As a social worker, I am trained in psychological first aid training, CPR, First Aid, and crisis intervention to help others during times of emergencies. I have worked and volunteered to help low-income families, failing students, troubled youth, abused children, minorities, orphans, illegal immigrants, and the elderly to overcome disasters such as suicide, abuse, domestic violence, psychotic episodes, homelessness, and medical emergencies. I have helped many people access community resources and advocated for others to receive free/discounted housing, food, transportation, and medical services. Fortunately, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called the “Morman Church” by others), I understand the reason behind emergency preparedness. This post addressed why Mormon Family preparedness is important and gives a basic idea of how anyone can start preparing for an emergency.

Mormon Family Preparedness: Why?

Mormon Family preparedness is encouraged by our local leaders, modern prophets, and apostles. However, in order to understand why LDS emergency preparedness is so important, one must first understand what a prophet does. A prophet (such as Moses, Isaiah, or Peter) speaks for God and “when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent him (Jeremiah 28:9).”

Like the prophets of old, prophets today testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. They make known God’s will and true character. They speak boldly and clearly, denouncing sin and warning of its consequences. At times, they may be inspired to prophesy of future events for our benefit. The prophets have taught that Mormon Family preparedness is important and a commandment from God.

We can always trust the living prophets… Our greatest safety lies in strictly following the word of the Lord given through His prophets, particularly the current President of the Church. The Lord warns that those who ignore the words of the living prophets will perish and fall (see revelation to the modern prophet Joseph Smith as recorded in The Doctrine & Covenants 1:14-16). God promises great blessings to those who follow the President of the Church who is currently Prophet Thomas S. Monson (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference, p. 129-130).

I had an interesting experience while living in Spain, Madrid that taught me the importance of following the prophet. Mormon Family preparedness wasn’t a priority because I was single and likely to move often. I usually shopped for groceries on a weekly basis. One day I received a phone call from a local church leader who counseled me to purchase two weeks worth of food. I went to the store to buy extra food and later was extremely grateful I had obeyed. The local trucking companies had started a strike and hundreds of pounds of produce, meat, and food went to waste inside of semi trucks that just sat on the freeway for days. The following week, I remember the comfort and peace I felt as those around me were panicking and rushing into grocery stores (which were significantly depleted) to buy what food remained. I distinctly remember getting my photos developed and overhearing the owner telling her son on the phone to hurry to the grocery store and buy over 20 pounds of meat. I’m not worried about my future when I follow the prophet and obey God. Faith and fear cannot coexist at the same time.

There are ways several other reasons why “Mormon Family preparedness” is so important. For example, knowledge enables us to prepare our own families and help others. When we are prepared for the future and have faith, we can utilize our resources well and not worry excessively about what may come.

Mormon Family Preparedness: How?

The best way to prepare for an emergency is to follow the prophet, pray to God, and trust He will protect and bless your family when you’re obedient. Reading the scriptures and believing in Jesus Christ can also bring you peace (John 14:27). Every year the prophet and modern twelve apostles address the world to give us counsel and prepare us for the future. (See General Conference).  Local bishops (pastors) work towards having emergency planning for their congregations and sometimes someone volunteers to be the “emergency preparedness coordinator” teaching others what the prophet has advised us to do.

It is also important to discuss the topic with your family and get to know your neighbors. Be aware of the area you live in and prepare an emergency plan for your family. I live in an area unlikely to have tornadoes but more likely to have earthquakes or floods. It makes more sense for me to prepare for an earthquake rather than a tornado. I have an ICE contact (“in case of emergency number”) listed in my cell phone and know my local area’s emergency evacuation plan. Families can store extra water and begin building a 3-month emergency supply. Families can also prepare financially by absolving debts and building their savings.

Additional Resources:

Read about Emergency Preparedness and Response

Visit your local Mormon meetinghouse (sometimes used as a temporary emergency shelter).

Mormon Beliefs: Family Finances (message from First Presidency)

Dave & Peggy Balmforth

Shelley Idaho South Stake

October, 2009

One of the most important aspects of sanitation is waste, which is the predominant cause of disease after an emergency.  The three most important things to do are:

1. Bury or store all garbage and human waste at least 100 feet away from water wells or open water.
2. Keep flies, roaches and animals out of the sewage and garbage;
3. Wash or clean your hands whenever you handle something dirty and BEFORE you handle anything that you will be putting into your mouth or someone else’s mouth.

