Emergency Preparedness, Food Storage and Monthly Assignments (Week of February 21st)

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

I get it!

All we need in our hectic busy lives is one more thing to add to it or worry about. With family responsibilities, home responsibilities, work responsibilities, church responsibilities and all the other things going on you want me to work on emergency preparedness and food and water storage? I have no time!

Just like our family, home, work and church callings we can make emergency preparedness a part of our daily lives without feeling so overwhelmed with the challenge. "You are free to choose, and are permitted to act (or not act), but you are not free to choose the consequences" ("Running Your Marathon", Joseph B. Wirthlin, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, General Conference October 1989).

Russell M. Ballard (Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) stated, "Although the prophecies tell us that these things are to take place, more and more people are expressing great alarm at what appears to be an acceleration of worldwide calamity . . . .
Admittedly we have ample reason to be deeply concerned because we see no immediate answers to the seemingly unsolvable problems confronting the human family. . . .

. . . The Lord is in control. He knows the end from the beginning. He has given us adequate instruction that, if followed, will see us safely through any crisis. . . .  Therefore, today we must be careful not to overreact, nor should we be caught up in extreme preparations; but we must keep the commandments of God and never lose hope!" (Ensign, November 1992, 31-32, "The Joy of Hope Fulfilled")
 
None of us really knows how we will handle a natural or man-made disaster until it is upon us. Yes, we can learn from others experiences and strive to be as prepared as possible, hope and pray we will be inspired and follow the promptings from the Holy Ghost, stay calm and act not react to the situation. We need to be aware of and know how to prepare for the types of disaster where we live or visit.

Our General Authorities (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) have admonished us for generations to be prepared both temporally and spiritually. A few years ago they started admonishing us to work towards a 3-Months emergency supply of canned and packaged foods, water and emergency supplies, but still emphasize we should have a years supply of the basic food storage (wheat, flour, sugar, honey, oats, rice and beans).


 Yesterday one of our daughters called, after organizing their food storage, and told us they were amazed at how much food storage they now have by purchasing extra cans and packages of food each time they went grocery shopping. It does not take long to build up your 1-Month, 2-Month, 3-Month supply. The important thing is to start and gradually add items your family will eat, do not go into debt trying to prepare.



 
Spiritual Preparation 

On Sunday, February 14, 2016, we had a USA West Coast Stake Conference Broadcast from Salt Lake City, Utah USA. We were blessed to hear some amazing wonderful uplifting spiritual talks. Elder James J. Hamula, of the Seventies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke to us. He made these statements, paraphrased--"We live in perilous times before the coming of Jesus Christ. The whole earth is in commotion. There is world conflict, there is fear and anxiety in families and neighborhoods. Fear not! Be not afraid, only believe. Jesus said, 'let not your heart be troubled'. How do we do this--1) Keep our eyes fixed on the Lord.  2) Trust the Lord and His power of deliverance. He left a comforter, the Holy Ghost, to guide us.  3) Stand with the Lord's church and His leaders. Be strong and fear not! The church is a defense and refuge from the latter storms. The Lord is our refuge. We need to build our lives on the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to hold onto the rock, the sure foundation. We need to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord. No need to fear of the world events."

Yes, we need to be both spiritually and temporally prepared.  It cannot be done overnight, in a week or a month. It takes making a plan, starting and not procrastinating, time and enduring to the end. We can be better prepared and feel the peace that comes from  being spiritually and temporally prepared!

February Monthly Assignments

Food Storage . . .

               Soups, Stews and Chili

 

This month we will be adding soups, stews and chili to our food storage. To determine how much to store for your family keep track for 2-4 weeks of how much of these products your family eats. Most families eat the same thing within a 2 week period. Then multiply that number by the number of months you have set your food storage goal, 1-Month, 2-Months, 3-Months, 6-Months, a year and work towards your goal. If you make your own soups, stews and chili figure out how many cans it would take to replace your home made soups, stews and chili.  Only store the types of soups, stews and chili your family will eat.Try different varieties to see which ones your family likes.

Remember to store all canned foods in a cool, dry, dark place. Below 70 degrees if possible. The cooler the place the longer your food will last. Most canned soups, stews and chili will keep about 2-3 years. You can keep it longer as long as the can is not dented or bubbled on top, it loses it's nutritional value the older the canned foods become.

Emergency Preparedness . . . 

                       Water, Water, Water 

Water is our the most precious item to store. You can live without food for about 30-40 days but you only live without water for 2-3 days. 

You should store at least 1 gallon per person per day, more if you plan to use it for medical needs, bathing or washing dishes. Preferably store paper products to use during an emergency so you do not have to use our precious drinking water. If you need to bath, only do sponge baths, use as little of your drinking and cooking water as possible. If you store dehydrated/freeze dried foods you will need to store more water. 

You should have a good water filtration system if the water is contaminated.  See under "Postings" on the right, "Water Storage and Water Barrels" for ideas.

We are continually reminded of how vulnerable our water is by the news stories we hear about how a communities drinking water supply has been contaminated. It can happen at any time.  

To learn all about storing water click on the link under "Postings" on the right, "Water Storage and Water Barrels".

