Thursday, April 23, 2015

Emergency Preparedness, Food Storage and Monthy Assignments (Week of April 26th)

Hi Torrance Stake Family, Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Have we heeded the counsel and the warning?


For many years The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has counseled its members to be prepared both temporally and spiritually. It has counseled its members to produce and store food. The past few years our federal and local governments and communities have also counseled us to store food, water and emergency supplies. Have we heeded their counsel, or just ignored it thinking it will never happen to me?

So many think it will never happen, but the tornadoes come, the hurricanes come, the earthquakes come, the tsunamis come, the volcanoes come, the chemical spills and water contamination come, the civil unrest and riots come. You never know when they will strike. Does the storm have to be on top of you to prepare? Then it is too late!


We need to be self-sustaining through adequate preparation. We should not expect the Lord, or others, to do for us what we can do our ourselves. "The revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah.... Plan to build up your food supply just as you would a savings account. Save a little for storage each pay-check. Make your storage a part of your budget." (Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Ezra Taft Benson, "Principles of Temporal and Spiritual Welfare", pages 263-274)

 
Have you ever stopped and thought what would happen to your community or nation if transportation were paralyzed or if we had a war or depression? How would you, your family and your neighbors obtain food? How long could the local supermarkets, or corner grocery store, sustain the needs of the community?


It seems most people I speak with and hear on television or radio feels and knows something big is coming. They are not sure what or when it will happen, but they "know in their bones", in their spirit, it is coming. Even our federal government is storing food and supplies. What do they know we do not know? Why not be prepared for what ever it might be or when it might be? What would it hurt? Do not procrastinate! Start today before it is too late! Stay close to the Spirit for guidance!

Last week
April Monthly Assignments

Food Storage:  Rice . . .

 
Go back to last week's blog posting dated March 29, 2015 to see the information about adding rice to your food storage. 

Emergency Preparedness: 
       Vegetable and Herb Gardening . . . 

 
Go back to last week's blog posting dated March 29, 2015 to learn about our April Assignment, "Vegetable and Herb Gardening".
 
Emergency Preparedness Ideas 

Be aware of and prepared for your family's unique needs . . . 


Every household is different. 

Do you have an infant or small child?
Do you have elderly parents or grandparents that live with you?
Do you have family members with special medical  needs, medications, etc.?
Do you have a pet(s)?

Before a disaster strikes sit it down as a family and discuss your family's unique needs. 

Identify your family's unique needs.
Make an emergency plan for them.
Make a list of special items you might need for that person in your family with unique needs.
Purchase those items. 
If you or someone in your family has a disability, create an evacuation plan that works for them. 
Some local communities have a website were you can register family members in your home with unique needs. This way emergency response teams will know where they are and need assistance.(For the Los Angeles County SNAP click here. Click here for Orange County. Or, check out your local county website how to register special needs family members.)
If you have pets make a plan for them in a disaster.
If you have pets make a list and purchase items you will need for them. Have a pet emergency bucket.

Comments: Please share your comments below. We love hearing from you and any questions you might have. We all learn from each others experiences and knowledge. Thank you for your comments.

Friday, April 17, 2015

Emergency Preparedness, Food Storage and Monthly Assignments (Week of April 19th)

Hi Torrance Stake Family, Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Rainy-Day Emergencies


Growing up in the 1950's and 1960's my parents taught us to always save for a "rainy day". What is a "rainy-day"? It is a day when an emergency comes up and you need money, or food, to get you buy on what ever is going on at the time. It can be a day with just a drizzle or a day with a down pour. I am grateful for parents who taught this important principle.

There were many times in our family as our children were growing up we had times for that "rainy-day" savings. It was not easy when all 6 of children need new shoes at the same time. It was not easy when an emergency medical bills came up and took some of our monthly budget. It was not easy when the hot water heater needed replaced. It was not easy when my husband was hurt on the job while on the road and he could not work for 3 months, disability checks do cover all your expenses. It was not easy when the car needed a costly repair that what not in the budget.

 
But I am grateful we had our "rainy-day" savings, both monetary and food storage. When my husband was injured in the accident we had about 6 months of food storage that helped. We did not need to go to our Bishop for assistance with food or other items. With our small "rainy-day" savings we were able to pay our bills along with the disability check and not have to go into debt.Our "rainy-day" savings was able to off set those emergencies and extra expenses that came our way.

