Weekly Assignment, Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness Ideas (Week of June 2nd)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

First, thank you for all the wonderful comments last week. Love them and they help others.

Be Committed

I know we all have so much going on in our lives, but we all need to do a little more regarding being prepared, so do I! I often think our household is prepared pretty well, then I think about it, are we really? I think you really never know until you go through something.

I heard a gentle man who lives in the country speaking on television and he thought they were prepared until they had to take shelter in their tornado shelter and found out they forgot to store bottled water in the shelter. He also realized when they lost their electricity for several hours they forgot to hook up their water well pump to their emergency generator.

I know when my husband was in a serious car accident while on the job several years ago we used our 6 months food storage we had on hand. It really helped out while he spent 3 month recuperating, and since we did not need to spend much money on food, it could go to the other bills, disability checks are a lot less than your regular salary. We were grateful we had out food storage at the time with several small children to feed.

This past week in the United States we have watched unfold on television, or if you live in those areas, flooding in the mid-west, tons of snow on the East coast, fires on the West cost, tornado threats, and of course, those people in Moore, Oklahoma and other surrounding cities devastated by the EF5 tornado. And, we hear about earthquakes all over the world almost daily. You might say, but why have food storage and emergency supplies if they are going to be destroyed by flooding, fires, tornadoes, etc.?

Why? Because you are being obedient. We have been admonished in the scriptures and by our General, Stake and Ward leaders to be prepared. If we are obedient Heavenly Father will bless us and provide for our needs. Not what we want, but what we need. In Doctrine and Covenants 82:10 we read, "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." In Romans 8:28 we read, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” If we love the Lord and are obedient to His teachings in the scriptures and follow the council of our church leaders, Heavenly Father will watch over us and provide for our needs.

You are not alone! Work as a family, or with a friend, make goals and work towards them.

Weekly Assignment: 72 Hour Individual Emergency Personal Hygiene Kit

This week add the following...

3 Respirator masks per individual personal hygiene kit--I have found these at WalMart, Target, Sporting Goods stores, and on emergencyessentials.com. Just type in "respirator masks" in the search box. There are two types, one for $12.95 (10 in a box), about $1.30 for each one, or $14.95 (20 in a box), about 70 cents for each one.

Note: The next two weeks we will be adding rain ponchos and emergency (reflecting, space) blankets. They are about a $1 each on Emergency Essentials. If you order the respirator masks you might want to order these too to save on shipping. Their shipping is either $6, $9 or $12, depending on how much you order. You could also go in with someone to shave on shipping.

Place these items in the large plastic zip lock bag for each household family member along with the other items we have already added: tooth brush, a small tube of tooth paste, a bottle of "no rinse" shampoo (one per every two people in the family), a small bar of bath soap with a wash cloth, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, heavy work gloves, roll of toilet paper, and feminine hygiene items or diapers. Note: I placed the toilet paper in a medium size plastic zip lock bag separate from the other items, and then put it in the backpack. You may be able to get the toilet paper (if you smash it down) and the feminine hygiene items in a side or front pocket.

Emergency Preparedness Ideas:

You can do it...just a little at a time! If we would just purchase a few extra cans or packages of food each week we go grocery shopping before you know it you will have a month, two

months, or even three months of food stored. This also goes for paper products like toilet paper, paper plates, etc and emergency and medical supplies. Just a little at a time is better than nothing. It does not take much to add to our food storage and emergency supplies.

EmergencyEssentials.com--I find them to be one of the lowest priced companies when it comes to food storage (dehydrated or freeze-dried foods) and emergency supplies. They also have low shipping fees. I once ordered 30 portable toilets for our church members and the total cost for shipping was $12. The UPS truck was full of portable toilets. Big 5 in the United States is another great place to purchase camping equipment like tents, sleeping bags and other items. They have great sales all the time.

WATER!!! I cannot say this enough...one of the most important things to store is drinking water. You can live without food for several days, but you can only live without water for about 3 days. Figure out how much your family uses in water a day, then multiply by the number of weeks or months you want to store. Remember, you will also need water not just for drinking but for cooking and hygiene.

"Leading experts suggest one to two gallons of potable water per day for each person in your home as a good amount. Drink enough water to ensure each member stays hydrated and the body can function properly (two quarts or a half gallon per day).