Emergency Preparedness Ideas 

4FEMA Text Alerts . . . They may help save your life

FEMA's text message program can be used in two ways: 

• To receive regular safety tips for specific disaster types.

• To search for open shelters and open disaster recovery centers. 

All FEMA test messages are sent from their dedicated recovery centers. 

Standard message and data rates apply for any messages you receive from them.
Their test message program is not a substitute for 9-1-1.
During an emergency, call your local fire/EMS/police or 9-1-1.

Below is a list of all the disaster specific keywords you can sign up to receive bi-monthly safety tips for:

•  Hurricanes: text HURRICANE to 43362 (4FEMA)
•  Home fires: text FIRES to 43362 (4FEMA)
• Wildfires: text WILDFIRES to 43362 (4FEMA)
• Tornadoes: text TORNADOES to 43362 (4FEMA)
• Earthquakes: text  EARTHQUAKE to 43362 (4FEMA)
• Winter storms and extreme cold: text  WINTER to 43362 (4FEMA)
• Power outages: text  BLACKOUT to 43362 (4FEMA)
• Floods: text  FLOOD to 43362 (4FEMA)
• General monthly safety tips: text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA)
• To search for open shelters: text SHELTERS and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA)
• To search for open Disaster Recovery Centers: text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA) Searching for Disaster Recovery Centers will not add you to the list. It is a search for an open Center. 

For more information visit: hhtps://www.fema.gov/text-messages 

Comments and Questions: Please share your comments and questions below. Remember, we all learn from each others experiences and knowledge. You can also send them to me at theark.carsonward@gmail.com. Thank you for sharing. 

Emergency Preparedness, Food Storage and Monthly Assignments (Week of January 31st)

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

PROCRASTINATION . . . 
                                           Not a good thing!

 
What does it take for you to be prepared for whatever may come your way? 

What does it take for you to realize you cannot live of borrowed light?

What does it take for you to start now?

Procrastination is over!

Does it take a natural disaster like a blizzard, a tornado, an earthquake, a flood, water contamination, a drought? Does it take an event like one of these to make us realized we need to be prepared now, not tomorrow when the storm is upon us, but now? What does it take before you realize you need to start now to prepare for future events in your life, your family's life? 

Just in the past few weeks in the United States Flint, Michigan USA main water supply was heavily contaminated with lead causing the drinking water undrinkable; Missouri USA received major rain causing rising waters along the Mississippi River USA which caused wide spread flooding; tornadoes hit the South USA causing major damages; a massive gas leak in Porter Ranch, California USA is effecting the residence health and has caused many to relocate; the Eastern Coast USA had a record blizzard shutting down roadways, highways, government buildings and causing an issued shelter-in-place for 3 days by local authorities and an order to stay off the streets. Even the snow plows could not get through in some areas. 






People in New York, Washington D.C and other surrounding states and communities were rushing to grocery stores for food and water and their local hardware stores for candles, flashlights and batteries. How many times do we see these event unfolding before our eyes on television news channels?  How often do we hear people on the news upset the local and federal government they are not doing enough to solve the crisis problem?  

How many warnings do we need? I know, "it will never happen where I live", "I have plenty of time to prepare", "I am to busy". That's what everyone in these towns and states thought too. How many times do we say, "I'll do it tomorrow or next week", "I'm to busy", "Now is not a good time". When is it a good time? There never is really a good time, we need to start now, no more procrastination!
 
How much easier it would be if we all kept canned foods, bottled water and emergency supplies on hand all the time! Not having to run out to the grocery store or hardware store, fighting the crowds and finding shelves empty when a major storm or event is about to hit us. Why keep enough food and water supplies for 1-3 months and emergency supplies on hand ahead of time? Why not? It will make life so much easier!

It is not our local or federal governments job to bail us out if a natural disaster hits us, it is ours first to be prepared enough to take care of our own family. Could you shelter-in-place for several days if you were told too? You never know when it will happen. But you can be prepared for when it does. 

New February Monthly Assignments

Food Storage . . .

               Soups, Stews and Chili

 

This month we will be adding soups, stews and chili to our food storage. To determine how much to store for your family keep track for 2-4 weeks of how much of these products your family eats. Most families eat the same thing within a 2 week period. Then multiply that number by the number of months you have set your food storage goal, 1-Month, 2-Months, 3-Months, 6-Months, a year and work towards your goal. If you make your own soups, stews and chili figure out how many cans it would take to replace your home made soups, stews and chili.  Only store the types of soups, stews and chili your family will eat.Try different varieties to see which ones your family likes.

Remember to store all canned foods in a cool, dry, dark place. Below 70 degrees if possible. The cooler the place the longer your food will last. Most canned soups, stews and chili will keep about 2-3 years. You can keep it longer as long as the can is not dented or bubbled on top, it loses it's nutritional value the older the canned foods become.

Emergency Preparedness . . . 

                       Water, Water, Water 

Water is our the most precious item to store. You can live without food for about 30-40 days but you only live without water for 2-3 days. 

