Emergency Spiritual Preparedness

In the March 2013 Ensign of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, there was an article about Self-Reliance.  There are some good points brought up in there that we would like to review today.  The article can be found at http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/03/living-the-principles-of-self-reliance.

Self-Reliance is Spiritual and Temporal
The first point is that Self-Reliance is both a Spiritual and a Temporal Principle.  This is important, because often we focus on getting food storage, 72-hour kits, and first aid.  Sometimes the spiritual aspect can go neglected.  It is just as vital to be prepared for spiritual emergencies as it is to be prepared for physical emergencies.

We really liked the quote from President Boyd K. Packer in the article, “If we lose our emotional and spiritual independence, our self-reliance, we can be weakened quite as much, perhaps even more, than when we become dependent materially.”

We should be building up our reserves by daily going to the scriptures and to our Heavenly Father in prayer.  Being prepared spiritually will help during temporal emergencies.

Self-Reliance is NOT Independence
The next point is that Self-Reliance should not be mistaken for complete independence.  This is important because we may get into the mindset that we will be prepared once we are completely independent.  However, we cannot ever be completely independent.  We rely upon the Lord for our breath and our very presence here on this Earth, so there is no way that we can ever be completely independent.  What we can do is become as independent as possible, and then use that independence to help others that may be struggling in that area.  Do not seek to become completely independent, but as independent as possible.

This was a great article, and we recommend that you read it entirely.  Did you learn something different?  Post your comments below so we can all learn!
Be Self-Reliant!  Or...be as Self-Reliant as possible.

HAM Radio Information

HAM Radios

We have received some interest in people wanting to know the best ways to get certified to operate HAM radios.  We have found a few good study tools that we are currently using and also have found out when and where (in the Nampa area) testing is available. We will share them with you so you can take advantage of them. We recommend that you set specific goals. For example we are setting the month when we want to go in and take our tests by, so we have to be studied up by that point. Tests are available once a month.

There are 3 levels of HAM Radio Licenses:


Technician Class: This license is granted after passing a 35-question test on basic regulations, operating practices, and electronic theory, with a focus on VHF and UHF applications. No Morse code is required. With a Technician Class license, you will have all ham radio privileges above 30 megahertz (MHz) including the 2-meter band. Technicians may operate FM voice, digital packet (computers), television, single-sideband voice and several other modes. Technicians may also operate on the 80, 40, and 15 meter HF bands using CW, and on the 10 meter band using CW, voice, and digital modes.

General Class: Technicians upgrade to General Class by passing a 35-question examination on regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory. No Morse code is required. In addition to Technician Class, General Class operators may use high power transmitters and have access to the 160, 30, 17, 12, and 10 meter bands and access to major parts of the 80, 40, 20, and 15 meter bands.

Extra Class: An upgrade to Extra Class is accomplished by passing a 50-question examination on regulations, specialized operating practices, advanced electronics theory, and radio equipment design. No Morse code is required. While this may seem a challenge it results in the privilege of operating on all authorized Amateur Radio frequencies.

For additional detail on Amateur Radio licensing in the U.S. check out the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) web site and search for Licensing.

When you receive your license you will also be granted a call sign by which you identify your station on the air. The section Call Signs explains call signs and their make-up.


If you do not have a license, you can still use certain common bandwidths of HAM Radio, but it's not very much.

Practicing for Getting the Licenses

The test will take the questions out of a pool of 350 questions. The test itself isn't that long though (above  we stated that the exam for the technician license is only 35 questions). We have heard the best way to get ready for the test is to take the practice tests and correct yourself as you go along.

Study Guide:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/m86wlp87am8yom1/Tech_Study_Guide_2010.pdf

Websites to take Practice Exams for Free:
http://www.eham.net/exams/
http://aa9pw.com/radio/
http://www.qrz.com/hamtest/
http://hamexam.org/ - Also has 'Flash Cards' for studying.
If you don't like the formats for these websites, you can Google or Bing for other Practice Exams.


Amateur Radio Clubs

There are two Amateur Radio Clubs in the Nampa Area that I'm sure would love to help you even more:

http://k7si.org/
http://k7lcd.org/

April Preparedness Fair

Hello Everyone!!!