It is not easy...I know it is not easy to save money and add to our food storage when you have a young family with many financial needs or you are on a fixed income. But I also know you cannot afford not to save and add food to your food storage. Even if it is just a couple of dollars a month and a couple of extra cans or packages of food a month, it all adds up quicker than you realize. It may mean giving up a want to provide for a need, but it is well worth it, both spiritually and temporally.

I am grateful for my husband who taught our children when they got married to start a savings account. To faithfully put at least $1, or more if possibly, into a savings account monthly. When they saw the saving account growing they desired to put more away. Many times our children have come to us and thanked their father for teaching them this valuable principle.
   
"When we live providently, we can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior's example to serve and bless others." (Robert D. Hales)

This quote came from a great article by Robert D. Hales, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2009 General Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with some great advise on "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually". Click here to read the entire article.  

Sit down as a family, or by yourself, and start a "rainy-day" savings account of money and food storage. I promise you your lives will be richly blessed. And, you will be able to help yourselves and others, be it family or strangers, when the need arises. 






                                          
Spiritually Prepared

Quotes from the 185th General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sunday Sessions, April 5, 2015 . . .

Sunday morning session : Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church and Prophet, spoke about the blessings of the temple. "When we enter the doors of the temple we leave behind the world. There is beauty, order, rest from the world transcending any other feeling--peace. When we go to the temple we remember covenants we have made. The blessings of the temple are priceless." Rosemary M. Wixon, General Primary President, stated "Children sing the joy that comes from Jesus Christ." She spoke of a time when she was a young woman and had may gospel questions, she wanted to know the truths. Her questions grew harder, the answers became harder, sometimes the answers did not come, she struggled. She knew she needed her own testimony and could not rely on others. She stated, "Upon the rock of our Redeemer we must all build our foundation. Answers come when we search and pray. Answers come in quiet, simple assurances." Jose A. Teixeira, Of the Seventy, stated in "General Conference we receive council and a warning. We need to follow the Savior's teaching, kind and loving example in our life. We need to achieve righteous goals. Today there are many resources to help us know Jesus Christ. We need to understand the role of Jesus Christ in our lives. We will have more joy, but still have trials. There is joy in living in righteousness, despite the trials in morality. Do not leave for tomorrow what you can do today." He stressed the importance of making wise choices online. "Joy exist when we keep the commandments and peace will abide." Bishop Gerald Causse, Of the Presiding Bishopric, stated "we take things for granted. We look but do not really see. We hear but do not really hear. He said the Savior said, 'Blessed are the eyes that really see.'" He shared about his sister's inactivity and how she came back. "We can receive revelation how best to help those we love." Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated "Today is Easter Sunday, we should always remember the Sacrament prayers, the most sacred day of the year. His brotherly hands and arms that reached and saved us from the abyss and falling. We cannot totally understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Adam fell that men might be. The Resurrection must come by reason of the Fall. Today we celebrate the Resurrection from death and our sins. He did what no other could do. It was the most consequential and generous gift ever given to man. He suffered, died and rose from death. Redemption's grand design where justice and mercy meet." Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2nd Council in the First Presidency, stated "Easter Sunday we celebrate the most glorious and wanted event of the world. The destiny of all God's children changed. We should never loose sense of awe and profound gratitude towards our Savior. He brought salvation to all who believe in Him. God loves us deeply and unconditionally. The grace of God unlocks the gates of heaven and opens the windows of heaven. Grace is a gift of God. We need to obey the commandments of God out of our love for Him." Robert D. Hales, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated "Easter Sunday is a day of gratitude. We worship Him. Moral agency is the essential part of God's plan for all his children. The Savior followed God's plan. Our agency to keep the commandments defines who we are, have a body, progress, have a family, have joy and eternal life. The Spirit increases our power to do what is right. The faithful