You should store at least 1 gallon per person per day, more if you plan to use it for medical needs, bathing or washing dishes. Preferably store paper products to use during an emergency so you do not have to use our precious drinking water. If you need to bath, only do sponge baths, use as little of your drinking and cooking water as possible. If you store dehydrated/freeze dried foods you will need to store more water. 

You should have a good water filtration system if the water is contaminated.  See under "Postings" on the right, "Water Storage and Water Barrels" for ideas.

We are continually reminded of how vulnerable our water is by the news stories we hear about how a communities drinking water supply has been contaminated. It can happen at any time.  

To learn all about storing water click on the link under "Postings" on the right, "Water Storage and Water Barrels".

Emergency Preparedness Ideas  

Great idea . . . Easy way to grow from tomato seedlings
                                  using over ripened tomatoes

Watch this video. I am going to try this.

Warning!!! 

If you are trapped in your car in a blizzard or snow storm like the folks on the East Coast USA 2016, do not leave your car running with the windows up. The tail pipe may be blocked and you and your passengers will die from carbon monoxide poisoning.  First, try to clear the tail pipe from the snow. Then crack your windows and only run the car for 10 minutes every hour.

Great article from Emergency Essentials regarding what we can learn from the January 2016 East Coast blizzard . . .

Click on the link . . . "What We Learned, ..."

What every car should have in it at all times . . .

1) Emergency Car Kit  (click on the link or go to under "Postings" on the right.)
2) First-aid Kit
3) Drinking water and some food (snack) items
4) Blankets for each family member
5) Always keep a full tank of gas if you know a storm is coming and you could get trapped. We never let our gas tank get below half a tank just in case we have to evacuate.
6) Winter time: Cat liter and a small fold up shovel--If you put the cat liter behind the wheel that is stuck in the snow it will help give you traction to back out. Watch the video below.
7) If you have children keep some activity books, reading books and card games in your car.




Comments and Questions: Please share your comments below. We can all learn from each others experiences and knowledge. If you have a question please share it below or email me at theark.carsonward@gmail.com. I will answer it on my next posting or email you. Thank you for your comments. 

Emergency Preparedness, Food Storage and Monthly Assignments (Week of January 17th)

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

Devastation and
         Valuable Lessons Learned . . . .

News soon traveled about the devastation the Joplin, Missouri USA tornado had caused.  On May 22, 2011 Joplin, Missouri USA was hit by a category EF5 tornado. The warning sirens had not gone off as early as usually because the tornado was wrapped in heavy rain. Once the National Weather Service realized the threatening tornado the sirens went off. Some only had a few minutes, a few seconds to take cover. The high school graduation had just finished and family and students were on their way home. Churches in the area were in meetings, local town residence were out shopping and about their daily activities. The tornado cut a six-mile path thought the center of town, wrecking and destroying churches, schools, businesses, apartment buildings, complexes and homes. An estimated 8,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed, street signs and other landmarks vanished, rendering Joplin unrecognizable to residence who had spent their lives there. Joplin High School was flattened, St. John's Regional Medical Center's (hospital) 9 story building took a direct hit. Nursing homes were destroyed with 15 elderly residents missing. Phone services were down, downed powder lines blocked roads, burning gas leaks were every where causing the air to fill with gas fumes,  cars, trucks and trolleys were tossed and flung around like pieces of paper, splintered trees stood once where entire neighborhoods once stood, survives walked around dazed. It was the deadliest tornado in the United States since 1953 and the second worst tornado in a month.

Our daughter, who lives near by, said it looked like a war zone, as though a bomb had been dropped!

Once the tornado passed residence and rescue teams searched for survivors and the dead.  Hundreds were misses and many more were injured and confused. 120+ had lost their lives. It would take months, years to rebuild, some places as of today are still not rebuilt.

Many stories came out of the devastation--

700+ church members from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) came from Arkansas USA the following weekend to help with the clean up and help those in need, and many from all around Joplin, Missouri USA and other states. One Bishop's garage was stuffed full of clothing and all sorts to things to help those in need. Volunteers and medical personal also came from all over to help. The Red Cross and FEMA were there to help too.

One man shares his story--We were having a planning meeting at the church, the church started to shake and we heard the siren. At first we thought we should go into the large bathroom, but the spirit told me to take everyone (7 women, 1 child and myself)  into the smaller bathroom. We rushed to the bathroom, putting the child on the bottom, the women on top of her and myself on top of them. We could hear the building being torn apart. Once the tornado was over we could see all that was left was the bathroom we were in and one walls with the tithing envelopes still in the tithing rack.

From our daughter--The family was headed home from church along with many others. The high school was in the progress of their high school graduation. Knowing some of the youth graduating our daughter decided to leave church a little early to attend the graduation sending her husband and 4 children home out side of Joplin. During the graduation she felt a very strong prompting to leave the graduation and head for home. Ignoring it she felt the prompting again but stronger, leave and go home. As she stepped through the outside door she could see the sky was not looking good. The warning siren had not gone off yet. She got into her car and headed home. The winds picked up, hail the size of gold balls started hitting her windshield, she new a tornado was on the way. She search for a place to pull over. Struggling to open the door she took cover in a bakery with others. She soon learned once the tornado had past Joplin had been hit hard. She called her husband to see if they were alright, their 17 year old son had stayed in Joplin to help their Ward (church) missionaries.  He was missing and no one knew where he was. He was found several hours later helping others.

