Be Prepared

Last week, I finally put the "finishing touches" on a project I have been working on- Food Storage & Preparedness. This has been an on-going project since last summer. When I set my Facebook status last week about finishing up, I had a LOT of comments asking to share my tips, tricks, and advice. So, here it goes. It is NOT by any means perfect or the way you/your family should do your storage, but it works for us in our small space. 

1. Document Folder

Make copies of your important and official documents to have no hand in your "grab bag", or even better, have your originals in a fire proof safe. This is just a good idea in general so you have your documents in a time of need or emergency. 

 2. Grab Bag

A "grab bag" is a small bag you can keep all year long that you can grab in a moments notice. Living places with seasonal fires, floods, or storms- this is a great idea. All you need are a few basic items: a sweatshirt, socks, a pair of jeans & shorts, two shirts, underclothing, and shoes. Pack these items along with your document folder and you are ready to go. We keep ours along side our food storage in our bedroom closet.

3. Food & Supply Storage

Along with the pre-made purchased food storage bin, {pre-made meals with a 20 year shelf life}I keep a couple other little things on hand that I also rotate through with our pantry items. Many people think it's funny to keep peanut butter & jelly on hand, but it's actually a great staple item that I know I will eat! Along with food, we keep hand sanitizer {so you aren't using your water supply for hand washing}, paper products, and a minimal amount of  personal hygiene items.

I hope these small tips and tricks help you and your family become more prepared. The First Presidency of the Church counsels members:

 “...to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to ‘prepare every needful thing’ so that, should adversity come, we may care for ourselves..."