Ol' Buffalo Preparedness Page

Be prepared. — Boy Scout Motto
Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. — Seneca
If ye are prepared ye shall not fear. — Doctrine & Covenants 38:30

Copyright © 1996, 2021 by Blaine S Nay, Cedar City, Utah, USA
Serving the online community since 1992.

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Preparedness Quotes

A cultist is one who has a strong belief in the Bible and the Second Coming of Christ; who frequently attends Bible's studies; who has a high level of financial giving to a Christian cause; who home schools for their children; who has accumulated survival foods and has a strong belief in the Second Amendment; and who distrust big government. Any of these may qualify [a person as a cultist] but certainly more than one [of these] would cause us to look at this person as a threat, and his family as being in a risk situation that qualified for government interference. — Falsely attributed to Janet Reno, Interview on 60 Minutes, 26 Jun 1994

All of us are responsible to provide for ourselves and our families in both temporal and spiritual ways. To provide providently, we must practice the principles of provident living: joyfully living within our means, being content with what we have, avoiding excessive debt, and diligently saving and preparing for rainy-day emergencies. — Robert D. Hales (Ensign, May 2009, p 8)

Be prepared. — Boy Scout Motto

Be prepared, self-reliant, and independent. Times of plenty are times to live providently and lay up in store. Times of scarcity are times to live frugally and draw on those stores. — Bishop Keith B. McMullin, (Ensign, Nov. 2002, p 96)

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. — 1 Timothy 5:8

Do not rely on the government for anything, especially your survival. — Fr. Frog

Food is power. We use it to change behavior. Some may call that bribery. We do not apologize. — Catherine Bertini, Executive Director of the UN World Food program, Sep 1995

Hurricane Katrina changed everything. I'd rather be over-prepared than under-prepared because we've seen under-prepared and it's not pretty. — Mark Davis

If ye are prepared ye shall not fear. — Doctrine & Covenants 38:30

Instead of thinking of reasons why it can't be done, find ways to do it. — Neil Bergt, Chairman & CEO, MarkAir

It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark. — Howard Ruff

Learn to sustain yourselves; lay up grain and flour, and save it against a day of scarcity. — Brigham Young (Discourses of Brigham Young, p 293)

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. — Seneca

Man cannot be an agent unto himself if he is not self-reliant. Herein we see that independence and self-reliance are critical keys to our spiritual growth. Whenever we get into a situation which threatens our self-reliance, we will find our freedom threatened as well. If we increase our dependence, we will find an immediate decrease in our freedom to act. — Marion G. Romney (Conference Report, Oct 1982, p 132-136

Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy. — Max Mayfield, Director National Hurricane Center

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. — Spencer W. Kimball, 1976

Remember; when disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed. — Steven Cyros

Self-Reliance is a prerequisite to the complete freedom to act. — Marion G. Romney, 1984

Some people are making such thorough preparation for rainy days that they aren't enjoying today's sunshine. — William Feather

Take good care of your material possessions, for the day will come when they will be difficult, if not impossible, to replace. — Boyd K President Packer

The only thing more terrifying than an emergency is actually living off the food you have stored! Your food storage should be food you would rotate into your daily diet. — Author Unknown

...there will come a time when there isn't a store. — Spencer W. Kimball, Apr 1974

Thousands have lived without love, but not one has lived without water. — W.H. Auden

Too often we limit preparing for the Second Coming to buying canned food and reading sensational books on the subject, but leave actually doing things until after the Savior comes again. Church leaders have told us it is time to start building Zion. — Ezra Taylor

We are ready for any unforeseen event that may or may not occur. — Attributed to Al "Boy Scout" Gore

We live in a most exciting and challenging period in human history. As technology sweeps through every facet of our lives, changes are occurring so rapidly that it can be difficult for us to keep our lives in balance. To maintain some semblance of stability in our lives, it is essential that we plan for our future. I believe it is time, and perhaps with some urgency, to review the counsel we have received in dealing with our personal and family preparedness. We want to be found with oil in our lamps sufficient to endure to the end. — L. Tom Perry (Ensign, Nov 1995, p 35)

With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance? — Jay Leno

You are responsible for what happens to you. — Fr. Frog

You won't have trouble if you are prepared for it. — Fr. Frog

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Outline for Self-Reliance

In what ways could our lack of self-reliance affect us spiritually?

  • Marital stress divorce
  • Self-reliance is a prerequisite to the complete freedom to act
  • Jacob 2:17-19 - Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.
  • In general, are those who chronically need assistance truly preparing themselves to a Celestial level?
  • The toughest part of being unemployed is admitting the need to accept help. Everyone likes to be self-sufficient. But we all need to learn to receive gracefully.