use of our agency depends on our freedom to enjoy the blessings. There are 4 corners to religious freedom: 1. Freedom to believe, 2. Freedom to share our faith and our belief with others, 3. Freedom to form a religious organization-a church, 4. Freedom to live our faith. We need to share our personal witness with conviction and love. Jesus Christ was willing to die for all who believe. We need to speak up, be informed, join others that have religious freedom and live to be a good example. We need to exercise our agency with a covenant to act, run, not walk, follow the Holy Ghost and exercise the freedoms given to us. The Savior freely gave, because of this we have the opportunity to choose freedom." Kevin W. Pearson, Of the Seventy, stated "Herber J. Grant said we need to not loose our testimony and stay faithful to the end. We are not immune to Satan's tools and deception. We need to liken Lehi's Dream unto ourselves, 6 principles. 1. Don't forget to pray, 2. Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him, 3. Press forward with faith, the path leads to Christ, 4. The Book of Mormon is the key to spiritual survival, 5. Don't be distracted, and 6. Stay by the tree. Once we enter into covenants there is no going back. When struggling and spiritually lost, study the Book of Mormon everyday, it will change your life. The Holy Ghost will change our heart and what to do next. Enduring to the end determines our discipleship and blessings. Stay by the tree." Rafael E. Pino, Of the Seventy, stated "Latter-day Saint revelations show God's Plan of Happiness for all His children, gives us an eternal perspective. Life is like a jigsaw puzzle, each small piece has a place in the picture, even when we do not know where it fits first. The Lord knows were a piece belongs so it fits into the commandments. Hope keeps us anxiously engaged in a good cause. The Lord knows what He wants to accomplish in our lives." Neil L. Anderson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated "In the Sacrament we pledge to follow Him and keep the commandments. He quoted Elder Maxwell, 'If everything is going great for you, just wait, trials will come.' Heavenly Father opens windows for miracles to happen. Let the Lord work in our own lives. He is the grand architect. We need to be spiritually awake and alert to see His hand at work.The gospel will roll forth to the ends of the earth. God is mindful of every people. Doubt not, fear not. Not one sparrow will fall without God knowing it, we are of more value than many sparrows. Our faith grows as we anticipate the glorious day of His coming. It will exceed anything we have seen. He will come in glory and with angels, the sun and moon will change, all flesh shall see Him together, we will kneel in reverence, it will be an unforgettable reunion. All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God, all shall see Jesus Christ, Savior, Son of God (Isaiah). Prepare for His coming." Jorge Zeballo, Of the Seventy, stated "What is our responsibility as members?: 1. Seek own salvation, 2. Duty to fellow man. Our responsibility to our Heavenly Father: 1. Learning our duty, doing what is right is not enough., 2. Making the decision, the choice is ours, honor our decisions., 3. Acting accordingly, Atonement essential to forgiveness, the path is narrow, stay on the path, press forward, keep the commandments., 4. Willing to accept the Father's will, even if it does not match our desirous. We are responsible to Heavenly Father and seeking Him." Russell M. Nelson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated "Is the Sabbath Day a delight for you and me? There is much needed relief from weekly duties, made for man, it is spiritual and physical renewal and a rest from daily duties. It is a commandment to remember the Sabbath Day and to keep it holy. It is a covenant. My conduct and attitude is a sign between me and my Heavenly Father. The fullness of the earth is promised to those who keep the Sabbath Day holy. What does it take for the Sabbath to be a delight to you? It strengthens family ties, you teach the gospel to children and study the gospel. No other work transcends teaching children the doctrine of the kingdom, family history work and visiting the sick and lonely. Not pursuing your own things on the Sabbath takes work. We need to concentrate our money and time. Keeping the Sabbath shows our love to God. True believers keep the Sabbath Day holy. 'Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him'."

If you would like to read their entire talks please go to lds.org where you can listen, read and print them.

April Monthly Assignments

Food Storage:  Rice . . .

Go back to last week's blog posting dated March 29, 2015 to see the information about adding rice to your food storage. 

Emergency Preparedness: 
       Vegetable and Herb Gardening . . . 

Go back to last week's blog posting dated March 29, 2015 to learn about our April Assignment, "Vegetable and Herb Gardening".

Emergency Preparedness Ideas 
 

One again a 3.5 earthquake hit Southern California USA on April 12th and has reminded us we live in earthquake country. Thank goodness no damages or injuries occurred, but it reminds us to be prepared. Below are a few steps to help us be better prepared.

