|
<<Back to Archives
Printer Friendly Version
Family Preparedness 2007 Resolutions
Vickie Hansen, President Organizing Network, Inc.
Preparedness falls beneath the FAMILY LIFE ZONE™ and is core to the individual and the family’s peace and security knowing they are prepared for whatever life may bring……
With what appears to be a worldwide increase in natural disasters, drought and famine, unstable energy markets, job cutbacks, warring nations and terrorism, Vickie Hansen maintains that family organization and preparation is the only security and insurance you have against the impact of outside forces changing your life. Storing food, water, clothing, alternative fuel and lighting supplies, 72 hour emergency kits, etc. will provide your family with the basics to see you through almost every crisis. Grocery stores have less than a 24 hour supply of food in the event of a catastrophe. Where will you turn in the event of a crisis?
It's important to acknowledge the importance of family preparedness. While we can't prevent natural disasters, terrorist attacks or economic collapse, we can take steps to be organized and better prepared for them. News stories of disasters make headlines almost daily. As you've watched others deal with these emergencies you may have wondered what would happen if a disaster affected you and your family. How would you cope? What would you do? The answer to these questions is clear - Be Prepared!
Am I PREPARED?
What emergency situations could affect my family?
If I had to leave my house today, how long would it take me to gather essential supplies?
If an emergency occurred today, how much food and water do I have in my house?
How long could each family member survive with the food and water I have right now?
How much emergency food and water should I store per person per day?
What type of supplies should be in my emergency kit?
If something happened to me (or my partner) today are my finances in order so that my partner (or me) and my family would know what to do?
"Store what you like to eat. Eat what you store!"
As you build your food preparedness supply it is important to remember two factors: 1) Use foods that you and your family enjoy; 2) Use and rotate your food supply. It makes sense to store food items that you like and that your body is use to. You don't want to have a lot of food that your body is not use to processing. Develop a habit to blend your long-term food with your family meals every couple of weeks. This meal process is cost-effective and will help your body with the food as well as ensuring your food supply remains current and not expired.
"Start small ......and get started today!"
Most families don't have the financial ability to purchase a large food supply at one time. Building your food preparedness does not need to be a financial strain. It's important to purchase portions of your long-term food each month in order to build up your supply as your budget allows.
What to do if disaster strikes
- Remain calm and be patient.
- Follow the advice of local emergency officials.
- Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions.
- If the disaster occurs near you, check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
- If the disaster occurs near your home while you are there, check for damage using a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles or turn electrical switches. Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
- Shut off any other damaged utilities.
- Confine or secure your pets.
- Call your family contact - do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
- Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.
Source: American Red Cross
"Our Shelf Life Solution....."
According to the department of Homeland Security these items can be stored indefinitely (if stored in proper containers and conditions):
- Wheat
- Vegetable Oils
- Dried Corn
- Baking Powder
- Soybeans
- Instant coffee, tea and cocoa
- Salt
- Non-carbonated soft drinks
- White rice
- Bouillon products
- Dry Pasta
- Powered Milk (in nitrogen-packed containers)
| 
