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!