You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. A two week period supply for each member of your family is recommended. It is also smart to have a purification system or device to purify water to

aid in long-term situations where you may be using a stream or rainwater as a source.

Your drinking water is best commercially packaged in bottles or pouches and not opened until it is ready for use. Stay mindful of the expiration date." (SurvivalBased.com)

WaterBrick Water Container 3.5 Gallon BPA Free Portable and Stackable: I love these, great for storing water because you can stack them in your closets, put them under your beds and even make a side table by stacking them and putting a top, like glass, over then and then cover them with a table cloth. You can purchase them on Amazon.com for $25.95 each. If you fill them with regular tap water see the link below on how to treat the water before storing it.

Remember, do not store plastic water bottles or containers directly on your concrete garage floor, they will absorb the chemicals in the concrete. Place them on wood 2x4s so air can circulate around them. All water should be stored in a cool place. If not insulated and cool inside, your garage is too hot! If you store regular water from the tap make sure you treat it correctly before storing it. See the "Postings" on the right under "Water Storage and Water Barrels".

Comments: All your comments, ideas, suggestions and experiences are welcome! We all learn from each other. Thank you for your comments.

Weekly Assignment, Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness Ideas (Week of May 26th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

So many thoughts...

My mind is full of so many thoughts due to things that have happened this week. I am going to attempt to share a little of each of them. Please do not forget the "Weekly Assignment" below all my thoughts for this week.

First, A Few Thoughts on Memorial Day...

I am indeed grateful to all those you have fought and stood strong for the freedoms we enjoy today in the United States of America. I am so eternally grateful to all the loved ones and family who have lost loved ones and for those who serve our country far away from home, either in the military or by other ways. I was raised by parents who dearly loved this country and taught us as children to respect and love this country too. My Dad served faithfull in the United States Army for 21 years. He loved this country, he gave his life and his determination to protect this country and its people. He served in WWII, was on the Bataan Death March, was a POW for 3 years in a consentration camp, and served in the Korean War. My husband dutiful served in Vietnam, when many protested, so others could enjoy the freedoms we enjoy. Great great grandparents, uncles, and cousins have fought in the Revoluationary War, the War Between the States, WW I, WW II and the Spanish Amrecian War all because they believed in this country and freedom. I am proud of this country and will always stand for freedom! I am proud to say "I AM AN AMERCIAN!!!". A Salute to all you who have served, given their lives and will serve in the future! I honor you!!!

Oklahoma Tornado...

Once again a state and a community have been hit by a natural disaster. Our hearts go out to all those in the Oklahoma community who have been effected by the tornado. Much has been lost, lives, pets, homes,

precious memories, schools, businesses, and a community as a whole. Please keep these people in your prayers and thoughts.

Each time there is a natural disaster, or any type of disaster or emergency situation, I listen intently for new information that may help me better help you to be better prepared and how to better handle the emergency and survive.

Family matters most...

Our family is precious! Of course, our family matters the most in any emergency situation. Make sure all your family members, especially your children, know what to do before, during and after an emergency

situation or natural disaster. Have family emergency practice drills for whatever type of natural disaster you may have in your area.




Out of State and other contact information...

If your family is separated make sure they all know the family's out of state, or out of country, contact person and their phone number. This information should be on their school emergency card, on a card in their backpack or in their wallet. For young children you might want to even consider putting it on the tongue part of their shoe, under neither in permanent marker, make sure they know it is there and explain why it is there. Also consider putting their name on their underwear or shirt tags, anywhere someone will see it to help identify them, make sure your children know if they are lost or separated from you to ask an adult for help, look for a police officer, a fireman, a rescue search person or anyone that may help they find their way back to you. Teach your children your phone number and their address and ask them periodically to repeat it.

Also, have an emergency location to meet at if your family is separated. In the case of the Joplin and Moore City tornadoes, it may be hard to locate the location your family is to meet due to street signs and other signs may be destroyed. Try to find some place the family will be able to recognize and locate.

Calling on your cell phone...

Only call on your cell phone if you need emergency help or rescue, otherwise, keep the phone lines open for emergency personnel only. If you have texting on your phone, use that to communicate with family and loved ones, it keeps the phone lines open.

First Responders...

You may be the first responder in a natural disaster or emergency situation. DO NOT go into a calaspsed

structure. Everyone should have some first-aid skills. Get a first-aid book, know and practice them. Attend to the most servere enjuries first. If possible, move victims from dangerous areas. Be careful!