Disposal of Garbage and Rubbish

Garbage may sour or decompose, rubbish (trash) will not, but offers disposal problems in an emergency. Garbage, or any mixed refuse containing garbage, must be carefully stored and handle if odor and insect nuisances are to be prevented. Since rubbish alone is fairly easy to dispose of, garbage should be kept separate from it and not mixed. The following suggestions will make it easier for you to take care of the refuse problem.

1. Garbage should be drained before being placed in storage containers. If liquids are strained away, garbage may be stored for a longer period of time without developing an unpleasant odor. After straining, wrap the garbage in several thicknesses of old newspapers before putting it into your container. This will absorb any remaining moisture. A tight-fitting lid is important to keep out flies and other insects.
2. You should keep one or more 20-gallon cans on hand for emergency use, if possible. If you live in an apartment building, get the largest kitchen garbage container for which you have space.
3. Other rubbish may be burned in open yard areas (if permission is granted by authorities under existing conditions) or left at dumps established by local authorities.  Cans should be flattened to reduce their bulk. Do not deposit ashes or rubbish in streets or alley ways without permission. Such material may interfere with the movement and operation of fire-fighting and other emergency equipment.

Final disposal of all stored garbage and refuse can be accomplished in the following manner, provided there is no danger from radioactive fallout:

1. 1. All stored garbage should be buried if collection service is not restored and if unpaved yard areas are available — keep a shovel handy for this purpose. Do not dump garbage on the ground, because it will attract rats, skunks and other scavengers. Dig a hole deep enough to cover it with at least 18-24 inches of dirt, which will prevent insect breeding and discourage animals from digging it up.
2. Do not establish a community dump without permission from the proper authorities. Garbage dumps quickly become infested with rats capable of carrying disease germs over a wide area. If necessary, local authorities will pick sites where refuse may be left for supervised burning or burial as soon as conditions permit.
3. Other rubbish may be burned in open yard areas (if permission is granted by authorities under existing conditions) or left at dumps established by local authorities.  Cans should be flattened to reduce their bulk. Do not deposit ashes or rubbish in streets or alley ways without permission. Such material may interfere with the movement and operation of fire-fighting and other emergency equipment.

Emergency Sewage Disposal

Proper management of toilet facilities during times of emergency may have greater affect on your health than any other single element of sanitation.

Unsanitary toilet conditions can be lethal, yet with proper planning and precautions it is very easy to insure good health.

• Water flush toilets cannot be used when water service is interrupted.  The water remaining in the fixture is not sufficient to flush the wastes down the sewer. Clogging may result and your living conditions then become just that much more uncomfortable.
• Even if the water is on, if the electricity is off there is no way for sewage to be pumped through the lines and the sewage will back up overflowing your toilet.
• Even if water is available, local authorities may ask you not to use flush toilets, wash basins, and other fixtures connected with soil pipes. The sewer mains may be broken or clogged, which would make it impossible to carry off such waste; or water may be needed for fire fighting or other emergencies. It is necessary for every family to know emergency methods of waste disposal in case such conditions arise.
• Failure to properly dispose of human wastes can lead to epidemics of such diseases as typhoid, dysentery, and diarrhea. At the same time, sewage must be disposed of in ways that will prevent contamination of water supplies used for drinking, cooking, bathing, laundering, and other domestic purposes simple steps that any family can take to dangers and discomforts.

If the water lines are damaged or if damage is suspected, do not flush the toilet. Avoid digging holes in the ground and using these. Untreated raw sewage can pollute fresh ground water supplies. It also attracts flies and promotes the spread of diseases.

Emergency Toilets Disposal

Toilet – It takes many gallons of water to flush a toilet. You must choose if you want to use your water for flushing or for drinking. You may want to use an alternative type of toilet to save your water. Or just flush once a day!

Outhouse – When making an outhouse you must dig deep – to prevent animals from digging the area. After each use, sprinkle chlorinated lime over the waste to control bacterial and disease

Bucket – A plastic bag lined bucket works for a make shift toilet. If you put a toilet seat or portable seat on the bucket it makes it more comfortable

Plastic bags – If a bucket is going to be planned for your emergency toilet, make sure you also store extra plastic garbage bags so that you still have some bags for trash.

A tightly closed trash can, can be used for storage of waste.

STORING CHLORINATED LIME in your garage is a good idea for use with any of these temporary toilets. You need to be concerned with bacteria and disease during a time like this.

Toilets – #1 – If the toilet bowl and seat in your home are still usable (not wrecked) scrub the bowl clean using one part of laundry bleach to ten parts of water (10:1). When clean, drain the bowl and dry it. Line the bowl with a plastic or paper bag.

