Emergency Preparedness

   A lesson outline 

Objective: Learn and apply the principles of Emergency Preparedness.

Principle: Being prepared for any emergency gives us peace of mind.

Have you ever found yourself suddenly without power at home in the middle of winter? Did you have a flashlight with working batteries? Did you have a source of heat? Did you have food to eat that didn’t have to be cooked? Did you have an alternative source to run medical equipment?

The Lord has admonished us to “prepare every needful thing” (D&C 109:8) and has promised that “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30).

Discussion A: What kinds of emergencies or disasters should we be prepared for? (Answers could include: Snowstorms, power outages, fire, tornadoes aftermath,  earthquakes, transportation and shipping halts, floods, shortages, chemical spillage, evacuations, water contamination, etc.)

Discussion B: Why is it important to know about the different kinds of  potential disasters in our area?

Learning about the different disasters that can happen in our area will help us to know how to prepare.  For example, If there is  earthquake, we need to know how to shut off gas valves and to have the right tool available. If there is a house fire, do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? Do you have one available?

Discussion C: How can I begin to prepare for an emergency?

Please do not go into debt gathering your supplies. Make a plan and have a place to store the items. Then begin to add to your kit as you can.

1.      Get Informed. Learn what you need to know to be prepared in various emergency situations. Discuss with your family the disasters that can happen where you live. Establish responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team

2.   Make a Plan. Once you learn a little about your chosen area of emergency preparedness, make a plan for getting ready. Talk with family members about your plan and consider the needs and responsibilities of all involved. Choose two places to meet after a disaster:

§  Right outside your home, in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire.

§  Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate your neighborhood.

Choose an out-of-area contact for all members of the family to call in case of disaster. The selected contact person should live far enough away that they would be unaffected by the same event, and they should know they are the chosen contact. Remember that during a disaster, it may be easier to make a long distance phone call than to call across town. Having predetermined meeting places will save time and minimize confusion should your home be affected or if the area is evacuated.

       3. Carry Out the Plan. If your emergency preparedness plan calls for purchasing supplies, making a kit, gathering information, or completing a task, begin small and build from there.

Discussion D: What should I include in my Emergency preparedness kit?    

There are many computer websites that have information on survival kits and the county extension office may have brochures available. Also the Red Cross is a valuable resource.  A kit should be tailored to the individual and family. Are there children or a bed-ridden person? Evaluate your needs and plan accordingly. A basic kit is included in the Handout.

Discussion E. How do I store my kit?   After gathering the supplies, put them in a sturdy container such as a plastic bin, duffle bag, backpack, etc. Some families have a separate backpack for each family member and a large duffle bag for the additional items, such at a tent, cook stove, fuel, tools, etc. Store these in a convenient place that can be reached if there is an emergency. For example, under a bed, a closet, at the front door, on shelves.  Kits should also be available in a school locker, the car, place of work, etc.

What will you do if disaster strikes your neighborhood: a fire, a riot, a flood, a tornado, a hurricane, or an earthquake? The most critical need for help after the disaster is during the first 72 hours, yet community and government assistance will probably not be available during this period.

By heeding the words of the prophets to be prepared we will be ready should anything happen. We will have peace of mind and “shall not fear.”

Handout

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT CONTENTS

Whether purchasing an official Red Cross preparedness kit or assembling your own, your family's kit should contain items that enable you to provide comfort for everyday scrapes or treat life-threatening emergencies.

A standard preparedness kit should include the following items.

§  Water - You and your family may be without water for days in the aftermath of a disaster. The Red Cross recommends that each person store one gallon of water per day for at least three days. This supply will provide water for drinking as well as limited cleaning and cooking.

§  Food - When preparing for a disaster, store at least three days of non-perishable, nutritious food that requires little or no water or cooking to prepare. Don't forget to store a manual can opener with non-perishable food items. When assembling items, remember that you and your family may be without water, gas, or electricity for an unknown period of time. You may already have many of these on hand.

•            Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener

•            Protein or fruit bars

•            Dry cereal or granola

•            Peanut butter

•            Dried fruit

•            Nuts

•            Crackers

•            Canned juices

•            Non-perishable pasteurized milk

•            High energy foods

•            Vitamins

•            Food for infants

•            Comfort/stress foods

§  Medications - When assembling a preparedness kit for you and your family, remember that pharmacies may be closed in the wake of a disaster. Be sure to include a week's supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Also keep a list of all medications and dosages, allergies, doctors' names, and nearby hospitals.

§  Radio - Your home, or even neighborhood, may lose power in the aftermath of a disaster. Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio in your kit. Have extra batteries in your kit.

