Mormon Family Preparedness: Why Mormons Prepare For Emergencies

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)

Long Term Mormon Food Storage

Long  term storage is a supply of food that will last a long time, and you can survive on.   For example rice, beans, pasta, rolled oats, salt, sugar, honey, and wheat can be stored for 30 years.  Of  course, they must be properly packaged and stored in a cool dry place.  Some recommended containers are #10 cans, foil pouches, or PETE bottles.  Sometimes plastics buckets can be used.

The recommendation for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to gather together a 3-month supply of the foods the family eats everyday, and then build a one-year supply of emergency basics, of which the above listed foods are typical.  Members in cramped quarters find ingenious ways to find space for long-term food storage, and even use food storage containers to hold up a bed, or store foods under beds.

Click here to find information on building a 3-month supply and a full year’s emergency supply.

The following is the new approximation of the shelf life of long-term survival storage foods:

Product Recommendations

The following suggested amounts are for one adult.

You may also want to add other items to your longer-term storage such as sugar, nonfat dry milk, salt, baking soda, and cooking oil. To meet nutritional needs, also store foods containing vitamin C and other essential nutrients.  Baking soda and vinegar are cheaper to store and as effective as cleaners as commercial products.  Hydrogen Peroxide kills mold, disinfects, is cheap, and safe to use.  Store these items for hygiene.

Dry products that are not suitable for longer-term storage due to moisture content, oils, or other concerns include:

Moist foods stored with food-drying additives long-term can develop botulism.

Oxygen Absorbers

Oxygen absorbers protect dry foods from insect damage and help preserve product quality. They are used when dry foods are packaged in sealed containers. Oxygen absorbers can be purchased from home storage centers and Church Distribution Services, or they can be ordered from store.lds.org.

Storage of Plastic Buckets

• Store plastic buckets off the floor by at least ½ inch (1.3 cm) to allow air to circulate under the bucket.
• Do not stack plastic buckets over three high. If buckets are stacked, check them periodically to ensure that the lids have not broken from the weight.

For more information, visit providentliving.org.

Family Home Storage – A New Message

Check the expiration date on your ideas about home storage.

You may need to throw some of them out.

When a sister in her ward suggested a different approach, Sister Jeffries discovered the key to successful home storage: consistently and gradually increasing her food supply.

Setting aside a particular amount in her budget for home storage, she purchased a few extra items from the grocery store each week. She also purchased one basic food item like grains and beans from the Church home storage center each month.

Many years later, in October 2002, Sister Jeffries was impressed when President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910– 2008) suggested that Church members adopt a simpler approach to home storage.

“We can begin ever so modestly,” President Hinckley explained. “We can begin with a one week’s food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months.”  Sister Jeffries notes that “the beauty of this system is its appropriateness for families just starting their storage programs, as well as for those living in small homes and apartments, where space is at a premium. President Hinckley clearly recognized that change and adaptation are needed so that all of us might benefit from the Lord’s inspired program.”

A New Approach

In the spirit of President Hinckley’s remarks, Church leaders decided to closely reexamine their approach to self-reliance, looking for ways to reinforce the concepts of home storage and financial preparedness. As a result, the Church published the pamphlet All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage, outlining new guidelines for home preparedness that give Church members a simplified, four-step approach to building their home storage.

They are as follows:

1. Gradually build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet until it is sufficient for three months.
2. Store drinking water. explained. “We can begin with a one week’s food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months.”
3. Establish a financial reserve by setting aside a little money each week, and gradually increase it to a reasonable amount.
4. Once families have achieved the first three objectives, they are counseled to expand their efforts, as circumstances allow, into a supply of long-term basic foods such as grains, legumes, and other staples.

Of the new guidelines, Presiding Bishop H. David Burton says, “Our objective was to establish a simple, inexpensive, and achievable program that would help people become self-reliant. We are confident that by introducing these few, simple steps we can, over time, have more success.”

Guideline 1: Build your three-month supply gradually.

Start small and do the best you can. Begin by purchasing a few extra items to add to your storage each week.  Strive to build a one-week supply; then expand it to a one-month supply, then a three-month supply. By building your supply slowly, you can avoid financial strain and start down the path toward self-reliance.

The Lugo family of Valencia, Venezuela, learned that this new approach of starting small and being consistent can pay big dividends. After listening to general conference, Brother Omar Lugo, a Church member in the Falcón Venezuela District, felt inspired to begin his own home storage. He discussed the matter with his family, and they agreed to follow the prophet’s counsel.

They began setting aside food, water, and money, a  little at a time. At first the difference was hardly noticeable.  But after a while the Lugos found that they had accumulated a substantial reserve. Several months after they began building their home storage, a worker’s strike in Venezuela put many local workers’ jobs in jeopardy. Brother Lugo was among those who eventually lost their jobs.

For a time his family lived on savings. Seven months later the Lugo family was relying exclusively on the food they had stored. It took nearly two years for Brother Lugo to find work again, but his family was able to survive the difficult challenges of unemployment. They had built their reserve gradually, and when adversity struck, they were prepared and the Lord blessed them.   Like the Lugo family, Church members will be blessed for their obedience to the First Presidency’s counsel as they gradually build home storage. “We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings,” the First Presidency explains. “Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once.” Rather, they suggest a modest, consistent approach. “With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve”

Guideline 2: Store drinking water.

In times of need, having water to drink can be the difference between life and death—or at least between peace and anxiety. Just ask the Kawai family, members of the São Paulo Brazil Stake. They have been storing food and water for 20 years. Although their small apartment doesn’t have much room to spare, the Kawais decided to make home storage a priority.