Line the inside of the first bag with a sturdy plastic bag and lay the toilet seat on it to keep it open. Use the toilet as you normally do. After every use, sprinkle the waste with the bleach/water solution mentioned above or cover it with a layer of sawdust, wood shavings, lime, dry dirt, grass clippings, etc.

Limiting the liquids that go into the bowl will make it easier to change the bags. When the bag is full or you can’t stand the smell anymore, carefully tie the top of the bag tightly closed, remove it, and replace with another bag. Dispose of the waste using the instructions below.

Disinfectant: When using bleach use ¼ cup bleach to 1 quart water.

Other chemicals that can be used in place of liquid chlorine bleach are: HTH (calcium hypochlorite swimming pool supply stores and is intended to be used in solution. Following the directions on the package it can be mixed and stored.

Caution: Do not use calcium hypochlorite to disinfect drinking water as it kills all the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract and thus causes mild diarrhea. Portable toilet chemicals, both liquid and dry, are available at recreational vehicle (RV) supply stores. These chemicals are designed especially for toilets which are not connected to sewer lines. Use according to package directions. Powdered, chlorinated lime is available at building supply stores. It can be used dry. Be sure to get chlorinated lime, not quick lime which is highly alkaline and corrosive.

Caution: Chlorinated products which ar intended to be mixed with water for use can be dangerous if used dry. You may also use powdered laundry detergent, Lysol or other household cleaning and disinfecting products such as chlorine bleach, baking soda, alcohol, or creosol or an insecticide to keep down odors and germs.

 Supplies for Disinfecting and Odor Control:

Baking Soda: will help to control odor; it stops mold, fungus mildew, and is a natural Whitener. Baking soda relieves heartburn, indigestion and it neutralizes acids in a sour stomach associated with diarrhea. Use 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 1 cup of water and drinks it down. Baking soda plus a little salt will help clean your teeth.

3% Hydrogen Peroxide (Put in a small spray bottle, no water added) Hydrogen Peroxide is an antiseptic, and a cleaning agent for minor cuts and abrasions. It can be used as an oral rinse and gargle. To disinfect toilet seat just spray it on and wipe off.

White Distilled Vinegar: Put in a small spray bottle, no water added. Studies show that vinegar kills 99% of bacteria, mold, and 80% of germs (viruses). To disinfect toilet seat just spray it on and wipe off.

Combining Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide:

Spraying solutions of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, one after the other, in any order, kills virtually all Salmonella, Shigella or E. coli bacteria on heavily contaminated surfaces.

Borax: This is used to cut down the stench. (1 teaspoon every time you do your duty)

Lyme: This is used to break down the waste. (1 teaspoon every time you do your duty) Store this in its original paper bag and off the floor.

#2 – If your toilet bowl is not usable, use a five or six gallon bucket, wooden box or some other container sturdy enough to sit on. Sit the seat from your toilet on the bucket or make one from layers of heavy cardboard glued together, two boards laid across the top with a gap between them or cut a seat from plywood. Line with bags as outlined in #1 above. Dispose of the full bags using the instructions below.

#3 – If the emergency will only last for a day or two, you can use “cat holes” outside. These are small, onetime personal use holes you dig in the ground and squat over. The hole should be deep enough to cover your waste at least 18 inches deep when filled. Do not do this any closer than 100 feet from open water or water wells or the germs in the sewage will get into the water.

#4 – If the emergency will last more than a week and your toilet or bucket commode no longer will do the job you need to make a latrine. Use a shovel or posthole diggers to dig a pit four to six feet deep and about one foot wide. Place a bucket, box, barrel, or anything with a hole in it that you can sit on over the pit. Whatever you use must cover the pit tightly so that flies cannot get in while no one is using it. The seat and box must be cleaned regularly with the bleach water solution mentioned above and kept tightly covered when not in use. When the pit fills to within eighteen inches of the top, fill the hole in with clean dirt and mound it over. Cover the mound to keep animals from digging it up.

Where radioactive fallout does not present a hazard, a temporary  pit privy may be constructed in the yard for use by several families. This offers a good method of waste disposal over extended periods of time.

The structure need not be elaborate, so long as it provides reasonable privacy and shelter. The pit should be made fly proof by means of a tight-fitting riser, seat, and cover. A low mound of earth should be tamped around the base of the privy to divert surface drainage and help keep the pit dry.  Accumulated waste should be covered with not less than 18 inches of earth when the privy is moved or abandoned.

NEVER deposit human waste or garbage on the open ground. If you have no other alternative for disposal, it is safe to bury waste in trenches 24-30 inches in depth.

