Water and Food

Now that the basics have been covered at a high level these articles will shift focus to the actual implementation of the basics. Over the next few months these articles will lay out a plan for creating your own emergency supply kit (also known as a "72-hour kit").

Often we think of emergency supply kits as kits that are portable, put in a backpack for example. Many of the items that are part of an emergency supply kit can be put into a backpack or suitcase. But not everything that is needed for three days of emergency supplies can fit into something portable. As you build your kits think about what can be put into such a portable case and what can't. Sometimes it is a good idea to split an item between something portable and something part of your in-house storage (such as this article's items).

This, the first article in the series of implementing an emergency supply kit, is focused on the most important part of the kit, water and food.

We usually cannot survive without water for three days. It is suggested that, at a minimum, 1 gallon per person per day (so at least 3 gallons per person) be stored. More is obviously better. But even this amount will be too much to carry, so first make sure there is enough in the home and then add small bottles to any portable kits you are building. Well cleaned soft drink bottles are an economical container that can be used to store water in the home. For storing larger amounts jugs or barrels can be purchased, but make sure that they are FDA-approved for food contact. To disinfect a container rinse it with a solution of 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 quart of water. (NOTE that this is not for consumption but only for disinfecting the container.)

Lehi's municipal water supply has been treated and is chlorinated. It can therefore be used and stored without further treatment. For disinfecting water that comes from an uncertain water supply boil vigorously for 2-10 minutes. Bleach (make sure it is unscented) can also be used for treating water. The amount to use is as follows; a range is given depending on how cloudy the water is. (If the water is cloudy the higher amount of bleach should be used.)*

Water        Bleach
1 Gal.       8 - 16 drops
5 Gal.       1/2 - 1 teaspoon
55 Gal.      2 - 4 tablespoons

It's also a good idea to rotate your water once every year. For more information on water in an emergency situation visit http://www.lehicity.com/water/.

We can survive for three days without food. Nevertheless it is still an important factor in keeping our health and as much comfort as possible during an emergency. Store enough non-perishable food for at least three days for each family member. Take into special consideration infants, nursing mothers, and pets. Again, if you are building portable kits, consider foods that are light and are ready to consume with minimal preparation. If your in-home storage includes cans, don't forget a can opener.

Water is the first and most important item we will need in a disaster. As such it is the first item to add to our emergency supply kits. Food is also an important consideration. Adding both of these items is a great start to building out our emergency supply kits.

Next month we will continue to explore what items should be included in our kits.


References:
General - http://www.lehicity.com/water/
* http://mesaaz.gov/water/water/waterstorage.aspx

Keeping Informed

In the last article I touched a bit on how we need to keep ourselves informed in case of a disaster. There are many types of disasters, both natural and man-made. We need to stay informed of what types of disasters the area we live in is prone to, and what to do in case of those disasters. From last month's article:

We live very close to the Wasatch Fault, which is the largest fault of its type in the world (http://www.seis.utah.edu/edservices/EES/WasatchFaultClock.shtml). Earthquake preparation is very important.

Extreme weather conditions are also possible in our area. It would be wise to include preparations for both extreme cold as well as heat.

One other type of problem for which we should prepare ourselves is that of a health epidemic. It is possible that an epidemic might become bad enough that we would need to stay in our homes as much as possible. In this case a good supply of food and other essential needs would be invaluable.

Another type of disaster we should prepare for is flooding. We live close to Utah Lake which puts us close to the water table. Not only would we have to deal with the water itself, but also what comes with long-standing water such as diseases.

We should also prepare for lightning damage and potentially our homes burning. Have a plan ready for the evacuation of your family. Keep important documents and items in a fire-proof safe. Think about what you might need to replace in the case of total loss.

And don't forget that as you stay informed and plan for the various types of disasters that you are not only planning for yourself, spouse, and children but also pets. Decide ahead of time what you will do for your pets and if necessary prepare supplies for them, too.

Part of staying informed is knowing how to contact various city agencies. Here are some of the important phone numbers for Lehi city:


Emergencies - 911
Lehi City Administration - 801-768-7100
Ambulance Headquarters - 801-768-7140
Animal Control - 801-768-7110
Fire Headquarters - 801-768-7130
Police Headquarters - 801-766-5800
Public Works/Power (Main #) - 801-768-4833
* After-hours Emergency - 801-376-0681
Streets Department - 801-768-7102 x4
* After-hours Emergency - 801-836-1072
Water & Sewer Department - 801-768-7102 x3
* After-hours Emergency - 801-836-1045
Qwest - 800-244-1111
Questar - 800-323-5517
Rocky Mtn. Power - 888-221-7070

Schools:
Lehi High School - 801-768-7000
Lehi Jr. High School - 801-768-7010
Willowcreek Middle School - 801-766-5273
Eaglecrest Elementary - 801-768-7035
Fox Hollow Elementary - 801-768-2499
Lehi Elementary - 801-768-7020
Meadow Elementary - 801-768-7025
Sego Lily Elementary - 801-768-7030
Snow Springs Elementary - 801-768-7045

As we keep ourselves informed of the potential hazards that can strike in our area we will be better prepared for whatever comes our way. We will be blessed with a better ability to endure the disasters that can happen in our area.


(Information for this article came from various resources including http://www.lehi-ut.gov/emergency.php and http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/index.html .)

Family Emergency Plan

Last month the topic covered was that of Emergency Supply Kits. This corresponds with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's first step in preparing for an emergency. This month the second step that is detailed for us is that of making a plan.

There are many factors to consider in making an emergency plan. For example, your family might not be all together when an emergency occurs. Predetermined methods to get in contact with each other in this case are important.

Being aware of the types of disasters that may strike in our area also helps us plan accordingly. For example, we live very close to the Wasatch Fault, which is the largest fault of its type in the world (http://www.seis.utah.edu/edservices/EES/WasatchFaultClock.shtml). Earthquake preparation is very important.

Extreme weather conditions are also possible in our area. It would be wise to include preparations for both extreme cold as well as heat.

The Department of Homeland Security has created a number of very useful resources regarding emergency plans. The resources they've made available can be found at http://www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html. This includes links to various emergency planning tools that can be used to create your own personalized disaster plan. It also has information on what else to consider regarding various emergency situations.

As we prayerfully consider what situations we should prepare for and seek inspiration on the proper plan for each of our families the Lord will bless us with peace of mind. We will know that come what may we've done our part to be ready for emergency situations, and the Lord will bless us for our dedication and obedience.

(Information for this article came from various resources including http://www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html .)

Emergency Supply Kit

An emergency supply kit, sometimes called a “72-hour kit,” provides the essentials in many disaster situations. The kits should be in a readily available location should the need to evacuate arise quickly.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has come up with a good checklist of what could go into an emergency supply kit. That checklist can be found at http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/checklist.pdf.

The kits should be easily carried; usually a sturdy backpack is a good choice. As you plan for your kits remember that you’ll need supplies for each member of your family. Also remember that children can help, so it is useful to pack lighter kits for them to carry. Keep in mind that the family might have to split up temporarily as well, so it’s a good idea to pack so that if this happens there are redundant supplies useful for each group. Regarding smaller children, it might also be useful to pack a small, light toy to help smaller children feel a bit of comfort in potential chaos. Consider your family’s situation and adjust what is needed in your kits accordingly.

There are many kinds of emergencies that can happen. With proper preparation we can reduce the stress involved in any emergency and increase our chances for survival dramatically.