What kinds of situations require us to be self-reliant?

  • Unemployment

  • Crop failure as a farmer resulting in loss of income

  • Local, regional, national, or global crop failure resulting in widespread food shortage and high prices

  • Transportation system failures due to labor strikes, weather, or fuel shortages

  • War or civil unrest

  • Rationing

  • Economic crisis such as a depression

  • Disease epidemics and quarantines

  • Needs of family members experiencing any of the above situations

The following steps, if taken religiously, will prepare oneself and his family to be self-reliant

Budgeting

  • What is budgeting?
    • Estimate income
      • Allow for seasonal fluctuations
      • Don't spend anticipated pay raises -- build budget based upon current income
    • Estimate expenses
      • Review spending patterns over past few months looking for ways to improve money allocation. This is the starting point for creating a budget.
      • Distinguish between wants and needs
      • Set spending priorities.
      • Bad: Open-end budgeting fluctuates with anticipated pay increases. It does not not freeze or control expenses and will never truly get a handle on the budget.
      • Good: Closed-end budgeting establishes a fixed level of prioritized spending that is less than income.
    • A good budget is firmly agreed upon by both spouses, but retains flexibility to deal with appropriate changes
  • Pay tithes and offerings first
  • Pay yourself
    • Retirement
      • Tax deferred accounts available through employer
      • IRAs
      • Self-employment tax deferred accounts
    • Save for future expenses
      • Planned purchases such as car, furniture, appliances
      • Missions
      • Weddings
      • Education
    • Personal spending money for each member of the family
      • Each person should have an allowance to spend as he sees fit without having to justify the expense to anyone
    • Recreation
      • Vacation
      • Hobbies
      • Date night
  • Fixed expenses
    • Lodging
      • Mortgage or rent
      • Utilities
      • Routine maintenance
    • Food
    • Clothing
    • Transportation
      • Fuel
      • Routine maintenance
    • Debt reduction
  • Emergency fund (3-6 month’s income)
    • Unemployment
    • Crop failure if a farmer
    • Unexpected repairs to home, car, etc.
    • Unexpected medical bills
  • Food storage
    • Goal is 1-year supply of food, clothing, fuel, etc.
    • Rotate your stored food and other items
      • Don't let food sit in storage for years. Instead, remove food from storage after a year, eat it, and replace with fresh food storage.
    • Store what you eat. Eat what you store.
      • Store only what your family enjoys eating -- in times of crisis, familiar food can add stability and comfort to the situation.
      • Gain familiarity with emergency food preparation methods (ie on a camp stove, over a campfire, or in a dutch oven) before the crisis hits.
    • Water, water purification
    • 72-hour kit
  • Miscellaneous
    • Taxes
    • Education
      • College
      • Private school
      • School fees and supplies
      • Tutoring (music lessons, etc)
    • Donations to charities
    • Gifts to family and friends (Christmas, birthdays, weddings, etc)

Debt Management

  • Church leaders acknowledge the need to borrow to buy a home, sometimes for education, and in some cases to buy a car
  • Debt can be a useful tool, such as to buy equipment for a business if the equipment will pay for itself
  • Avoid borrowing to buy something that doesn’t retain value or that doesn’t pay for itself such as food, furniture, appliances, clothing, food storage, pleasure items (stereos, TVs)
  • Set goals and dates for elimination of debts
  • If you have a $3,000 credit card balance with 17.9% interest, it will take 37 years to pay of the account by making only the 2% minimum payment. Total payments will be nearly $11,000! At 14.9% interest, it will take 26 years with a total of over $7,400 in payments.
  • Make debt elimination a high-priority budget item.
    1. Stop assuming new debt and stop continuing to use existing accounts. Direct the lenders to close all accounts (advising them that you will continue to pay the debts) except one or two low-interest-no-annual-fee credit cards.
    2. Set a fixed minimum amount for debt liquidation. This amount is equal to the sum of all monthly consumer debt payments
    3. As soon the smallest debt is paid, roll the amount spent in monthly payments on that account over to pay another account (choose either the account with the highest interest rate or the account with the lowest outstanding balance).
    4. Continue this process until all debts are paid.

Teach spouse, kids about financial standing

  • Topic for family home evening
  • Who handles the money? Is this agreeable to both spouses?
  • Does the money handler keep secrets (intentional or otherwise) from the spouse?
  • Can you (or your spouse) assume control if something happened to the money handler?
  • What if something happens to both parents?

