

2009-08-22T22:28:00.000-06:00

After a disaster, expect the best and worst from people
Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up
Keep record of who you spoke to, ID numbers and when
The phone representatives are the experts and they are there to help you. When you feel yourself getting frustrated, hang up and speak to another representative. Keep in mind, if they can’t do something, they will tell you and you need to find an answer somewhere else or ask a different question. They really do want to help you as much as they are able when you speak to them.
Be patient, expect recovery to take years

Family
Contact your out of state and in state family members and notify them you are ok and how to reach you.
In a large scale disaster go the Red Cross website and register that you are safe and location at http://disastersafe.redcross.org/

Insurance
Contact your insurance company and file claim
Allstate 800-547-8676
Auto Club 800-672-5246
Farmers 800-435-7764 (24/7)
State Farm 800-732-5246
USAA 800-531-8222 (9-5 CST)
Find out if damage is covered under policy?
How long to file the claim?
Do claims exceed deductible?
How long to process claim?
Need an estimate of repairs?
Keep copies of all receipts (hotel, meal, clothing costs)
Provide inventory and pictures
Don't threaten to call your attorney. You won't win friends or get very far.
If safe to return, take steps to prevent further loss or damage such as use tarps to cover roof holes or moving objects away from flood waters

Employer
Call your employer and let them know what happened, when it happened and how soon you can be back to work. Do you qualify for FMLA (medical), do you have sick or vacation days to cover missed time, and will the employer accommodate time off?

FEMA
You need to register at the link or phone number below
http://www.disasteraid.fema.gov/IAC/displayPage.do?forward=home&
800-621-3362 TTY 800-462-7585
Social Security Number
Description of losses caused by disaster
Information
Directions to damaged property
A telephone number where you can be reached
State
Find out what state resources are available

IRS
If you have relocated, you need to update your address with Form 8822
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8822.pdf

Disaster assistance inquires 866-562-5227
Personal taxes 800-829-1040

Post Office
http://moversguide.usps.com/ICOA;jsessionid=EF9351B3797A6D37385B9DAE55EB9A0D or visit local post office for change address kits

Utilities
Light
Water
Gas
Phone
Internet

Bills
Explain the situation and request hardship deferral
Bank/Credit Union
Credit Cards
Student Loans
Mortgage
Car Loans
Other Loans

Evacuation Plan

2009-08-22T22:24:00.000-06:00

This is an example of an evacuation plan we have for our family. We have one in each car as well as with our emergency papers. No thinking, no stress. Adapt it for your needs.

Evacuation - What to Take and When
A. What to take if you have 5 minutes. (Three Items)
Medicine Chest / First Aid Kit
Cell phone
Portable fire safe: (Cash, Maps, Documents, Pictures)
Cash $10s, $20s and quarters (This is the emergency money you may need to buy gasoline, food, lodging and chocolate, remember ATMs don't work when you need them, decide how much money you think you may need to save up)
Maps of local and state roads
Copies of important documents
Recent pictures of your family

B. What to take if you have 30 minutes…if cold weather, take portable heater, stove
Take contents from "A" and Coleman fuel containers

Sleeping bags
Pillows
Children’s pictures
Turn off water
5 gallon water container
Power supply
Portable heater
Leave note where you are going

C. What to take if you have 1 day
Full gas tanks (priority)
Take A and B
Genealogy
Fire safes
Turn off water, lock doors and windows, turn off major appliances (fridge, stove, water heater, computer)
Food, water, clothing, appropriate outer wear
Canvas car carrier

Where we will meet.

Wife’s cell phone *** **** email
Father 24-555-5555 email
Calling card *** *** ****
AAA ############ 800-222-4357

Willard friend 825-5555
Ward House friend 774-5555
South (Salt Lake): friend 466-5555 email
South (Salt Lake): family 466-5555
West (Grantsville): family 435-884-5555 email
North (Logan): family 435-750-5555
North (Ammon, Id) friend 208-523-5555 email
South (Arizona) friend See below

Friends and Family
Friend (car pool) 773-5555(H) 510-5555(C)
Friend (neighbor) 776-5555
Friend 928-555-5555 928-555-5555 email
Mom 872-555-5555 email

72 hour kits

2009-08-22T22:20:00.000-06:00

When looking at other references for 72 hour kits, you will find the lists are so large you need a pack of elephants to carry everything.