That night after the tornado many church groups and volunteers and others met together to make plans on how to help the residents of Joplin, Missouri USA. Many meet by lanterns and candle light since the electricity was down in many areas. Food, clothing, bedding and other items were gathered to help the needy. Many donated their food storage and emergency supplies to help those effected by the tornado.

Many had lost everything, some lost family members. But the people of Joplin, Missouri USA were not going to let this get them down. They would clean up, rebuild and start over.

Valuable Lessons Learned . . .

1) Always stay close to, listen to and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost (Spirit).
2) Have a family emergency plan for the types of natural disaster in your area.
3) Have an out of state contact person to report where you are and how you are doing.
4) Have a place for family members to meet if separated.
5) Always have emergency supplies on had, lighting, heating, shelter, cooking equipment, etc. Yes, it can all be taken away or destroyed, but you are being obedient and the Lord will bless you. You can also help your neighbors in need.
6) Always have extra food and water stored. Yes, once again, it can be taken or destroyed, but you can also help others if yours survives the disaster.
7) Have emergency medical supplies on hand to help you and your neighbors.
8) Know basic first-aid and CPR.
9) Know how to turn off the gas if there is a leak and you smell gas, and other utilities as needed.
10) Follow the instructions of your local leaders and turn on your radio for updated information.

Be Prepared, Be Aware, Be Safe, Stay Calm!

January Monthly Assignments

Food Storage . . . Oils and Fats

This month we are adding oils and fats to our food storage (Olive Oil, Vegetable Oil, Corn Oil, Sunflower Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil, Spray Oils, Shortening, Butter/Margarine, etc.).  Make a list of the types of oils and fats you use and how much of each within a month. Then multiply that by the number of months you have set your food storage goal (1-Month, 3-Months, 6-Months, a year).

How to store: In commercial bottles (plastic and glass), dehydrated 2.5 and #10 cans, frozen.  Check out emergencyessentials.com and other food storage companies for dehydrated products.

Storage: Keep in dry, cool, dark place. In your pantry, under the bed, in closets and cupboards.

Shelf life: Most oils only keep one year. Butter/Margarine you can freeze for 1-2 years.

Remember: The key to all food storage is rotation, rotation, rotation.

Emergency Preparedness . . .

Family Plans 

Each individual and family should have family emergency plans in place and practice them often, especially when you have children in your family. A new year gives us an opportunity to make, review and adjust family emergency plans. Family emergency plans consist of fire, earthquake, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis,  flooding, terrorists attacks, civil unrest, sheltering in place, chemical spills, evacuations, food storage and emergency supplies, etc.

Fire escape plans: Each family should have a fire escape plan in effect and practice it often. Teach your family about fire safety and what to do if a fire breaks out in your home, where to meet outside and to never, never, never go back inside to help someone get out or get a family heirloom. Assign a family member to use their cell phone or go to a neighbor and call 911 immediately.





Natural disasters plan: Earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, mudslides, wildfires, etc.. Each family needs a plan to handle the types of natural disaster you have in your area. Review them and practice them often with your family. The more you practice the better you will be prepared and know how to act quickly and calmly.       


Terrorist attack plan: First, stay calm and put your family plan into action. How prepared are you for something like this? Do you know what to do and where to go? Are you prepared to shelter-in-place if needed? Do you have extra food, water, emergency and medical supplies on hand? Make a plan for your family so they know what to do and where to go. Have an out of state contact person to let them know you are alright and where your family members are located.

Civil unrest and rioting plan: Stay calm! Do you know what to do if this happened in your city? Be prepared to shelter-in-place. Be prepared with extra food, water, emergency and medical supplies on hand. Have an out of state contact person to call to let them know you are alright and where your family members are located.

Shelter in place plan: Does you family have a shelter in place plan? What if you had to stay in your home for several hours, days, weeks due to a chemical spill, pandemic, down power lines, civil unrest, rioting, terrorist attack? Would you know what to do? Would you have enough supplies on hand to shelter in place for awhile, food storage, water, a way to cover windows and doors, a battery operated radio, have a room assigned to shelter in place in, etc.?

Evacuation plan: Do you have an evacuation plan in place for your family? Do they know what to do and where to go if you are separated or during work and school hours? Have several evacuation plans for different types of disasters and evacuations, routes in place. Practice them often.

 Food and water storage plan: Do you have extra food and water storage on hand? People say it will never happen, empty grocery shelves. Did you know that grocery stores only have enough food in their back storage area for about 2 weeks. If there was a civil unrest and a natural disaster they can be emptied in seconds. Have extra food and water will bring peace of mind and safety.   

 

Be Prepared and Not Be Sacred!
 

Emergency Preparedness Ideas

Disaster preparation for those with special needs . . .