Legal protection

  • Will
    • Every parent and every spouse must have a will to direct the distribution of assets and the care of minor children
  • Trusts
    • Living trusts are an additional tool to distribute assets of an estate
    • A will is still essential
  • Power of attorney, durable power of attorney
    • Enables another trusted person to conduct business in one's absence
    • A durable power of attorney remains in effect if the grantor is incapacitated
  • Health power of attorney
    • Directs one's own medical care if incapacitated
  • Insurance
    • Health
    • Life
    • Disability
    • Liability
    • Auto
    • Home
    • Long-term care for the disabled

Education / skills

  • Have a back-up skill in case you can’t continue your present career due to health, technology, etc
  • Continue education to improve advancement opportunities

Health

  • Preserve your health so you can support yourself and your family
  • Healthy people are better able to cope with crises

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Family Preparedness Checklist

For most individuals and families, preparation is limited to assuming government will help when times get hard. However, people should learn to take responsibility for their own welfare rather than always depend on others for support. There may even be occasion when government is unable or unavailable, even unwilling to help when the need comes. At the very lease, one must expect delays and restrictions in government assistance during times of stress.

This list helps guide individuals and families in preparing for crisis. Many people have experiences in their lives at one time or another where this preparation can be at least reassuring and even lifesaving. Perhaps the most common crises requiring this preparation are job loss and disability. Many families find they also need to take advantage of this preparation during and after disasters such as fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, or earthquake. Other remote, but possible situations include civil disruption, interruption of the transportation system, hyperinflation, breakdown of the market economy, even war.

It is not expected that every family or individual have all these items. The cost of obtaining and maintaining everything on this list would be prohibitive for most people. Therefore, do what you can, when you can, to obtain what you feel is most important for your situation. Buying a few extra items of food and other supplies each time you go to the store can help to steadily prepare for disaster. One should also consider other resources that would available during a crisis such as neighbors and relatives. For example, several families can share a single garden tiller. Many of these items deteriorate with age -- even canned foods and gasoline. Such items should be rotated (replace stored items with new items, then consume the replaced items).

Clear title to your own home and land

Four month's wages in savings

Savings for two year’s property taxes

Food (one year)

  • Baby food
  • Baking power
  • Baking soda
  • Beans
  • Bouillon: chicken/beef
  • Brown rice
  • Coffee creamer for powdered milk
  • Flour (white)
  • Fruit – canned (wet or dehydrated)
  • Fruit juices (100%) - canned or bottles
  • Garlic powder
  • Honey
  • Meat (canned) (wet of dehydrated)
  • Milk (powdered)
  • Oatmeal
  • Olive oil for cooking & for blessings
  • Onion power
  • Pepper
  • Pet food & supplies
  • Salt
  • Soups with meat (wet or dehydrated)
  • Special dietary items
  • Spices
  • Spray oil
  • Sugar (brown)
  • Sugar (powdered)
  • Sugar (white)
  • Tomato sauce
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vegetables – canned (wet or dehydrated)
  • Vitamin and mineral supplements
  • Water purification filters, tablets, or chlorine bleach
  • Wheat
  • Yeast

Garden

  • Hoe

  • Hose

  • Mower

  • Plow (human powered)

  • Garden rake

  • Leaf rake

  • Seed potatoes

  • Seeds (non-hybrid with 10 year shelf life)

  • Shovel (s)

  • Sprinkler

  • Tiller

  • Tractor

  • Work Gloves

Personal Hygiene Item (one year)

  • Body Lotion
  • Cosmetics
  • Curlers
  • Deodorant
  • Dental floss
  • Hairspray
  • Hair conditioner rinse
  • Hand soap
  • Kleenex
  • Mouthwash
  • Nail polish (clear)
  • Nail polish remover
  • Paper towels
  • Razor
  • Razor blades
  • Sanitary napkins
  • Shampoo
  • Tampons
  • Tissues
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste

Clothes (one year)

  • Boots
  • Blouses
  • Cloth

  • Coats
  • Diapers
  • Dresses
  • Garments
  • Gloves
  • Handkerchiefs
  • Hats
  • Jackets
  • Nylon stockings
  • Pants
  • Rain gear
  • Sewing needles

  • Sewing thread, buttons, & supplies

  • Shirts

  • Shoes
  • Skirts
  • Socks
  • Sunglasses
  • Thermal underwear (polypro best)
  • Underwear

Medical & First Aid Supplies (one year)