1) Water: Each person in your family, do not forget your pets, should have 1 gallon of drinking water per day, enough for 7-10 days. It includes drinking, cooking and sponge bathing.

2) Food: Each household should have non perishable foods stored in their pantry, etc. Next time you go to the grocery store pick up some extra granola bars and canned foods. Mark the expiration dates on the packages and cans.

3) Under the bed earthquake kit: Each family member should have an under the bed earthquake kit in a large plastic zip lock bag tied to the bed post so you can find it after the earthquake, things do move. It should include a pair of sturdy shoes, a flashlight with batteries, a whistle, a bottle of water, extra pair of prescription glasses and prescription medications. Each room should have a crowbar in case you need to pry a door open.

4) Fire extinguisher: Have a few strategically place around the house, especially the kitchen where fires can start. Make sure you know how to use them and check them to make sure they filled.

5) Smoke detectors: Make sure all smoke detectors are working properly. It is best to check them monthly. If the batteries need replacing do it immediately. Do not wait for a fire to find out they do not work. There should be one in every bedroom, at the top of the stairs and at the bottom of the stairs if a two story house. If they have a carbon monoxide detector too, even better. Every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector.

6) Evacuation routes: Take a quick minute and plan two exits out of each room in the house. Keep the exist plans on the back of the bedroom doors. If you have a two story house, each room should have a fire escape ladder and each family member should know how to use it. Have an assigned meeting place outside. Do not go outside during an earthquake. Take cover under a strong table and hold on. If in bed, stay there, cover your head with the blankets until the shaking has stopped.

7) Special needs: If you have pets, children or adults with special needs make sure you have planned for them with medications, extra water, food, activities, etc. Children need to be distracted by having some activities like books to read, board and card games to play, etc. Keep all electronic devices off because it drains the system. The emergency response team and local governments need the lines open for emergencies. Stay off the phones to keep the lines open. Only use if a real emergency.

(This information came from the Torrance Disaster Preparedness Team Alter System)

For more ideas on what to do before, during and after an earthquake check out the blog posting on the right, under "Postings", "Before, During and After an Earthquake".

Comments: Your comments are most appreciated. We all learn from each others experiences and knowledge. Please leave your comments or questions below. I will answer your questions. Thank you.

Friday, April 10, 2015

Emergency Preparedness, Food Storage and Monthy Assignments (Week of April 12th)

Hi Torrance Stake Family, Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Coming this Saturday


Los Angeles Home Storage Center
Open House
Saturday, April 18, 2015
11:00 a.m. -  2:00 p.m.
2730 E. 11th St.,
Los Angeles, CA 90023
323-261-6351

(They have prepackaged long term foods (#10 cans and bulk) to purchase with prices lower than most emergency preparedness stores and websites. Hot cocoa, apple slices, wheat, sugar, flour, powered milk, oats, dry beans, carrots, macaroni, rice and other products. Please visit their website  LDS Home Storage )

Spiritual Preparation  

 
Once again we have been spiritually feed by watching and listening to the 185th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here are some quotes from the Saturday, April 4th, morning and afternoon sessions. 

Henry B. Eyring, 1st Councilor in the General Presidency, stated "Heavenly Father wishes to please us temporally and spiritually". Boyd K. Packer, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated "It is our responsibility to make sure our spouse and children are happy at home". Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated "Spiritual food is necessary for spiritual survival. We need to expose ourselves to spiritual truths. We need to keep our priorities and hearts fixed on the commandments. We need to be firmly rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ." L. Whitney Clayton, Presidency of the Seventy, stated we all need "spiritual light. We need to desire to believe until we believe the Savior's words. Even when you cannot see the light push forward until you can see it. Never give up. Choose to believe in Him." L. Tom Perry, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated we need to "create strong marriages and families. Marriage and family are eternal." David A. Bednar, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated "Many have felt the distress of fear due to health, family, financial, world events, etc. How can we hush the fears in our day? Look to Christ, build upon the foundation of Christ and press forward with faith in Christ." D. Todd Christofferson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated "Marriage is more than your love between each other, it is our responsibility towards mankind. Satan fights to discourage marriage and families". Wilford W. Anderson, of the Seventy, stated "(Many dance but do not hear the music. He compared families to music. We need to tune into the spirit and our families.Compared the music to the gospel.) "If not hearing the music of the gospel in your home, keep practicing." Dale G. Renlund, of the Seventy, stated Nelson Mandela said, 'A saint is a sinner who keeps on trying'. The Savior's Atonement can heal. We need to recognize others are trying too. All of us are in need of the infinite Atonement. Be patient with imperfect people. We need to evaluate our lives, repent and keep on trying. God cares about who we are and who we are becoming, not who we were". Michael T. Ringwood, of the Seventy, stated we need to be without guile. We need to be those who do good. We need to serve others without being asked. We are disciples of Christ". Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated "We all have trials. The Son of God is our light and life. (He shared the parable of the Wheat and the Tares.) God's plan brings happiness".

