Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of March 18th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Quote:

"In mercy the Lord warns and forewarns. He sees the coming storm, knows the forces operating to produce it, and calls aloud though His prophets, advises, counsels, exhorts, even commands---that we prepare for what is about to befall and take shelter while yet there is time. But we go our several ways, feasting and making merry, consoling conscience with the easy fancy of 'time enough' and in idle hope that the tempest will pass us by, or that, when it begins to gather thick and black about us we can turn back and find shelter."
James E. Talmage, The Parables of James El Talmage, page 50

WHAT IF...

What if there was a fire in your home or work place?
What if there was a huge earthquake while at home or work?
What if you had to evacuate immediately?
What if there was a Pandemic and you could not leave your home for several weeks?
What if you had no running water and all the stores were out of water for a month?
What if there was no food to purchase, the store shelves were empty?
What if food prices were so extreme you could not afford them?
What if you had no extra food stored for emergencies?
What if you had no electricity for a month?
What if you had no candles, no batteries for your flashlight and portable radio?
What if you had no portable radio so you could hear what to do if there was an emergency situation?
What if you had no way to contact someone for help?
What if you could not get out, roads and streets were blocked?
What if no emergency response teams could get to you and your loved ones?
What if you had severe emergency medical needs? Could you take care of them?
What if you were not prepared?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE US TO PREPARE FOR THE ABOVE?

SOME DAY WILL BE TOO LATE!

March Goals--Plant a Vegetable and Herb Garden, Fruit Tree and add dry beans and legumes to our Food Storage

Weekly Challenge:

1. Vegetable Garden, Herb Garden, and Fruit Trees--

1) Have you made a plan for your vegetable and herb garden?
2) Have you thought about what type of fruit tree you are going to plant? If planting it in a container, have you purchased the container?
3) Have you purchased your containers if you are doing a container vegetable and herb garden?
4) Have you started to purchase the vegetable seeds? Do not purchase the vegetable plants until you are ready to plant them.

In just a few more weeks it will be time to plant your vegetable and herb garden.

Vegetable Gardening Tip--Natural Way to get rid of snails in your garden:

Save your egg shells. Let them dry out, then crumble them into pieces, not to small. Once you plant your vegetable garden, sprinkle the broken egg shells around your vegetable plants. When the snails crawl over them it cuts them and they dry out and die. No need for chemicals and very economical. They are also good for the soil!

2. Add beans and legumes to your Food Storage--

The past couple of weeks we have been adding different types of dry beans to our Food Storage.

This week and next week please add legumes (dry spilt peas and lentils) to your Food Storage. They are very economical and good source of fiber and protein!

Remember: You need a mixture of dry beans and dry legumes, 60 pounds per person for a year. First work on getting at least 5 pounds per person for a mouth. Then continue to add until you have a years supply for each family member.

Remember: Post your name and comment for next weeks, Sunday, March 25th, FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing.

Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of March 11th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Quote:

"The degree of our preparation will be equal to the extent of our obedience, which will determine the measure of our peace of mind." Neil H. Leash, LDS Author

Just a few days ago I was speaking with one of our daughters regarding Emergency Preparedness and Food Storage. We discussed how many people question why they should store extra food and emergency supplies if a disaster is going to wipe it out? Why, because we are an obedient people and we have been counseled by our church leaders, and in the scriptures, to be prepared with extra food, water and emergency supplies in case we do need it.

It does not matter how much we have, one week's supply or a years supply, what does matter is that we are being obedient and striving to be as prepared as possible. Even if we add just one can or one package of some type of food to our Food Storage each week we are striving to be obedient and Heavenly Father will watch over us. If all our Food Storage and Emergency Supplies are wiped out by a disaster, Heavenly Father will provide a way for us to provide for our families. I truly believe this and testify of it!

March Goals--Plant a vegetable garden, a herb garden and a fruit tree, and add dry beans and legumes to your Food Storage

Check out last week's , March 4th, posting for great ideas on planting a vegetable garden and the "Postings" on the right under "Vegetable Gardening" for more ideas.

