Preparedness Notes from Zoom Presentation Jan. 26, 2021

Preparedness Notes from 1/26/21 (Note: the Bloomington Stake will be hosting this seminar in the future soon. If you missed this one, there will be another chance.) 

Personal Preparedness Handout 

Handout for January 26, 2021 Zoom Preparedness Presentation 

Presented by Sue McMillan 

“How Often do Church member arise early in the morning to do the will of the Lord?…How often do we say,  ‘Yes, I will obey the COMMANDMENTS to store food and to help others, but just now I have neither the time  nor the money to spare; I will obey later’? Oh, foolish people! While we procrastinate, the harvest will be over  and we will not be saved. Now is the time to follow Abraham’s example; now is the time to repent; now is the  time for prompt obedience to God’s will.”  

(The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p.174) 

“If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear” 

Some Church members opine that emergency plans and supplies, food storage, and 72-hour kits must not be  important anymore because the Brethren have not spoken recently and extensively about these and related  topics in general conference. But repeated admonitions  

to prepare have been proclaimed by  

leaders of the Church for decades.  

The consistency of prophetic counsel over time creates a powerful concert of clarity and a warning volume far  louder than solo performances can ever produce. 

The objective of this presentation… 

Providing basic information in obtaining a 3 month supply of food, other daily necessities, a month of water  storage, ideas for shelter, alternative cooking methods, light sources and resources to obtain items.  

What is your plan? Why do you need it? Are you obedient? 

Some reasons that have been expressed as to why people don’t have a plan... • We don’t have extra money to buy extra food and supplies. 

• We don’t have enough space in our house and it just takes up too much space! 

• We don’t have time to worry about this right now, our family recreational activities are a priority. • My neighbors, parents, coworkers and the church has plenty and they will help us if the need arises. • We are all going to gather at the church & share what we have. 

• Earthquakes, droughts, severe storms, fires and power outages only happen in other places…St. George will  be fine.  

• The government always comes to the rescue! (Umm, they didn’t keep the stores stocked during Covid!) • We are gluten sensitive, so we don’t eat wheat. (There are a lot of gluten free options!) Hmmmm.... 

Then Covid 19 hit and it changed our perception! Was your family prepared? 

Where do you start and/or where do you go from here? Right where you are ....but please don’t delay!! 

“When considering the principle of preparedness, we can look back to Joseph in Egypt for inspiration.  Knowing what would happen would not have been sufficient to carry them through the “lean” years without  a degree of sacrifice during the years of abundance. Rather than consume all that Pharaoh’s subjects could  produce, limits were established and followed, providing sufficient for their immediate, as well as their  future, needs. It was not enough to know that challenging times would come. They had to act, and because of  their effort, “there was bread.” - Elder Christopher Wadell - Oct 2020 Conference

Do Your Best Where You Are, With What You Have 

Start where you are... 

• Honestly examine your budget. See what things are nonessential and luxuries that can be eliminated until  you have your supplies. 

• Be creative in your space. Store food under beds, in closets, behind corner furniture & couches. Get  organizers for doors. Store nonperishables in the garage. Eliminate what you don’t need. Dejunk and donate  to the Deseret Industries, but keep what might be useful in times of need. 

•Develop new, practical skills. Learn how to cook with a solar oven, bake bread, sew, build things, make  soap, cheese, yogurt. 

•Get and stay physically fit for your circumstances. Exercise routinely.  

First Step - Define Your Disaster :  

Mother Nature: 

• Power Outages 

• Natural Disasters: wild fires, floods, earthquakes 

• Extreme weather: extreme storms, extensive drought, intense heat waves, blizzards Breakdown of Society: 

•Riots 

• Strikes 

• Large scale & violent protests 

• Economic collapse, hyper inflation, bank closures, devaluation of the dollar 

Personal Disasters: 

• Loss of job 

•Decrease in hours or pay 

• Illness, injury, Hospitalization, medical bills 

•Death of spouse 

Other Considerations: 

• Pandemic, epidemics or biological warfare 

• Nuclear events 

• Terrorist attacks 

• Chemical Spills 

• Water Contamination 

Just-in-Time Shipping: 

• Our economy depends on trucks to deliver ten billion tons of virtually every commodity consumed -80 % of  all freight transported annually in the U.S.  

