President Spencer W Kimball, the 12th President and Prophet of "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" had a sign on his desk, "Do It". He later expanded it to "Do it now". He stated, "One of the most serious human defects in all ages is procrastination, an unwillingness to accept personal responsibilities
now. . . " (Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Spence W. Kimball, (2004), pg 4-5).
Many of us want the simple way. It is easier to let others do the work and us sit back expecting the rewards of their hard work. We are responsible to provide for ourselves and our families, no one else. It is our responsibility to provide food, water, shelter, clothing, safety and the spiritual and temporal needs of our family. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints has warned and admonished its members, and the world, for years to be prepared for hard times, for times of disasters, for the things that may come our way. Not just disasters, but hard economical times, health issues, and many others thing that can happen in life.
I have learned over the years, once I have a plan in place and listed the goals to accomplish that plan and put it where I can see it daily, it will happen. When I sit back and wish for it, it never happens. Why not start today, make a plan to have food storage, water, emergency supplies and a rainy-day savings on hand, set some goals to accomplish it, work towards them, and feel the peace of mind that comes from knowing you and your family are prepared and protected.
August Monthly Assignments
Food Storage: Spices and Herbs
Spices and herbs are an important part of cooking, even in a disaster or emergency situation.
Where to purchase: I like to purchase my spices, herbs and seasonings from big box stores like Costco or Sam's Club, shops that sell India seasonings in bulk (less expensive) and long term food storage companies like emergencyessentials.com. Emergency Essentials has them in 2.5 cans and some in #10 cans. They store for 20 years. I prefer the 2.5 cans. Sprouts also sells spices and herbs in bulk. Buying in bulk is less expensive than purchasing the small bottles and containers from regular grocery stores. Watch the expiration dates at discount stores. If you purchase them from bulk item stores or an India store purchase airtight containers to transfer their packaged herbs and spices into.
How much do I need? Determine what spices, herbs and seasonings your family uses in cooking. Determine how much you will need for your food storage goals.
How to store: Like all food storage, in a cool, dry, dark place.
Emergency Preparedness:
72 Hour Individual Emergency Backpacks
(or Grab and Go Bag or Bug-Out-Bag)
Each family member in your house hold should have a 72 Hour Individual Emergency Backpack/Kit. Click here to see what items should be in each backpack/kit. There are 3 kits within the backpack plus other items that will help with your survival---
1) Food Kit (Adjust according to each family members age and medical needs)
2) Hygiene Kit (Provides items that will help you feel better)
3) Stressor Kit (Help family members deal with the stress of a disaster or emergency situation)
Note: We also have strapped to each backpack a water filtering sports bottle from store.lds.org (Seychelle Water Filtration). If you need extra water it will filter out 99.9999% of all bacteria and contamination.
If you already have your 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpacks . . .
Important: If you have not rotated the food for awhile, a year, or 6 months if kept in your car, this would be a good time to do so. Also, to re-evaluate the food in your kits, diets and medications change and taste change. With some medications you cannot eat grapefruit or other foods. Also, sizes change, especial for children, replace clothing and shoes as needed.
Emergency Preparedness Ideas
With just a little imagination you can create in expensive items to help you out when there is an emergency situation or disaster. Love these ideas, so simple. Good to make ahead of time and keep with your emergency supplies.
Emergency Fire Starter Petroleum Jelly Balls . . .
Watch this video on how to make and use an emergency fire starting tool you can easily make. Keep them in an old prescription medicine bottle or other small plastic container, place them in a plastic zip lock bag and keep them in your 72 Hour Individual Emergency Backpack.
Wheel Barrow Fire Pit . . .
Love this idea . . . Take a metal wheel barrow, place it in a safe place, build a fire inside the wheel barrow. You can also place a BBQ grill on top or your stove oven rack if you cannot use your conventional stove in an emergency situation. Now you have a way to boil water and cook.
Emergency Human Powered Washing Machine . . .
Comments and Questions: Please share your comments and questions below. We all learn for each others knowledge and experiences. If you have a questions and I do not know the answer I will research it and post the answer on my next blog posting. Thank you for your comments and questions, they are most appreciated.
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