Next week I will share quotes from the Sunday, April 5th, morning and afternoon sessions. If you would like to read or listen to the entire conference talks go to lds.org.


April Monthly Assignments
 
Food Storage:  Rice . . .

Go back to last week's blog posting dated March 29, 2015 to see the information about adding rice to your food storage. 

Emergency Preparedness: 
       Vegetable and Herb Gardening . . .  
 
Go back to last week's blog posting dated March 29, 2015 to learn about our April Assignment, "Vegetable and Herb Gardening".

Blog viewer questions . . .

Food Storage 

Citrus Fruits . . .

One of our blog viewers asked me how to store oranges, which also applies to all citrus fruits. It appears the oranges are being hit with a bug that came over from China and are killing the crops. I always assumed because citrus fruits are too watery that you could not dehydrate, can or freeze them. I knew you can freeze the juice. I have been doing this for years. I found out you can dehydrate them (does not work to well), can them the water bath canning method (due to being acidic) and freeze them. You can also make jam marmalade from them. Check out the website below from the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Scroll through the article and see different ways to store citrus fruits. I am excited to learn you can freeze and water bath can citrus fruits. There is some great information there. 

How to store citrus fruits

Cocoa shortage . . .

Is there a shortage?  Some say there will be in the near future, 2020, due to high demands throughout the
world. Cocoa, or chocolate, may become a delicacy with very high prices. It might be a could idea to add some extra cocoa to your food storage. Even if to just avoiding paying higher prices later on. See the website article below . . .

"Is a chocolate shortage on the way?"


Olive oil storage . . .


Yes, olive oil may be hard to find and the cost may skyrocket due to weather, pest and disease. You might want to start adding some extra to your food storage each time you go grocery shopping or to the big box
stores. See the website article below . . .

"Olive Oil Producers In 'Crisis' from Weather, Pest and Disease"



California USA produce in danger  . . .

On Sunday night, April 5th, while listening to the news on channel 9 KCAL they were interviewing California USA farmers regarding how the California USA extreme drought is affecting them. They all agreed if the drought continues for another year or so their crops will be wiped out, especially the tomato crops (tomatoes take a lot of water). Many California citrus fruit farmers are taking out orange and lemon trees so they can save the rest. They say it will take them years to recover. What does this mean for us, much higher cost of produce and fruits. I would suggest we all need to store more dehydrated and canned vegetables and fruits due to the possibility of unavailability and much higher cost.

Thank you for your blog viewer concerns and questions. Keep them coming. I will research your concerns and questions and find the best answers I can and post them. We all learn from each other and I also learn from you. 

Emergency Preparedness 

Some questions to think about and discuss with your family . . .
  • Do you have an emergency preparedness plan in place for your family? 
  • Do you have a family evacuation plan in place?
  • Do you have an emergency out of state contact person each family knows and keeps with them if they are away from the family to call and say where they are and how they are doing? 
  • When was the last time you checked your family's 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpacks, rotated the food and water, checked to make sure clothes and shoes still fit?
  • When was the last time your family had a fire drill, tornado drill, hurricane drill, earthquake drill? 
  • When was the last time you checked your emergency supplies to make sure everything is working properly, needs repaired, etc.?
  • When was the last time you inventoried your food storage?
  • When was the last time you looked at your Family Emergency Medical Kit and replaced any items that need replaced?
  • Do you have an Earthquake Kit for each person tied to their bed post? 
  • When was the last time you rotated your 15-55 gallon water barrels?
Comments: Please share your comments below. We all learn from each others experiences and knowledge. Thank you for your comments. 

