The changing climate patterns have resulted in such extremes in weather conditions as excessive rainfall in some places and drought or heat wave in others never before experienced. And such has affected the lives of thousands and thousands of people from Africa to Asia and to the Americas and Europe. Many have lost their lives or their loved ones, others their homes, important possessions and many more. Our Church leaders have continually admonished us to prepare for such adversity:
“Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we can care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.
“We encourage members world-wide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings. The First Presidency, All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage, Feb. 2007, 1
Noah built the ark in fine weather and Joseph, Ruler of Egypt, built the storehouses in times of plenty . It will be wise for us to follow the admonition of our prophet and leaders to build our own storehouses depending upon our capacities.
72 hour kit or 3 day emergency supply. Basic items includes food that needs no cooking nor refrigeration and water supply. Additional items as family finds necessary can be included:
- personal hygiene and sanitation
- change of clothes
- flashlight
- sleeping bags
- Identification for young children
- footwear
- money in small changes
- medicines
- Rationale: If there is a necessity for us to flee our homes in times of fire/floods or other calamities, we can survive before help arrives.
Pack all items in a carry-all bag, to be located in an accessible part of the house close to the exit of the house.
A year ago, we started to assemble emergency kits for each member of the family and placed them on top of our book shelf. A few months later and on a regular check up of our emergency kits I discovered the biscuits and candies gone and some of the canned goods. It became an easy target for the kids in their constant foray for food!!!. And one of my sons even said ‘you should thank us because we discovered that the biscuits have gone rancid‘. We found that a better option for emergency kits is the survival kits on the market. These kits are compact with all the basic items you need in an emergency and shelf life for as long as 5 years!!.
mOms...familieS... and me 