• Following Hurricane Katrina, trucks loaded with emergency goods were rerouted, creating lengthy delays in  delivering urgently needed supplies to the stricken areas. 

• Significant shortages will occur in as little as three days, especially for perishable items following a national  emergency and a ban on truck traffic. Minor shortages will occur within one to two days. At convenience  stores and other small retailers with less inventory, shortages will occur much sooner. 

• Consumer fear and panic will exacerbate shortages. The forecast of a winter storm quickly exhausts basic  commodities at grocery stores and supermarkets. It takes retailers up to three days to recover from these  runs on supplies. News of a truck stoppage—whether on the local level, state or regional level, or  nationwide— will spur hoarding and drastic increases in consumer purchases of essential goods. Shortages  will materialize quickly and could lead to civil unrest.  

 Source: When trucks stop, America stops - Please take time to read this article. 

Why Do These Things Matter?

• It’s important to make a list of potential calamities to determine how you prepare.  • A potential long term power outage & trucking shutdowns are the biggest threat to St. George.  • Planning at least 3 weeks of meals that do not require lengthy cooking methods is recommended.  • Personal disasters, economic downturns and as we witnessed, a pandemic, will still most likely allow for  power, fuel and normal cooking methods. 

• Have a plan that includes alternative cooking methods, such as solar, dutch oven & propane stoves. 

Three Months Supply Plans...think layers! 

Recommendations from LDS.Org: 

“There are three main components of food storage: 

 Food supply (three-month and long-term) 

 Water supply 

 Financial reserve 

Store foods that are a part of your normal diet in your three-month supply. As you develop a longer-term  storage, focus on food staples such as wheat, rice, pasta, oats, beans, and potatoes that can last 30 years or  more. 

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.” 

15 Food Supplies to have in your storage plan… 

•Grains - Oats, wheat, spelt, millet, kamut, quinoa, barley, rye, six grain cereals, cream of wheat, buckwheat,  popcorn 

• Beans - Black, pinto, red, pink adzuki, lima, lentils 

•Rice - Brown, White, Jasmine Etc…even if it smells rancid it can be rinsed off and used. • Oils - coconut, olive, grapeseed, avocado (Healthiest and stores well.) 

• Baking Supplies - Flour, sugar, soda, baking powder, yeast (Remember flour only stores ideally for 12-18  months) 

• Spices - Everything tastes better with spices!!! Even old oatmeal! 

• Salt - Very important for your health and your tastes buds. Have a variety - Redmonds Real Salt, Himalayan,  Iodized 

• Pastas - Whole grain, regular and gluten free options 

•Dairy, Eggs, Sauce Mixes - Freeze-dried butter, cheese, eggs, powdered milk, freeze-dried yogurt or use  hacks to store in refrigerator  

• Condiments - Mayo, Miracle whip, Ketchup, Mustard & others you like 

• Canned, dehydrated, freeze dried Veggies- great addition to soups, meals 

• Canned, dehydrated, freeze dried Fruits - Peaches, bananas, berries, apple slices, pineapple • Other Sweeteners - honey (nutritious, stores long term,) maple syrup, brown sugar, powdered sugar, agave • Mixes - pancakes, cornbread, cookie ( Easy items to make) 

• Morale Foods - Favorite treats, pudding mixes, popcorn, granola bars - Whatever your kids love and will  bring momentary joy!

3 Month Plan Examples: Choose what works for your family! 

Make a menu with 7-14 days of recipes (or as many as you would like) for dinners and obtain the amount of  food you would need for 90 Breakfasts, 90 Lunches & 90 dinners  

Sustaining Meal Ideas: 

• Hearty Soups 

• Pasta meals, with or without protein 

• Protein meals 

• Beans and or rice meals 

• Make sure to add healthy fats…fats prolong energy and life 

7 Day Menu Breakfast Plan Ideas: 

• French Toast - can use powdered mild and freeze dried eggs 

• Scrambled Eggs & Toast - can use freeze dried eggs 

• Oatmeal 

• Cold Cereal/Granola - try to make it the healthiest choice possible! 