The list below are ideas, we consider the priority in our kits to be: food for 3 days and a bottle of water. We have three large zip-lock gallon sized bags labeled, “Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3.” In each bag we then have three smaller bags one labeled “breakfast”, the other “lunch” and the last, “dinner.” This way, meals are already set out, no decisions to make and each tailored to the specific tastes of each person. Some people use MREs. But our children would not eat a chicken stew MRE for breakfast!

Each kit contains:
Small flashlight
Light stick
Whistle
Plastic spoon (in each bag)
One change of underwear, socks, t-shirt and pants
Hand warmers
Bar of soap in a sandwich bag
Small bottle of shampoo
Hand towel
Toy and or book
Band aids
Ear plugs (in case we evacuate to a noisy building)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Disposable poncho
Space blanket
Small package of tissues
Pen and sticky pad (for leaving notes and drawing)
Little brush. (elastic for girls hair)
Feminine hygiene
Picture of the family with important phone numbers and any medicine information such as asthma, etc…

Example of "Day One" bag:
Breakfast
Sandwich bag of frosted shredded wheat
Vitamin
Granola bar
Lunch
Granola bar
Cup of applesauce
Crackers
Dinner
Can of stew
Hard candy/gum
Extra
Self opening can of tuna -1 can
Self opening can of pears - 1 can
Self opening can of nuts - 1 can

Adults carry
Toilet paper
Water purifying tablets and/or water purifier
2 way walkie talkies with extra batteries (one for mom and dad)
All this is carried in a back pack or luggage with wheels. We kept the weight down on the children. The parents carry the extras. There is no way we can expect children or adults to carry three gallons of water per person for three days.

The car kit already has the majority of other needed supplies. We have prioritized any evacuation needs with our 5 min, 30 min and one day evacuation checklist.

Car Kit

2009-08-22T22:19:00.000-06:00

Every kit needs to be adapted to your specific needs. There is no right or wrong kit.
Here is what we use:

1. Flashlight. I have a light that I can wear on my head to make it hands free.
2. Miniature first aid kit: Pepto Bismal, Motrin, tweezers (splinters), band aids, children's Motrin (liquid), feminine supplies
3. Collapsible army shovel
4. Wool blanket and space blanket
5. Jumper cables
6. Two "Beenie baby" stuffed animals (in the event of an emergency we can share these with our children or other children to provide comfort-put in a plastic bag to stay clean, dry and smelling good)
7. Fire extinguisher (ABC)
8. 10x12 cheap plastic tarp (from Wal-mart, used for laying on the ground under the car or kneeling on to change a tire)
9. Granola bars and crackers and 1 gallon of water
10. Tow rope
11. Duct tape
12. Hand warmers
13. Phillips and regular screw drivers, pliers, knife
14. Winter cap, scarf, socks, gloves and rain poncho
15. Umbrella (rainy day)
16. Bungee cords (carry something larger than the trunk, allows me to close trunk)
17. Baby wipes (children always have a need to
18. Clean rag (serious wound, spill in the car, or keeping hands clean)
19. Siphon kit (Harbor Freight-in case I have to siphon gas).
20. Funnel (used to pour fluids into the car without spilling)
21. Leather gloves
22. Small empty gas can
22. Can of Fix-a-flat
23. Ice scraper
24. I also have a breaker bar with socket size already fitted exactly for my lug nuts even though the car comes equipped with a little bar supplied by the manufacturer, the breaker bar is much better.
25. Kitty litter (Used for ice, I don't carry it, but many people swear by it)
26. Member of AAA
This seams like a lot, fills half the trunk and is bad for gas mileage but its nice to be prepared.

Top 10 Items to have BEFORE an emergency

2009-08-22T22:18:00.000-06:00

Items you should have on hand BEFORE an emergency
· Money
· Gas
· Water/ice
· Prescriptions
· Radio
· Toilet Paper/Feminine Hygiene
· Poncho
· Tube Tent (for shelter and privacy)
· First Aid Kit (w/Medicine Dropper)
· Flashlight

Lighting

2009-08-22T22:16:00.000-06:00

Lighting

Light is the most important need in an emergency. It provides the psychological assurance of normalcy and safety.

There are many ways to provide light. Here are a few:
Flashlight
Candles
Light Sticks
Hurricane lamp
Battery booster unit
Coleman propane lantern
Solar powered yard lights
Generator

Flashlight is the preferred method immediately during an emergency and short term lighting needs. Suggest you have them in the same place with extra batteries. A flashlight for each person is a good idea. At home I have the usual hand held flashlight ($5-$10). In the car I carry a headlamp that can be worn on the head to provide hands free use while changing a tire ($10).

