Small and Simple Things....
Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness
Last week in Sunday School we discussed two things, we each need a spiritual reservoir and out of small and simple things great things come.
Small and Simple Things...
In Doctrine and Covenants 64:33 we read, "..., out of small things proceedeth that which is great." And in Alma 37:6-8 we read, "..., that by small things great things are brought to pass;...."
So many people are overwhelmed by even the thought of starting their food storage and emergency supplies. It is as simple as taking the first step, just start by adding a few extra cans and packages of food your family eats every time you go grocery shopping, or you see something on sale your family eats.
A few years ago the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints realized it was overwhelming for members and non-members to think about putting aside a years supply of food. So now they advise us to work towards a 3-Month Supply of the regular canned and packaged foods our family will eat, then continue until we have 6 months, 9 months and then a year. Add long-term food items such as dehydrated and freeze-dried once you have your 3-Months Supply of Food. But remember, those types of food require water to rehydrate them. Add food items slowly, do not go into debt. The important thing to remember about short term food storage, like canned and packaged foods, they need to be rotated. Letting food items expire is expensive! Once you use a stored item replace it immediately! Set goals and make a plan!
Many ask what should I store? Store only what your family will eat, canned, jarred and packaged foods. Also, store water. If you store items your family will not eat, they will probably not eat them, even in time of a disaster or need.
Once you start the small and simple things by starting to add food items slowly, before you know it, it will become great because you have stored up a 3-Month Supply of Food or more.
PreparedLDSFamily is another great emergency preparedness blog I like to read. She has some great ideas. This week we are both in tune with the same idea, of not being afraid to start your food store plan and just get started now! Her October 29, 2013 has some great ideas about starting and setting goals for your food storage.
Let me quote a quote she quotes from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Isn’t it wonderful to know that we don’t have to be perfect to experience the blessings and gifts of our Heavenly Father? We don’t have to wait to cross the finish line to receive God’s blessings. In fact, the heavens begin to part and the blessings of heaven begin to distill upon us with the very first steps we take toward the light. The perfect place to begin is exactly where you are right now. It doesn't matter how unqualified you may think you are or how far behind others you may feel. The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, in that moment, the hope of His light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul. The darkness may not dissipate all at once, but as surely as night always gives way to dawn, the light will come."
Spiritual Reservoir...
Not only is storing food and water important, but having a spiritual reservoir is as well important. Many times when I hear interviews on television and the radio from people who experienced a devastating disaster they often speak about how their faith in Heavenly Father and their Savior Jesus Christ helped them get through the horrible experience, devastation and loss. The quote above from President Uchtdorf can also apply to our spiritual strength.
In Doctrine and Covenants 46:13-14 we read, "To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful." These gifts are also mentioned in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 12.
How do we gain a spiritual reservoir? By reading the scriptures daily, by praying daily and by striving to keep the commandment of God. We all need the Spirit of the Holy Ghost with us constantly to be guided and protected. The strength we receive from doing these things will fill our spiritual reservoir and help us in times of despair.
Weekly Assignment: 72 Hour Emergency Preparedness Family Bag
The 72 Hour Emergency Preparedness Family Bag is not only for a 72 hour emergency but should be kept in your car at all times. It will provide items that will help you get through an emergency situation. If you need to evacuate your home and you cannot take your car, then make sure you take it along with the family's 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpacks. Try to keep this emergency family bag in each vehicle.
This week add the following:
1) Street map of local areas. I took our Thomas Guide and made copies of our local area and cities so if
we had to evacuate we would know our way around areas were were not familiar with and alternate routes to take.
2) Water proof matches. Your can purchase these at most camping, sports and emergency supply places.
3) Emergency flares and candles.
So far you should have the following: A sports bag or backpack to place the items we will be adding each week, a portable regular radio (with extra batteries) or a solar radio, and the items listed above.
Emergency Preparedness Ideas:
Have you ever thought about how you would store produce without refrigeration? How did the pioneers do it? Some of us who plant vegetable gardens usually either can, freeze or dehydrate our produce at harvest. Fresh produce needs to be stored in a cool, dry environment. In modern times we store our produce in our refrigerator. But what if you had no refrigeration? The pioneers used cellars or a hole in the ground to accomplish this issue.
"When using a cellar it is important to remember that only certain types of root vegetables and fruits are ideal for storing in a root cellar; potatoes, yams, turnips, beets, radish, carrots, leaks and onions. If you use this method do not wash the produce before storing it but gently remove the excess dirt. Place the produce carefully in boxes and bins. Make sure the vegetables and fruits are not bruised before storing. 
Another method for storing produce without a refrigerator is to dig a large hole in the ground and place the vegetables and fruits in some kind of a container. Plastic drums or chest freezers are standard containers. The ground acts as an ideal environment because healthy soils provide the same sort of conditions the vegetables are grown in. The ground provides cool, consistent temperatures, high humidity, darkness, and ventilation. Some people add sand or sawdust to act as insulation." (SurvivalBased.com) 
Mother Earth News has some great ideas on storing fresh produce.
Christmas is just around the corner!
What to give them this year? What about 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpacks or individual kits (Food, Personal Hygiene, Stressor Kits) to place in their Backpack, dehydrated or freeze-dries food, emergency equipment like a Butane Stove with fuel or a tent. Why waste money on things they will throw away or give away later on? Why not give them something that might protect and help them in a disaster? Be creative!
LDS Dry Pack Canneries
Just a reminder, effective November 1, 2013 most LDS Dry Pack Canneries will no longer allow members and non-members to come to their canneries to can. You can still purchase some items there. Check with your local LDS Dry Pack Cannery to see what is available.
Comments: All your comments, ideas, suggestions and experiences are welcome! We all learn from each other. Thank you for your comments.
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