So often when we think of emergency preparedness, we think of the large, catastrophic events; earthquakes, fires, floods, etc. Yes, these are important to prepare for, but it is much more likely that your emergency will be something smaller, but still impactful. This is why our stake preparedness newsletter tackles practical, as well as emergency, preparation. Comments and feedback are always welcome. Please read and share with family, friends, and neighbors.
How Many of these Are You Already Doing?
Always have a case of water in your home. Rotate through a case of water such that you always have a full case available.
Keep your gas tank above half or EV’s at 50% There will be times when you will unexpectedly not be able to fill up. Make this a regular practice, just in case.
Maintain a list of phone #’s in your purse or wallet. If you had to use someone else’s cell phone to call your family, how many relatives would you be able to call?
Take a video of your home and belongings. Learned this one recently from a guy whose house was completely flooded in a heavy rainstorm.
Keep a little cash in small denominations. There are a several reasons to have a little cash around the house in case of an emergency.
Have an alternative meeting spot. If something unexpected happens nearby, you may not be able to get home from school or work. Where will
you meet up?
Have an alternative communication method. If cell phones go down, how will you communicate? Have a plan before you need it, including social media messaging.
Have a family verification word. In today’s world of AI and deep fakes, have an authentication word that only the family knows.
Steps to Take Before and After an Earthquake
It is pretty common knowledge that we live near a fault line and the one natural disaster that could most likely impact us is an Earthquake.
Besides the practical preparation tips discussed on the left, here are a few more things you may want to consider. We are providing every Bishop with a fireproof/waterproof bag with the following items in it. You may want to create something similar, but personalized, for yourself, family, friends, or neighbors.
A hardcopy ward list with addresses and phone #’s
A list of whom in the ward might need extra help in a disaster
A list of what resources ward members might have including medical training, equipment, and/or special emergency management skills
Two walkie-talkies. There are lots of good ones out there but we went with the Midland T51 VP3 X-Talker because they are inexpensive ($50 for two) and can run on batteries or be charged.
A stake communication plan
A list of city, county, state emergency resources
Accompanying this newsletter is a detailed, 72 hour checklist for after an earthquake has hit. Please review it and have it available for quick retrieval.