Monthly Goal--Plant a Vegetable Garden and/or Herb Garden and a Fruit Tree:

1) Make a plan-decide what you want to grow
2) Dig up a part of the yard that gets 6-8 hours of sunlight, or purchase large containers to plant in
3) Purchase the plants and seeds you want to plant
4) Purchase containers if doing a container garden

5) Involve the whole family
6) Plant your vegetable garden and tend it regularly
7) Plant at least one fruit tree, if no yard or space, in a large container

Problem with ants inside your house: Because we have not had as much rain as last year, many may experience a larger annoyance of ants this Spring and Summer. Here is a safe, economical way to control them. It really works, we have done this each year!

1. Take a personal size plastic drinking water bottle, once empty,
2. Put 2 cups of water in a sauce pan with 1 cup of sugar and boil until the sugar is dissolved, let cool slightly
3. Put one tablespoon of boric acid in the bottle, fill part way with the sugar water, shake with the lid on it
4. Push paper towels into the bottle until about half full
5. Place another tablespoon of boric acid in the bottle with more sugar water, shake
6. Push more paper towels into the bottle until full, add more sugar water if needed to reach the top, and shake
7. Take off the lid, place the bottles along the outside of your house in a shaded area where you see ants, place a small twig or stick in the bottle so it touches the ground, tip just enough so the water mixture covers the twig
8. The ants will take small pieces of the soaked paper towel back to the ant nest and it will kill all the ants, including the queen ant. It will take awhile for it to work, but it should get rid of your ants. If you see more ants later on in the Spring or Summer, repeat the process.

1. Weekly Assignment--Add dry beans to your Food Storage (We will work on legumes the next two weeks)

1) Buy a variety of beans--navy beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, black-eyed peas, Lima beans, garbanzo beans, etc. (store only the kinds your family will eat). You can purchase them in bags in the grocery store, Costso, Sams Club by different amounts and #10 cans and/or Mylar bags from food storage companies. Our LDS Dry Pack Cannery has pinto beans, black beans and navy beans to can in either the #10 cans (about 5+ pounds) or the Mylar pouch (about 6+ pounds). You can can them yourself or purchase them in #10 cans already canned. If you can them yourself the cost is $4-$5 per #10 can or Mylar pouch. Prepackaged #10 cans of pinto beans are about $4.70 each (5.2 pounds each can).

Note: See the chart on last week's posting for how much to store per person in your family.

2. Weekly Assignment--Emergency Family Medical Supplies (for those working on this please add the following this week)

Note: Add as many of the pads and tape as you think you will need for your family in an emergency situation, which could be for several months:

1) Sterile gauze pads (various sizes)
2) Adhesive bandage tape, hypoallergenic, 1 inch
3) Visine eye drops

Emergency Preparedness Tips:

Sturdy shoes, flashlight and eye glass: Something we learned at the American Red Cross CPR/First-aid Class was to keep our sturdy shoes and flashlight under our bed in case of an earthquake, or we have to evacuate in hurry, in an extra large plastic zip lock bag tied to the bed leg. If you wear glass, keep an old pair in the bag. This way if there is an earthquake, you will be able to find the items quickly.

Crowbar: Our daughter said they were advised to "keep a crowbar in their bedroom". You may need to use it to open a blocked door, move a heavy item, open a blocked window and get into your child's room. I would keep it under the bed also. Remember: during an earthquake at night, while in bed, stay in your bed, cover your head with your pillow and your body with your blankets. Stay there until the earthquake stops.

Remember: Post your name and comment to have your name entered into the FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing to be held Sunday, March 25th.

Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of March 4th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Quote--The Lord Holds Us Accountable:

"Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take [any] person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand." Ezekiel 33:4

These are powerful words! We will be accountable to the Lord if we do not heed the warnings from our Church leaders regarding being prepared both spiritually and temporally. It is also our responsibility to warn others. How many times do we have to be admonished by our Church leaders to be prepared before we will heed the words of warning? There is no more time for procrastination!

Last Sunday Bishop Adams, Bishop of Carson Ward, warned the Priesthood (and their families) to be prepared!

March Ward Emergency Preparedness Goal: Plant a vegetable garden and fruit trees, and add beans and legumes to your Food Storage:

1) Weekly Assignment--Plant a vegetable garden and fruit trees

March is here and I am excited! It means Spring is close and it is time to plan and plant our vegetable gardens. I will spend this month giving you ideas on planting a vegetable garden and fruit trees, even if you live in a condo or apartment you can have some type of small garden and fruit trees. We will also work on adding beans and legumes to your Food Storage.