Adam and I are currently in a committee that is putting together a preparedness and self reliance fair. The fair will be held:

APRIL 27th from 10am-2pm

at

3904 E Greenhurst Rd, Nampa, ID

We are very excited for the fair and hope that many in the Nampa area will be able to attend. It is hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and all are welcome to come and enjoy the resources that will be available.

Currently this is the information that we know.

Red Cross will be there doing a blood drive

Child Finger Printing

Information about the following topics will also be available:

First Aid

72 hour Kits

Gardening

Emergency Communication (HAM radio)

Sanitation 

Alternate Power

Food Storage

Disaster Planning

Financial Preparedness

Dry Pack Canning

and more.

Please come and enjoy the opportunity to love a more provident life.

Emergency First Aid

So this week we are going to be helping you guys learn how to do minor first aid for emergency situations.

Please let us know what you would like to learn about. We would be more than happy to teach you whatever you would like to learn. Some examples are: how to treat a bee sting, how to treat a bug bite, signs for a stroke, signs for a heart attack, etc.

 All of the video's are from British Red Cross If the situation is more than you can handle you should always call 911.

This first video is about how to treat an open wound

This Second Video is about how to do Baby CPR (good for you older kids to know, and girls who want to babysit on a regular basis.)

This third video is about Child CPR

The fourth video is about Adult CPR

Dealing with Chocking 

Sprains and Strains

How to treat Burns

And Just for Fun:

Emergency Documents

One thing that is commonly forgotten in emergencies is important papers. We will list out documents that you will want to take with you in case there is an emergency. We also suggest that you store these documents in page protectors or you get them laminated and store them in a central location, such as a binder. You can make copies of originals if you want to keep them in a safe place. Here is a link to a blog of someone who put together an emergency binder and she has print outs for you to use as well.

http://www.yourownhomestore.com/survival-kit-series-week-23-important-documents/

Emergency documents:

• Birth certificates
• Social Security
• Immunization records
• Pictures of each person
• spare keys (to home, cars, etc)
• Drivers license 
• Marriage license
• Insurance documents
• Bank information (include credit/debit cards, account numbers, etc)
• Important phone numbers
• Will (and other legal documents)
• List of family members places -work, schools, clubs (and if the school has an emergency plan you should know it)
• Church records (blessings, baptism, priesthood, etc.)
• Money (recommend you keep it in small bills like 1's and 5's)

Building your 72-Hour Kit

Submitted Question: I need some ideas of what to put into my 72-Hour Kit.

Answer: Quantities may vary depending on the size of your family, but here is a list of the general items that you may need. (Keep in mind that you may live in different environments, so winter coats, for example, may be necessary for some of you, while sunscreen could be necessary for others.)

Items for Waste and Trash Disposal

• Plastic Bags
• Disinfectant (Lysol)
• Laundry Detergent
• Clothes Pins (and clothes line)
• Pre-moistened Towelettes (Wet Wipes)
• Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
• Infant Supplies (diapers, etc)
• Trash Cans
• Deodorizer Tablets
• Wash tub
• Paper Towels
• Rubber Gloves
• Insect Repellent
• Shovel
• Kitty Litter (not just for your pet...it can be good for soaking up oils or liquid wastes, or help create traction for tires if your car is stuck in the snow, etc.)
• Clean Rags
• Bar soap
• Feminine Supplies
• Toilet Paper

Items for Personal Hygiene

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Hand Sanitizer
• Comb / Brush
• Lotion
• Towel
• Chapstick
• Deodorant
• Feminine Supplies
• Baby Supplies
• Toothpaste/Toothbrush

Items for Medical Situations

• Pain Reliever
• Burn Ointment
• Anti-Itch Cream
• Personal Medications (Insulin if you have diabetes, blood pressure medication, inhaler, etc.)
• Scissors
• Triangle Bandage
• Needle
• Elastic Bandages
• Cotton Balls or Swabs
• Tweezers
• Gauze
• Petroleum Jelly
• Antiseptic
• Safety Pins
• Adhesive Tape

Items for Food Preparation

• Backpacking Stove
• Heat Source for Cooking (Sterno Can, Tuna Burner, Charcoal, etc.)
• Fuel for the Heat Source (Propane, Wood, White Gas, Gasoline, Kerosene, etc.)
• Small Pan
• Knives, Forks, and Spoons
• Dishes to eat on
• Can Opener
• Small Coffeepot or Tea Kettle

