Self Reliance Tip # 15-Preparedness at All Times

And the tip is....
Personal Experience Teaches The Greatest Lessons!!


I am certain that all of us know someone who has been affected by the fires in our state. I'm not certain to say that I'd rather have a hurricane or an earth quake instead. Well, with all this heat, I think I'd prefer a freak snowstorm and we could make snow cones for a memorable summer activity :).

Seriously though, our family in Sierra Vista has had some serious fire scares over these last weeks. I spoke with my mother-in-law this morning and I thought I'd share some real life experience. She is also the RS president in their ward which presented a greater challenge. What were they glad that they had prepared in advance? What did they want to have ready in case they needed to evacuate in the near or distant future?


Here are some things she learned:

• Communication is vital! What would be your plan B if cell phones didn't work?
• Priorities can change in an instant...
• More batteries !
• Make sure the 72 hour kit has a radio!
• Make sure you check the radio frequently! If it doesn't work when you need it, it has no value.
• What a relief when others are prepared and ready to help others!
• When families don't take evacuation and threat of fire seriously, and you pack like you're going to Grandma's house, what happens when all that is left is the foundation when you return?
• Have a plan to stay with someone out of town if possible, you do not want to be evacuated twice.
• Hotels fill up quick with a huge influx of people...
• LISTEN TO THE HOLY GHOST!
• If you need to leave your home, don't forget your medications or animals, because you may not be allowed back home for a while.
• If there is no electricity, how can water be pumped from the well?
• Media/ community communication isn't so hot...you can get the same information for days...
• Visiting Teachers and Home Teachers are a heaven send! Return and report is AWESOME!
• Watching the gospel in action is a huge blessing and a miracle!

On her way out the door when they were evacuated, her priorities changed a little bit. She said, "Suddenly what was important changed." They took their 72 hour kits, genealogy, the computer hard drive, both of their fathers WWII flags encased in wooden triangles, and some cross stitched things she had made for her sons when they got their Eagle. That was about it.


So, who's ready to go without electricity for 24 hours???


Here is a basic list of 72 hour kit items. Remember to pack items that you normally eat...gum is not food :).

http://lds.about.com/od/preparednessfoodstorage/a/72hour_kit.htm