Make a plan for your Vegetable Garden. Anyone can have some type of vegetable garden! If you rent, ask your landlord if it ok. If not in the ground, then try large containers and pots.

If you live in a house with a yard, no matter how small you can grow a vegetable garden and fruit trees:

1. Decide what you want to grow. Only grow vegetables your family will eat! No matter how small the area, growing something is better than nothing. This is a great activity to do as a family.
2. Decide on the place to have your vegetable garden. Draw out a plan on paper.
3. Prepared the area by digging up the grass and weeds about a week before you plant. Add a vegetable fertilizer just before planting, work it into the soil. I use Miracle Grow. Do you want a garden directly in the ground or a raised garden? Decide which you want. If a Raised garden you will need to build the sides and add soil. Home Depot has kits for this, or ask one of their employees for help. Raised gardens are best because the soil stays warmer.
4. Make sure the area gets at least 6-8 hours of sun light.
5. Purchase your seeds and vegetable plants when you are ready to plant. Some vegetables are better if you start them out as plants, like tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and cucumbers. Carrots, radishes, celery, zucchini, squash, pumpkins, peas, pole beans and others you can start from seeds. Make sure the plants you purchase are healthy and the seeds are not expired.
6. Buy only Non-Hybrid and Non-GMO (genetically alternated) seeds and plants. If you buy the Hybrid and GMO seeds and harvest the seeds for future planting, they will not grow.
7. Save your milk, juice and 2 liter soda plastic bottles. They make a great green house for your young plants, holding in the heat and keeping the March winds off of them. Cut off the bottom, remove the cap, cover the small plant with the bottle. Water as needed. Once the plant gets big enough, remove the bottle.
8. Save your toilet paper and paper towel rolls. They make great eco-friendly seed-started plant containers. Take the toilet paper roll and cut it in half, then cut down on four sides about 1/3 of the way down, fold the ends down to form the bottom. Place the tube containers in a pan or tray with good drainage, place Miracle Grow Moisture Control Potting Mix in each container, place 3 seeds in the dirt, cover lightly, and water lightly daily with a watering can. Once they germinate and are large enough, transplant them into your vegetable garden bed or large container. Remove the smallest ones and only plant the healthiest largest one and the toilet paper container, it will biodegrade. If you purchase the eco-friendly seed starter-kit with 72 cells it will cost you $6+.
9. If you do not want to plant a vegetable garden in the ground or raised bed, then you can plant most vegetables in containers.
10. Check out the "Postings" on the right under "Vegetable Gardening" for more ideas on planting and caring for your vegetable garden.

If you live in a condo or apartment:

1. Plant your vegetable garden in containers. You can plant any vegetable except ones like Pumpkins, etc., vine running type. Cucumbers and other smaller vegetables that grow on vines can be grow up a trellis in the container. Purchase a watering can so you can water as needed. They will require more watering than if in the ground. Do not let them dry out.
2. Follow all the suggestions above.

Great Idea: I really love the idea below of making a rain gutter window-box for your salad veggies and herbs. Just attach it to your garage wall with good drainage holes, but make sure it is on a side that gets lots of sun light. It takes so little space. I am going to try this this year.





Fruit Trees:

1. Plant at least one fruit tree. If you do not have room in your yard you can plant a fruit tree in a large container. Place the tree where is will received good sun light. Water and fertilize as needed. In California you can grow citrus fruits, figs, plums, and apricots. Apples do not do as well because it does not get cold enough here in the winter. If you live in a condo or apartment you can put it on your patio, balcony or by your front or back door. The tree will not get huge, but will provide you with fruit. This also goes for those who live in a house and do not have enough more to plant the fruit tree in the yard. I am doing to try the container type this year.

Herb Garden: Try planting a herb garden too, better if raised. You can also grow them in a window-box or window ledge that gets lots of sun light. Fresh herbs are so great to cook with.

Note: In August we will have a class at church on canning, freezing and dehydrating your vegetables for long storage.