Emergency Chemical Toilet

5 or 6-gallon plastic bucket (with tight fitting lid) (6 gal. is higher & easier to use & stores most of the following items)

• 2 large boxes of garbage can liners (30 gallon size)
• 2 boxes trash can liners (8-10 gallon size)
• 4 pairs of rubber gloves
• 1 gallon liquid chlorine bleach or other chemical
• ½ gallon white distilled vinegar
• 2 boxes baking soda
• Pinesol® or Lysol®
• Ammonia – as an aid in disinfecting
• 1 large bottle of hand sanitizer
• 6-8 rolls toilet paper
• 1 roll of paper towels
• 1 large package of baby wipes
• 2 – 1 liter bottles of water
• 3 – spray bottles
• folding camp shovel with serrated cutting edge – for digging latrines and disposing of wastes.
• feminine sanitary supplies

To use this toilet simply remove the contents from the bucket, insert a large plastic garbage can liner into the bucket and fold the edges over the rim of the bucket.  Mix one cup of liquid chlorine bleach to one-half gallon of water (one to ten ratio — do not use dry or powdered bleach as it is caustic and not safe for this type of use) and pour this solution into the bucket. This will kill germs and insure adequate coverage. Though the bucket may be somewhat uncomfortable to sit upon, it certainly beats the alternative. For greater comfort you can remove the seat from the toilet and secure it to the top of the bucket.

After each usage replace the lid securely upon the bucket to keep insects out and to keep the smell contained. When the bucket is one-third to one-half full, tie the garbage bag liner shut and dispose of it appropriately (i.e., burying it, placing it inside a large covered metal garbage can for later disposal, or placing it in an approved disposal location). Put another liner inside the bucket and continue as above.

Controlling Odors and Insects

Insecticides and deodorants should be used when necessary to control odors and insects breeding in containers that cannot be emptied immediately. At least 2 pints of household bleach solution should be kept on hand for disinfecting purposes.

Other Supplies

Keep on hand an extra supply of toilet tissue, plus a supply of sanitary napkins. If there is illness in the house that requires rubber sheeting or other special sanitary equipment, make sure that adequate supplies are available. At least a week’s accumulation of daily newspapers will come in handy for insulating bedding from floors, and lining clothes against cold, as well as for the sanitary uses already mentioned. Other possible items include a plastic bedpan, laundry detergent and bleach – another plastic bucket could be used as a washing container, clothes pins – to hang up wet clothing, Cotton dish towels or bath towels, paper towels, sponges and scouring pads for cleaning, bar soap, liquid soap or disinfecting disposable cloths, baby wipes, etc. for cleaning hands, etc., Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, Cornstarch, rat, mouse & insect traps — if you think that you don’t have a rodent and insect problem now — YOU WILL!!!

 Solutions for Apartment Dwellers

Persons in city apartments, office buildings, or homes without yards should keep a supply of waterproof paper containers on hand for emergency waste disposal. Where flush toilets cannot be used and open ground is not available for the construction of privies, such disposable containers offer a practical method of emergency waste collection and disposal. Building managers should plan for the collection of such containers and for their final disposal. Before collection, the used containers may be stored in tightly covered garbage cans or other water tight containers fitted with lids. Homemade soil bags for this purpose can be prepared very easily by putting one large grocery bag inside another, and a layer of shredded newspaper or other absorbent material between. You should have sufficient grocery bags on hand for possible emergencies. A supply of old newspapers will come in handy for other sanitary uses also, such as wrapping garbage and lining larger containers.

Babies

If you have a baby in your home, you may find diaper laundering a problem under emergency conditions. It is best to keep an ample supply of disposable diapers on hand for emergency use. Or, any moisture resistant material can be cut and folded to diaper size and lined with absorbent material. If these are not available, emergency diaper needs can be met by lining rubber pants with cleansing tissue, toilet paper, scraps of cloth, or other absorbent materials.

To help insure proper sanitation it is imperative that you store a sufficient supply of disposable diapers, disposable wipes, and plastic garbage can liners. Change infants and toddlers regularly and keep them clean. Dispose of the soiled diapers in the plastic garbage can liners and keep them tightly sealed when not in use to help prevent the spread of disease.

Be sure to wash your own hands regularly when working with infants (especially after each diaper change). Typhoid fever, amoebic dysentery, diarrhea, infectious hepatitis, salmonella, and giardiasis are diseases that spread rapidly in times of emergency and threaten all, yet are all diseases that can easily be controlled by simply following the rules of good sanitation.

 Tips for Staying Clean in an Emergency

As much as possible, continue regular hygiene habits such as brushing your teeth, washing your face, combing your hair and even washing your body with a wet washcloth. This will help prevent the spread of disease and irritation as well as help relieve stress.