  • Antacid

  • Antibiotic cream or ointment

  • Anti-diarrhea medication such as Pepto Bismol

  • Antihistamine such as Benadryl for allergic reactions

  • Antiseptic wipes

  • Arm sling

  • Bandages

    • Ace bandage

    • Gauze pads (3x3", 4x4", 5x5", triangular bandages)

    • Gauze rolls (conforming roller gauze bandage, 3" cohesive bandage)

  • Band-aids (20, assorted sizes)

  • Cold medicine (decongestant/antihistamine)

  • Cold pack

  • Contact lenses

  • Contact lens solution

  • Contact lens cleaner

  • Cotton balls

  • Cough drops

  • Cough syrup

  • CPR breathing barrier or face shield

  • Disinfectant

  • Disposable gloves

  • Electrolyte solution like Pedialyte to restore fluids

  • Eye drops

  • Eyeglasses

  • First aid manual

  • First aid ointment

  • First aid tape (2-inch)

  • Germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer

  • Gloves (non-latex, medical grade)

  • Hydrocortisone

  • Hydrogen peroxide

  • Iodine

  • Laxative

  • Medical thermometer (rectal for infants, oral for others)

  • Medicinal herbs with book

  • Nose drops

  • Pain reliever (Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Ibuprophin) -- liquid for young children, tablets for older kids and adults

  • Phone numbers of your local poison control center, pediatrician, hospital emergency room

  • Prescription medications

  • Q-Tips

  • Rubbing alcohol

  • Skin moisturizer

  • Scissors

  • Sore throat spray or lozenges

  • Suction bulb to clear a baby's nose

  • Super glue

  • Syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal for treatment of poisoning. Note: Call your doctor or poison-control expert before administering

  • Tweezers

  • Zinc oxide-based product for diaper rash

School and Office Supplies (one year)

  • Envelopes

  • Glue sticks

  • Lined paper

  • Markers

  • Notebook dividers

  • Notebooks

  • Pencils

  • Pens

  • Postage

  • Stationery

  • Tuition – for one year

  • Type paper

72-Hour Kit (this should be in a backpack or duffle for immediate and easy carrying in case you must evacuate for a short period due to flood, forest fire, toxic leak or spill, hurricane, tornado, etc.) See also Camping Survival Kit

  • Battery-operated radio with batteries

  • Blankets or sleeping bags

  • Can Opener – non-electric

  • Cash (plan for a 2-week vacation)

  • Change of clothing

  • Chlorine bleach

  • Disinfectant

  • Emergency preparedness manual

  • Feminine supplies

  • First aid kit

  • Flashlights with batteries

  • Food for at least three days (select foods that don't require refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and water)

  • Manual can opener

  • Matches

  • Mess kits or paper plates, cups, plastic utensils

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Plastic garbage bags

  • Pliers or multi-tool

  • Sewing kit

  • Soap

  • Special needs (diapers, formula, medications)

  • Toilet paper

  • Utility knife

  • Vitamin supplements

  • Water (1 gallon per person for 14 days - change every 6 months)

Camping-Hiking Survival Kit (see also 72-Hour Kit and Camping Equipment)

  • Blankets

  • Compass

  • First aid kit

  • Flashlight or headlamp

  • Food (one day)

  • Gloves

  • GPS

  • Map

  • Matches

  • Multi-tool

  • Paper and pencil

  • Paper towels

  • Parachute chord

  • Plastic sheeting

  • Pocket knife

  • Signal flare

  • Signal mirror

  • Space blanket

  • Spare batteries

  • Stainless steel cup (large)

  • Sunglasses

  • Toilet paper

  • Trash bags (3-4, large)

  • Water purification tablets or filter

  • Whistles

  • Wire saw

Family Records (in fireproof safe)

  • Computer backup tapes/disks

  • Education records

    • Diplomas

    • Report cards

    • Special commendations/awards

    • Standardized test scores

    • Transcripts

    • Vocational/professional training

    • Volunteer training (ie Boy Scout leader)

  • Employment records

    • Special commendations/awards

    • Vocational/professional training

  • Family tree

  • Financial records

    • Accounts receivable

    • Annual income/expense summary

    • Bank account records

    • Charitable contribution records

    • Credit card and debt records

    • Frequent flyer records

    • Funeral arrangements and planning guide

    • History of loan payments

    • Information to report lost/stolen cards

    • Investment gains and losses log

    • Ledger of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, certificates of deposit, precious metals and jewels, etc