§  First Aid Kit - Injuries are a common occurrence in a disaster. Be prepared to treat yourself, your loved ones, and others who need help.

§  Personal Documents - You and your family may be displaced after a disaster. Be prepared, ensuring you have all necessary records with you - ID, passport, birth certificate, social security number, and insurance policies.

§   Also keep an extra set of eye glasses, contact lenses, a cane, hearing aid batteries, or any other personal items you may need.

§  Contact Info - Keep a list of family phone numbers and addresses as well as a copy of your out-of-area emergency contact card in your preparedness kit. Note that it is often easier to make a long-distance call rather than a local call after a disaster strikes.

§  Map - Include a detailed map of the surrounding areas with highlighted evacuation routes. Following a disaster, roads may be closed and travel out of the affected area may not be possible. Become familiar with alternate routes to and from your home.

§  Money - Following a disaster, banks and ATMs may be closed. Keep small bills and change on hand to buy necessary supplies like water. Travelers checks can also be used.

§  Clothing - You and your family may be forced to evacuate your home in a hurry without time to pack accordingly. Keep an extra set of warm clothes and sturdy shoes in your preparedness kit to ensure you're equipped to evacuate if needed.

§  Sanitary Supplies - Include extra toilet paper, moist towlettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene products, bleach, and any other personal products you may need in your preparedness kit.

§  Pet Supplies - Remember to include your pets in the plan. Make sure to assemble things your pets will need during a disaster, like food, leashes, medicine, etc.

§  Tools - Keep an adjustable wrench in your preparedness kit to turn off your gas if necessary. Other tools may include a manual can opener, plastic sheeting, garbage bags with ties, and duct tape, dust mask,.

§  Flashlight and extra batteries

§  Whistle to signal for help

§  Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following:

·         Infant formula and diapers

·         Emergency reference material such as a first aid book

·         Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

·         Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

·         Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

·         Fire extinguisher

·         Matches in a waterproof container

·         Candles

·         Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

·         Paper and pencil, pencil sharpener or knife

·         Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

·         Other tools such as a knife, ax, small shovel

·         CANNED HEAT (STERNO) – This can be purchased at most sporting goods stores as well as most grocery stores. You will need to store 1 large can per person per day.

Or a BUDDY BURNER – Select a shallow can (tuna, cat food, etc.) and insert coil of corrugated cardboard the height of the can. Pour melted paraffin to partially fill can. Allow to harden. Birthday candle in center will help light. A lid on the can with a wire handle will help control the heat.

VAGABOND STOVE – Use a number 10 can. Cut opening around the top of the can with a can opener punch. This is to provide a draft or your fire. Then cut an opening at the bottom of the can large enough to fit the Buddy Burner or a small fire. Cook on top.

Makeshift Toilet

Assembling your own toilet requires just two parts: a 5-gallon bucket and a plastic toilet seat with a lid.

To make the most out of your toilet, gather the following items and keep them in your bucket until you need to use it:

Several boxes of 8-gallon garbage bags. Use a garbage bag to line the bucket before use.

Kitty litter. Store it in an empty two-liter bottle and shake it into the toilet after each use to reduce odors.

Toilet paper. Put a roll into a plastic zippered baggie and squeeze the air out of the bag. This will protect your toilet paper and allow you to keep various rolls in the bucket.

Disinfecting wipes or hand sanitizer. Use these if you can’t wash your hands.

Air freshener.

One roll of paper towels.

After a few uses, tie off the bag and throw it in your garbage can. Perfect! Once you’ve assembled your toilet, you’re taking care of No. 1 by planning for No. 2!

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865574751/The-Great-Utah-ShakeOut-Toilets-may-seem-to-use-you-in-a-disaster.html

The above items were taken in part from the following websites:

https://www.redcross.org/flash/brr/English-html/kit-contents.asp

http://www.jennysmith.net/lds-activity/72-hour-kit-list-very-good-list

http://www.ready.gov/kit

http://www.mormonshare.com/lds-activity/72-hour-emergency-supply-kits

http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1549-20490-4633/areyouready_full.pdf    Full manual from fema

Preparedness – “Accumulating a 3-Month Supply and Longer”

OBJECTIVE: Learning and applying principles of home storage to become more self-reliant.

Principle 1: Heavenly Father will help us provide for our needs as we walk diligently in faith and obedience.

DISCUSSION A: What is the purpose of short-term and long-term home storage?

Heavenly Father has lovingly commanded us to "prepare every needful thing" (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we may care for ourselves and our neighbors.

