Save the Date

August 11th is the day we will be compiling our 72 hour kit food supply ziploc baggies. These one gallon bags will hold a limited 3 day supply of food. If you have not signed up yet, but would like to, please check the Relief Society rolls. The cost is $10.00 per baggie.

We need to have everyone's money in by the 8th of August. Please make checks payable to Katie Sillman.

I feel impressed to share with you again the urgency the Stake feels on this matter. Last night our power went out. It was only out for 2 hours, but within those 2 hours I had a lot of time to think. I took great comfort in knowing exactly where my 72 hour kit was, and knowing that if I needed to I could just grab it on my way out the door with my kids. Our power outage was in no way comparable to a true emergency, but it made me realize that anything could happen. Anything could happen at any time. Am I really prepared?

The Stake wants every member to have a 72 hour kit by the end of the year. Our goal as a ward is to have our kits done by October's General Conference. If something were to happen, how prepared are you?

First Aid Kit Bulk Order

We announced today that we will be placing a bulk order of first aid kits at the end of this month.

If you are looking for a very basic, individual sized kit, this is a great option. Priced at $9.50 this would be perfect for your 72 hour kits!

If you are looking for something more complete, or larger to cover your entire family, this is a great choice. At 185 pieces for $21.25, this is a great deal.

A sign up will be going around next Sunday in the Relief Society rolls. We must have everyone's money in by the 25th. To get the bulk rate, we need at least 12 orders. Checks can be made to JoEllen Giani.

Please direct any questions you have to Katie Sillman or JoEllen Giani.

long-Term Food Storage for July

Here is our suggested list of items to add to your long-term food supply for the month of July:

-3 jars of applesauce and 3 cans of peaches

-1 large bottle of oil and 1 can of shortening

-3 cans of your favorite fruit

-7 gallons of water

Water can be tricky to store. If you don't own super sweet water storage containers but would still like to store some water, use left over juice containers. I frequently buy my kids' juice in half and one gallon plastic containers. When the juice is gone, I wash them out and refill the containers with water. This isn't a great long-term storage solution, but does provide a quick way to shelve a short term water supply. Keep in mind that water, like food, needs to be rotated. A good way to rotate your water is to use what you have stored to water your plants, or to add to a pot for boiling. Rotating your water helps to keep it fresh and clean. When you are deciding just how much water to store it is important to remember that in the case of an emergency you would need about 1 gallon of water per person per day.

72 Hour Kit Assignment for July

It's the beginning of a new month, and that means it's time to add something else to our 72 hour kits!

Our suggestion for July is to add a first aid kit. Here's a basic list:

bandaids

hand sanitizer

antibiotic cream

aspirin/motrin

hydrogen peroxide

cotton/gauze

tweezers

sun block/aloe vera

ace bandage/sling

If you would prefer a more complete kit, we would suggest adding the following items as well:

adhesive tape

allergy medication

burn ointment

calamine lotion

disposable mask

first-aid book

thermometer

paper bags

scissors

splints

bandages of various shapes and sizes

Your first aid kit is also a great place to keep your consecrated oil and prescription medications.

We will be placing a bulk order of first aid kits toward the end of this month. I will post a link to view the kit we have chosen as soon as possible. The bulk rate for a personal kit is 10 dollars, and the cost for an extra large kit (which would serve a family nicely) is 21 dollars. More information on this to follow soon!!

Emergency Preparedness Speaker on July 8th

Sister Faught, who is our Stake Emergency Preparedness Leader, is coming to speak to the Willows Ward Relief Society on Thursday, July 8th at 6:30pm. She is awesome! If you haven't heard her speak before, you will want to come to this! She will be speaking on both short and long term storage. Please plan on coming! It will be at the chapel and babysitters will be provided for your children! Refreshments will also be served. See you there!!

72 Hour Kit Assignment for June

For the month of June we are focusing on shelter, survival and our sanity for our 72 hour kits. Here is a list of suggested items to add to your kit this month!

-solar blanket (These frequently come with first aid kits. Check yours to see if you already have one.)

-disposable hand warmer

-flashlight with extra batteries (Keep your flashlight from accidentally turning on in your pack by turning one of your batteries the wrong way.)

-whistle with cord

-compass

-hat (Keep in mind the season.)

-map

-pocket knife

-pencil and paper

-deck of cards

-small toys or a small doll

-word books, crosswords, etc

-art supplies or a small craft like a cross stitch

Long-Term Food Storage for June

It's a new month, which means new long-term food storage items.

Here is our suggested list of items to gather for the month of June. Please keep in mind that if you have coupons, or find a great sale, for other items you would like to have in your long-term storage, get them! These are only suggestions!

-1 large jar of your favorite jam and 1 brownie mix

-2 cans of your favorite canned meat and 1 bottle of ketchup

-1 large can of chicken broth and 2 cans of pork and beans

-2 cans of beef stew or chili and 2 cans of kidney beans

Remember to multiply the quantity by the number of people in your household.