    • Personal financial statement

    • Savings and Investment records

    • Stock and bond certificates

    • Tax records

  • Genealogical records

  • Health & medical records

    • Dental and orthodontic care history

    • Immunization records

    • Medical care history

    • Mental health care history

    • Optical care history

    • Prescriptions

  • Insurance policies

    • Auto

    • Boat, airplane, ATV, etc

    • Disability

    • Health

    • Home

    • Insured property list

    • Life

  • Insurance claims records

  • Inventory of valuable household goods (with photos or video)

    • Appliances

    • Collectibles

    • Computer equipment

    • Firearms

    • Furniture

    • Jewelry

    • Tools

  • Military and VA records

    • Awards and decorations records

    • Disability records

    • Discharge records (ie DD-214)

    • Training documentation

    • Pension records

    • VA education eligibility certificates

    • VA home-loan eligibility certificates

  • Personal records

    • Adoption records

    • Birth certificates

    • Club/organization affiliations

    • Court records

    • Death certificates

    • Divorce decrees

    • Driving record

    • Emergency and commonly called phone numbers

    • Gift giving record

    • Journals & diaries

    • Marriage certificates

    • Military & veteran's records

    • Names, addresses, birthdays of friends & family

    • Passports

    • Periodical subscription information

    • Voter registration ID

  • Pet care records

  • Photographs & albums

  • Power of Attorney documents

  • Property records & titles

    • Assessments

    • Auto

    • Inventory of personal property and collectibles

    • Maintenance records

    • Patents, copyrights, royalties, etc

    • Real estate

    • Warranties

  • Retirement records

    • 401k

    • Defined benefit plans

    • IRA

    • Keogh and SEP

    • Loans secured by pension plans

    • Military/VA

    • PBGC (Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp)

    • Pension contribution log

    • Social security records

  • Wills and trust documents

Items for Children (one year)

  • Board games

  • Books

  • Crayons

  • Games

  • Toys

Camping & Cooking Equipment (See also www.three-peaks.net/camplist.htm)

  • Axe

  • Backpack

  • Bow saw

  • Camp stove with fuel

  • Candles

  • Can Opener – non-electric

  • Charcoal

  • Charcoal grill

  • Compass and appropriate maps

  • Cot(s)

  • Dining fly

  • Dutch ovens

  • Kerosene

  • Kerosene heater

  • Kerosene lamps

  • Large kettles for heating water

  • Paper towels

  • Plastic cups (heavy-duty)

  • Plastic wrap

  • Potato peeler

  • Propane

  • Rope

  • Rubber gloves

  • Sewing kit

  • Shovel

  • Sleeping bags

  • Sleeping pads/mattresses

  • Tarps

  • Tent(s)

  • Toilet paper

  • Trash bags (3-4, large)

  • Water buckets/barrels

  • Waterproofing

  • Wheat Grinder – Hand-operated

  • Zip-Loc bags – various sizes

Auto

  • Air compressor or Fix-a-Flat

  • Antifreeze - 1 gallon

  • Axe

  • Blanket

  • Brake fluid - 1 pint

  • Clothes, warm

  • Coveralls

  • Deicer spray

  • Duct tape

  • Electrical tape

  • Extra gasoline

  • Fire extinguisher (ABC type)

  • First aid kit

  • Flares

  • Flashlight

  • Fuel stabilizer (ie Stabil)

  • Gasket sealer

  • Gasoline - 5-gallons

  • Gear oil - 2 quarts

  • Gloves

  • High-lift jack

  • Hose clamps

  • Hydraulic jack

  • Jumper cables

  • Matches

  • Misc nuts & bolts

  • Motor oil

  • Multipurpose tool (ie Leatherman)

  • Oil filter (s)

  • Paper towels

  • Plywood (2' x 2' x 3/4") for jack base in soft soil

  • Power steering fluid - 1 quart

  • Pulley drive belt

  • Radiator sealer

  • Shovel

  • Silicone spray

  • Snacks

  • Spare fan belt(s)

  • Spare tire - full-size

  • Tarp

  • Tire chains

  • Tire pressure gauge

  • Tire repair kit

  • Toilet paper

  • Tools (mechanics)

  • Tow strap

  • Transmission fluid

  • Trash bags (3-4, large)

  • Water (2 gallons - change every 3 months)

  • Wet wipes

  • Winch or come-along (hand or electric)

  • Windshield scraper

Other Supplies & Equipment (one year)