Do you or a family member---

• Have a permanent or temporary disability?
• Need help to get out of your home safely during a disaster?
• Need assistance to travel to an emergency evacuation center?
• Need extra help taking care of yourself, or a family member, in your home or an evacuation center?
• Need extra help because of your, or a family member, disability to care for yourself, or family member, alone for several days?
• Need assistive equipment that uses electricity?

 

Did you know that some counties USA have a registry for those with special needs and  may need assistance after a natural or man-made disaster?  If you are in need of assistance and live in the Los Angeles County you can register for SNAP (Specific Needs Awareness Planning) by going to http://snap.lacounty.gov/.  If you live in another county or another part of the United States check with your local county to see if  they have a similar program. It could save your , or someone else, life!

Comments and Questions: Please share your comment below. We all learn from each others knowledge and experiences. If you have a question I will try to answer it on the next blog posting or you can email me at theark.carsonward@gmail.com. Thank you for your comments and questions.

Next posting: January 31st, New February Monthly Assignments

Emergency Preparedness, Food Storage and Monthly Assignments (Week of January 3, 2016)

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

May your new year be filled with much joy, harmony, family memories, peace of mind and spirit and being better prepared for what may come your way this new year. 

This year, as previous years, we will work on adding to our temporal (food storage, emergency preparedness items, physical preparedness and financial preparedness) and spiritual preparation. With all the troubling times in our world today we need to be better prepared than currently.

Please watch this amazing video presentation by Aaron Jones, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland, "Safety For The Soul". You may not believe in the Book of Mormon, but the Bible also warns us to be prepared and stay close to the Spirit. Even with all the turmoil going on around us we can find peace of mind and spirit. I know from the scriptures the turmoil is not going to get better but worse. I also know if we are close to the Spirit we can and will find peace in the turmoil around us.


 


New or old blog viewer. . .

First, thank you so much for viewing our blog over the years. If you have been viewing our blog for a long time or are a new blog viewer we are excited to help you be better prepared and find peace with all the turmoil around us. Starting this year I will post twice a month instead of weekly, the first week and the third week. The first week I will post our new monthly assignments and the third week it will be reminder of what we are working on for the month.  Coding issue: The coding issue has finally been fixed. Now if you subscribe to this blog your email will show the blog name. Thank you for your patience.

 

The Ark 2016 Food Storage 

and Emergency Preparedness Goals 

It is a new year which means new resolutions and goals, both personal, family and, I hope, emergency preparedness. I hope that you will sit down either by yourself or with family and friends and inventory and plan what items your family would need to survive a natural disaster, terrorist attack, civil unrest, health and financial disaster or what ever may come your way. As I always say, "I would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. You never know what may happen in the future, but you can be ready for it the best you can. 

The Ark 2016 Food Storage/Emergency Preparedness Goals:

January--Oils and Fats/Family Plans (Fire, Earthquake, Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Flooding, Food Storage, Evacuation)

February--Soups, Stews and Chili/Water Storage

March--Honey/Emergency Electrical and Heating

April--Beans, Lentils and Rice/Emergency Cooking

May--Vitamins and Supplements/Emergency Preparedness for Seniors and Children

June--Grains/Emergency Shelter

July--Vegetables/Emergency Sanitation

August--Drinks/Physical and Mental Preparedness

September--Fruits/First-aid and CPR

October--Pastas/Spiritual Preparedness

November--Meats, Chicken, Fish/72 Hour Individual Emergency Backpacks/Family Bag

December--Dairy/Family Emergency Preparedness Medical Kit

January Monthly Assignments

Food Storage . . . Oils and Fats

This month we are adding oils and fats to our food storage (Olive Oil, Vegetable Oil, Corn Oil, Sunflower Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil, Spray Oils, Shortening, Butter/Margarine, etc.).  Make a list of the types of oils and fats you use and how much of each within a month. Then multiply that by the number of months you have set your food storage goal (1-Month, 3-Months, 6-Months, a year).

How to store: In commercial bottles (plastic and glass), dehydrated 2.5 and #10 cans, frozen.  Check out emergencyessentials.com and other food storage companies for dehydrated products.

Storage: Keep in dry, cool, dark place. In your pantry, under the bed, in closets and cupboards.

Shelf life: Most oils only keep one year. Butter/Margarine you can freeze for 1-2 years. 

Remember: The key to all food storage is rotation, rotation, rotation.

Emergency Preparedness . . .

                                    Family Plans 

Each individual and family should have family emergency plans in place and practice them often, especially when you have children in your family. A new year gives us an opportunity to make, review and adjust family emergency plans. Family emergency plans consist of fire, earthquake, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis,  flooding, terrorists attacks, civil unrest, sheltering in place, chemical spills, evacuations, food storage and emergency supplies, etc.

Fire escape plans: Each family should have a fire escape plan in effect and practice it often. Teach your family about fire safety and what to do if a fire breaks out in your home, where to meet outside and to never, never, never go back inside to help someone get out or get a family heirloom. Assign a family member to use their cell phone or go to a neighbor and call 911 immediately.



 Natural disasters plan: Earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, mudslides, wildfires, etc.. Each family needs a plan to handle the types of natural disaster you have in your area. Review them and practice them often with your family. The more you practice the better you will be prepared and know how to act quickly and calmly.       