• Keep your fingers out of your mouth. Avoid handling food with your hands.
• Purify your drinking water. Use chlorine bleach, purification tablets (check bottle for expiration dates), or by boiling for 10 minutes.
• Sterilize your eating utensils by heat. You can also rinse dishes in purified water that has additional chlorine bleach added to it. (Use 2 1/2 teaspoons bleach per gallon of purified water.)
• Keep your clothing as clean and dry as possible, especially under-clothing and socks.

There are dozens of other small things that people can do to keep themselves and their families safe and disease free during an emergency. One of the most important and least-thought about things is constant hand-washing. This is important during regular circumstances, but during a disaster, it should become a top priority. You should sing the kids alphabet song clear through TWICE while washing to thoroughly kill all germs.

Wash and disinfect hands before preparing or eating food, after going to the bathroom, after changing diapers or caring for someone who is sick, after handling anything that could be infected or germ-ridden, and before treating any cuts or wounds, no matter how minor. When hands are visibly dirty, they should be washed with soap, even if people are diligent about using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If soap or water isn’t available, keep using the sanitizer consistently.

Although sanitation and hygiene are sometimes unpleasant topics to dwell on, people must think about them if they want to get through a disaster disease-free. If they follow the above instructions, as well as following their regular sanitation routine (i.e. face-washing, tooth-brushing, and bathing regularly) as much as possible, then they shouldn’t have any trouble staying clean during an emergency

DOMESTIC TERRORISM PREPAREDNESS

Images of airliners used as missiles in terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon as well as bombing attacks on the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and the Olympic Centennial Park in Atlanta are hard to forget.  These terrorist events caused thousands of deaths and injuries and billions of dollars in property losses. They have also inflicted a huge emotional toll within the impacted communities as well as throughout the world.  The FBI defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.” A significant terrorism threat we face today is that of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and these consist of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) weapons.

Although bombing has been the most popular method used in terrorist incidents in the United States, terrorism can occur in several forms. In recent years, terrorists throughout the world have used arson, hostile takeovers and shootings to attain their political and social goals.

In the future, terrorists could use chemical or biological agents. Because the impact of exposure to some organisms, toxins and other biological agents may not cause an immediate illness or reaction, it may take some time for government officials to determine that such an attack has occurred.

In the event of an attack, government officials will instruct residents on what actions they are taking and what actions the public should take. It’s important that you remain calm, cooperate fully with local officials and do not try to be a hero.  Failure to follow instructions from local officials could cost you and others their lives. In the event of a chemical or biological attack, instructions will be provided by local public health and safety officials on personal protection, decontamination and health warnings via the Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcast over radio and television as well as print media.

 COMBATING TERRORISM

As we have seen, domestic and international terrorists can strike at any time. To combat the threat, emergency services officials representing all levels of government are working together to develop and implement effective strategies for deterring, preventing and responding to incidents.  To assist individuals in preparing for emergencies, the Unified San Diego County Emergency Services Organization, the County Office of Disaster Preparedness, State of California, American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, have provided information on what to do during emergencies.  The San Diego Operational Area Emergency Plan specifically addresses response to terrorist attacks. In addition, federal, state and local law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical officials meet on a regular basis to plan and evaluate preparedness activities throughout the county.  The public also has a role in reducing the impact of terrorism on their lives.

 Before an Attack

Prepare for the possibility of a terrorist incident in your area:

Learn about the nature of terrorism.

• Terrorists look for visible targets where they can avoid detection before or after an attack such as international airports, large cities, major international events, resorts and high-profile landmarks.
• Report any suspicious activities to the San Diego FBI office at (858) 565 -1255.

Adapt, as appropriate, the same techniques used to prepare for earthquakes, fires and other emergencies.

• Be prepared and observe your environment. Terrorists most often strike with little or no warning.
• Use caution when you travel. Observe and report unusual activity. Keep your packages with you at all times. Do not accept packages from strangers.
• Locate stairways and emergency exits and develop plans for evacuating buildings, subways and crowded public areas.

If you live or work in multi-level buildings:

• Identify the location of fire exits and review emergency evacuation procedures.
• Locate and maintain fire extinguishers in working order. Train responsible
• personnel how to use them.
• Obtain training in first aid and CPR.

Assemble and maintain an emergency supply kit for each floor that includes those items listed on the back of this brochure. Also compile essential emergency preparedness items in back packs for emergency response team members.

 During an Attack

If there’s an explosion:

• Remain calm. Take cover under a desk or sturdy table if ceiling tiles, bookshelves, their contents, etc. begin to fall.
• Exit the building as quickly as possible.