Friday, April 3, 2015

Emergency Preparedness, Food Storage and Monthly Assignments (Week of April 5th)


Hi Torrance Stake Family, Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Happy Easter  . . . 


I am a member of  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Easter is a very sacred day for me. I hold it close to my heart and spirit. This video will explain why  . . .
 
 


Spiritual Preparedness . . . 
      Prayer, Listening to and following the Spirit

"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me, ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Doctrine and Covenants 88:63) 

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, ...." (Hebrews 10:22)

Temporal preparation is very important, but being spiritually prepared will bless us in many ways. Praying daily, reading the scriptures daily and listening to the Spirit and following the guidance from the Holy Ghost will bring peace of mind and protect us. Let me give you some personal experiences my family has had . . .

May 22, 2011 our daughter had just left church and was attending the Joplin High School Graduation where some of their church youth were graduating. While at the graduation ceremony she felt a very strong impress to leave and go home. She sat there for a few seconds and then heard the prompting again, leave now. As she left the high school graduation and opened the doors she saw the sky and new things did not look good. She stepped back inside and told a fellow near by he might want to warn everyone. Before she could get home she had to pull off the road and take shelter in a near by store, the tornado was upon her. Little did those in Joplin know they were to be hit by a category 5 tornado, the tornado was wrapped in heavy rain and it was hard for the Nation Weather Department to see it coming and how bad it was before the sirens could go off. Many lives were lost and much property destroyed. The high school was one of those structures destroyed. If she had not listened to the prompting of the Spirit she might not be here today.

While our son was serving his mission in Honduras in 1998 a category 5 hurricane, Hurricane Mitch, hit the area.One again, many many lives were lost, property was lost. I am grateful for my son's Mission President who listened to the prompting of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) several months prior that he needed to stock up on food, water and emergency supplies for his missionaries. He did not know why, but he followed the prompting. Because of his obedience the many missionaries under his direction had what they needed and they were able to help others.




A few months ago I mentioned in a blog posting that I felt the prompting we needed more food storage. Little did I know that in a few months one of our family members and their family would be living with us for awhile. We may not need it, and I hope we do not, but I am thankful for the promptings of the Spirit.





About a year before 2010 I woke up, sat up in bed and felt a very strong impression I needed to be better prepared and warn others that they should be better prepared too. I was not sure how I would accomplish the inspiration I received. I decided I could start a blog to help my family and my Ward about emergency preparedness, and possibly others, both temporal and spiritual preparation. Little did I know this blog would spread all over the world. In August of 2010 I started this blog to help others to be better prepared. Shortly after that I was called to be our Ward's Emergency Preparedness Specialist. About two months ago I was called to be our Stake's Emergency Preparedness Specialist. Heavenly Father has provided a way for me to reach out to many. I am grateful for those of you who following this blog, share with others and are working on being better prepared. I am grateful for the things I learn from you and can share with others. I am grateful for the Spirit and His promptings and that I listened!

Our family and friends have been inspired many times by the Holy Ghost. I am grateful for this inspiration, guidance and protection we have received and will continue to receive it we strive to keep the commandments and covenants we have made, that we pray and  read our scriptures daily for guidance and are striving to be prepared the best we can.

I am grateful for the wonderful 185th Annual General Conference we are able to witness and listen to this weekend. Ponder and apply what you have heard and follow the direction of our General Authorities and become more spiritually prepared for the days ahead. If you did not get a chance to watch or listen go to lds.org and listen to or read their inspiring messages.

Temporal preparation is great and needed, but spiritual preparation will help us endure the trails and challenges we may face. I testify to you if you will "draw near" unto our Savior, Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father, you will feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost and their guidance.

April Monthly Assignments

Food Storage:  Rice . . .


Go back to last week's blog posting dated March 29, 2015 to see the information about adding rice to your food storage. 

Emergency Preparedness: 
       Vegetable and Herb Gardening . . . 


