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The following information was presented at a Stake Preparedness conference on March 6, 2010.

As we discussed in the class, there are five basics levels for which we can be prepared for natural disasters.  They are:

  1. The First 3 Minutes after a disaster strikes
  2. The First 3 Hours after a disaster strikes
  3. The First 3 Days after a disaster strikes
  4. Three Month Food Storage
  5. Long Term Storage
If you are new to preparedness, we encourage you to start now and do them in order.  As a Family Home Evening activity you could get your 3 minute kids done in one night.   The key is to do a little at a time and work on it consistently.  Every little thing you get done will be a blessing to your family in the event of an emergency.
 
Attached you will find all of the information we discussed in our class in .pdf format.  If any of you are not able to open them, or wish to have the MS word documents so that you can modify them for your needs, please let us know.  We encourage you to pass on this email and the attachments to anyone you feel might benefit from the information. 
 
Here is a list and description of the documents.  (Click on a link to download the .pdf document.)
 
  1. Preparedness Overview - A brief summary of each step.

  1. 3 min kit display (2010)- Quick reminder of what should be in your 3 minute kit.  These items should be in a plastic bag attached to the bedframe of each member of your family.
  2. 3 hour kit display - Items you will need once you have been able to exit your home and reconnect with your loved ones.  In this section, you should know how to turn off the water, electricity and gas in your home and have a wrench attached to the gas meter and/or water meter.

    Go Binder.  This binder should include all the important documents you will need in the first 3 days after a disaster strikes.

    Go Binder List of Documents

    Individual Information Sheet

    Prescription Information Sheet

    Vital Information Form

  3. 3 day kit display - This is just one of many lists of items that can be included in your 72 hour kits.
  4. 3 Month Food Storage list - This is a sample list of some things you can store on a regular basis.  The idea behind 3 month storage is to buy extra items each time you go shopping.  They are things that your family regularly eats. 
  5. Long Term Storage Display.  These are items available from the Fountain Valley Cannery.
  6. Fountain Valley Price Comparison - It is about 40% cheaper to buy these commodities from the Cannery than the buying the store brand at the grocery store.  Here is a sample comparison between the cheapest price I could find at Vons versus the cannery.  If you use any of these items, you should buy them from the cannery.
  7. January 2010 Home Storage Price Sheet - The order form you will need when you go work at the cannery to can the items you need.
  8. Canned Food Rotator Brochure - This is a sample of one way to store #10 cans in your home or garage.  We designed the rotator and built the first one in our garage.  If anyone wants to build one, you are welcome to make an appointment to come see ours to measure, etc.  Also, if you would like one built, I may be able to refer a handyman or contractor who could build one.  We're open to helping you design one for your home.  The materials to build a unit that is 8 foot tall and long and holds about 200 cans could run about $200-250 in materials. 
  9. The Canned Food Rotator II - This is the newest storage unit we built.  It holds 840 cans in an area 15 ft. long, 7 ft. tall, and about 2 ft. deep. 
  10. Preparedness Test - A good way to evaluate how prepared your family is now.  When you take the test, you may consider any of your "no" answers as goals for the future. 
 

We know this is a lot of information, and can seem like a big undertaking.  We encourage you to do as we have done, and take it one step at a time.  It is not important how quickly you take the steps, only that you continue taking them.  You may proceed at whatever pace fits your family's needs and budget.  It is important to remember that we are encouraged to avoid debt, but also remember that we are encouraged to use our resources wisely, in a manner pleasing unto the Lord.  With prayerful consideration, we know the Lord will guide you as to what is best for your family. 

 
Ultimately, it is our hope that as you work together toward these righteous goals, that your family will become stronger in the process of becoming more prepared.  We know that you will be blessed for your efforts.
Last modified: May 23, 2010