A Few Words

"We become self-reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being."

Julie Beck

Long-Term Food Storage for April

We will be suggesting a schedule for accumulating a basic food storage. That's right: BASIC. We would encourage you to add food items that your family regularly eats to our suggested list. If one of the items is on sale one week, or you have a coupon to help cut your cost, obviously purchase the necessary amount at that time rather than on our schedule. Purchase the items lister per member of your family. If your family doesn't like a certain item, please don't buy it! Substitute something your family will eat.

Here is our suggested food storage items for the month of April:

3 cans of your favorite soup and 1 box of saran wrap

2 pounds of macaroni and 2 pounds of spaghetti

2 pounds of rice and 2 cans of yams or pumpkin

I want to reiterate the blessings that come by getting started. We are not only blessed once our 3 month or 1 year food storage is acquired, we are blessed every step of the way. If buying this much food per week is still too daunting to your checkbook, cut it back. Instead of 3 cans of soup, buy 1. Instead of 2 pounds of macaroni, buy 1. We will be blessed for our efforts no matter how small!!

Keep a watchful eye out for our long term food storage suggestions in the Sacrament programs.

72 Hour Kit Assignment for April

For the month of April we are encouraging each Ward member to find a pack to be used for your 72 hour kits. This can be anything! An old school bag, an unused duffle or gym bag, whatever you have available that will be easy to carry.

We would like you to start filling that pack with clothing items and some spiritual items. Here are our suggestions:

1 pair of shoes

1 pair of undergarments

1 pair of long sweatpants

1 long sleeve sweatshirt

1 pair of socks

1 set of scriptures

consecrated oil

Extra scriptures are easy to come by at the D.I. Each book is usually priced under 1 dollar.

It is a good rule of thumb to go through your 72 hour kits every 6 months and update clothes and replace food items as necessary. Pack appropriate clothes for the season ahead. No one needs a sweatshirt in July in Vegas!

May is quickly approaching, so get your pack together now! This would make a great FHE project.

Slow and Steady

Welcome to our Willows Ward Preparedness Blog. We are so excited to be able to put something like this together to help our Ward members be more providently minded and emergency prepared.

Our main focus right now as a Ward is on putting together a 72 hour kit for each member. We are also focusing on building a 3 month short term food supply, and a 1 year long term supply.

Check back often for tips on building your 72 hour kit and for meeting your food storage needs.

Remember that slow and steady wins the race!