| "There is a portent of stormy weather ahead." -- | | | | packed to accommodate a growing family. |
| Gordon B. Hinckley, 1998. With recent years filled | | | | Children can change several sizes within a year.) |
| with hurricanes, ice storms, tornadoes, and more, | | | | 4. Hygiene items, sanitation. The travel size |
| the Prophet's words take on added significance. | | | | shampoos, soaps, and hand creams we all collect |
| Don't think that you live in an area where natural | | | | from hotel stays are ideal. Wet-wipes can make |
| disasters could strike? Emergencies can and do | | | | do when bathing or showering is not available. For |
| occur to anyone, wherever they live, whatever | | | | sanitation needs, bring heavy duty plastic, bags |
| their circumstances. My family had to leave our | | | | for waste disposal. |
| home within seconds when we learned that our | | | | 5. Medications. |
| neighbor's home repair resulted in a gas leak. | | | | 6. Special needs. Do you have an infant in your |
| Unfortunately, we were not prepared for our | | | | home? Diapers are a necessity. |
| forced and hasty departure and left with nothing. | | | | 7. Cash. In times of emergency, credit cards and |
| More than any specific item, we needed a plan. | | | | checks will likely not be accepted. Gather enough |
| After that experience, my husband and I came | | | | cash in small bills and change for thirty days. |
| up with a two-fold plan: staying where we are (at | | | | 8. Fuel. Keep your gas tank as full as possible. A |
| home) and evacuation. | | | | camp stove with the appropriate fuel is great for |
| Both depend upon having the proper supplies. The | | | | outside cooking and can be used inside as well. |
| first plan involves our home storage system. The | | | | When an ice storm took out our power for two |
| second depends upon an easily transportable 72 | | | | days, we used our camp stove for cooking. |
| hour kit. After experimenting with several | | | | 9. First-aid. Include the basics such as a good book |
| methods, we decided backpacks were the most | | | | on first- aid, bandages, aspirin, foot pads, |
| practical. | | | | sunscreen, etc. |
| Below is a partial list of what we've included in our | | | | 10. Miscellaneous--batteries, lantern, cell phone, |
| kits: | | | | radio, important papers--identification, birth |
| 1. Shelter. A lightweight tent serves the purpose. | | | | certificates, medical records. |
| Remember to pack some blankets as well. | | | | For more ideas, check out the website of The |
| 2. Food and water. Concentrate on high-energy | | | | Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at |
| foods. Include a can opener, and don't forget pet | | | | Go about your preparations in wisdom and order. |
| food if you have a pet. Two liter soda bottles | | | | Don't go out and buy without a plan in place. |
| make handy containers for water. | | | | Above all, don't go into debt for these items. Just |
| 3. Clothing. Think warm, protective clothing. Layers | | | | as in purchasing food storage, make a list, buy |
| work well. Be sure to have comfortable walking | | | | what you need on sale, then rotate. |
| shoes. Waterproof ponchos and boots are a good | | | | "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear. |
| idea. (Check the sizes of the clothes you've | | | | |