Family Home Storage

"Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we can care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.

"We encourage members world-wide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.

"We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve."

—The First Presidency, All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage,
All is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage Feb. 2007, 1

		Three-Month Supply Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. These items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage.
		Drinking Water Store drinking water for circumstances in which the water supply may be polluted or disrupted. If water comes directly from a good, pretreated source, then no additional purification is needed; otherwise, pre-treat water before use. Store water in sturdy, leak-proof, breakage-resistant containers. Consider using plastic bottles commonly used for juices and soft drinks. Keep water containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
		Financial Reserve Establish a financial reserve by saving a little money each week and gradually increasing it to a reasonable amount.
		Longer-Term Supply For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans. These items can last 30 years or more when properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place. A portion of these items may be rotated in your three-month supply.

Grow Your Own Popcorn

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zanastardust/387120303/

Some of our friends and even a few relatives have had their family/kids/teenagers put up some resistance to gardening. The concept of growing their own popcorn may be just exciting enough to get them started.

Most of us have only seen popcorn in a bag or jar at the grocery store. Even gardeners who grow sweet corn may have never thought about trying to grow one of America's favorite snacking foods: popcorn. Aside from the traditional yellow color, popcorn kernels can come in blue, white and red, as well. But before you pick a variety of popcorn to plant, find out your area's growing season matches that of the popcorn variety as it takes longer to mature than sweet corn. Popcorn has more starch in it than sweet corn and although their growing needs are the same, it's the harvesting that makes the difference.

• Add compost or composted manure to the garden bed where the popcorn will be planted. Corn is a warm-weather, needy crop that requires plenty of water combined with rich soil. Another good idea is to add a fertilizer that's high in nitrogen to apply right after you have planted the seeds.

• Plant popcorn seeds directly into the garden bed 1 ½ to 2 inches deep and about a foot in between each other. The corn rows should be about 8 inches apart. If the corn is planted any closer together, you will harvest fewer ears as they won't be as filled out as corn that has plenty of room to grow. You can also start your bed from seedlings. However, keep in mind that popcorn seedlings will be harder to locate at a local nursery.

• The silks of the corn are the female flowers and the tassels are the male flowers. Corn depends upon the wind for pollination, therefore it should be planted in blocks of at least 4 by 4 feet.
  

• Generously water your corn bed from planting day all the way until harvest time. If during the growing season, the lower leaves start to become yellow, give them another shot of nitrogen. Add soil amendments whenever you can as corn is a very heavy feeder.

• If you live in a windy area, the corn may need to have a wind break placed around them or stakes to help hold the corn upright as they have notoriously shallow roots systems.
  

• When the husks have dried and the kernels are plump, shiny, and full of color, harvest the ears off of the stalks. Take the husks off of the corn and lay the corn out in a well-ventilated and cool area. Leave them there for a month or more.

• Popcorn kernels pop because of the moisture content and this is controlled by the curing process.
  

• Take off some of the kernels and test-pop them. If you are happy with how they popped, remove all of the corn kernels from the cobs and store them in glass or ceramic containers. If the popping action is weak, there's still too much moisture in the kernels. Test pop again every couple of days because the kernels can actually become too dry.

By eHow Contributor, Chris McLaunglin

How to Grow Your Own Popcorn

Types of Popcorn Seeds

Popcorn is a favorite of every American household. Surprisingly, there are many different types of popcorn seeds on the market; they come in a unique variety of colors, flavors and sizes, which makes it easy to eat this healthy, fiber-filled snack everyday.

Yellow

1. Yellow popcorn is the most popular brand throughout the United States. It is the largest when popped, and is the cheapest available.