• Pancakes 

• Protein Shakes 

• Cream of Wheat 

7 Day Menu Lunch Plan Ideas: 

• Tuna or Salmon Salad 

• Chicken Salad 

• Peanut Butter 

• Canned Soups 

• Ramen Soup with either fresh, freeze dried/ dehydrated veggies 

• Leftovers 

• Macaroni & Cheese 

7 Day Menu Dinner Plan Ideas: 

• Spaghetti, pastas with or without meat 

• Hawaiian haystacks 

• Burritos 

• Vegetable Soup 

• Tacos 

• Shepherds Pie 

• Beans & Rice 

Snack Items: 

• Canned or dried fruit 

• Fruit snacks 

•Granola Bars 

• Nuts, trail mixes 

• Cookies 

• Beef Jerky 

• Any favorite treats

Rotation... 

•Rotation is the key to a successful 3 month supply and definitely to longer term storage. • When an item is used, replace it 

• Flour and oil items will go rancid over time 

• Tomato and pineapple cans will bulge and ooze over time…so rotate! 

• Check for critters in your pantry or storage area 

Ideas of How to Store Meals...Be Creative! 

• 4, 5 or 6 gallon buckets with lids, plain or gamma. 

• #10 cans 

•Glass or plastic containers 

• Mylar bags - can be purchased at your family still matters, internet  

• Apple boxes with entire meals contents for each day. 

  THE POWER IS OUT... 

If the power is out & will be for an unknown period of time, you will immediately begin eating what is in  your fridge & freezer. It only takes 2-3 days for freezer items to thaw, especially in summer heat. Storing a  couple of gallons of water in the freezer will be beneficial. 

Non Food Items to Store: 

• Supplements - especially vitamin C, Zinc, vitamin D, herbs, a good multi vitamin and minerals • Medications - ask for the maximum amount ahead as posible 

• Medical Kits, N95 masks 

•Garbage bags, heavy duty and kitchen 

• Light Sources - Flashlights, Luci lanterns, headlamps, candles  

• Paper goods - Toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, utensils 

• Hygiene Items - deodorant, soap, toothbrushes & paste, feminine products, contacts & solutions, hand  sanitizer, wet wipes 

• Baby Items - cloth diapers, pins, plastic pants, in addition to disposables, formula • Bleach, sanitizing wipes, cleaning supplies 

• Kitchen Items - can openers, good knifes, grinders, good sturdy pans 

• Security Items - Items to keep your family safe 

• Pet Supplies 

•Duct tape, scissors 

• Tools in good working order 

• Any other items that your family depends on daily

What Happens Now? 

“Becoming better prepared for the future isn’t a single task or focus. In fact, focusing on just one element—  food storage, for example— will leave your family vulnerable in other areas. Preparedness doesn’t happen  overnight or even in a month or two. Instead, it’s a way of life, a new awareness of current events and trends,  and a commitment to stay focused on what will help strengthen and ready your family for whatever comes  along with a willingness to learn new things.” -Lisa Bedford  

Water…Water, water and more water!!!  

2 Gallons Per Person Per Day 

  

Why water storage so important !! 

•Did you know that oftentimes, more people die in the aftermath of a disaster than in the disaster itself? And  the number one cause of death? Contaminated water. If you are thirsty— truly, desperately thirsty— it’s  human nature to drink whatever is available because your imminent demise from dehydration is more  concerning to you than the pathogens in that dirty water you are gulping down.  

•Drinking contaminated water can lead to a host of dreaded diseases like dysentery, hepatitis A, viral  gastroenteritis, cholera, shigellosis, typhoid, diphtheria, and polio. Just one person handling personal waste  improperly can contaminate the water supply for hundreds, even thousands, of other people downstream  from them. 

Water facts for Saint George City: 

The city’s water tanks combined hold 58 million gallons of water. 

50 million gallons of water are used on ONE average peak summer day - 70% of our water comes from Quail  Creek Reservoir.  

If we had a city wide disaster our water supply in the tanks would be depleted in one day, could possibly be  stretched 2 days. 

What is Saint George City’s Contingency plan? 

Resident’s to have their own 2-3 week water supply, 30 days is preferable!!!  

All of our close communities are on the same water system, therefore we don’t have the luxury of borrowing  water from a neighboring city. 

The city is doing all they can to ensure water is available for as long as possible, but it is up to each family to  provide their own emergency supply! It is our responsibility. And remember, the body can only go a few days  without water. 