If there’s a fire:

• Stay low to the floor at all times and exit the building as quickly as possible. Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect near the ceiling first.
• Use a wet cloth to cover your nose and mouth.
• Use the back of your hand to feel closed doors. If the door is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly. Do not open the door if it is hot.  Seek another escape route.
• Use appropriate fire exits, not elevators.

 After an Attack

If you are trapped in debris:

• If possible, use a flashlight or whistle to signal rescuers regarding your location.
• Stay in your area so that you don’t kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are.
• Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort—shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Protective Actions

Protective actions are actions we take to safeguard our family members and ourselves from harm. The most common emergency protective actions are evacuation and shelter-in- place.

• Evacuation means to leave the area of actual or potential hazard.
• Shelter-in-place means to stay indoors.  This includes additional precautions such as turning off air-conditioning, ventilation systems and closing all windows and doors.

 What Should You Do?

• Remain calm.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Have a Family Preparedness Plan.
• Stay informed.
• If an evacuation is ordered, follow the instructions of local officials regarding evacuation routes and the location of shelters.
• If shelter-in-place is recommended, local officials will provide instructions on necessary actions.
• Do not leave your sheltered location or return to the evacuated area until it is deemed safe to do by local officials.

Listed below are a few websites that provide emergency preparedness information.

www.fema.gov (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

www.oes.gov (California Office of Emergency Services)

www.co.san-diego.ca.us/ cnty/cntydepts/safety/disaster (S.D. County Office of Disaster Preparedness)

 EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

Maintaining an emergency supply kit is a good idea for any emergency. Individuals and organizations should be prepared to be without assistance for a minimum of 72 hours.

• Battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries
• Whistle
• First aid kit and manual
• Hard hats
• Duct tape
• Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas
• Water
• Food (canned, no-cook, packaged snacks)
• Manual can opener
• Cash and credit cards
• Change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Fire extinguisher (A-B-C) type
• Infant and feminine hygiene supplies
• Essential medicines and eyeglasses
• Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of doctors and pharmacist
• Food and water for pets
• Large plastic bags for trash, waste, water protection
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Charcoal grill or camp stove for outdoor cooking
• Don’t forget that the front of the White Pages of your Pacific Bell telephone directory contains a handy First Aid and Survival Guide (Section B).

For further information on preparing for an emergency please contact:

San Diego County

Office of Disaster Preparedness

(858) 565-3490

Watches and Warnings

What to do

 When a flood WATCH is issued

• Move valuable household possessions to the upper floors of your home.
• Fill your car’s gas tank in the event an evacuation order is issued.

When a flood WARNING is issued

• Tune in for information and advice to local radio and TV stations.
• When told to evacuate, do so as quickly as possible.

When a flash flood WATCH is issued

• Watch for signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.

When a flash flood WARNING is issued

• If you believe flash flooding has begun, evacuate immediately as you may have only seconds to escape.
• Move to higher ground and away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.
• Do not drive around barricades. These are placed to keep you out of harm’s way.
• If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

 California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES)

Number of Fires and Acres Burned in California:

(All statistics are for CDF jurisdiction fires only and are subject to change until final fire season reports are completed and tabulated.)

Evacuations save lives and allow responding personnel to focus on the emergency at hand.  Please evacuate promptly when requested!

Evacuation Orders

The terms Voluntary and Mandatory are used to describe evacuation orders.  How­ever, local jurisdictions may use other terminology such as Precautionary and Imme­diate Threat.  These terms are used to alert you to the significance of the danger.  All evacuation instructions provided by officials should be followed immediately for your safety.

If Evacuation is a Possibility

Park your vehicle facing outward and carry your car keys with you.

Locate your pets and keep them nearby.

Prepare farm animals for transport.

Place connected garden hoses and buckets full of water around the house.

Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures.

Cover-up. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, heavy shoes/boots, cap, dry bandanna for face cover, goggles or glasses. 100% cotton is preferable.

Leave lights on in the house – door unlocked.

Leave windows closed – air conditioning off.

The Evacuation Process

Officials will determine the areas to be evacuated and the routes to use depending upon the fire’s location, behavior, winds, terrain, etc.

Law enforcement agencies are typically responsible for enforcing an evacuation order.  Follow their directions promptly.

You will be advised of potential evacuations as early as possible. You must take the  initiative to stay informed and aware.  Listen to your radio/TV for announcements from law enforcement and emergency personnel.

You may be directed to temporary assembly areas to await transfer to a safe location.

If You Become Trapped

While in your vehicle:

Stay calm.

Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation.

Close all vehicle windows and vents.

Cover yourself with wool blanket or jacket.

Lie on vehicle floor.

Use your cell phone to advise officials – Call 911.

While on foot:

Stay calm.

Go to an area clear of vegetation, a ditch or depression if possible.

Lie face down, cover up.

Use your cell phone to advise officials – Call 911.

While in your home:

Stay calm, keep your family together.

Call 911 and inform authorities of your location.

Fill sinks and tubs with cold water.

Keep doors and windows closed, but unlocked.

Stay inside your house.

Stay away from outside walls and windows.  (Note – it will get hot in the house, but it is much hotter, and more dangerous outside.)

 After the fire passes, and if it is safe, check the following areas for fire:

The roof and house exterior.

Under decks and inside your attic.

Your yard for burning trees, woodpiles, etc.

 Returning Home

Fire officials will determine when it is safe for you to return to your home.  This will be done as soon as possible considering safety and accessibility.

 When you return home:

Be alert for downed power lines and other hazards.

Check propane tanks, regulators, and lines before turning gas on.

Check your residence carefully for hidden embers or smoldering fires.

www.fire.ca.gov

For updates during a wildfire emergency:

Visit the San Diego County Emergency homepage at: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dmpr/emer/

Call 2-1-1.  211 is the new national dialing code for free, 24-hour community, health, disaster information, and more.  If you are unable to reach 2-1-1 from your cell phone or you are calling from outside San Diego County, please use (858) 300-1211.

Have a battery operated radio and listen to local radio stations

Tune into local news stations such as NBC, CBS, ABC, and KUSI

Provide for Self and Family

Members of  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes inadvertently called the “Mormon Church”) are respon­sible for their own spiritual and temporal well-being.  Blessed with the gift of agency, they have the privilege of setting their own course, solving their own prob­lems, and striving to become self-reliant.  Members do this under the inspiration of the Lord and with the labor of their own hands.

Elements of Self Reliance

Self-reliance is the ability, com­mitment, and effort to provide the necessities of life for self and family.  As members become self-reliant, they are also better able to serve and care for others.

Some of the areas in which members should become self-reliant are:

Education

Education can en­rich, ennoble, and provide under­standing that leads to a happier life. Members should study the scriptures and other good books; improve their ability to read, write, and do basic mathematics; and obtain skills needed for suit­able employment.

Health

The Lord has com­manded members to take care of their minds and bodies.  They should obey the Word of Wis­dom, eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep.  They should shun substances or practices that abuse their bodies or minds and that could lead to addiction .  They should practice good sanitation and hygiene and obtain adequate medical and den­tal care.  They should also strive to cultivate good relationships with family members and others.

Employment

Work is the foun­dation upon which self-reliance and temporal well-being rest.  Members should prepare for and carefully select a suitable occu­pation or self-employment that will provide for their own and their families’ needs.  They should become skilled at their jobs, be diligent and trustworthy, and give honest work for the pay and benefits they receive.

Home Storage

To help care for themselves and their families, members should:

• Build a three-month supply of food that is part of their normal diet.
• Store drinking water in case the water supply becomes polluted or disrupted.
• Gradually build a longer-term supply of food that will sustain life.

Finances

To become financially self-reliant, members should:

• Pay tithes and offerings.
• Avoid unnecessary debt.
• Use a budget and live within a plan.
• Gradually build a financial reserve by regularly saving a little.
• Teach family members prin­ciples of financial management.

Spiritual Strength

Spirituality is essential to a person’s temporal and eternal well-being.  Church members should exercise faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, obey God’s commandments, pray daily, study the scriptures and teachings of the latter-day proph­ets, attend Church meetings, and serve in Church callings and as­signments.

Source:  Providing in the Lord’s Way

(espfocus)

TEST YOUR PLAN

Practice Makes Perfect

How will your family react when a flood, fire, earthquake, act of terrorism, or another emergency occurs? How well does your plan identify everyone’s roles and responsibilities?

One way to find out how well your plans and procedures are going to work is to practice them! Plan a drill based on a possible flood, fire, earthquake, or other disaster. Testing your plans this way will help you identify and correct any weaknesses before a real emergency occurs.

Another way to test your plan is to practice living without the normal everyday conveniences—such as electricity and gas. This might include a campout.

This Focus Sheet provides guidance for planning your own drills. Testing your family’s response and correcting weaknesses is the next step in preparing and might save lives in the next flood, fire, earthquake, or other emergency

Planning Drills

A drill allows your family to practice your plan.  The drill should be designed to provide participants with experience in their roles before a real emergency, increase the confidence of family members, and identify weaknesses in your plan.