2) Weekly Assignment--Beans and Legumes: This week add dry beans to your Food Storage (We will work on storing legumes later this month):

Determine how many pounds of beans and legumes, combination of both, you will need for your family for 3 months to 1 year. Multiply the number of pounds per person by the number of people in your family. Decide on the amount you want to store for your family, 1 month 3 months, 6 months or a year's supply per person.

Beans (navy, pinto, kidney, black, lima, garbanzo, black-eyed peas, soybeans) and Legumes (split peas, lentils, etc)--------
60 pounds per person for a year
30 pounds per person for 6 months
15 pounds per person for 3 months
5 pounds per person for a month

Why store beans and legumes: Bean and legumes are an economical substitute for meat or other animal protein. The packaged beans and legumes, which are on the grocery shelf, are normally the highest grades. They are very economical, usual about a $1 for a one pound bag. You can purchase larger amount at Costco and Sam Club. Also the LDS Dry Pack Cannery has pinto beans in #10 cans for sale, and you can purchase large bags and put them in Mylar bags yourself. Very easy to store. Store a variety of beans and legumes. With rice they are a complete protein.

How to store: If you buy beans and legumes from the grocery store, before storing away, first put them in the freezer for 24 hours to get rid of any moths or their eggs and larva. Let them cool down to room tempature and then put them in a double zip lock plastic bag. Mark the date on the zip lock bag. I put my plastic bags in individual plastic box container, by type. They store for a long time, but best to rotate them when you purchase new beans and legumes. Older beans will need a longer soaking and cooking time. If they are in #10 cans or Mylar bags in plastic buckets, they will store for 20+ years, if stored correctly.

Where to Store: Read March's Ensign issued regarding great places to store your Food Storage. Store in a cool dry dark place.

If you do not currently cook with dry beans and legumes learn how to cook with them and keep a list of good recipes using beans and legumes with your Food Storage. They are great in homemade soups.

Emergency Family Medical Supplies (If you are working on this, add the follow this week):

1) Thermometer (for adult and infant/child)
2) 3 Triangular bandages (you can make your own from left over fabric, 36x36)
3) Antacids

Remember: Post your name and comment to have your name put into our March 25th FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing.

Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of February 26th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Congratulations to the Lawson Family! They won the February FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing. They won a Seychelle Filtration Water Bottle and a LED Solar Flashlight.

Congratulations! As a Ward we have become more prepared to take care of emergency medical situations. Thirty-eight Ward members attended the American Red Cross CPR, First-aid and Emergency Preparedness class on Saturday and became certified in CPR and First-aid. We really appreciate the four young women from the California Safe Core who volunteered their time to come and teach the American Red Cross classes. I also know we have other Ward members who were already CPR and First-aid Certified.

As we close February's goal, Medical Emergency Preparedness, I would like to encourage each person to continue to practice and review the things we learned yesterday and teach your families. You never known when you may save someone's life by knowing what to do when some is chocking, stopped breathing, is in shock, has a severe cut or broken bone, or has a head, neck or back injury. You knowledge and willingness to act may save someone's life and bless their family.

Our goal for March is Gardening/Fruit Trees, and Beans and Rice.

March 2012 Ensign: What a wonderful surprise when I opened my newly arrived March Ensgin yesterday to find not one, but two articles about Emergency Preparedness and Home Storage, page 18 ("Follow the Prophet") and page 62 ("Everyday Home Storage"). I encourage everyone to read it and share it with your family, friends and neighbors. Great ideas and stories about how their Food Storage helped them.

Temporal Assignements:

I. Add the following to your Emergency Family Medical Supplies:

1) Antiseptic/alcohol wipes (CVS, Rite-aid, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, etc)
2) Box or package of Latex gloves (CVS, Rite-aid, Walgreens, Target, Walmart)
3) Lighter or matches (to sterilize items like needles if no gas burner)
4) 2-3 old magazines or 4-6 paint sticks from the paint store (they make good splints for broken arms and legs)

Note: Because we got a late start this month I will continue these items into March.

