Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of July 31st)

Hi Carson Ward, Family and Friends,

Congratulations to the Hannemann family! They won a Portable Toilet with a bag of cat liter, box of heavy black large plastic trash bags, Enzymes (break down human waste).

How to use: Line the portable toilet with one plastic trash bag and cover the bottom with a layer of cat liter. After each use sprinkle with a little of the Enzymes to break down the human waste. When the toilet is full, about half way, remove the black trash bag and put in a trash container with a lid.

Where to purchase: EmergencyEssentials.com or possibly Majors Survival Supply Store in Gardena.

One Year Anniversary!

This week marks one year since I started the Carson Ward Emergency Preparedness Blog. I hope this has helped you become prepared, or more prepared and given you insight to the things you need to do to become more prepared. I promise you, if we follow and are obedient to the counsel of our General Authorities and Stake and Ward Leaders we will be blessed. I saw this in the Joplin tornado disaster. Many lost their 72 Emergency Backpacks and Food Storage and many lost their homes, but Heavenly Father has blessed them greatly because they were obedient and heeded the counsel of our Leaders. I have learn much from the Joplin disaster, we need to be both prepared temporally as well as spiritually!

Ward Emergency Teams:

Within the next few weeks we will be setting up another part of our Ward Emergency Preparedness Plan. We will be organizing teams that will be responsible for families in our Ward. If there is a disaster, they will go out to each family assigned them and account for those in the house hold, assess the injured, their needs and damages, and then report promptly back to the Priesthood leaders in our Ward. Each team will be assigned 3-5 families close to their own location. They will only do this after the needs and care of their own families have been meet first.

Temporal Assignments:

1) Family Emergency Medical Supplies (This week as the following):

a) Pain relievers (non-aspirin type, acetaminophen, ibuprofen for both adults and children in your home)
b) Instant ice packs (3-4)
c) Instant heat packs (3-4)

I found both #3 & #4 on EmergencyEssentials. com for 95 cents each. Or, you can find them at CVS, Rite-aid or Walgreens.

2) 72 Hour Emergency Preparedness Food Kits and Water:
If you set your up last years in August/September, please check all items for expiration dates and replace as needed. You should check the expiration dates at least twice a year and the water to make sure it is not leaking.

Spiritual Assignment:

This week evaluate your testimony and faith. Have a Family Home Evening on the importance of our testimony and faith and how it can help us through trails. Both of these helped the Joplin members get through a horrific experience. Because of their testimonies and faith they, even though very difficult, were able to push forward do what they needed to do. Please read below what Sister Higginson (Joplin Relief Society President) and Elder Jonathan C. Roberts, Area Seventy said about how this helped the members of Joplin:

“We’ve had hard experiences before, and the gospel is what sustains you through everything,” Sister Higginson said. “So although this is a shock and a trauma … it didn’t change anything. You revert to your gospel roots, your spiritual roots, immediately.”

Elder Jonathan C. Roberts, Area Seventy stated:

“People who had lost everything—their homes, their workshops, everything—stood up and said, ‘We’re some of the most blessed people.’ How does that happen?” How could anybody in those circumstances have the courage and the backbone to square their shoulders, lift their chins, and say, ‘We’re fine’? Well, it only happens one way. They have a perspective of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

"In this case, the 72-hour packs, as important as they were, the food storage, as important as it was, went away because of the calamity. And yet the things that were deep-rooted, the foundational things of priesthood keys, of testimony, stood strong. And as the Saints gathered together, it was spectacular to watch the preparation that came from spiritual roots that had been set deep; that windstorm, tornado, or hurricane weren’t going to take away; and that extend beyond mortality and to eternity.”

“That’s not to say there haven’t been lots of emotional ups and downs and tears shed, but you see that members really understand the plan of why we’re here. This is just a moment.’ ‘It’s just stuff.’ ‘We’ll rebuild.’ I’ve heard that many times. It’s a testimony and a testament to their preparation and their understanding of the gospel and how they live their lives.”

How prepared are you and your family spiritual?

Food Storage Ideas:

Store what you eat and eat what you store! Rotation is the key to successful Food Storage!

Remember: Post your name and comments for the FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing to be held August 28th.

Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of July 24th)

Hi Carson Ward, Family and Friends,

Quote:

"Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months....For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually build a supply of food that will last a lot longer and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice and beans." ("All is Safely Gathered In", February 2007)

The secret to Food Storage--store only what you and your family will eat, rotate, rotate, rotate, and purchase a little at a time. Do not go into debt for your Food Storage!