Red

2. Red popcorn has a small kernel that expands to a rather large piece of popcorn, and tends to have a nutty flavor.

White

3. White popcorn is large and fluffy when popped, and tastes mildly like corn.

Blue

4. Blue popcorn has a unique flavor and pops into large, white kernels with blue speckles.

Baby Rice

5. Baby Rice popcorn is a very flavorful, hull-less popcorn with small, tender kernels.

Black 

6. Black popcorn has a very crunchy, medium sized kernel. Although the un-popped kernel is black, it becomes very white when popped.

By eHow Contributor V. L. Hamblin

Popcorn Seeds 

Emergency Planning & Preparedness

Things to do to get your family prepared

1. Make a plan
2. Online planning: make an online family emergency plan

http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/fep/index.jsp

http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/quickshare.html

3. Gather Basic Emergency Supplies
4. Make a “Go-Kit” for at work, at home, and in the car
5. Have a 72-hour kit and water: also three weeks of food and water at home (water-1 gallon, per person, per day)
6. Make specific plans for any infants, elderly or special needs in your family
7. Make special plans for pets
8. Assemble a First-Aid kit
9. Prepare for “Stay-put”. “Evacuation” or “Shelter-in-Place”
10. Make a 10 minute checklist

1. Make a plan

What will you do in an emergency?

• Plan in advance
• Be prepared to assess the situation
• Use common sense and what you have on hand to take care of your family and yourself

Develop a Family Emergency Plan

• Plan to have each family member call, text or email, the same relative or friend in the event of an emergency
• Consider an out-of-town or out-of-state contact
•  In an emergency it may be easier to place an out-of-area call
• Be sure each family member knows the phone number and has coins or prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact
• Watch television or listen to the radio for official instructions
  • Stay or evacuate

Be Prepared for what might happen

• Stay informed about what types of emergencies might affect our region
• Create a Plan to Shelter-in-Place
• Create a Plan to Get Away

2. Make an Online plan

Use the New Online Family Emergency Planning Tool created by the Ready Campaign in conjunction with the Ad Council to prepare a printable Comprehensive Family Emergency Plan:

http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/fep/index.jsp

Use the New Quick Share application to help your family in assembling a quick reference list of contact information for your family, and a meeting place for emergency situations:

http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/quickshare.html

Commit a weekend to updating telephone numbers, buying emergency supplies and reviewing your emergency plan with everyone.

3. Basic Emergency Kit

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: 

 

WATER:

 One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

• One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
• Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
• If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary.
• Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person. 

FOOD:

At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

• Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
• Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
• Avoid salty foods, as they will make you thirsty.
• Choose foods your family will eat.

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Crackers
• Non-perishable pasteurized milk
• High energy foods
• Vitamins
• Food for infants
• Comfort/stress foods 

 
 

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both 

Flashlight and extra batteries 

4. Prepare a Go-Kit

Recommended Items to Include in a Go-Kit:

·         Water one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

·         Non-perishable Food at least a three-day supply

·         Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

·         Flashlight and extra batteries

·         First Aid kit

·         Whistle to signal for help

·         Filter mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter the air

·         Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

·         Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

·         Manual can opener, if kit contains canned food

·         Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

·         Important Family Documents

·         Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers

Consider two kits.  In one, put everything you will need to stay where you are and make it on your own.  The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you have to get away.

5. Prepare at Home

Home disaster supply kit

You may be asked to “shelter in place” for one or more days. Prepare a home disaster supply kit that you can organize quickly.  Store items in easy to carry containers such as a backpack or duffle bag.  Check batteries, change the stored water and rotate the food supplies every six months.

·         Three-to-five day supply of water at one gallon per person per day

·         Food that will not spoil and does not require cooking

·         A non-electric can opener

·         First-aid kit and needed medicines

·         Emergency tools including a battery operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries

·         Personal items such as toilet tissue, toothbrush, toothpaste and plastic trash bags

·         Change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes

·         Blankets or sleeping bag

·         An extra pair of glasses

·         An extra set of keys

·         Candles and lighters

·         Special items for infants, elderly and disabled in the family

·         Deck of cards and simple games for children

·         List of family physicians and emergency contacts

·         A separate “Go Kit”

Have credit cards, cash and cell phone readily available.