Terrorist attack plan: First, stay calm and put your family plan into action. How prepared are you for something like this? Do you know what to do and where to go? Are you prepared to shelter-in-place if needed? Do you have extra food, water, emergency and medical supplies on hand? Make a plan for your family so they know what to do and where to go. Have an out of state contact person to let them know you are alright and where your family members are located.

Civil unrest and rioting plan: Stay calm! Do you know what to do if this happened in your city? Be prepared to shelter-in-place. Be prepared with extra food, water, emergency and medical supplies on hand. Have an out of state contact person to call to let them know you are alright and where your family members are located.

Shelter in place plan: Does you family have a shelter in place plan? What if you had to stay in your home for several hours, days, weeks due to a chemical spill, pandemic, down power lines, civil unrest, rioting, terrorist attack? Would you know what to do? Would you have enough supplies on hand to shelter in place for awhile, food storage, water, a way to cover windows and doors, a battery operated radio, have a room assigned to shelter in place in, etc.?

Evacuation plan: Do you have an evacuation plan in place for your family? Do they know what to do and where to go if you are separated or during work and school hours? Have several evacuation plans for different types of disasters and evaucations, routes in place. Practice them often.

 Food and water storage plan: Do you have extra food and water storage on hand? People say it will never happen, empty grocery shelves. Did you know that grocery stores only have enough food in their back storage area for about 2 weeks. If there was a civil unrest and a natural disaster they can be emptied in seconds. Have extra food and water will bring peace of mind and safety.   

 

Be Prepared and Not Be Sacred!

Emergency Preparedness Ideas

Tips for helping children cope during a disaster--click here.

For great ideas on emergency preparedness check out the list under "Postings" on the right.

Comments and Questions: Please share your comments and questions below. Remember, we all learn from each others experiences and knowledge. Thank you for your comments and questions. I will answer your questions in my next blog posting. Or, you can email them to me at "theark.carsonward@gmail.com".

Emergency Preparedness, Food Storage and Monthly Assignments (Week of December 20th)

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

We hope your Christmas, and other holidays, is a memorable one spent with family and loved ones. May we each take time from our busy schedules, Christmas shopping and parties to reflect on the birth of our dear Savior, Jesus Christ. May you find an enter peace the coming year through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please listen to this beautiful Christmas hymn, it will touch your mind, heart and spirit. Merry Christmas!

 

 

December Monthly Assignments

 

Food Storage . . . Baking Items 

December (and November) is a great month to stock up with baking supplies like flour, sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, honey, baking powder, baking soda, salt, yeast, cornstarch and extracts. While you are picking up your holiday baking supplies buy some extras for your food storage. You can also purchase packaged cake mixes, brownie mixes, etc. Since we already worked on dairy and eggs in July and spices in August, we will concentrate on the items listed above. You can also add canned fruits if you desire.  Remember to store all food items in a cool, dry, dark place. You can store the products in their original commercial package or purchase dehydrated 2.5 or #10 cans from long term food storage from companies like emergencyessentials.com, etc. 

Shelf life of commercially packaged baking supplies in their original packaging and long term in 2.5 or #10 dehydrated/freeze dried cans--

Flour: 1 year. 10 years in #10 dehydrated cans for longer storage.

Granulated Sugar: Indefinitely in original commercial package. It will become hard, but you can break it up.

Brown Sugar: Indefinitely in original commercial package. Same as granulated sugar. It will become hard but you can break it up. 

Powdered Sugar: Indefinitely in original commercial package.  

Honey: Indefinitely. Only store in glass or plastic bottles. Goes bad in metal/tin cans. 

Pumpkin and Canned Fruits: 2-5 years in their commercial cans if stored in a cool, dry dark place. In 2.5 or #10 freeze dried cans 20-30 years. (emergencyessentials.com)

Baking Soda and Baking Powder:  They tend to have a short shelf life 9-12 months. I have kept mine longer. You can also purchase them for a longer shelf life in 2.5 or #10 cans from long term food storage companies like emergencyessentials.com. Click here to learn how to test your baking soda and baking powder if it is still good to use. 

Salt: Indefinitely in original commercial package. We only use sea salt. It can get clumpy, just shake to loosen up. 

Cornstarch: 18 months in original container. Some say indefinitely if kept dry and free from contaminants. 2.5 and #10 cans indefinitely (20-30 years) 

Yeast: It depends on how it is stored. Red Star or Fleischmann's yeast in the packages or jars will store for 2 years. If you purchase the yeast from a long term food storage company like emergencyessentials.com it will last for 5 years in your freezer.

Extracts: Store in original bottles. Pure vanilla extract will store indefinitely. Imitation vanilla extract will only store for 2-4 years. Flavored extracts (almond, peppermint, etc.) will only store for 6-12 months. A good test for the flavored extracts is to smell them. If they have lost their smell they are no longer good. Keep your extracts away from heat and cold, do not store near a stove or window or draft.

Note about flour and sugars:  I store mine in their originally package in large or extra large (found these at Target and WalMart) plastic zip lock bags. You can also store them in large plastic bins with their lids. The plastic bags and binds keep the away the ants and them dry if water becomes an issues. Do not purchase sugar in 2.5 or #10 cans, to expensive and not necessary. 