We need to be prepared...

As we have seen in previous natural disasters like Katrina and Sandy in the United States, and terriortist attacks throughout the world, it takes the federal and local govenments awhile to respond. We need to have water, food, emergency equipment and medical supplies on hand at all times. We need to be able to take care of ourselves and our families for 72 hours to 2 weeks. Will you be able to do that?

Stay calm...

The best thing you can do before, during and after an emergency situation or natural disaster is STAY CALM AND ACT QUICKLY! Say a prayer, even if it is a silent prayer.

Get out your emergency equipment...

Last Sunday our Ward Elders Quorum President approached me with a great idea which I have mentioned before on this blog. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE EMERGENCY SITUATION IS UPON YOU TO GET OUT YOUR EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT TO USE IT! IT MAY BE TOO LATE!

Many of us have purchased tents, sleeping bags, emergency cooking equipment like a Butane stove and fuel or a Dutch Oven, emergency lanterns (either propane, solar or battery operated), a gas or fuel less generator, and other emergency equipment and never have taken it out of the box to set up the tent, open the sleeping bag, used and cooked on the cooking equipment, used the lantern or turned on the generator. Once you open it you may find there are missing pieces or it does not work. It will be too late to take it back to store if the emergency is upon you.

Take out your tent and set it up. If you do not know how, ask a Boy Scout, or a friend or neighbor. Same thing for the emergency lantern, cooking equipment, etc. Read the instructions before using any equipment you are not familiar with. Keep the instruction booklets in a plastic zip lock bag (to protect it from water damage) with the equipment, either duck taped on or tied on. Know how to use them before you need them.

In a few weeks our Ward is having a Ward Camp out July 25th-27th. What a great time to go along and learn how to use your emergency equipment. There will be many there to assist you. Have a family camp out in the back yard and use your equipment. Remember to replace any fuel or batteries you used.

Just Believe...

So many of us are overwhelmed with even the thought of setting up food storage and emergency supplies. Were do we start? How do we start? What do we need and how much? What resources are there? It cost to much! I have no room! I have no time! That is what this blog is about, to help you get started and become prepared. Read though the blog postings over the years and the different articles under "Postings" on the right side to learn how to get started and how to do it. Do not be afraid or feel overwhelmed. Just believe you can do it! You can do it, make a plan and take small steps or goals to accomplish your final goal, being prepared for what ever emergency may come your way. There are many there to help you along the way and this blog site is one of them. YOU CAN DO IT.

Food Storage Ideas:

Find great ideas for storing your food storage an emergency supplies at Emergency Essentials, click on this link---"Baby Steps: Make room for your food and supply storage".

Weekly Assignment: 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Personal Hygiene Kit

This week add the following:

This week I am going to give you two items to add. You should already have these on hand. Remember, you need enough for 3 days.

1) Roll of toilet paper for each person

2) Feminine hygiene items or diapers for your baby

Place these item in the large plastic zip lock bag for each household family member along with the other items we have already added: tooth brush, a small tube of tooth paste, a bottle of "no rinse" shampoo (one per every two people in the family), a small bar of bath soap with a wash cloth, baby wipes, hand sanitizer and heavy work gloves. Note: I placed the toilet paper in a medium size plactic zip lock bag separate from the other items, and then put it in the backpack. You may be able to get the toilet paper, femimine hygiene items in a side or front pocket.

Great Emergency Preparedness Medical Tip:

When one of our sons was a whelder he injured his eyes from the welding flash. He could hardly open them, they burned really bad. My husband discovered if you take potato juice and put it in the eyes it eases the pain. Here is how you do it---Shred a potato and place the shredded potato in a small wash cloth, squeeze out the juice and place the juice into the eyes. You will feel almost instant relief.

Comments: All your comments, ideas, suggestions and experiences are welcome! We all learn from each other. Thank you for your comments.

Weekly Assignment, Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness Ideas (Week of May 19th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

How will you weather the storms in your life?

“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

“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).

So many of us procrastinate until the storm is upon us. In Noah's day the people laughed at him and mocked him while he built the ark, which took many many years. He warned the people to prepare, they did not heed his warnings. There was no rain and the skies were clear when Noah built the ark, but when the rains came and flooded the earth the people who did not heed his warnings were pounding on the door to get in, but it was too late.