Containers suitable for water storage….variety is the key 

All containers need to be food grade, marked “PET” or “PETE”  

2 liter soda bottles: they are a low cost option to get started, but would take a lot of them to store for all your  needs 

1 gallon heavy duty water containers 

5 gallon jugs: Easy to store and can stack. They will weigh around 40 lbs when filled. Glass containers are the  best quality, but obviously they can break 

55 gallon water barrel 

250 + gallon containers 

Do not use milk jugs...milk protein cannot be adequately removed and this creates an environment for  bacteria. These types of plastic containers also crack and begin to leak, making them ineffective for water  storage. 

Diversifying your water storage containers: 

Layer #1: The first layer of your water storage might be commercially bottled water and water pouches.  Cases of smaller water bottles are easy to stack and store as well as boxes of water pouches. These items need  to be available in case of evacuation. 

Layer #2: Your second layer of water storage might consist mostly of smaller containers that are easily  portable. 1 gallon jugs, soda containers etc…again think evacuation! 

Layer # 3: Large, commercial water drums that hold 55 to 250 gallons of water. 

Purifying your water for storage: 

Chlorine is the typical method for purification. 

 St. George Nano silver is also a very effective, non chemical alternative. 

Measurements for Chlorine: 

treatment for water storage using a 5.25% chlorine bleach 

1/8 tsp per gallon for clear water treatment 

1/4 tsp per 5 gallon 

3 tsp per 55 gallon drum 

12 tsp per 250 gallon 

The public water is already treated with chlorine, therefore the amounts needed are minimal.  Liquid bleach has a shelf life of about 16 months. It loses half its effectiveness after 6 months. The containers  can crack as well.  

Using Calcium hypochlorite: 

Calcium hypochlorite— This is an excellent alternative to bleach, as long as you use pure granular calcium  hypochlorite because it has a shelf life of many years. Calcium hypochlorite is known by its more common  name, pool shock.  

Before you stock up on pool shock, make sure that what you’re buying doesn’t contain stabilizers. The only  active ingredient should be calcium hypochlorite and the product should be approved by the National  Sanitary Foundation (NSF). Cal-Shock 65 is a good product. 

How is this product used to purify water? It’s a simple two-step process. First, add one heaping teaspoon of  granular calcium hypochlorite to 2 gallons of water. This mixture is basically homemade bleach and could  also be used for household cleaning and laundry. The safest level of chlorine in drinking water is around 2  ppm. It is recommend having a pool test kit on hand to ensure any water purified with this method doesn’t  contain too much chlorine (it could cause diarrhea) or too little. Then, to purify water, add 1 ¼ teaspoons of  this new bleach solution to 1 gallon of water (1 part solution to 100 parts water) and allow the mixture to sit  for at least 30 minutes before drinking. If the smell of chlorine is too strong, pour the water from one  container into another several times to allow the chlorine to dissipate.  

One pound of calcium hypochlorite can purify thousands of gallons of water. You definitely get your money’s  worth with this product. Just be very careful around its fumes and store it in a cool, dry location in an airtight  container. 

Measurements for Treating stored water with Nano silver 

1/2 tsp per gallon of water 

5 -6 TBS per 55 gallon drum  

1.5 cups per 250 gallon water tank 

Benefits of using the silver: can be used for treatment against infectious diseases, bacteria, fungi, parasites  etc..

Ideal conditions for your water storage: 

A cool, dark place, out of the direct sunshine will help your water to store longer. 

Try to keep water away from gasoline or kerosene containers, pesticides and other toxic chemicals. Some say to rotate water every year, however, it is not necessary to do so if your water looks clear and has no  odor.  

Use a RV hose to fill your containers. 

Finally, FILL YOUR CONTAINERS WHEN YOU GET THEM!! 

AN EMPTY CONTAINER IS NOTHING BUT AN EXPENSIVE, GOOD INTENTION THAT COULD HAVE SAVED  YOUR LIFE! 

Water storage myths: 

Myth: 

I have a pool, I don’t need to store anymore water. 

Fact: This plan brings with it big risks. Depending on the emergency scenario, a Pool could possibly be used  in the first few days before algae and bacteria overtake the pool, however if there is structural damage, air  pollutants or chemical poisoning, the pool water would be rendered useless. 