You should have the following items in your Emergency Family Medical Supplies:

1. Different sizes of bandages, regular to extra large
2. Package of Sanitary Pads
3. Antibiotic cream
4. 2 Ace bandages
5. Sharp Scissors
6. 2 bottles of Peroxide
7. 2 bottles of Alcohol
8. Petroleum Jelly (1 large or 2 small)
9. Eye wash solutions
11. Two tweezers (1 regular, 1 small)
12. 2 bottles of Hand sanitizer
13. Antifungal ointment/cream
14. Pain relievers (non-asprin tyupe, acetaminophen, ibuprofen for both adults and children)
15. Asprin
16. Antiseptic/alcohol wipes (CVS, Rite-aid, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, etc)
17. Box or package of Latex gloves (CVS, Rite-aid, Walgreens, Target, Walmart)
18. Lighter or matches (to sterilize items like needles if no gas burner)
19. 2-3 Old magazines or 4-6 paint sticks from the paint store (they make good splints for broken arms and legs)
***Place all these items in a large plastic container marked Family Emergency Medical Supplies. Keep in a convenient place, like a closet. Make sure your family knows where it is and it is only used for emergencies.

II. Set up at least two home fire emergency escape plans. Place the escape plans on the back of each bedroom and family room door. Practice them with your family. Have family fire drills.

III. Teach your family what to do in an earthquake, flood, Tsunami. See the "Postings" on the right for information. Have family earthquake drills. Make your home earthquake safe.

IV. Set up a family escape plan if you have to evacuate your area and a place to meet if your family is separated. Also, each family member should have an out of state contact person to call and report where they are and how they are doing. See the"Posting" on the right for information.

Always be in tune with the Spirit, be aware of what is going on around you, be informed. Be aware of what is going on in your neigborhood, community, state, county and the world. Following the Spirit and knowing can protect you and your loved ones.

Remember: Post you name and comment for our FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing.

Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of February 19th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

I apologize for the delay this week, I have been ill with a very bad cold.

Story/Scriptures:

We all know the story of the Pharaoh's dream and Joseph's interpretation of it. If you do not remember it then read Genesis Chapter 41, share it with your family, friends and neighbors. I have been thinking about this story for the past few days and a warning I personal received from the Holy Ghost a couple of years ago. Let me share them by paraphrasing Joseph's interpretation of the Pharaoh's dream and my warning.

Joseph's interpretation of the dream was a warming to the Pharaoh and his people to store up grains while in the seven years of plenty to prepare for the seven years of famine. "And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, ..., and laid up the food in the cities:... And the seven years of dearth (famine) began to come, according to Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all the lands,...." (Genesis 41:48, 54) Many laughed at Joseph and did not heed his warning. When they were without food they came to Joseph to purchase his grains. What if there was not money to purchase the food? What would they have done?

A couple of years ago I had a dream and woke up startiled and set up in my bed. I was told time was short, something great was going to happen and I needed to be ready and warn my family. I needed to build up our year's food storage and emergency supplies, which had diminished some, to take care of our family. The feeling was so strong I could not get it out of my mind. I knew I need to warn others, but not sure how to go about it. I made a plan and started to build up our year's supply of food and emergency supplies. I also knew I needed to warn others. Then a year later I was called to be the Emergency Preparedness Leader for our Ward. The Lord had provided a way for me to warn others. Then I was inspired to set up this blog, another way to warn others and reach more than just our Ward.

Brothers and Sisters, I do not know what is coming, when it will come, but I know it is coming. We need to be doing all we can to prepare for very difficult times ahead. We need to change our priorities and use our money wisely. We already see the unrest in the world, strange weather and stronger storms, we hear about shortages of food and water, and how our own Consititution is struggling. We are in the "last days". What are we waiting for, when will we start preparing? Someday it is going to be too late! You may have the money to purchase the food, but there may be no food to purchase. There may be food to purchase, but you do not have enough money. What will it take for you start preparing? Just one can or package at a time is better than doing nothing. Make a plan and goals to accomplish your plan.

You may think I am crazy, and sometimes a little over the top, but I know the time will come when you will have wished you had listened to our Church Leaders and prepared!

American Red Cross CPR & First-aid Class: Just a reminder, this Saturday, February 25th, is our Ceritified CPR & First-aid class from 9am-3:30pm in the cultural hall. There will be a Pot-luck lunch, please bring a salad or dessert to serve 10 people. Sandwiches will be provided. We will have fruit and muffins at the morning 15 minute break. Please be prompt! See you there.