Same as for us today. We are continually admonished by our church leader and local and federal governments to be prepared for what ever storms may come our way. But how many of us heed the warnings? We think there is plenty of time, but we never know when the storm may come. How many of us rush to the stores when the storm is upon us to purchase water, food and supplies to discovery we are too late? Then we complain we cannot find the things we need and blame everyone else on our circumstances.

Preparation brings peace of mind. I have said this before, I would rather have water, food and emergency supplies and not need them, than need them and not have them. How much do you love your family?

Do not procrastinate until it is too late. Always have extra drinking water, food, emergency supplies and cash in small bills and change on hand for the storms that may come your way.

Weekly Assignment: 72 Hour Individual Emergency Personal Hygiene Kits

This week add the following:

Heavy work gloves for each family members 72 Hour Individual Personal Hygiene Kit. You can purchase these at most discount stores like the 99 Cent Store and the Dollar Tree, etc. Place this item in the large plastic zip lock bag for each household family member along with the other items we have already added: tooth brush, a small tube of tooth paste, a bottle of "no rinse" shampoo (one per every two people in the family), a small bar of bath soap with a wash cloth, baby wipes and hand sanitizer.

Emergency Preparedness Ideas:

"Today is the day before, are you ready for tomorrow?" (FEMA)

Think about the quote above, how ready is your family? Do not procrastinate anymore. Make a plan and start preparing.

A great website with emergency preparedness ideas is ready.gov through FEMA.

Another one with great emergency preparedness tips is ICF International. Learn how to "ICE" (In Case of an Emergency) your cell phone. It allows first responders to notify the right people in an emergency.

Comments: All your comments, ideas, suggestions and experiences are welcome! We all learn from each other. Thank you for your comments.

Weekly Assignment, Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness Ideas (Week of May 12th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Learning to live providently...

The goal of provident living, as stated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website, is that each of us "prepare every needful thing" (Doctrine and Covenants 109:8). The church website is a great resource for advise and recommendations as we begin our preparations. We have been loving commanded to be prepared for what ever adversity may come our way so we can care for ourselves, our family, our neighbors and support our church leaders as they care for our brothers and sisters throughout the world.

On the home page of Provident Living, click on "Becoming Self-Reliant" for basic information on food and water storage, financial advice and emergency preparedness.

The church also has another great website, "store.lds.org", where you can order a variety of home storage items, including free pamphlets; cases of wheat, flour, rice, oats, and pinto beans; and counter top water filtration systems or portable bottle kits. There is a food storage starter kit for $31 that contains 28 pounds of product along with recipes and other instructional pamphlets. Shipping on these products is free in the United States. You can also check with your local LDS cannery to purchase products there, or even can them yourself. The cost is a lot less than emergency preparedness/food storage companies.

There is also a website, www.foodstoragereviewer.com, that compares commercial food storage items according to taste, shelf life, cheapest price, easy preparation or space savings. Also look on warehouse store websites, such as Sam's Club and Costco, or at your local warehouse store. Note: Sam's Club and Costco may only be available in the United States.

Church leaders admonish, "...do not go to extremes. It is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage (and emergency supplies) all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve." (LDS Provident Living) Gradually add to each until you have at least a 3-Months Supply of food and water, then continue to add to it until you have a year's supply (if your country will allow that much storage).

Weekly Assignment: 72 Hour Individual Emergency Personal Hygiene Kit:

This week add the following...

Hand sanitizer (small or medium size, what ever you think your family member may require for 3 days). You can find this at discount stores like The 99 Cent Store, The Dollar Tree, The Dollar General, etc. Place this item in the large plastic zip lock bag for each household family member along with the other items we have already added: tooth brush, a small tube of tooth paste, a bottle of "no rinse" shampoo (one per every two people in the family), a small bar of bath soap with a wash cloth and baby wipes.

Emergency Preparedness:

How safe is your family? This week, if you are not already doing it, practice your family's fire drill, earthquake drill, tornado drill, tsunami drill and evacuation drill. Make sure your family knows what to do in

an emergency situation. Practice will prevent serious injuries and possible death. Always be aware of your surroundings when in a store, theater, anywhere. No the exits and the best way to get out or take cover. The best prevention is to be aware of your surroundings, not panic and stay clam.

If there is a disaster in your area always keep a battery or solar operated radio handy for instructions on what to do and not do from our local government leaders. Follow there instructions.