Weekly Assignments:

Temporal--add the following to your Family Emergency Medical Supplies:

1) Ace bandages--2", 3" & 4" (2 each size) (I found some sizes at the 99 Cent Store)
2) surgical needle with suture string (I purchased my at EmergnecyEssentials.com)
3) regular aspirin (if you get bit by an insect it will take the sting out, crush the aspirin, dissolve with a little bit of water and apply to the insect bite)

Spiritual--This week study about the importance of Faith in our lives. Read scriptures and church magazine articles. Discuss as a family or with a friend.

Food Storage Ideas:

Someone recently asked me how much would they need to store per person for a year.

For many years the church has asked us to store the Basic Foods that would sustain life.

Basic Food Storage for a year:

Grains (wheat, rice and/or cereals)--- 300 pounds
Powdered milk (nonfat)--- 75 pounds
Sugar and/or honey--- 60 pounds
Beans and legumes--- 60 ---
Cooking oil and/or Shortening--20 pounds
Salt--- 5 pounds

I would also include a multi-vitamin for each day (appropriate for the age) and, of course, water.

In any emergency situation you want you and your family to be as comfortable as possible to lessen the stressful situation. The Basic Foods would not help me feel comfortable, especially children, even though I know it will sustain my life.

A few years ago the church came out with a new program, to store at least 3 Months Supply of Food (what your family will eat). They still emphasize storing the basics above. After you have obtained your 3 months supply, then work towards a years supply, adding as you did before, gradually.

How to determine how much you need for 3 months:

Most of us eat everything we buy or make within a month. Keep track, put the list on your refrigerator or pantry, of everything you use in a dish you make for your family for a month, including all ingredients in the recipe, including spices, etc. Once you have done this, then multiply by 3 and you have what you need to store for you or your family for 3 months. This also includes packaged pre-made items you purchased. Everything your family eats in a month.

Another way is to pick your 14 (2 weeks) of your favorite dishes you make for 14 breakfasts (you many only want to use 7 for breakfast), 14 lunches and 14 dinners. Figure out all the ingredients to make that dish and then multiply by 6 (weeks), now you have a 3 Month Supply. For the 7 breakfast recipes you will need to multiply by 12 (weeks).

Hint about using wheat:

If you do not know, using whole wheat without having used it before in your diet will really upset your digestive system. You have to add it in gradually into your and your family's diet. Here is a tip found in the August 1990 Ensign:

"Use wheat in recipes your family already likes. Then it is not totally unfamiliar and you know the recipe is good. Try wheat in desserts first--who can turn down a cookie? Do not feel you must use 100% whole wheat. Half white (all-purpose) flour and half whole-wheat flour gives excellent results." (Rosalie Farnbach, "Whole Wheat--in Disguise," Ensign, Aug. 1990, pg 71)

Purchasing wheat from the church Dry Pack Cannery and packaging yourself:

Our son just purchased 500 pounds of hard winter wheat for $220 in 25 pound sacks from the church Dry Pack Cannery (we have one in Los Angeles). You have to call them to order it ahead of time, they do not keep a large amount in storage. You should have a variety of the red and white hard winter wheat. The white hard winter wheat is best for baking. He said the people at the cannery said that the price of wheat has increase quite significantly in the past year. I think it may go up even higher due to the farmers losses in the mid-west this year because of severe weather conditions and flooding.

After you purchase your wheat in the 25 pound bags, you can either put them in the #10 cans at the Dry Pack Cannery, or you can purchase the large 5 gallon buckets, which holds 35 pounds of wheat, from Home Depot for about $3.50 each (the white food grade buckets, which are the best to use, or you can use the Home Depot orange ones, but not as good for food storage). You can also purchase them from EmergencyEssentials.com with lids for $7.50 each.

If you choose to use the 5 gallon buckets, you will need Mylar Metallized Storage Bags. At EmergencyEssentials they are 20.5" x 30", holds 5 gallons ($2.50 each), or 50 for $10 at some emergency supply stores. You will also need the Oxygen Absorbers ($3.50 for a package of 10, 500 cubic centimeter, or $7.99 for a package of 10 of 2,000 cubic centimeters at EmergencyEssentials.com. Also check local emergency supply centers.

First fill the Mylar Metallized Storage Bag, leaving enough room at the top to seal the bag. You can seal the bag with a hot iron or curling iron. Place the Oxygen Absorbers in side the 5 gallon bucket (see chart below for how many). Seal the lid tightly, should store for 30 years if the Mylar Metallized Storage Bag is not opened). EmergencyEssentials.com has a video you can watch on how to fill and seal the Metallized Storage Bag.

http://beprepared.com/default.asp?SID=GOOGLE&EID=GLB200804015&gclid=CP31gb-VmKoCFccbQgodYBmEwQ

Oxygen Absorbers Chart:

#10 Cans:

0-2.5 pounds-- 2 (500 cc)
2.5+ pounds-- 1 (500 cc)

5 gallon bucket:

0-15 pounds-- 3 (2000 cc)
16-35 pounds-- 2 (2000 cc)
35+ pounds-- 1 (2000 cc)

Remember: If you store wheat kernels (not whole wheat flour), you will need a wheat grinder. I purchased a non-electrically, hand grind type at EmergencyEssentials.com for $60. I also have the electrically type. But what if you have no electricity?