Candles are to be avoided. They are the most common and inexpensive. But they have the potential to cause house fires and casualties. If you must, keep out of reach of children, on a surface that is not flammable (stove), and away from an arm or cloths that can accidentally brush it (cost is just a few dollars).

Light Sticks from Wal-Mart cost a couple of dollars. They don't really do a great job of making light, but they are wonderful to have when children have to go to bed scared at night without power and they each have their own night stick. Make sure they don't have the rope that hangs from the neck as they go to sleep.

Hurricane lamps are great because they produce a lot of light. Does require storage of lamp fuel which stores for years. They can cause a fire if left unattended, or knocked over. The flue is fragile and can break easily, but they will bring the peace you need when the batteries are dead. They are nostalgic and bring back memories of the “old days.”
We bought ours at Wal-Mart (Oil lamp $10, oil $8 Wal-Mart).

Battery booster unit is the best short term solution. This is the WOW in your preparedness kit. Buy a battery power unit (the one with the battery jumper cables attached). You can get them from a car parts store for $50-$100. If you get one with an outlet (three prongs “AC”), when it is fully charged it can provide light for around 6 hours depending upon usage (battery recharging unit $65, light bulb $1). You can plug it directly into a lamp in your home!

We bought a unit with the plugs designed for cigarette lighters in a car. We bought a power inverter (Wal-Mart or auto parts store $50-$100) which plugs into the unit, then, (here comes the good part) we plug in the lamp. Viola…..Light. Just like normal. What we did was to buy a florescent light bulb of 25 watts. This way it puts out normal light while using less energy than a normal light bulb and will extend the battery unit.

This means if you have as short term power outage (day or two which is what most outages are) you can have light at night for a couple of hours while you are getting ready for bed and then light in the morning and evening of the next day.

Coleman propane lantern is a great resource to have on hand. Great for camping and emergencies and its safe (propane lasts indefinitely) but it is so bright indoors that we use this as last resort. But you pick it up, attach the canister, flip the switch and instant light. ($25 for lamp and $12 for a six pack of fuel)

Solar powered yard lights are something to consider. The lights recharge outside then at night you can bring them in and provide minimal light (great for kid’s room – similar to a night light). Especially great for a bathroom where you don’t need a lot of light. ($25)

Generators are an option. Considerations are noise, price, maintenance, used once a year, take up a lot of room, heavy, and if not used correctly, lethal. We don’t own one. But those in the hot and humid South (hurricanes) love them for running the fridge, fan, TV and lights ($200 + not counting fuel).

Heating

2009-08-22T22:12:00.000-06:00

Heat the House

TWO WAYS TO HEAT YOUR HOME:
Small portable Coleman PROPANE heater.
Referred to as a catalytic heater. That means it burns at such low temperatures that it’s safe to operate indoors without a flame. We still feel it is safe to open a window a little bit ($75 outdoor store). Burns up to 7 hours on one 16 oz propane canister. This won’t heat a home, but rather a room or tent.

Kerosene heater
We encourage the use of a kerosene heater. Some people have fireplaces or wood burning stoves which are great. We have adapted our solutions to our needs. For heat we have selected a kerosene heater (about $100 from Home Depot). I am not advocating one brand over another.
When there is no power; the furnace doesn’t work, even if you have natural gas (it takes electricity to operate the starter as well as run the blower). It smells a little when you light it and when you turn it off. Kerosene fuel (1-K fuel) is much safer than gas. The inside air is not contaminated as it burns, but you must crack the window ¼ inch because it uses oxygen. Fuel storage should be outside-cold does not hurt it. Remember to refuel outside as well.
It can be stored for years, best in a plastic blue container (red is for gasoline). Some people recommend using a fuel additive to increase storage life. The five gallon metal containers from Home Depot work fine for short term storage 3 to 12 months.
Some recommend buying a heater that can double as a cooking surface. I have other ways to cook, but having a product that can do multiple tasks only makes sense.
Some say about 50 gallons would suffice through a winter. It all depends on usage. Keep in mind local ordinances when considering how much to store.
Finally, keep your paper work that deals with maintenance of your heater with your important papers and don’t forget to periodically dry burn your wick. Consider buying a battery operated pump to siphon from fuel container into the heater – you will thank yourself every time you fill. Make sure you buy a pump specifically designed for pumping fuel, not water! Above all, like all heating devices, never leave it unattended or run empty.