Comments: All your comments, ideas, suggestions and experiences are welcome! We all learn from each other. Thank you for your comments.

Weekly Assignment, Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness Ideas (Week of May 5th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Spiritual Preparedness

Why do we need spiritual preparedness to get us through the trials, challenges and disasters of our life? Why? Even though you may be temporally prepared having food storage, emergency supplies and each family member having a 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpack kit, without spiritual preparedness, it will be very difficult to get through the challenges of each day. Being spiritually prepared will bring you peace and comfort in the most terrible of days and coming events. Having faith and hope in our Savior, Jesus Christ, will bring us peace and joy in knowing that the days ahead will get better.

Below are some of the quotes from the last session of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 183rd Annual General Conference given on Sunday April 7th in the afternoon. I hope they help bring you peace and hope during the difficult times of your life.

"'All things are possible if you believeth.' (Mark 19:26) 1. When facing challenges of faith...father access his own first....When moments come, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until help comes....Have the faith of a mustard seed....Size or knowledge of faith do not matter, integrity matters....2. When problems come, be true to the faith you do have, be as candid about your questions as you need....You have more faith than you think you do....There is a divine work in process, manifestations in all directions....Problems do and will be resolved....Walk by faith, be king regarding human frailty. Be patient, kind and forgiving....3. When doubt or difficulty comes do not be afraid to ask for help....Help comes from behind the veil too....Be not afraid, only believe....Believeth first conviction of faith....This work is God's very truth, hope on, journey on, fan the flame of your faith, all things are possible to those who believe."
(Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)

"Matthew, Mark. Luke and John testify of Jesus Christ....How we qualify as followers of Jesus Christ is by baptism, repentance, keeping the commandments.....Be not of the world, nor bound to traditions of man. ...Some love the praise of man more than God....Jesus teaches to be acted upon, liken unto to a wise man....Those who love him will keep his commandments and be obedient all times and in all places....The Sacrament commits followers to take the emblems in remembrance of him....Jesus taught men ought always to pray....Jesus taught that God created man and female and should leave his parents to cleave unto his wife....We need to rescue others, love thy neighbor as thy self, love thy enemies, love one another....When wronged by persons, forgive them....Jesus taught give to the poor and the needy....LDS members excel through fast offerings, humanitarian donations to all around the world....Jesus taught take his teachings to ever nation....Jesus taught, 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father is perfect' (Matthew 5:48)....Strive for perfection....'No man cometh unto the father but by me.' (John 14:6)" (Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)

"Savior prayed to the Father....Heart of the gospel of Jesus gives correct understanding of the Father and the Son....Joseph Smith saw two personages, 'This is my beloved son, hear him.' (Joseph Smith History, 1:17)....Shows God actually exist, two separate beings, created in the image of God....The New Testament, 'Behold I see the heavens open and see the son of man standing at the right hand of God.' (Acts 7:56)....Jesus Christ is the Great Jehovah, our Savior and Redeemer of the World...Father and Son are two separate beings, but the same power and purpose....The Holy Ghost witnesses of the Father and the Son....Full measure of the Holy Ghost comes from a contrite spirit, baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost only by the power of the Priesthood....The Priesthood holds the mysteries of heaven....Doctrine of the Father and the Son is the Doctrine of the Eternal Family....We are children of our Heavenly Father." (Christoffel Golden, Jr., Of the Seventy)

"Regarding marriage and family---1. Set goal to marry in the Temple....2. Live a Celestial life....3. Teach children to sing the hymns and children's Primary songs. A child who sings lives a happy life....4. Send a message of love and gratitude....Need to hug each other....Heavenly Father a perfect example of expressing love, 'This is my beloved Son, hear him.' (Mark 9:7)....5. Search the scriptures, eternal life....6. Not enough to know the scriptures, need to live them....Need to build our house on a rock...." (Enrique R. Falabell, Of the Seventy)