  • Batteries

  • Binoculars

  • CD player with music CDs

  • Clocks with batteries

  • Clothesline

  • Clothespins

  • Dish soap

  • Disinfectant cleaner

  • Fire extinguisher

  • Firewood

  • Fishing equipment

  • Flashlights

  • Fuel stabilizer

  • Garbage bags

  • Generator with fuel

  • Glue (carpenter/hot glue/super glue)

  • Gun cleaning supplies

  • Guns & hunting ammunition

  • Gun safe

  • Ham radio & antenna (if licensed)

  • Hobbies

  • Large tubs, scrub board, & wringer for washing clothes

  • Laundry detergent

  • Matches

  • Paper towels

  • Radio (battery-operated)

  • Scriptures

  • Shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water

  • Spray bottles

  • Tape recorder with blank tapes

  • Tools (mechanics)

  • Tools (household/woodworking)

  • UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

  • Wood burning stove with external air supply

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Light-weight food products including dietary supplements, meal replacement bars and shakes.



Emergency Preparedness and Food Storage Links

72 Hours About.com Preparedness Page
Allstate Catastrophe Information AlwaysBePrepared
Alpine Aire Emergency Food Storage American Family Safety
  Are you Ready?
A Suggested Survival List Backwoods Home Magazine Article Archive
Be Prepared Boy Scouts of America Emergency Preparedness
Building and Stocking Your Pantry Build Your Own Can Racks
Canned Food Expiration Dates Canned Food Shelf Life
Canning Pantry CantinaWest Solar Cooking
Caring for Animals In An Emergency CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response
Citizen Preparedness Clawson Food Storage Page
Common Mistakes of Food Storage Common Sense Survival Guide
CSR Food Storage Links CSR Miscellaneous Self-Reliance Links
Cumberland General Store Dee Finney Personal Preparedness Page
Department of Homeland Security Emergency Readiness Information Disaster management: Be Prepared and Armed
Disasters & Emergencies Dehydrated Food Storage
Disinfecting Your Water Doom and Bloom
Earthquake Preparedness and Planning Ideas Earthquake Store
EFoods Direct Emergency Contacts Form
Emergency Essentials, Inc Emergency Essentials Preparedness Index
Emergency Essentials  
Emergency Kitchen Emergency MRE
Emergency Power Emergency Power Options
Emergency Preparedness by Pleasant Grove Utah Stake Emergency Preparedness Center
Emergency Preparedness Manual Emergency Preparedness Manual
Emergency Survival Kits Ensign Articles on Food Storage
Equipped To Survive Essentials 2000 Storage Food
Everyday Food Storage Family Emergency Health Information Sheet
Family First Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness Page Family Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness
FCC Licensed Amateur Radio Stations in Cedar City, Utah Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA Emergency Preparedness Floods
Food and Water in an Emergency Food Safety During a Disaster
Food Shelf Life Recommendations Food Storage Calculators
Food Storage Central Freeze Dry Guy
Food Storage Depot Food Storage FAQs
Fuel for Adventure Get Ready Gear
Getting Americans Ready for Disaster Gerber-Tools
Go Bag / Bugout Bag / Survival Pack Gubler's Rescue 911
Ham Radio Handling An Evacuation Procedure
Happy Hovel Storable Foods Heat Waves
Homeland Security Preparedness Page How Can I Help When Disaster Strikes?
How to Prepare for Any Disaster Hurricane Preparedness
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Assembling an Emergency Kit for Your Car

As the seasons change we ought to be sure our car is prepared for them. Depending on your circumstances and location, your level of preparation may vary. You may need snow tires, new windshield wipers and fluid, anti-freeze, heater/air conditioner service, recommended scheduled tune-ups, etc. For everyone it should mean preparing your car for whatever could happen.

When preparing your car it is wise to remember to make preparations also for your family. An emergency car kit is crucial for breakdowns and unusual weather conditions. It is always good to keep essential supplies in your car in case you get stranded for a few hours or even a few days.

What should I keep in my auto emergency kit? First, you want to make sure you have the basic essentials such as water, food, and warmth. After these basics are included, then you can add other necessities such as an emergency light, first aid items, tools and other accessories.

Water: Drinkable water is of utmost importance. Most people can actually survive days without food, but your body will dehydrate without water, leading to organ failure and death. We take the abundance of water for granted when things are normal, but in an emergency it becomes critical. Water is also useful for washing wounds and for sanitation. Water can also be helpful if your car overheats. Because of the limited space in automobiles, storing water must be in small packages. Water is available in small drink boxes (8.45 oz.), in pouches (4.2 oz.) or a Deluxe Sanitation & Water Kit.