Remember: Post your name and comment at the end of this blog positing our July Monthly FREE Giveaway Drawing to be held next Sunday, July 31st.

Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of July 17th)

Hi Carson Ward, Family and Friends,

Quote:

“For me, being prepared means … I don’t need to worry,” she said. “I know that if I’ve done my part by preparing myself spiritually, having food storage, and being willing to share with neighbors and others, I have a sense that I’m going to be okay—that the Lord will bless me whatever happens.” (Marcy Peterson, 2nd Counselor in the Joplin Stake Relief Society Presidency)

How well are we prepared, both temporally and spiritually?

Our daughter Tamatha email us an article in "Church News and Events" about the Joplin tornado. This article and video says it all about emergency preparedness, both temporal and spiritual. Please read this carefully and watch the video. It says it all!

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

Temporal Assignments:

This week I have two--

A) Add the following to your Family Emergency Preparedness Medical Supplies:

1) thermometer (if you have children also add an infant/child thermometer)
2) sterile gauze pads (various sizes) (I found some at the 99 Cent Store and Dollar Tree,
and found the rest at CVS, Rite-aid).
3) adhesive bandage tape, hypoallergenic, 1 inch

B) 72 Hour Emergency Personal 3 Day Food Kits:

If you started putting together your 72 Hours Personal Emergency Food Kits last August (2010) when we first did them, please take them out and rotate the food. Many of the items may be expiring very soon. If you buy any of the food items from the 99 Cent Store or the Dollar Tree, be careful, check the expiration dates, many times the items there will expire in a few weeks or months. Also, replace the water. You should check the food and water items about 4 times a year to make sure none of the food has expired, or the food or water is not leaking.

Spiritual Assignment:

Read about the "Plan of Salvation" (pages 47-54) in "Preach My Gospel", and in the scriptures. Discuss it as a family or with a friend, especially to reassure your children and grandchildren you will be together as a family for eternity.

Food Storage Ideas and Tips:

Suggestions for Food Storage (only store what your family will eat):

1. Home storage should consist of at least a 3 months supply (a year's supply if possible) of basic food, clothing and, where possible, fuel. After you have completed your 3 months supply, then concentrate on a year's supply. Basic food supplies consist of wheat, rice, corn, or other cereal grains, nonfat dried milk, legumes (beans & peas), sugar, salt (iodized for some areas), fat and water. After you have acquired these items, then add with other items, like canned and dehydrated foods (vegetables, meats, etc). Also, store multi-vitamins (dark bottles in a cool dry place, will keep for about 2 years), enough for your family, to supplement your diet.

Note about storing fuel/gas for your car or generator: If possible, you should have at least 4 5 gallon gas containers of fuel. You can purchase these at Walmart for about $10 each. You need to store the gas containers as far away from your home as possible, in a cool dry place, not in the direct sun light. If you store them in your attached garage, keep them as far from the interior wall of your house as possible. Why store gas? You never know when you might forget to fill our gas tank and there is no way to purchase gas due to a major disaster and the gas pumps are not working. You may have to evacuate. You will also need it to run your generator.

2. If you have a vegetable garden, store a years supply of seeds that you plant, also fertilizers. When you grow your garden, let a few vegetables go to seed. Remove, wash and let the seeds dry. Store in a dry place. You can use them to plant next years vegetable garden.

3. If you live in a small place with limited storage, store items in closets, space under the beds, purchase end/lamp tables with enclosed storage underneath them. Be creative. Get rid of clutter to allow more room for food storage.

4. Store a variety of foods. Not all foods have the same essential nutrients in the correct proportions.

5. Store the highest quality of grade of food obtainable. Wheat should be cereal grade, double cleaned, at least 11 percent protein, and no more than 10 percent moisture.

6. Foods should be stored in sturdy metal, plastic, or glass containers with tightly fitting lids. Do not buy or store food in dented cans.

7. Foods should be stored in areas that permit easy access and allow control of temperature and humidity. (In general, cool temperatures prolong storage life and quality). Not all storage items should be located in one area of the house; not all should be stored in one type of container.