Emergency Evacuation Plans

Develop and practice a home evacuation plan:

·         Know what to do if you are instructed to evacuate your home or community.

·         Every child and other family member of your family should know at least two ways (if possible) to get out of your home in case of fire or other emergency.

·         If you life in an apartment, know the evacuation plan

·         Agree on a place to meet once everyone gets out

Emergency Planning- think about these things…

·         Escape routes

·         Family communications

·         Utility shut-off and safety

·         Insurance and vital records

·         Special needs

·         Caring for pets

·         Safety skills

·         Child care

72-hour Emergency Kit

·         Update your kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure that all food, water, and medication is fresh (not expired)

·         Small toys/games are important as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time

·         Older children can be responsible for their own packs of items/clothes

·         You can include any items that you feel are necessary for your family’s survival

·         Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt “flavor” other items, or break open

·         Dividing groups of items and put in individual Ziploc bag might protect from leaks

                  

Food and Water

(3-day supply of food and water per person when no refrigeration/cooking is available)

• Protein/granola bars
• Trail mix/dried fruit
• Crackers/cereal (for munching)
• Canned foods- tuna, beans, meat, Vienna sausages, etc.(Pop-top cans can leak, jerky can “flavor” other items)
• Canned juice
• Candy/gum (Jolly Ranchers can melt, and mint gum might “flavor” other items)

Bedding and Clothing

• Change of clothing (short and long sleeves, pants, socks, jackets)
• Undergarments
• Rain coat/poncho
• Blankest and emergency heat blankets
• Cloth & plastic sheet

Fuel and Light

• Battery lighting ( flashlights, lamps)
• Extra batteries
• Flares
• Candles and lighters
• Water proof matches

Miscellaneous

• Bag or bags to put 72 hour kit items in (duffel back or back pack)
• Infant needs (if applicable)

Equipment

• Can opener
• Dishes/utensils
• Radio with batteries
• Pen and paper
• Pocket knife, rope, duct tape

Personal Supplies & Medication

• First aid supplies
• Toiletries (roll of TP- remove center tube to easily flatten and put in a zip-loc bag with feminine hygiene supplies, folding brush)
• Cleaning supplies (mini hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc. do not use scented soap as it may “flavor” the food items)
• Immunizations up to date
• Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children’s medications, etc.)
• Prescriptions (for 3 days)

Personal Documents and Money 

(Put these items in a water-proof container)

• Legal documents (birth, marriage, certificates, wills, passports, contracts)
• Vaccination papers
• Insurance polices
• Cash
• Credit cards
• Pre-paid phone cards

Important Local Phone Numbers

Sacramento (916)

Emergency – Police/Fire/Rescue           911 or 874-5111

• Non-Emergency Police -- 264-5471
• County of Sacramento -- 874-5115
• Elk Grove -- 714-5115
• Crime Alert -- 443-HELP
• Amber Alert -- (800) 222-3463
• SMUD 24 hr service -- (888) 222-3463
• PG&E 24 hr service -- (800) 743-5000
•  

County Emergency Operations

• Office -- 874-4670
• 24hr#  -- 875-5000
• Urban Flooding -- 875-7246
• American Red Cross -- 368-3131
• Poison Control -- (800) 222-1222

Important Personal Numbers

Evacuation and Reunion

• Home site –
• School site –
• Away from home –
• Baby sitter –
• Father’s work –
• Mother’s work –

6. Special Needs

Elderly, Disabled or Infants

Consider this information in addition to all other pages

• Water one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Non-perishable Food at least a three-day supply
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Filter mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter the air
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener, if kit contains canned food
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Important Family Documents
• Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers

Include Medications and Medical Supplies

• If you take medicine or us a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need on hand for at least a week.
• Keep a copy of your prescriptions as well as dosage or treatment information
• If you undergo routine treatments at a clinic or hospital, or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans

Include Emergency Documents

• Include copies of important documents in your emergency supply kit:
• Family records, medical records, wills, deeds, social security number, charge and bank account information and tax records. -- Keep them in a waterproof container, if possible.
• Information related to operating equipment of life saving devices that you rely on

Other considerations

• If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information list notes the best way to communicate with you.
• Have cash or travelers checks in your kit in case you need to purchase supplies
• If you use eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, or oxygen, be sure you extra in your kit
• Copies of your medical insurance, Medicare and Medicaid cards
• If you have a service animal, be sure to include food, water, collar with ID tag, medical records and other emergency pet supplies
• If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to
• If you rely on elevators, have a back-up plan in case they are not working

Create a Personal Support Network

• If you anticipate needing assistance during a disaster, ask family, friends and others to be part of your plan.
• Include the names and numbers of everyone in your personal support network, and your medical providers in your emergency supplies
• Make sure someone in your support network has a key and know where you keep your emergency supplies
• Show friends how to use your wheelchair or other medical equipment so they can move you if necessary
• Practice your plan with those who have agreed to be part of your personal support network
• Inform your employer and co-workers about your disability and let them know specifically what assistance you will need in an emergency

Consider your Service Animals or Pets

• Whether staying or evacuating, you need to make advance plans for service animals or pets. 
• If you evacuate, take your animals with you
• Some shelters do not allow pets, but may allow service animals

7. Plans for your Pet

Emergency Supplies for your Pet

Think about the basics for your pet’s survival, especially food and water.

• Food: at least a three day supply in an airtight, waterproof container
• Water: store at least three days of water for your pet
• Medicines and medical records: keep an extra supply of medicines that your pet takes on a regular basis
• First Aid Kit: talk to your veterinarian about what would be most appropriate for your pet’s medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution.
• Collar with ID tag, harness or leash: Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times.  Include a back-up leash collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit.
• Important documents: place your pet’s registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container and add them to the kit.
• Crate or other pet carrier:  If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation take your pets and animals with you if possible
• Sanitation: pet litter and litter box, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags
• A picture of you and your pet together: if you are separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
• Familiar items: Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

Make a Plan for Emergencies

• Evacuate: Plan in advance how you will assemble your pets and anticipate where you will go.  Usually pets are not allowed in public shelters so pre-plan advance lodging for them in an emergency situation.
• Buddy System: Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure someone will evacuate your pets if you are unable to.
• Talk to your pet’s veterinarian: discuss the first aid kit. Get the names of other veterinarians in other cities where you might seek temporary shelter.  Microchip your pet, keep emergency contact information up to date and listed with a reliable recovery database.
• Gather contact information for emergency animal treatment: make a contact list of animal control agencies.  Keep a copy with you.   
• Obtain “Pet Inside” stickers and place them on your doors and windows.  
• Write “Evacuated with Pet” across the sticker when you evacuate.

8. First Aid kit

In any emergency a family member or you may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. If you have these basic supplies you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt. Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not require medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency.  Consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following items can help your stop bleeding, prevent infection, and assist in decontamination.

Things you should have: 
Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to latex).

Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.

Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.

Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

Burn ointment to prevent infection.

Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.

Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as a general decontaminant.

Thermometer

Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.

·Scissors

·Tweezers

·Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

·Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever

·Anti-diarrhea medication

·Antacid (for upset stomach)

·Laxative

·Whistle to signal for help

·Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

·Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

·Can opener for food (if kit contains canned foods)

·Local maps 

Cell phone with chargers, converter or solar charger

Unique family needs:

For Baby:

·         Formula

·         Diapers

·         Bottles

·         Powdered milk

·         Medications

·         Moist towelettes

·         Diaper rash ointment

For Adults:

• Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications such as heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin and other prescription drugs.
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eye glasses