Welcome to our May Preparedness Newsletter. First, here are two quotes that are of interest:

“Those servants of God have foreseen the times in which we live. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, ‘This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.’ Anyone with eyes to see the signs of the times and ears to hear the words of prophets knows that is true.”

-    President Henry B Eyring, Gen Conf April 2022

“How much would the Church be able to help its members in case of widespread disaster or economic collapse? Would the bishops’ storehouses be able to take care of everybody?  

The bishops’ storehouses have always been geared to care only for the “poor and needy and distressed” among us at normal, everyday levels of need. Therefore, the storehouse system carries only a year’s supply of commodities to meet the present level of member needs. It is not possible to maintain a backup supply to cover the needs of all the families of the Church.

“Let me here conclude by repeating a challenge I offered in that same talk that we ought to have a year’s supply of food... I mentioned that the Lord would open up the way to help us achieve that goal. Let us then recommit ourselves to reducing or eliminating our vacation if we do not at present have a year’s supply of food and use that money to buy our year’s supply. Let us spend part or all of our Christmas money on a year’s supply. Let us cut our recreation budget in half. Let us be very frugal and store the basics: wheat or grains of your community, salt, sugar or honey, dry milk, and water— these are the basics. 

“President Kimball referred several times to the statement by the Lord, “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46.) It was very impressive and powerful as he said this over and over again. Why, indeed? May the Lord bless us to call him Lord, Lord, but also to do what he asks us to do.”

–  Vaughn J. Featherstone, Presiding Bishop

Second, here are a few reminders from recent newsletters. EPG = Emergency Preparedness Guide

1. Food Storage.  We’re encouraging everyone to secure a year’s supply of food in 2024, building up your supply each paycheck. If you haven’t yet started, I’m including an example 2-week plan for starting your storage plans. The food items on the list are simply examples. You can substitute food items your family enjoys eating. The Church and the government recommends everyone have at least a two week supply of food and water per person. Once you have this accomplished, set your goals to have a 6-week supply, then 3 months, 6 months and finally a year’s supply of food. Start with two meals per day for survival. EPG p.8

2. Water Storage.  Every family should have a good supply of water. For survival only, each person should have one gallon per day for two weeks (14 gallons per person). Once you have your survival water storage, we’re encouraging all families to have at least one 55 gallon barrel of water per person. This will give you water for cooking, sanitation, washing, and cleaning. EPG p.3

3. Cooking without electricity or gas.  Propane and Butane stoves are inexpensive and are not just for camping. They will give you the capability to cook meals if we were to lose our utilities. Other options are rocket stoves that use wood, sticks, cardboard, etc. Consider solar ovens and propane ovens for baking. The key is to have an alternative way to cook if we were to lose our utilities due to an earthquake or other disaster. EPG p.14, 15

Third, this month we’re encouraging you to think about the loss of electricity. What should you have in storage?

•  Flashlights:  rechargeable, solar or regular battery. You would also need plenty of spare batteries, a charging pack for rechargeable batteries and power stations for recharging and that can in turn be recharged from solar panels or generators.  EPG p.16

• Generator:  Options include, gas, propane, solar. Store fuel for your generator; have a few solar panels for a solar generator. EPG p.24

• Candles can be useful, but they also pose a fire hazard.

• All family members should have a flashlight stored at their bedside. Other locations for storing emergency lighting are your car, desk, and kitchen.

• Store firewood for cooking. As you prune your trees and bushes, save the larger pieces of wood.

As always, preparation brings peace.  President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “The Lord has warned us of famines, but the righteous will have listened to the prophets and stored at least one year’s supply of survival food.”

If you have any questions regarding these topics or other preparation ideas, please contact your ward emergency preparedness specialist or myself.

Sincerely,

Larry Madsen
Stake Preparedness Specialist