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
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 goodto 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
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 doesnt retain value or that doesnt 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.
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.
Set a fixed minimum amount for debt liquidation. This amount is equal to the sum of all monthly consumer debt payments
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).
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 cant 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
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).
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
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 wont 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 dont over-consume them because they are so high in calories.
Warmth: You may have plenty of food and water, but if youre cold youll 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 natures warmest fibers. It provides warmth even when its 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. Theyre 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: Its 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 arent 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, dont 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.
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
Emergency Education Quiz - How's your preparedness savvy? Take this quiz to find out what you do and don't know about being prepared.
Evacuation Plan - This explains how to make your own home evacuation plan in case of fire or earthquake.
Communications Plan - Print and fill out these forms to begin your Family Emergency Plan.
Be Prepared! - Appreciate modern conveniences but still learn to be prepared for anything.
Emergency Phone Numbers Bring Quick Response - We have put together an easy-to-use form with our suggestions of important numbers to have, as well as spaces for your own numbers.
Preparing the Family Pet for an Emergency - Getting your family prepared for emergencies should be your foremost preparedness concern, but what about the family pet?
Holiday Safety Tips - With a few simple precautions, your home can be safe for your family.
Emergency Fire Safety - Do you have a fire evacuation plan for your family? Did you know that according to experts, fire is a major cause of death in North America?
Car Preparedness and Safety - The unexpected can happen anywhere. With the increasing amount of time we spend in our car, it is wise to have an auto emergency kit. A suggested list will help you get started.
Outdoor Cooking Tips - It is important to learn to cook without electricity before the loss of this important resource. Have fun learning to cook outdoors and gain the skill before an emergency occurs.
Special Considerations for Emergency Kits - Babies and small children, the elderly, and those with special medical needs should be considered when preparing your 72-hour kits.
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.
Eat What You Store, Store What You Eat - Simple suggestions to help you incorporate food storage items into everyday cooking, and help you understand why you should.
The Seven Major Mistakes in Food Storage - Variety, extended staples, vitamins, psychological foods, balance, containers, and using your storage are the areas where mistakes are most often made.
Emergency Comfort Foods - When disasters occur, they can completely change the way you live your life. In order to make the situation easier for you and your family, we recommend storing some "comfort foods."
Keep Life in Your Food Storage - Your food storage program must be designed to sustain life. Here are a few suggestions for keeping life in your food storage program.
What Are Your Priorities? - It is wise to evaluate your priorities and make a decision about purchasing emergency supplies and food storage?
Planning to Use Your Food Storage - Four questions you should keep in mind when planning your food storage so you'll learn to rotate and not waste this emergency resource.
Non-Food Storage - Remember to plan to store more than just food in your one-year supply.
Making Cents with Good Nutrition - Eating well is a real challenge these days. An even bigger accomplishment is eating well on a budget.
Which Method of Storing is the Best? - Many people want to know which method is the best for storing their food, and depending on whom you ask, you will probably get a different answer.
Storing Your Storage - When considering where to put your food storage, there are a few very important facts you need to remember.
Storage on a Shoestring - With the daily cost of living tugging at their pocketbooks, many people wonder how in the world they can afford one more item to be added to their budget.
Food Dehydration - There is nothing perhaps so satisfying as "putting up" your own food.
Growing Your Own Food - If you don't have a lot of space or the soil in your area is poor, you may want to consider growing your garden in containers as an alternative form of gardening.
All About Wheat - This teaches what wheat to store and how to store it.
Wheat's a Treat - This discusses the health benefits of wheat. Recipe included.
Breads and Cereals - This helps you understand the healthful nature of grains in your daily life and the varieties available.
Bean Cuisine-Bean Flour! - Dry beans ground to a flour in an ordinary wheat mill or grinder can be turned into fantastically delicious fat-free soups, gravies and sauces in only 3 minutes!
Meat Substitute - How to get protein in your emergency diet without using meat.
Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MRE's) - What they are and how you can use them. Includes a storage chart based on storage temperature.
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.
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.
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.
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