Food: If your car breaks down and you are many miles from any town or store, you will want to have food stored in your kit to make sure your body has enough energy. It is very difficult to keep food in your car because it is exposed to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, and the food is likely to spoil. The best thing to store in your car is high Calorie Food Bars. These bars come in packages of 2400 calories and 3600 calories. They can be exposed to extreme temperatures. They have a tasty flavor that won’t leave you thirsty. The bar helps activate the salivary gland and reduce your demand on emergency water supplies. They also expand in your stomach so you feel full. Be careful that you don’t over-consume them because they are so high in calories.

Warmth: You may have plenty of food and water, but if you’re cold you’ll feel miserable. Especially in the winter, warmth is a must for an emergency car kit. If you get stranded on a desolate road or stuck in a snowstorm, you will be glad you have a source of warmth in your car. There are several options: 6 to 20 hour warm packs, wool blankets, emergency bags, and emergency blankets. Also, for shelter from the rain, include a poncho or other rain gear. Warm packs are nice for quick, concentrated heat. You can put them in your pockets, shoes and gloves to stay warm. Wool is one of nature’s warmest fibers. It provides warmth even when it’s wet. It is best to get a wool blend blanket because when synthetic fibers are added to it they provide softness, washability and durability. Emergency blankets and bags are lightweight and fold to pocket size. They’re made of a reflective material which reflects up to 80% of your radiant body heat to help keep you warm. A poncho is nice if you are in rain or other bad weather and need to go outside to change a tire or do other work on the car.

Light: It’s important to always keep a flashlight in your emergency car kit. It comes in handy for all types of circumstances. Be sure to keep charged batteries in the flashlight so you aren’t left in the dark. The Innovative LED Light has a much higher battery life than conventional flashlights and are essential for emergency car kits. Other lights that could be useful in your auto emergency kit are lightsticks, emergency candles with a wide base and waterproof matches. Lightsticks last for 12 hours and are safe for children. They are visible up to one mile away, and they are non-toxic and non-flammable. Emergency candles or liquid paraffin candles are long-lasting, reusable, odorless and smokeless. A wide base adds stability which helps prevent accidental spills which is especially nice for the car. Also, be sure to keep waterproof matches in your emergency car kit so you can light it.

First Aid Items: If injury occurs, every second counts because help may be hours or days away. A first aid kit allows you to assist with injuries until help arrives. Keep items such as pain relievers, sterile pads, alcohol prep pads, bandages, soap, gauze pads, and micropore tape. You may also want to include tissues, toilet paper, safety pins and ace bandages. All of these items will come in handy when you are in need of first aid on the road.

Tools: Consider tools such as a multi-purpose knife or a collapsible shovel for your car. A shovel may come in handy if you are to get stuck in the snow or mud. A multi-purpose knife provides many different tools for you to work with in a time of need. A Samurai survival tool provides an axe, hammer, and pry tool all-in-one. A basic tool kit and a roll of duct tape are also good items to keep in your car.

Other Accessories: Roadflares may also be useful in your auto emergency kit, but they should only be used for a warning signal, and should NEVER be used for light. Once a roadflare has been lit, make sure you set it on a non-flammable surface. The by-product from its fire drips to the ground and may cause a fire if it lands on flammable material such as grass or if there is a gas leak. Be careful because the fumes are extremely nauseous and must be used only in a well-ventilated area.

There are several kinds of pre-packaged emergency car kits available, or you can customize your own. If you are purchasing a prepacked kit remember that you may need to customize your kit according to your needs (medications, glasses, etc.) Keep your kit in a compact case so it fits easily in your trunk or under a seat.

As you are preparing for the unknown, don’t forget to prepare your car with an emergency car kit. When that snowstorm causes you to be stranded from home, or if you get a flat tire, or your auto overheats far from any town, you will be grateful you took the time to think ahead. The more conveniences you include, the better your situation will be.

For a detailed checklist of items to keep in your emergency kit for your car, see the checklist above.

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Emergency Preparedness Insight

The following articles may used for non-commercial applications. Every effort has been made to be accurate in the information presented. Information provided is not comprehensive but designed to give helpful hints and suggestions.

Education and Planning

The First Three Days of an Emergency-72 Hour Kits

Water Storage and Replenishment

  • Water Storage Options - In most emergency situations, fresh drinking water is the most important item you can store. It is recommended at home to have both portable and stationary emergency water storage.
  • Practicing Water Conservation - We take many things for granted, but when they become scarce, we sit up and become aware. One of these commodities is water.
  • Water Filtration and Purification - Water is so essential for survival, it is wise to have both a stored supply of drinking water and a way to acquire water for your continuing needs.
  • Emergency Essential's Water Challenge-One Gallon of Water for a Day - It is far less stressful to challenge yourself and your family to survive on your supplies voluntarily than to have to turn to those supplies during an emergency.