How much to store: I would store 3-6 months of baking products. If storing for long term storage of course it will be for 1-2 years (only dehydrated/freeze=dried foods. Remember, Rotation, Rotation, Rotation is the key to any food storage, short or long storage. 

The average for 1 adult for 1 month is . . .

White Flour: 15 pounds (3 5# bags or 3 #10 cans [LDS Cannery #10 cans])

Granulated Sugar: 10 pounds (2 5# bags or 2 #10 cans [LDS Cannery #10 cans])

Brown Sugar: 2 pounds

Powdered Sugar: 1 pound

Honey: 2 pounds

Baking Powder: 5 ounces

Baking Soda: 4 ounces

Salt: 6.5 ounces

Yeast: 4 ounces

Cornstarch: 4 ounces

Vanilla Extract: 4 ounces

Fruits: Varies, depends on how much fruit you use in your baking.

Note: There are other baking items you can add like oils and fats, dairy, etc. We will be working on adding these items throughout next year.  

 

Emergency Preparedness . . .

       Setting your 2016 

              Emergency Preparedness Goals 

 

 

This is the time of year most of us starting thinking about and writing down our New Year's Resolutions or Goals; loosing weight, eating healthier, spend more time with family, family vacations, house remodeling/decorating, budgeting better, start a saving account, doing more service, etc.. Why not make emergency preparedness a part of those resolutions and goals?

As you sit down as an individual or family, assess your and your family's needs when it comes to emergency preparedness and food storage. Inventory what you already have and make a list of the things you still need. Set some weekly and monthly goals to accomplish those needs. Your goals may be add needed items to your food storage, work on meeting your 3 months food storage goal, store drinking water, purchasing a tent for the family, emergency lighting, cooking, setting up a family emergency savings fund, gather all important documents together in a notebook, etc. What ever the needs and goals set up a checklist. Put that checklist in a visible place for all to see, like the refrigerator. Review the checklist every month at Family Home Evening or your Family Council Meeting to assess your progress. Emergency preparedness should be just as important as your other New Year's Resolutions and Goals. This blog can help you with your goals. 

Emergency Preparedness Ideas

Christmas Stocking Stuffers . . .

Why not put in things for each family member 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpack?

5-1 Whistle, compass, mirror reflector, match holder, flint and steal
Hand warmers
LED small flashlight
Small first-aid kit
Utility chow set (knife, fork, spoon)
Seyechelle Water Filtration bottle  (found at store.lds.org, $16-$20)
Space blanket
Plastic rain poncho
Items for the Hygiene Kit and/or Stressor Kit

These items and others can be found on the list under Postings on the right, click on the 72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpack. 

Emergencyessentials.com has many small emergency preparedness items that are great for stocking stuffers.

Comments and Questions: Please share your comments and questions. Remember, we all learn from each others knowledge and experiences. Thank you for your comments.

Note: Next posting will be January 3rd with our new 2016 Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness Monthly Assignments and goals.

Emergency Preparedness, Food Storage and Monthly Assignments (Week of December 6th)

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

It is that time of year again when we are busy with the "hustle and bustle" of Christmas shopping. Christmas baking, Christmas parties at church, work, community, at home and time spent with family and loved ones.

Please take a few minutes out of your busy day each day to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Please watch this beautiful video . . .

New December Monthly Assignments

Food Storage . . . Baking Items 

December (and November) is a great month to stock up with baking supplies like flour, sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, honey, baking powder, baking soda, salt, yeast, cornstarch and extracts. While you are picking up your holiday baking supplies buy some extras for your food storage. You can also purchase packaged cake mixes, brownie mixes, etc. Since we already worked on dairy and eggs in July and spices in August, we will concentrate on the items listed above. You can also add canned fruits if you desire.  Remember to store all food items in a cool, dry, dark place. You can store the products in their original commercial package or purchase dehydrated 2.5 or #10 cans from long term food storage from companies like emergencyessentials.com, etc. 

Shelf life of commercially packaged baking supplies in their original packaging and long term in 2.5 or #10 dehydrated/freeze dried cans--

Flour: 1 year. 10 years in #10 dehydrated cans for longer storage.

Granulated Sugar: Indefinitely in original commercial package. It will become hard, but you can break it up.

Brown Sugar: Indefinitely in original commercial package. Same as granulated sugar. It will become hard but you can break it up. 

Powdered Sugar: Indefinitely in original commercial package.  

Honey: Indefinitely. Only store in glass or plastic bottles. Goes bad in metal/tin cans. 

Pumpkin and Canned Fruits: 2-5 years in their commercial cans if stored in a cool, dry dark place. In 2.5 or #10 freeze dried cans 20-30 years. (emergencyessentials.com)

Baking Soda and Baking Powder:  They tend to have a short shelf life 9-12 months. I have kept mine longer. You can also purchase them for a longer shelf life in 2.5 or #10 cans from long term food storage companies like emergencyessentials.com. Click here to learn how to test your baking soda and baking powder if it is still good to use. 