Items of Importance

• Bedding Supplies (Sleeping Bags, Blankets, Solar Blankets, Tarp, etc.)
• Change of Clothes (Include Footwear, and dress for the season)
• Communication: Radio with batteries, whistle, cell phone, two way radios, ham radio
• Money ($20 or more in kit, smaller denominations are better for smaller transactions.  People may not have a lot of change in an emergency.)
• Important Papers (Birth Certificates, Marriage License, Wills, Insurance Forms, Phone Numbers, Credit Card Information, Social Security Cards, etc.)

Items for Stress Relief

It is important to have items in your 72-Hour Kit that can help comfort in times of distress.

• Crayons
• Coloring Books
• Story Books
• Games / Cards
• Scriptures
• Favorite "Security" Items (blanket)
• Hard Candy
• Books
• Magazines
• Needlework
• Harmonica (or other portable musical instrument)

Items for Repair

• Sewing Kit
• Scissors
• Shoelaces
• Superglue
• Tape / Duct Tape

Items for Outdoor Survival

• Small Tent
• 50 Foot Rope
• Steel Wool
• Insect Repellent
• Hatchet
• Whistle
• Pocket Knife
• Compass
• Radio
• Shovel
• Flares

Items for Water Supply

• Water - at least 1 gallon per person per day
• Plastic 2 Liter Bottles
• Strap to carry containers
• Water Purification Tablets
• Waterproof Containers (backpacks, tote bags, garbage bags, suitcases, duffel bags, etc.)

Items for Energy Sources

• Flashlights (and batteries)
• Candles
• Chemical Light Sticks
• Matches and/or Lighters

Items for Food

• Get food high in calories (you may be under a lot of stress during an emergency)
• Good nutrition is important, but high calories is the most important factor for short-term survival
• Special Dietary Needs (Gluten-free, Lactose Intolerant)
• Food that is lightweight and compact, and require no refrigeration
• Food that require little preparation
• Some suggestions:
• Food Bars
• Dried Foods
• Stress Foods (chocolate)
• Liquid Beverages
• Trail Mix
• Instant Meals
• Snack Sized Canned Goods
• Canned Tuna
• Canned Soup
• Other Canned Meats
• Beef Jerky
• Granola
• Powdered Instant Drink
• Meals Ready to Eat (MRE)
• Crackers

Purchasing Water Storage Containers

WaterBob

This first link describes a WaterBob, which is relatively inexpensive (around $24 on Amazon) and you can place in the bathtub and fill up with water during an emergency: http://survivalcache.com/emergency-water-storage/
However, if you don't have enough advance warning, this is not a good option, because if the public water system goes down before you can fill up the WaterBob, there goes the water.

Gallon Containers

The next two links show a 100 Gallon plastic container, but at this website you're not limited to a 100 Gallon amount - there's a good range from 45 Gallons to 250 Gallons: http://www.plastic-mart.com/product/6127/100-gallon-vertical-water-storage-tank-tc2364ic-2?gclid=COLyi9Sw6rICFSemPAodiFoAbA
http://www.plastic-mart.com/category/385/chemtainer-water-tanks

I personally like this option if you have room in your house, because you can fill it up before an emergency, adding a bit of bleach to purify the water (http://iwasprepared.blogspot.com/2012/09/water-storage.html).
It also has the added benefit that you could use it as a makeshift water filter if you use all of the water from the container (http://iwasprepared.blogspot.com/2012/09/build-your-own-water-filter.html).

Where to Buy

As far as locations of where to buy containers like these, I don't know of many places that sell large bulk containers - the closest I could find at Costco was 55 Gallon containers (http://www.costco.com/water-barrels-storage-filtration.html) - so that could be an option to get several of those containers.  However, the price is somewhat more expensive than http://www.plastic-mart.com.
The water containers at Costco are through Shelf Reliance, which I think you can sometimes get a good deal from Shelf Reliance Independent Consultants.  So if you know somebody that is an Independent Consultant you could try to contact them and see if that's a possibility.

I will also try to do some more research, and if I find more information, you can see that at our Provident Living blog - http://iwasprepared.blogspot.com