8. To destroy insects that may infest grains, beans, pasta, nuts, dried fruit, place the food in a home freezer for 4 days. Or, the food may be sterilized by being heated in an oven at a low temperature (setting of warm or 200 degrees) for about one hour, depending on the nature of the food. Spread the food on shallow pans so that the heat can penetrate easily. Stir the food occasionally to keep it from scorching.

9. You can treat your infested wheat with dry ice. It kills most adult insects and larvae, but it probably will not destroy the eggs or pupae. Pour 2 inches of wheat into the bottom of the container. Add dry ice then fill with wheat grains. Eight ounces of dry ice is recommended for 100 pounds of wheat grain, or, one pound for each 30 gallons of stored wheat grains. Seal the containers loosely for 5 or 6 hours, then seal them tightly. If you wheat is over 20 years old, check it for infestion. If infested follow the directions above.

10. Set up a food inventory record to keep track of your food storage and when to rotate items that will expire shortly. Inventory your food storage about every 3 months. The key to good food storage is--rotate, rotate, rotate.

11. Food costs can be minimized by budgeting and shopping wisely, watch for sales (but watch the expiration dates).

12. Do not go into debit for food storage.

Remember: Post your name and comment for our July Monthly FREE Giveway Drawing. It is something every should have as a part of your emergency supplies and you would not want to be without during an emergency situation.

Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of July 10th)

Hi Carson Ward, Family and Friends,

Last week I took a break from the Ward blog. My family has been in town this past weekend and week. Hope you all had a fantastic 4th of July!

As you can see I have changed the title of the weekly blog posting. I have changed it to "Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas". Each week I will give you the usual weekly assignment/challenge and also some great hints about Food Storage and how to use it. Rotating our Food Storage is the key to successful Food Storage.

Quotes:

"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house;...." (Hebrews 11:7)

In a 1998 Semi-annual Conference, President Hinckley gave a talk on the story about Joseph's interpretation of the Pharaoh's dream. Joseph explained to the Pharaoh that throughout all the land of Egypt they will have "7 years of great plenty", and then "7 years of famine". Joseph suggested they prepare and store as much as they could during the "great years of plenty" in preparation for the "years of famine". The people were greatly blessed because they followed his counsel.(Genesis 41).

President Hinckley in his talk stated, "Now, brethren, I want to make it very clear that I am not prophesying, that I am not predicting years of famine in the future. But I am suggesting that the time has come to get our houses in order."

We need to get our houses in order, not just temporally but spiritually too!

Weekly Temporal Assignment:

Add the following to your Family Emergency Preparedness Medical supplies:

1) irrigation syringe--this item helps wash out a wound with saline solution
2) tweezers (one regular size, one small)
3) Petroleum jelly

Weekly Spiritual Assignment:


Take a walk on the beach at sunset with your family, with a friend or by yourself and discuss, or mediate, the creation. Read the scriptures where it talks about the creation. Thank Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for this beautiful world he has given us to live on.

Food Storage Hint:

Did you know you can use cooked smashed beans as a substitute for butter, margarine or oil?

You can use substitute cooked beans for butter, margarine or oil in baking goods. Just use the same amount of cooked beans for the type of fat used in your recipe. Also, gives you fiber, which we all need, especially if in an emergency situation.

A good way to rotate your dry beans or canned beans. Either cook your dry beans, drain (reserving the cooking water) or use canned beans (reserving the water).

Hint: How to avoid gas in your tummy from your dry cooked beans. Either cover the beans with water and let set over night, drain and rinse, cover with water and cook, or, cover with water (about 2 inches above the beans), bring to a boil, boil about 2 minutes, turn off the heat, let set for two hours, drain, add water and cook as usual. Takes out most of the gases.

If the recipe calls for butter or margarine do the following:

1. Cook the beans or use canned beans, drain and smash.
2. If the recipe requires you to cream together butter or margarine with sugar, place whole cooked beans in a food processor or mixer and blend the beans and sugar together until creamy.
3. If using powdered eggs in your recipe, do not add water, the water in the beans will rehydrate the eggs.
4. If the recipe is for cookies, grease the cookie sheet before using.

If the recipe calls for oil, do the following:

Make a bean puree--place the cooked beans in a blender or food processor, then add just enough water, a little at a time, until the beans are blended into a smooth, thick paste with no chunks.

Hint: Match the beans with the color of recipe you are making. Example: Brownies or chocolate cake, use black beans, light cookies or white or yellow cake, use white or navy bean.

It is amazing! You do not taste the beans or even notice they are in there. It is also a great substitute if you are trying to cut down on fats and get more fiber. Brownies will not rise a much as the traditional recipes with fats but still just as good.

Remember: Post your name and comment after this blog positing to have your name entered into the July Monthly FREE Giveaway Drawing to be held July 31st. It is something no household wants to be without in an emergency situation. You will be grateful you have it!