Salt: Indefinitely in original commercial package. We only use sea salt. It can get clumpy, just shake to loosen up. 

Cornstarch: 18 months in original container. Some say indefinitely if kept dry and free from contaminants. 2.5 and #10 cans indefinitely (20-30 years) 

Yeast: It depends on how it is stored. Red Star or Fleischmann's yeast in the packages or jars will store for 2 years. If you purchase the yeast from a long term food storage company like emergencyessentials.com it will last for 5 years in your freezer.

Extracts: Store in original bottles. Pure vanilla extract will store indefinitely. Imitation vanilla extract will only store for 2-4 years. Flavored extracts (almond, peppermint, etc.) will only store for 6-12 months. A good test for the flavored extracts is to smell them. If they have lost their smell they are no longer good. Keep your extracts away from heat and cold, do not store near a stove or window or draft.

Note about flour and sugars:  I store mine in their originally package in large or extra large (found these at Target and WalMart) plastic zip lock bags. You can also store them in large plastic bins with their lids. The plastic bags and binds keep the away the ants and them dry if water becomes an issues. Do not purchase sugar in 2.5 or #10 cans, to expensive and not necessary. 

How much to store: I would store 3-6 months of baking products. If storing for long term storage of course it will be for 1-2 years (only dehydrated/freeze=dried foods. Remember, Rotation, Rotation, Rotation is the key to any food storage, short or long storage. 

The average for 1 adult for 1 month is . . .

White Flour: 15 pounds (3 5# bags or 3 #10 cans [LDS Cannery #10 cans])

Granulated Sugar: 10 pounds (2 5# bags or 2 #10 cans [LDS Cannery #10 cans])

Brown Sugar: 2 pounds

Powdered Sugar: 1 pound

Honey: 2 pounds

Baking Powder: 5 ounces

Baking Soda: 4 ounces

Salt: 6.5 ounces

Yeast: 4 ounces

Cornstarch: 4 ounces

Vanilla Extract: 4 ounces

Fruits: Varies, depends on how much fruit you use in your baking.

Note: There are other baking items you can add like oils and fats, dairy, etc. We will be working on adding these items throughout next year. 

Emergency Preparedness . . .

       Setting your 2016 

              Emergency Preparedness Goals 

This is the time of year most of us starting thinking about and writing down our New Year's Resolutions or Goals; loosing weight, eating healthier, spend more time with family, family vacations, house remodeling/decorating, budgeting better, start a saving account, doing more service, etc.. Why not make emergency preparedness a part of those resolutions and goals?

As you sit down as an individual or family, assess your and your family's needs when it comes to emergency preparedness and food storage. Inventory what you already have and make a list of the things you still need. Set some weekly and monthly goals to accomplish those needs. Your goals may be add needed items to your food storage, work on meeting your 3 months food storage goal, store drinking water, purchasing a tent for the family, emergency lighting, cooking, setting up a family emergency savings fund, gather all important documents together in a notebook, etc. What ever the needs and goals set up a checklist. Put that checklist in a visible place for all to see, like the refrigerator. Review the checklist every month at Family Home Evening or your Family Council Meeting to assess your progress. Emergency preparedness should be just as important as your other New Year's Resolutions and Goals. This blog can help you with your goals. 

Emergency Preparedness Ideas

Well, it is that time of year again when you are trying to decide what to buy a family member or friend for Christmas. What do you buy the person that is hard to buy for or has everything? Why not give them emergency preparedness supplies? At first they make think it is a cheesy present but when they need it they will thank you. Here are some suggestions . . .

72 Hour Individual Emergency Preparedness Backpack with food, hygiene and stresser kits. See the postings on the right, click on the 72 Hour EP Backpack for what goes in each kit.

Butane One Burner Stove with several cans of Butane fuel. (I find these at some discount stores, sporting good stores, etc. for about $15-$20. The fuel is less than $2 a can.)

A tent, emergency lighting (lantern, solar flashlight, etc.), cooking (Dutch oven, Butane Stove, etc.) or other emergency equipment. 

A Kaito Voyager Solar and Crank Weather Alert Multiband Radio. (I found one at emergencyessentials.com on sale this month for $49.95.)

A Basic Food Storage Starter Kit (You can purchase these, an adult one month supply of Hard Red Wheat, Hard White Wheat,White Flour, White  Rice, Pinto Beans, Rolled Oats at store.lds.org for about $30 or you can go to any LDS Cannery and pick it up for about $22.)

Seychelle Water Filtration Bottle (You can purchase these at store.lds.org for $16.50 with one filter and $22 with 2 filters. They filter out 99.9999% of all bacteria and contamination. 

Be creative. You will be amazed at some of the great things you can give as Christmas presents this year. emergencyessenitals.com and other emergency supply companies can help with some great ideas.

Comments and Questions: Please share your comments and questions below. If you have a question you can email me at theark.carsonward@gmail.com. Remember, we all learn from each others experiences and knowledge. Thank you for your comments and questions. If you are unable to leave a comment try a different browser like Mozilla FireFox or Google Chrome. Sometimes you might need to put in your comment, save it, try to post it, then put it in again and post it again.