You can however use your pool water to fill clean containers with lids immediately after a disaster and you  could the water for sanitation and hygiene. 

Electrolyte Supplements for rehydration  

Electrolytes are essential for maintaining hydration and loss of minerals due to sweating. These will prevent  muscle cramps and help one recover quicker from heat exhaustion.  

There are products for rapid rehydration and others that are for general replenishing of minerals. The ingredients in these products are minerals such as magnesium, sodium, zinc, chloride, potassium and  sulfate. 

Shelter 

It can be said that the need for shelter precedes the need for food as leaving yourself open to the elements far  reduces your chances of a healthier survival.  

You will want to stay on your own property as long as the emergency situation permits. 

“Own a Tent”... 

"I have a sense and a feeling as we have watched some of these disasters in the world, that this is a time for us to  learn and prepare from these experiences. Sister Thompson gave a testimony of that, and the preparation happens  in our own homes. There are not enough tents in the world to furnish every person with a tent unless the 

members of the church have a tent in their own homes...a simple thing like that. And then the storehouse is  pressed down,  

heaped over and running over in our own homes. 

Some of you have student apartments, how prepared are you? If an earthquake or economic disaster happened,  would you have enough water to drink for 24 hours?  

Would you be able to get by until help could come to you? 

Those are the kind of the things we need to be thinking about in our day and time,  

the Lord expects us to do our little part and then  

He can bring on the miracles and then we don't need to fear."    

- Sis. Julie Beck - Former General Relief Society President 

Trailers can be useful in an emergency : Stock your trailer with essentials items for an unforeseen event… Items such as first aid supplies, clothing, blankets, nonperishable food items and water, flashlights,  batteries… 

ALTERNATIVE COOKING METHODS: Having multiple resources is essential!  

Solar Ovens: Utilizing our biggest natural resource…Solar ovens are versatile. They useful for baking,  roasting, dehydrating…  

Alternative Cooking Methods: 

• Sun Ovens 

•Dutch Ovens 

•Grills - Propane tanks 

• Camp stoves 

•Rocket stoves 

• Butane stoves 

• Backpacking stoves 

• Kelly Kettle 

• Saratoga Jack Thermal Cooker 

• Volcanos  

Emergency Light Sources: Variety is the key!: 

• Luci Solar lights  

• 115 hour candles  

• solar lights 

• flashlights  

• headlamps 

•Generators - solar, gas powered (these are pricy, so don’t make them a priority unless you have the other  items)  

Sources for Preparedness Items: 

• Local : Your Family Still Matters (Located by Croshaw Pies), Walmart, Costco 

• LDS Home Storage Center (all faiths may shop there) 

• Emergency Essentials - located in Northern UT, also Internet ordering  

• Alpine Food Storage - Grains, Beans, Flour and a plethora of great storage items (Highland, UT) • The Ready Store - Bluffdale, UT & Internet ordering (Great resource for information as well.) • Patriot Supply - Internet only

• Honeyville - Internet only 

• Augason Farms Store - Internet  

• Thrive Life - Internet 

• Wise Company - Internet 

Internet Resources for Storage Tips:  

www.foodstoragemadeeasy.net 

www.thesurvivalmom.com 

www.foodstoragemoms.com 

www.Prepared-Housewives.com 

www.ready.gov 

“The revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark  was to the people of Noah.” 

(Conference Report, October 1987 President Benson) 

Final Thoughts… 

•God needs you to stay alive and help fight the battle. The battle is real. Elder Ballard just asked us to join  them in this battle. ( The prophet, apostles etc…) We need to be rock solid in our testimonies and temporal  preparations. 

• He will not leave us alone in this battle. 

•God always works in patterns. Read the scriptures & see where we are in the pattern.  • WE ARE PREPARING FOR THE SECOND COMING. The prophesied events will take place. • We need to prepare our children for this great event. They were also sent here to fight this battle and they  know it. 

• Nobody is storing food & supplies for you or your family. This is YOUR responsibility and God will  provide a way if you are faithful in his commands.  

• You can do hard things… Your children can do hard things!!  

• START NOW AND DO SOMETHING! 

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;  yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” - Isaiah 41:10