Tabletop Drill

Start by planning a tabletop drill. The tabletop will be based on a simulated earthquake or another disaster and will include problems that you and your family are likely to face.

To conduct the tabletop:

? Assemble participants around a table or in the same room.

? Distribute printed copies of the scenario.*

? Read the scenario aloud.

? Read each problem, one at a time.

? Encourage everyone to respond as completely as possible to each question.

As solutions and alternatives are discussed and evaluated, remind participants that comments are designed to identify problems and are not meant to criticize an individual person.

Functional Drill

The next step is planning your functional drill. Functional drills provide an opportunity for the members to practice their assignments, including make-believe searches, treatment of victims and the actual completion of applicable checklists.

* A written description of a simulated earthquake or another disaster that is used for tabletop drills is called a scenario.

To Conduct an Effective Drill:

? Add new and more challenging problems to the scenario used in the tabletop.

? Set up separate drills for each function. For example:

Date                                        Function

Jan. 19                                    First Aid and Medical

April 24                                  Damage Assessment

July 27                                    Light Search and Rescue

Oct 5                                       Shelter

? Explain the purpose and ground rules of the drill.

? Read the scenario aloud.

? Distribute packets containing new or additional information to be opened at designated times.

? Instruct participants to follow procedures outlined in their packets.

? Instruct participants to dress in appropriate gear, refer to applicable checklists and carry out their post emergency functions.

? Begin the drill.

? Complete the drill when tasks are complete or after an hour.

? Designate experienced people to observe and evaluate your drill for strengths and weaknesses.

www.espfocus.org

In the case of a disaster, would your family know what to do? Where to meet? Who to call? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it’s time for your family to create a disaster plan. Disasters can happen at any time, including earthquakes, floods, terrorist attacks, and much more.

When making your disaster plan, each family member should be involved. Take the opportunity to share these ideas with your spouse and children, and create an individualized family disaster plan. Being prepared can create confidence and calm during times of chaos and confusion, which always comes with situations of disaster. Without a plan, your family could find yourselves in a horrible situation.

Remember to keep your plan simple and easily understood, so every family member knows exactly what to do. Here’s a list of ways to start the conversation in your family:

• Hold a Family Night to talk to your family about getting prepared for disasters.
• Talk about the emergencies that could happen in your area, and share ideas about your family will do in each situation.
• Make a plan on how your family will act in case of a major disaster.
• Talk about working together, and volunteer for various responsibilities. Each family member should know what his or her job will be, and be able to remember it, even in the extreme stress of a disaster. For example, one child could be in charge of getting bottles of water for the family, another child’s job could be to grab blankets…etc.
• Your emergency plan must be simple and easy for every family member to understand.
• If a disaster happens and family members are not all together, they should know what to do. Talk about your ideas as a family.
• Discuss that importance of remaining calm.
• In case of a sudden emergency, plan a meeting spot outside. For example, in a fire emergency, all family members meet at the mailbox or at a neighbor’s house.
• Your family should know of an alternative meeting spot, in the case of a neighborhood emergency. It should be a place within walking distance of your neighborhood, such as a friend’s home, your church, or a store.
• Memorize the address and phone number of your meeting spots, which is especially important for children who may need to give this information to an authority.
• If your family members are separated in a disaster, they should know what action to take to get back together. For example, if a major earthquake occurs, and the parents are at work, children should know where to go and what number to call.
• Ask a friend or relative, not living in your area, to be your family’s contact person. Each member of the family can try to get in touch with your contact to gain instruction, and to tell him/her where they are. Memorize the contact’s phone number and address as a family.
• Sometimes, it is hard to make a phone call during a disaster.
• Authories may ask your family to evacuate during a disaster. Make an evacuation plan.
• Talk to an out-of-town friend or relative about providing your family shelter during an evacuation situation.
• Learn about and plan alternative shelter options for your family, if required to evacuate.
• As a family, study your local maps, to become familiar with escape routes. If main roads are blocked, your family may need to be aware of various alternatives.
• Obey local authorities in case of all evacuation situations. Even if their instructions are slightly different than your family’s plan, you should always follow their direction.
• Does your family have pets? If there is an evacuation, your family pet will need a place to go. Make arrangements with friends or relatives who can care for your pets. If your family is forced to go to an emergency shelter, pets may not be allowed.
• Finally, refresh your family’s knowledge and understanding of disaster preparedness by regularly holding Family Home Evenings that review your disaster plan.

Thanks to Marcia Lind for allowing us to share her knowledge.