DISCUSSION B: What areas of home storage should we be focused on?

“Church leaders encourage Church members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings. They ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve.

Principle 2: Short-term and long-term home storage can be built gradually.

DISCUSSION A: What is the difference between a short-term and long-term storage?

Three-month supply items are foods that you normally eat; including canned and commercially packaged foods. Longer-term supply items are basic food items like grains (wheat, white rice, pasta, oats} and beans that have very low moisture content (about 10% or less), can be stored for long periods of time (20–30 years), and would sustain life if nothing else were available to eat. A portion of longer-term supply items may be rotated into the three-month supply.

DISCUSSION B: What are the basics of a family home storage three-month supply? 

Food: Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. These items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage.

Drinking water:  Store drinking water for circumstances in which the water supply may be polluted or disrupted.

If water comes directly from a good, pre-treated source then no additional purification is needed; otherwise, pre-treat water before use. Store water in sturdy, leak-proof, breakage-resistant containers. Consider using plastic bottles commonly used for juices and soda. Keep water containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

Financial Reserve: Establish a financial reserve by saving a little money each week and gradually increasing it to a reasonable amount.

             DISCUSSION C: How much food storage do I need?

Take the amount of food you would need to purchase to feed your family for a day and multiply that by 7. That is how much food you would need for a one-week supply. Once you have a week’s supply, you can gradually expand it to a month, and eventually three months. For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans. A portion of these items may be rotated in your three-month supply.

DISCUSSION D: Where should I store my food storage?

Make sure your food storage is properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place. Have it in a convenient place so that you can get to it if needed. What places can you find in your home to store food and water?

Principle 3: Obeying the principle of Home Storage will bless us with self-reliance.

“Every father and mother are the family’s storekeepers. They should store whatever their own family would like to have in the case of an emergency … [and] God will sustain us through our trials.”  “The Responsibility for Welfare Rests with Me and My Family,” Ensign, May 1986, 22.  “Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year’s supply of food … and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year’s supply of debt and are food-free.”  “That Noble Gift—Love at Home,” Church News,May 12, 2001, 7.  Ezekiel 38:7 Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.   … but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.  D&C38:30

The above information was taken in part from https://www.lds.org/manual/all-is-safely-gathered-in-family-home-storage/all-is-safely-gathered-in-family-home-storage?lang=eng

Preparedness: “Gardening, Food Preservation & Storage”

Sept 13, 2015 Self-reliance Lesson 

OBJECTIVE:  Learning and applying home production skills to become self-reliant by producing what we need at home.

Principle 1: Preparedness for times of distress will help us be more independent and self-reliant.

DISCUSSION A: What counsel have we been given to become prepared and self-reliant? President Spencer W. Kimball said, “We encourage all Latter-day Saint families to become self-reliant and independent” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1976, 170; or Ensign, May 1976, 124). There is good reason for this counsel. President Marion G. Romney explained: “We’re living in the latter days. … We are living in the era just preceding the second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are told to so prepare and live that we can be … independent of every other creature beneath the celestial kingdom” President Kimball counseled us to become self-reliant because the prophecies of old are coming to pass. He said: “Now I think the time is coming when there will be more distresses, when there may be more tornadoes and more floods, … more earthquakes. … I think they will be increasing probably as we come nearer to the end, and so we must be prepared for this” 

DISCUSSION B: What are ways that we can become independent and self-reliant?  “Now regarding home production: Raise animals where means and local laws permit. Plant fruit trees, grapevines, berry bushes, and vegetables. You will provide food for your family, much of which can be eaten fresh. Other food you grow can be preserved and included as part of your home storage. Wherever possible, produce your nonfood necessities of life. Sew and mend your own clothing. Make or build needed items. I might also add, beautify, repair, and maintain all of your property” (“Food Storage,” Ensign, May 1976, 117).

 Principle 2: Planting a garden, even a small one, allows for a greater degree of self-reliance.

DISCUSSION A: What is the best way to start a garden? With the right information and a little practice, individuals and entire families can enjoy the many benefits of planting and tending a garden.  The best way to begin a garden is starting with a plan:

1. First we must decide where to plant the garden. Choose a sunny location with water nearby and close to where you are. Decide if you will be planting in the ground or using containers.

             2. The second decision we will have to make is what to plant. Plant foods you will eat and can store or preserve.

3. Another decision we must make is when to plant. There are cold weather plants, such as greens, cabbages, peas, and warm weather plants, such as tomatoes, squash, and beans. Some seeds can be started indoors, then transplanted after the last frost. Some plants can be planted in the spring and the fall.