"My father taught me to work...Father taught me how to do things with patience....Even when messed up felt his love, confidence in him....Being accepted by someone we love motivates us....Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ accept us fro what we are and are striving to become....They will always love us and accept us....Pattern of acceptance of the Lord: 1. Know that our heart is honest and broken, self reflection, we know our motives and desires, broken heart, open, soft and receptive heart, taught by the Holy Ghost. 2. Contrite spirits, feeling or expressing emotion, one has done wrong, willing to listen to the Spirit, our determination to act or change. 3. Conscious decision of our covenant to sacrifice, take upon us the name of Son and keep his commandments, Holy Ghost our constant companion, silent service to others, standing firm when life is raging around us....When in tune with the Lord and feel his acceptance, will bring forth much, lead to knowledge we are accepted by him....Seek the Lord's acceptance and receive his promised blessings, motivate us, be successful, prosper and feel His peace." (Erich W. Kopischke, Of the Seventy)

"If they had known what it meant in the upper room at the Last Supper that would have wept....We live in a world of turbulence and wickedness....But cause of joy, waiting for return of his Son....Do not fear the future, God is with us....Church stands as safety for the church....Armed with righteousness, power of God as a defence, humbly, quietly trust in the Lord, will give us guidance, deep inner peace.....Even in a darkening world, can sing a beautiful morning will dawn....Each morning rise up and say, 'Oh, What a Beautiful Morning'." (Bruce D. Porter, Of the Seventy)

"Our hearts have been touched, testimonies strengthened....Study the conference talks in the Ensign....Remember the words spoken at this conference....We are a world wide church....Reach to others....Be tolerant, as well as kind and loving to those who do not share our beliefs, reach to the needs of others, those lonely, widows, widowers, those suffering....Extend to them a helping hand and loving heart....Many reasons for rejoicing....Put trust in the Lord, he will help us through our difficulties....'Joy cometh in the morning.'...The gospel is the key to our happiness....I pray God will bless our lives....God hears the prayers of our humble hearts....Our Savior stands at the door and knocks, open and he will enter in....May your homes be reflected with peace, harmony, resist the buffetings of Satan, promised peace be with you always and more." (Thomas S. Monson, President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

May we all find peace in the turbulence's of life by being spiritually prepared for the trials and challenges of our day!

Weekly Assignment: 72 Hour Individual Emergency Personal Hygiene Kit:

This week add the following...

Small bar of bath soap with a wash cloth in a small plastic zip lock bag.  You can use a small bottle of liquid soap if you desire. The bar of soap takes up less room. Use an old wash cloth you have around the

house. You can find these at most discount stores like the 99 Cent store, The Dollar Tree and The Dollar General. Each family member should now have a tooth brush, a small tube of tooth paste, a bottle of "no rinse" shampoo (one per every two people in the family) and a small bar of bath soap with a wash cloth. Place the baby wipes in the large plastic zip lock bag along with the other items.

Emergency Preparedness:

Everyone should carry an EDC (Every Day Carry) Kit with them. You can carry this in your purse, brief case, or backpack. Why should you? Let me share a personal story from a friend.

Personal Story: When the Northridge earthquake hit we had a friend who was in an office building at work. Before she could drop down under her desk a piece of the ceiling feel on her head injuring her. Once she was under her desk and the shaking had stopped all the lights were out, it was pitch black. There was also all sorts of debris on the floor. She could not see anything or where she was going. She crawled out on her knees feeling along the way. She had many cuts and bruises from the debris. She learned a lot from this experience as did I. We all should carry some items with us at all time to protect ourselves. If she had had some of these items she would have been in a lot better circumstances.

Here is what you should carry in your EDC Kit: Place everything in a small plastic zip lock bag to keep it together...

1) Small pocket knife (unless you have to go through a metal detector at work, a government building or at the airport.
2) USB Drive with your vital information on it, insurance information, emergency contact information, etc., cost about $8-$12.
3) Cell phone, preferable with texting
4) Small LED flashlight, check the batteries often to make sure they are still working, cost about $1-$5
4) Cash, small bills and change, about $10-$20.
5) Small first-aid kit

These are all items that are part of your EDC Kit. Here is a list of other items you might add to your EDC Kit:

Paracord made into a wrist ban, cost about $5-$6
Sunglasses
Pen and small tablet to leave a note where you are
Watch
Lighter

You never know when you may need something. The idea is to be prepared at all times. You do not want your EDC to be so big and bulky it's difficult to carry.

Look around the house to see what you already have. Purchase those items you are missing. Start carrying items that could help you in an emergency situation.

The most important thing in any emergency situation---Stay calm!

Comments: All your comments, ideas, suggestions and experiences are welcome! We all learn from each other. Thank you for your comments.