Be Prepared for Thunderstorms

In light of the recent violent thunderstorms we've experienced and the potential of similar storms this week, I feel impressed upon to update this blog with useful preparedness information regarding severe weather. Please take the time to read this post and prepare yourselves and your family.

• Have alternative light sources readily available (flashlights, batteries, candles, lanterns, etc.)
• 72 hour kits- If you need help making them, let me know. We made them last year and I plan to do it again this year, but not until later this year. I have handouts if you would like them.
• If you have a basement that leaks, obtain a pump (sump pump or bottom feeder pump) to help drain the water out.
• An emergency radio is extremely helpful if you lose power and have no way of hearing weather or emergency reports.
• An alternative cooking source is also helpful if you are without power for an extended period of time.
• Water! I can not stress enough how important it is to have a good supply of water in your food storage. You can live two weeks without food, but you can only live two days without water.
• Obtain a generator if possible. I was very jealous of my neighbors a few weeks ago when we lost power and they, well, didn't.
• Charge your cell phone! I learned this lesson the hard way. There is nothing like sitting in a dark house with with two children (the other two were out with Daddy) with no way of communicating with the outside world.
• This is what my sister does: When she hears that a storm is coming, she gets her kids drinks from the fridge (so she doesn't have to open it during/after the storm) and snacks.
• Have a family plan. Know where to go during a tornado warning. Have a designated spot and make sure everyone knows where it is.
• Lastly, please remember the words of D & C 38:30, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."

If you have any other suggestions that I didn't mention, please email them to me at PookyBrew13@aol.com. Also, if you are new to the ward and do not have a Bee Prepared packet, let me know so I can get you one. Be safe everyone!

Emergency Essentials Order

Hi Brothers and Sisters,
Since Emergency Essentials is having a huge Food Storage Sale this month, I have decided to put together another group order. These are the items you can sign up for:

I need to order at least 6 of each of these to get the low price:
#10 can Baking Soda $8.06 (reg. price 10.95)
#10 can Whole Wheat Flour $6.75 (reg. price $10.50)
#10 can Cinnamon Apple Chips $9.99 (reg. price $15.95)
#10 can Regular Rolled Oats $5.18 (reg. price $7.95)

2 lb. can Gourmet Selections Hot Chocolate- Irish Creme $4.99 (reg. price $8.99)
2 lb. can Gourmet Selections Hot Chocolate- French Vanilla $4.99 (reg. price $8.99)

I will have sign-ups sheets going around on Sunday or you can e-mail me with your order. I need all money in by Sunday March 22nd so I can place the order by the 26th. There is no sales tax, but I do ask that everyone add $.25 to their total for shipping charges (even thought this is a group order, it doesn't qualify as a March group special so there is no free shipping). I will accept cash and personal checks and you can even mail me the check if you think you may forget to bring it to church. These are great deals and I don't want anyone to miss out! Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Thanks!

Kristina

March

A lot has happened in America since my last post in November. I hope that while I have been procrastinating updating this blog, you all have been busy preparing. The purpose of this blog was to give everyone in the ward resources and motivation to become self-reliant, which is what the Lord wants for all of us. I hope that even without my constant e-mails and blog posts, everyone has continued to have that desire to be prepared. If you have been following along with your "Bee Prepared" packets (let me know if you need one), this is what you should have by now:

A family emergency plan

An emergency kit for car(s)

An alternative heat source

Alternative light sources

Insurance

72 Hour Kits for each family member

Battery operated pump

Emergency radio

Cash set aside in a safe place

In Food Storage:

48 gallons of water (that was 8 gallons per month)

Pasta (based on family need for 3 months)

Rice (based on family need for 3 months)

Hard Red Wheat (again, family need)

Powdered Milk

Drink Mixes

Oats

That's a lot! However, if you've been stocking up month by month, it shouldn't have been so overwhelming. If not, don't get discouraged. There is no time like the present to get started or get going again. So your goals for March are:

Obtain an alternative cooking source

Set cash aside in a safe place

Store carrots and potato pearls (based on family need for 3 months)

Store 2 gallons of water per week (8 gallons per month)

Thanks to all who ordered 72 Hour Kits! They were a big success. But don't forget to throw away the peanut butter crackers (yes, all of them). Unfortunately, they were recalled by Kellogg. Sorry for the inconvenience. Just remember to replace them when FDA approved crackers become available. Or you can just replace them with something else (just make sure it's a source of protein).

A huge thanks to the Young Men and Young Women who helped assemble the kits! I really appreciate all of your help. I couldn't have done it on my own. You guys and gals are the best!

I shall leave you with a quote from President Brigham Young..."Ye Latter-day Saints, learn to sustain yourselves, produce everything you need to eat, drink or wear..."