Weekly Temporal Assignment--Emergency Family Medical Supplies:

Please add the follwing this week:

1) 2 bottles of Hand sanitizer
2) Antifungal ointment/cream (tube)
3) Pain relievers (non-asprin type, acetaminophen, ibuprofen for both adults and children, if in your family)
4) Asprin

# 1,2, & 3 you can purchase at the 99 Cent Store or Dollar Tree, but watch the expiration dates.

You should have the following items now:

1. Different sizes of bandages, regular to extra large
2. Package of Sanitary Pads
3. Antibiotic cream
4. 2 Ace bandages
5. Sharp Scissors
6. 2 bottles of Peroxide
7. 2 bottles of Alcohol
8. Petroleum Jelly (1 large or 2 small)
9. Eye wash solutions 10. Two tweezers (1 regular, 1 small)
10. 2 bottles of Hand sanitizer
11. Antifungal ointment/cream
12. Pain relievers (non-asprin tyupe, acetaminophen, ibuprofen for both adults and children)
13. Asprin
***Place all these items in a large plastic container marked Family Emergency Medical Supplies. Keep in a convenient place, like a closet. Make sure your family knows where it is and it is only used for emergencies.

Food Storage Ideas:

EmergencyEssentials.com website has a list of "14 great tips for Food Storage shopping". Cut and paste the link below on Google and read them. Print out for future use.

http://beprepared.com/article.asp?ai=1256&sid=ppblog

Costco is having a great online sale for Food Storage items. You have to belong to Costco to purchase the items. They are offering items from Shelf-Reliance-Thrive and Food for Health.

Here is the link to cut and paste on Google: http://us.mg5.mail.yahoo.com/neo/launch?.rand=2u1v2shetrbg8

1) Food For Health Emergency Garden Seeds: $42.99, save $7. 5 year shelf life. Enough seeds to plant an acre of vegetables. These are great to have in your Food Storage. You never know when you may not be able to purchase seeds.
2) Food For Health 275 serivings of Vegetarian Meals: $99.99. 20 year shelf life. Come in mylar pouches in a bucket. At the Food For Health International website it is over $150.
3) Shelf-Reliance-Thrive 270 servings of Vegetable Variety Pack Emergency Food Kit: $79.99. 20 year shelf life. One of each #10 can-Corn, Chopped Onions, Broccoli Pieces, Carrots Diced, and Potato Chunks.
4) Shelf-Reliance-Thrive Premium Cheese Pack: $169.99. Save $30. 6 #10 cans of different types of cheese. 20 year shelf life.
5) Shelf-Reliance-Thrive Premium Meat Variety Pack: $159.99, save $40. 6 #10 cans fo different types of meat. 20 year shelf life.

Remember: Post you name and comment for our February 26th Monthly FREE Giveway Drawing to be held next week.

Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of February 12th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Quote

"For if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things; For if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you." Doctrine and Covenants 78:6-7

What powerful scriptures! How can we expect to obtain celestial blessings if we are not striving to live a celestial life in this life? Are we following our Prophet, apostles and church leaders? Are we striving to be prepared both spiritually and temporally? Are we expecting others to take care of us when times get tough, or will we be able to take care of ourselves and help others? We are commanded to be prepared both spiritually and temporally. That is what this blog is all about, helping our Ward members, family and friends become as prepared as they possibly can.

February is our month to work on our medical emergency preparations. We are working on putting together a Family Emergency Medical Supply Kit, learning and becoming certified in CPR and First-aid, and setting up an emergency escape plan for our home and family for fires, tsunamis, earthquakes and emergency evacuations.

Last Sunday, February 12th, to sign up for the American Red Cross CPR & First-aid classes. This month we are having a CPR and First-aid class sponsored by the American Red Cross on Saturday the 25th from 9:00am-3:30pm. We will have a Pot-luck Salads and Deserts Lunch with sandwiches provided. You must sign up for this class by Sunday, February 12th to participate. Please contact Sister Nancy Cuppett by email (theark.carsonward@gmail.com or phone 310-835-0902). Please, only our Ward members can attend the class.