After making the plan, then start it!

1.       Prepare the garden spot. Clear the spot of weeds, stones, etc and loosen the soil with a shovel, hoe, or tiller.

2.       Plant the seeds and/or plants. Learn when to plant seeds for each crop, and plant on those dates. Plant one row of the same crop such as corn every week for several weeks. Then you will have a longer period of maturing crops.

3.  Tend the garden regularly by watering, weeding, mulching, fertilizing, insect control.

             4.   Harvest and enjoy! If you pick fruits and vegetables just before cooking, eating, or preserving them, they will give the best flavor and nutrition. Some crops, such as cucumbers, produce much better if they are harvested often. Do not allow them to become overripe, wilted, or dried out. Harvest leafy vegetables when they are young and tender.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 59:16–19. 16 Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fulness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; 17 Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards; 18 Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; 19 Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul.

Principle 3: Planting Fruit Trees, Vines, and Bushes is a way to provide more nutrients.

Discussion A: In what ways are fruit trees different than a vegetable garden? Fruit trees, vines, and bushes bear fruit every year or every other year. They do not need to be planted each year like vegetables. However, they may not bear fruit for several years after they are planted. We should plant them as soon as possible so that we will have the fruit when we most need it.

Discussion B: What are some fruit trees, vines, and berry bushes and that grow in our area?  The following fruit trees flourish in Kentucky: Apple, pear, some peach trees, sour or tart cherry trees; Grapevines, strawberries; gooseberry bushes, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry bushes.

Principle 4: Keeping livestock can add variety to our diet.

Discussion A: What kinds of livestock can be raised in our area and what products can we use from them? Poultry, beef cows, dairy cows, goats, pigs, bees. From these we can get eggs, meat, milk, honey, hides and feathers.

Principle 5: Preserving and storing food from our gardens and from other sources will help us when no other food is available.

Discussion A: What are ways of preserving and storing our food? For many years our prophets have asked us to preserve and store our own food where we legally can do so. We need to store food in case a time comes when no other food is available. When a hurricane hit Honduras in the fall of 1974, Church members were grateful they had dried and stored their own food. Only a few months before the hurricane, the mission president had warned them of impending disaster. He had challenged them to begin a food storage program. The beans, flour, rice, and other staples they had put away saved the Saints from hunger. (See Bruce Chapman, “Hurricane in Honduras,”New Era, Jan. 1975, 30–31.)

To preserve and store our own food, we can:

1.  Store it under the ground. This method is good for some root vegetables and certain green, leafy vegetables if there is good drainage and not too much rain.

2. Dry it. Use a food dehydrator or, during warm, sunny weather, dry fruits and vegetables in the sun. Food being dried in the sun must be protected from flies and other insects, and it must be covered or brought inside when it rains.

3. Can it. This method is simple—but dangerous if done improperly. If done properly, canning is a good way to store food and maintain its flavor. Proper canning requires at least a cold-pack canner. (The equipment involved could be shared among several families.) This method also requires that the jars be protected from breakage.

4. Salt or brine it (to brine means to preserve in clean, salty water). This is an inexpensive method of preserving fruits, vegetables, and meat. It requires little or no equipment.

Discussion B: What ways have you preserved food?

Principle 6: Learning skills for preparedness helps us be more independent and self-reliant.

 Discussion A: How will learning to sew and mend help us in time of need? We should learn to sew and mend our own clothing. To be prepared for a time of need, we should also learn how to remake old clothing. It is a good idea to store materials for making clothing in case none are available. We can learn to make many items in addition to clothing: bedding, window and floor coverings, towels, tablecloths, and furniture upholstery or coverings. We can also learn other skills such as weaving, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and other needlecrafts. All of these can beautify our clothing and homes.

Discussion B: How does knowing building skills help us in times of need? In an emergency, we might also face the need to rebuild our homes, barns, or corrals. It is important that family members learn to work with wood and other materials and to use tools. Then they can make and repair possessions.

Discussion C: What are some other ways we can be more self-reliant? If we were to face a natural disaster, we should be prepared to cook; heat our food and homes; and clean our clothing, bodies, and surroundings. We can learn to make soap from household materials. And, when allowed by law, we should store fuel, making sure that the fuel is stored in a safe, protected area.

The above information was taken from   https://www.lds.org/manual/the-latter-day-saint-woman-basic-manual-for-women-part-a/homemaking/lesson-25-home-gardening?lang=eng and https://www.lds.org/manual/the-latter-day-saint-woman-basic-manual-for-women-part-a/homemaking/lesson-26-home-production?lang=eng