Sister Kawai tells of one experience when that decision paid off. “I was in the hospital having just given birth when I learned that there was a problem with the city’s water pipes,” Sister Kawai explains. “Hundreds of thousands of people were without water. But I wasn’t concerned about going home. I had peace of mind knowing that my family would have water to drink.”

Guideline 3: Set aside a little money.

From the First Presidency comes this counsel: “We encourage you wherever you may live in the world to prepare for adversity by looking to the condition of your finances. We urge you to be modest in your expenditures. . . . Save a little money regularly to gradually build a financial reserve.”

In the April 2007 general conference Bishop Keith B. McMullin, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, reinforced this principle, exhorting Church members to “save some money, if only a few coins each week. This modest approach will soon enable them to have several months’ reserve.”

By gradually building a financial reserve, we will be prepared for unforeseen trials and have an added measure of security and peace in our hearts.

Guideline 4: Where possible, gradually establish a longer term supply.

“For longer-term needs,” explains the All Is Safely Gathered In pamphlet, “gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans.”

Establishing long-term storage is easier than some might think. Dr. Oscar Pike and his colleagues in the Brigham Young University Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science have done several in-depth studies on long term food storage. They discovered something surprising: properly packaged and stored low-moisture food retains much of its sensory (taste) quality and nutritional value for 20 to 30 or more years after being placed in storage much longer than previously supposed.

This means Church members can store certain foods long-term without the worry of regularly rotating the food.  They can be confident that their supply will be there to keep them alive if they have nothing else to eat.

The Time to Begin Is Now

“Perhaps in the past accumulating a year’s supply of food may have been a little intimidating and even illegal in some places,” says Dennis Lifferth, managing director of Church Welfare Services. “But this new approach asks us to do the best we can, even if all we can do is to set aside a can or two each week. If the prophet asks us to do something, we can find a way to fulfill the commandment and receive the blessings.”

“This new program is within everyone’s grasp,” explains Bishop Burton. “The first step is to begin. The second is to continue. It doesn’t matter how fast we get there so much as that we begin and continue according to our abilities.”

“Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their . . . supply of food . . . and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year’s supply of debt and are food-free.”

“That Noble Gift—Love at Home,” Church News, May 12, 2001, 7 President Thomas S. Monson

“Everyone who owns a home recognizes the need for fire insurance. We hope and pray that there will never be a fire. Nevertheless, we pay for insurance to cover such a catastrophe should it occur. We ought to do the same with reference to family welfare.”

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008),  “To Men of the Priesthood,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 58

“Learn to sustain yourselves; lay up grain and flour, and save it against a day of scarcity.”

President Brigham Young (1801–77), Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe (1954)

Water Storage & Purification

Do you have enough water stored for your family to survive in case of an emergency?

Water is crucial to our survival, yet so many of us neglect to store it! If a natural disaster happens in your area, and all water supplies are cut off, what would you do for your family? Hopefully your family will become prepared, to avoid such an unnecessary experience.

My husband was the emergency preparedness coordinator for our ward (Mormon congregation) when he found that there were very few people who were storing water. He immediately set out to find 55-gallon water barrels. After searching online, he found a man who was willing to negotiate a bulk rate. It took some effort, but we were able to deliver dozens of water barrels to people who needed them. If you cannot find a similar deal in your area, try Home Depot or Wal-Mart. They occasionally have water barrels in stock, and they are priced under $35.

WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?

1. Water barrels (usual size is 55 gallons)
2. Bleach (Clorox or generic brand)
3. Water hose
4. Siphon/pump for removing water

HOW MUCH WATER WILL OUR FAMILY NEED?

Your emergency water supply should last for at least two weeks. You may wish to calculate how many gallons you will need in order for your family before purchasing water barrels. A person can survive on one gallon per day, but cleaning, cooking, personal hygiene require more. If possible, plan for at least 2 gallons for each person, per day.

HOW DO I CALCULATE THE RIGHT AMOUNT?

An effective two-week supply for a family of 5 would require 140 gallons of water. (2 weeks = 14 days; 14 days x 2 gallons = 24 gallons per person; 5 people x 24 gallons = 140 gallons for all 5 people for 2 weeks). This family would need 3 large (55 gallon) water barrels. Remember, it’s better to have too much water than not enough!

HOW MUCH BLEACH SHOULD I ADD TO THE WATER?

First, check to see if your city’s water is already chlorinated, since it may be unnecessary to treat it.

1/8 teaspoon, or one droplet, of Clorox (bleach) for every gallon of water should suffice. For a 55-gallon barrel, you would add almost 7 teaspoons. Make sure you wait 30 minutes before drinking water that has just been treated.

TIP FOR FRESH-TASTING WATER:

After your water has been stored for a while, it may taste stale. This may be remedied by simply pouring it between 2 containers, back and forth.

ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS:

Including your children in the planning will help them understand how to be more prepared. Keep it fun!

• Give your family the opportunity to calculate how much water you will need to store. Start by telling them that each person needs 2 gallons a day, and allow them to figure out how much water your family will need for 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks…etc. Make a chart to post near your water supply that explains their findings.
• You can use helpful hands when filling your barrels! A family member will need to be stationed at the water spiket, another at the water barrel, and as many as needed to communicate when to turn on/off the water source.
• When it’s time to replace the water in each barrel, hold a relay to see who can siphon a gallon of water out of their barrel the fastest. It seems silly, but everyone can use the practice!