Weekly Assignment: Family Emergency Medical Supply Kit

This week add the following (Most of these you can purchase at the 99 Cent Store or the Dollar Tree):

1) 2 bottles of Hydrogen peroxide
2) 2 bottles of Alcohol (70%+ by volume)
3) Petroleum Jelly (1 large or 2 small)
4) Eye wash solution (CVS, Walgreens, Rite-aid, etc)
5) Two tweezers (1 regular size, 1 small)

You should have the following items now:

1. Different sizes of bandages, regular to extra large
2. Package of Sanitary Pads
3. Antibiotic cream
4. 2 Ace bandages
5. Sharp Scissors
6. 2 bottles of Peroxide
7. 2 bottles of Alcohol
8. Petroleum Jelly (1 large or 2 small)
9. Eye wash solutions
10. Two tweezers (1 regular, 1 small)
***Place all these items in a large plastic container marked Family Emergency Medical Supplies. Keep in a convenient place, like a closet. Make sure your family knows where it is and it is only used for emergencies.

Food Storage: Continue to add items to your 3 Months Food Supply. Keep an inventory of the items you purchase and their expiration dates. Check your inventory list at least every 3 months. Rotate those items that need used before the expiration date and replace with new one.

Food Storage Ideas:

Metal Food Storage Racks: These are expensive ($300-$900), come in different sizes, take up a lot of room, but a great way to store your #10 cans and regular cans of food. They are usually on a slant so when you remove the front item everything rolls forward leaving room in the back for new items, which makes it easy to rotate your cans. You can also purchase flat ones that you can store items on. My daughter has several of these and loves them. She was able to get a good price by purchasing hers from someone that was moving and did not want to take them with them. It is best to Google the item to get the best deals. I know Shelf-reliance sells them. Watch for a good sale!

Rememeber: Post your name and comment for the February FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing!

Weekly Assignment and Food Storage Ideas (Week of February 5th)

Hi Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,

Congratulations to Layne Silva! She won January's "FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing". She won a Butane One Burner Stove with two cans of Butane fuel. Everyone should have one of these and extra fuel for emergency cooking. You can use them in your home and they work great for cooking in an emergency situation, or even camping. You can purchase them for about $12-$15 and the fuel for about $1.50 per can at Marukai in Gardena or on Sepulveda in Torrance (across the street from Toys R Us).

Wow! February is already here! A new month and new goals to focus on. February is our CPR, First-aid and Emergency Preparedness theme.

This month we are having a CPR and First-aid class sponsored by the American Red Cross on Saturday the 25th from 9:00am-3:30pm. We will have a Pot-luck Salads and Deserts Lunch with sandwiches provided. You must sign up for this class by Sunday, February 12th to participate. Please contact Sister Nancy Cuppett by email (theark.carsonward@gmail.com or phone 310-835-0902). Please, only our Ward members can attend the class.

Weekly Assignment:

1) Please purchase an updated First-aid book if yours is too old or if you do not already have one. Keep the book either with your First-aid kit or with your Family Emergency Medical Supply Kit. You should have one for your home and one for your car. We will be working on the Family Emergency Medical Supply Kit this month too.

2) Family Emergency Medical Supply Kit (this week add the following or replace as needed):

1. Different sizes of bandages, regular to extra large (CVS, Walgreens, WalMart, Target, etc.)
2. Package of Sanitary Pads (great absorbers for a large wound or when there is a lot of blood)
3. Antibiotic cream (99 Cent Store, Dollar Tree, drug stores, what the expiration date)
4. 2 Ace bandages (99 Cent Store, Dollar Tree, CVS, Walgreens, WalMart, Target, etc.)
5. Sharp Scissors

Place all these items in a large plastic container marked Family Emergency Medical Supplies. Keep in a convenient place, like a closet. Make sure your family knows where it is and it is only used for emergencies.

Food Storage:

The week purchase items for your 3 Months Food Storage. Replace any items that need rotated.

Food Storage Idea:

When you store prescription drugs, vitamins and supplements they need to be keep in a dark bottle and stored in a dark dry cool place.

Remember: Put your name and comment for our February FREE Monthly Giveaway Drawing.