Car Preparedness and Safety

After much thought and prayer, I feel the need to post information on car preparedness and safety. Especially in this cold and snowy weather, it is extremely important that we prepare ourselves for the possibility of being in our cars for an extended period of time. There were many people in Virginia (during the last big snowstorm) that were stuck on the highways for hours. Also, there was a news report about an elderly couple from Oregon whose GPS led them down an remote forest road. They were stranded for three days, but because they were prepared with warm clothes, food, and water, they survived. (Click here to read the story:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2009-12-28-GPS-stranding_N.htm?csp=34) A good way to get started: purchase some inexpensive emergency blankets (they look like foil and you can get them at any camping store, emergency website, or even in the camping section at Walmart) to keep in your car(s). I just stuck a bunch of them in my glove box a few weeks ago. It's amazing how doing something as simple as that makes you feel so much more prepared and a little less fearful. The following is information from the Emergency Essentials website:

Car Preparedness and Safety
The following is a recommendation of items to put into an emergency car kit:
Water for drinking and cooking
Food and snacks (compressed high energy snack bars are excellent because of their ability to withstand most car temperatures)
Flashlight with extra batteries, or handcrank charging flashlight. (batteries last longer in LED flashlights)
First aid kit with burn care dressings and gel
Sanitation and sundry items including soap (hand sanitizer is a great idea because it does not require any water)
Maps and compass
AM/FM radio. We recommend having a radio with more than one source of power, or hand crank radios,(now come with flashlights also).
Chemical lightsticks are recommended because of their safety
Road flares can be used but are not as safe as the lightsticks
Candle with windproof/waterproof matches (remember, in some cases it is not wise to light a match in case of a gas leak)
Emergency blanket or bag
Extra clothing

Other useful items to remember:
Jumper cables
Car repair kit
Try to always maintain at least one-half tank of gas
Cell phone to report any emergencies (many disconnected cell phones may still be able to call “911” when charged)
Fire extinguisher
Paper and pencil for leaving notes or recording any thoughts
Toys and other special consideration items for children
Books and games for entertainment
Short rubber hose for siphoning
There are many ways to customize your emergency car kit. It is also important to consider special needs such as those with diabetes or hypoglycemia, babies, elderly, and people with allergies or chronic illness (always consult your physician). For a person with diabetes, remember to have extra insulin on hand. For a person with hypoglycemia, store high energy snacks in addition to their ration of food. For babies, store extra diapers, formula, blankets, and clothes.
If you have no way of calling for help, tie a bright red piece of cloth on your antenna. This is generally recognized as a call for assistance. Remember to always let someone know what time you left and what time you expect to arrive at your destination.
By taking these precautions, you can prepare your family for an emergency and feel more confident in your travels.
Roadwise Emergency Kit
Wavelength Emergency Radio, Charger & Flashlight
Emergency Road Side Kit
Calorie Food Bars
Aqua Blox

Preparing for Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Here is some information that is posted on the FEMA website that I found to be very helpful. Please read it over and prepare yourselves accordingly.

Are You Ready?
Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.

Know the TermsFamiliarize yourself with these terms to help identify a winter storm hazard:
Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.
Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
Winter Storm Watch: A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information.
Winter Storm Warning: A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.
Blizzard Warning: Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected.

Take Protective Measures
Before Winter Storms and Extreme ColdInclude the following in your disaster supplies kit:
Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
Sand to improve traction
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.

To winterize your car, attend to the following:
Battery and ignition system should be in top condition and battery terminals clean.
Ensure antifreeze levels are sufficient to avoid freezing.
Ensure the heater and defroster work properly.
Check and repair windshield wiper equipment; ensure proper washer fluid level.
Ensure the thermostat works properly.
Check lights and flashing hazard lights for serviceability.
Check for leaks and crimped pipes in the exhaust system; repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
Check breaks for wear and fluid levels.
Check oil for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
Consider snow tires, snow tires with studs, or chains.
Replace fuel and air filters. Keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.

Dress for the Weather
Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
Wear a hat.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

During a Winter Storm
The following are guidelines for what you should do during a winter storm or under conditions of extreme cold:
Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.
Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first, and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, consider the following:
Travel in the day, don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule
Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts

If a blizzard traps you in the car, keep these guidelines in mind:
Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open an upwind window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for res-cue crews.
Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat, and radio - with supply.
Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.
If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.
Leave the car and proceed on foot - if necessary - once the blizzard passes.

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..."

November

Happy November everyone! I hope you are enjoying the beautiful scenery of the fall. I apologize for not updating the site more often in October, but as most of you know, I am in school and it is a very difficult semester. So I hope that last month you were able to store rice and water, set some cash aside, find an alternative heat source (we got a kerosene heater that has saved us a lot of money already), and find or make an emergency kit for your car. I saw a flyer for Ocean State Job Lot and they have two different emergency car kits on sale- one for $20 and one for $32. The sale ends this Wednesday (11/12) so if you don't have one for your car, you may want to consider checking them out.

For this month, our goals are to find alternative light sources (batteries, candles, flashlight and batteries, or shake flashlights), set some cash aside in a safe place, store 2 gallons of water per week (8 per month), and store wheat based on family need. The yellow packet says to store hard red wheat, but I think storing whatever wheat you and your family uses is just fine.

I love the quote on the bottom of this month's page of the yellow packet, "The time will come that gold will hold no comparison in value to a bushel of wheat." That quote is becoming more and more true as our economy continues to struggle. Even in Brigham Young's time, we were warned. As it becomes evident that even tougher times are ahead, now is better time than any to be prepared.

Thank you to all who ordered from the Emergency Essentials group order. It was a very successful order and we'll be doing it again probably after Christmas. FYI- if you ordered the freeze-dried bananas, they are good for up to 25 years if stored properly! Can you believe that?!

Sign-ups for 72 hour kits are going around for the next two weeks. The cost is $7.00 per kit and each kit is enough food for one person for 3 days. So if you have 5 people in your family, the total cost for five kits would be $35. The kits do not include water. A little birdie told me that the bishop joked that for $7 the food must taste like cardboard. It's certainly not a gourmet five course meal, but it's decent tasting, cheap food that will sustain life for 72 hours. My kids will eat it, if that makes you feel better. I wanted to keep the cost as low as possible, so Jocelyn and I shopped around for the best prices. You can give your money to either of us no later than November 23rd. The Young Men will be putting these together for us December 3rd, so it's very important that we have everything in order for them.

If you have fulfilled all of the goals for September and October, please send me an e-mail to let me know. Thank you and good luck this month!

October

Happy Fall everyone! I hope you all had a productive and prepared September.

The goals for this month are:

Create an emergency kit for your car (make sure you put it in your car as well!)Find an alternative heat source for your family

Set aside cash in a safe place

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

Store rice based on family need (see providentliving.org for a food storage calculator)

Remember, our goal is to store a 3 month supply, so please don't feel overwhelmed. I will continue to update this site with sales and special at our local grocery stores. You may, however, be better off purchasing rice in bulk at Costco or BJs. I will post those prices as well later this week.