Go back to last week's blog posting dated March 29, 2015 to learn about our April Assignment, "Vegetable and Herb Gardening".

Emergency Preparedness Ideas



Phones during a disaster . . . As many of you already know traditionally modern land lines and cell phones will probably not work during a disaster. It takes electricity to run the land line. Unless, you have an old fashioned push button or rotary corded phone you can directly plug into the phone jack. If you do not have one I would suggest you purchase one at a thrift store or garage/yard sale and add it to your emergency supplies. You will be grateful you will have a phone that may work during a disaster. (Thank you to D.F. who reminded me of this.)



Insta Fire . . . This stuff is amazing. It was created by 3 Mormon return missionaries who discovered this while Boy Scouts in Idaho. They created this wonderful product that should be in every one's emergency supplies. You can use it to start camping fires, charcoal briquettes and a BBQ in place of kindling, even in wind. You can even light it on top of water and snow. It comes in different size buckets, #10 cans and small packets that are just the right size to put in your 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpacks. You can purchase it from many emergency supply websites: emergencyessentials.com (Called Fired Up! in #10 cans, smaller cans and buckets. On sale this month), amazon.com (2 and 5 gallon buckets and packets), InstaFire website and other websites you can Google.Watch the video below how it works.




Family Emergency Response Team  . . .

What is it and how does it work?

It is a team made up of your family. The father, or mother if a single parent, is the team captain, the mother is the co-captain and the children are the crew. Each one has a responsibility, depending on the age of your children. You can have monthly or quarterly meetings to discuss individual responsibilities, assignments and follow up on previous assignments, discuss drills and evacuation plans. It can be a part of your monthly Family Council Meeting. Each family member, if old enough, is given a responsibility on the Team. You can determine what those responsibilities will be.


Father (Captain)--In charge of the all the emergency equipment, making sure it is in good condition, working properly and you have the needed fuel. If a disaster occurs in charge of sanitation and shelter. Making sure all car gas tanks are kept full or no less than half full. In a disaster checks all utilities to determine if they need shut off due to a safety hazard. Makes sure all family members are out the house if a fire or immediate evacuation is needed. Secures all windows and doors if you need to "shelter in place". 

Mother (Co-Captain)--In charge of the food storage, she inventories their food storage quarterly and assess what is still needed and sets goals to accomplish it. If a disaster occurs is in charge of all cooking and making assignments involving the family. In charge of all first-aid and medical care. Assists the father of making sure all the children are out of the house and in a safe place if you need to evacuate. In charge of grabbing the Family Emergency Preparedness Notebook (vital records and documents) if need to evacuate.

Father and Mother in charge of helping older parents who live with them evacuate and assist them with what ever is needed. If need to evacuate make sure everyone has their 72 Hour Emergency Preparedness Backpacks. And of course, they will work together with their responsibilities above.

Children (The Crew)--The older children can have various responsibilities. An older child (teenager) can be in charge of a younger one, making sure if you have to evacuate they get them out of the house and into the car or to an assigned meeting spot if there is a fire. Helping them grab their 72 Hour Emergency Backpack.  They can be in charge of the family pet(s). Middle aged children can also have appropriate assignments. Younger ones can assist the teenagers.

Each family's plan will be different according to their needs. Remember, the success to any plan is preparation, discussion and practicing it often. You are a Team, work together.

Water Barrels . . .

With a serious drought upon us in California USA and other states and the world, it is even more important to store water. We just learned that the Governor of California USA has asked us all to cut back 25%. That is a lot. I would strongly suggest you store extra water, either in small drinking sizes or in 15, 30 or 55 gallon water barrels.

I just learned the fellow I purchase water barrels from has moved locations. The 55 gallon barrels he sells had apple juice or Hawaiian Punch in them. He cleans them out and sells them for $25 each. Much lower than those you can purchase at emergency preparedness supply stores and websites, they are usually $100+. 

If you are interested you can contact him at:

Mario Salgado
Cell: 310-489-4485
1472 Cota Ave.
Long Beach, CA
8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

You will need to call him ahead of time to arrange how many you want. You will need to pick them up. He also does large group orders for churches and others he will deliver. He only accepts cash.

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