Food Storage

Warmth, Shelter and Clothing

  • Emergency Warmth - You can get hypothermia in as little as 20 minutes if you are not dressed properly.
  • Emergency Shelters - After food and water, shelter is the top priority in survival. A shelter will not only provide you with protection from the elements and possibly animals, but will provide you with warmth.
  • Staying Warm - Few discomforts are more annoying and potentially dangerous than being cold.

Light, Tools, Communication

  • Light During an Emergency - Light is crucial during an emergency. A review of different light sources is given in this article.

First Aid and Sanitation

Disaster Preparedness

  • Evacuation Plan - This teaches how to make your own home evacuation plan in case of fire or earthquake.
  • Safeguard Your Documents Against Fire & Flood - Your identity and other precious documents can sometimes be more important than your home.
  • Signals and Sirens - Understanding warning sirens and knowing how to signal for help are important facets of your preparedness knowledge.
  • Child Safety - Disasters can cause panic, fear, and greatly traumatize those involved. Preparation for these conditions ahead of time can minimize the stress of the event, and promote safety for you and your children.
  • Preparing the Family Pet for an Emergency - This will help you understand what you can do to prepare emergency supplies for your family pet.
  • Being Prepared at Work and School - Emergencies and disasters can occur at any time and anywhere.
  • Preserving Sanity in a Disaster Situation - How to recognize and deal with mental health issues after you and your family have survived a disaster.
  • Communicating During and After a Disaster - Learning how to communicate during and after a disaster will help you gain confidence in your ability to survive an emergency.
  • During an Emergency - During an emergency, it is important to your survival to keep yourself healthy. The best way to maintain health is to keep yourself and your living area both clean and sanitary.
  • Evacuation - If your family is faced with a disaster one of your first concerns will be where can we go for safety?
  • Exchanging During Emergencies - Many of us take for granted the ease with which we withdraw cash from an ATM, drive to the grocery store, and take food off the shelves in exchange for paper money. During emergencies that convenience is not always available.
  • Returning Home - If you think evacuating from your home when a disaster strikes would be difficult, how would you feel about returning to your home after a disaster has occurred?
  • Earthquakes - This helps you understand what causes an earthquake, and how to get prepared for one.
  • Preparing for a Tornado - This article will help you become aware of the safety risks tornados bring so you can be prepared to handle them.
  • Hurricane Preparedness - This article helps you understand the causes hurricanes and how to prepare for one.
  • When Lightning Strikes - Weather can change so quickly that wind, rain and lightning can become a threat sooner than one realizes.
  • Floods: Before, During and After the Disaster - Floods are one of the few disasters that can happen anywhere in the world. Included are some basic tips to help you prepare for a flood.
  • Wildfire Safety - One of the hazards of living in close proximity to nature is the possibility of wildfires. They can begin and spread rapidly.
  • National Fire Prevention Week - What can we do to celebrate? To help celebrate Fire Prevention Week, we want to give you the basic background on its beginnings, some tips and suggestions on fire safety, and some fun activities for you and your family that help you learn what to do in a fire.
  • Emergency Fire Safety - Understanding the basic characteristics of fire and learning the proper safety practices can be the key to surviving a house or building fire.
  • Preparing for and Responding to a Power Outage - Power failures can be for an extended period of time, or for a brief moment, but no matter how long they are, they cause a disruption in everyday life.
  • Prevent Harm During Peacetime Nuclear Accidents - The risk of exposure to radiation is often associated with nuclear war and fallout from bombs. But in reality, exposure from a nuclear plant is more likely.
  • How to Build an Emergency Car Kit - This will help you prepare a 72-hour kit for your car with a list of the things you may want to consider.
  • Winterize your Car and your driving - We have had record high temperatures across the nation, but winter will eventually come and we will need to be ready to handle driving in rapidly changing conditions.
  • Traveling in the Winter - Are you prepared to travel safely during the winter? Get some tips and ideas on winter travel safety.
  • Winter Camping - Camping is a popular recreational activity anytime of the year, but it is camping during the winter that requires the most preparation and special equipment.
  • Hiking and Preparedness - Hiking is a great way to practice your preparedness skills and learn to use your emergency equipment.
  • 10 Tips on Hiking with "little ones" - Good advice for parents before taking those little ones on a hike.

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