Hello Brothers and Sisters,

In the scriptures we are reminded that “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30). Prophets and apostles have counseled us to have an emergency preparedness plan for our families in time of need. As we strengthen ourselves in the gospel, we can also strengthen ourselves in preparation for the trials we may face in the future when needed essentials are required for survival. 

Being prepared at home is one of the most important steps we can take to protect ourselves and loved ones during emergencies. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are some of the most prepared.  As Elder L. Tom Perry stated, “The need for preparation is abundantly clear. The great blessing of being prepared gives us freedom from fear.”

There is a plethora of information on the church and other websites on emergency/survival kits, short-term and long-term water and food storage supplies. We invite you to visit www.LansingStake.org/Prepared to get some ideas to get you started. We also look forward to providing additional information on these items in future e-mails.

Helpful Resources

We invite you to explore the following trusted resources for guidance:

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  Church Emergency Preparedness & Self-Reliance materials 

• Ready.gov
  Practical guidance on building emergency kits and plans 

• American Red Cross
  Emergency supply checklists and safety planning 

Yours in Christ,

Brother and Sister Joseph

Stake Welfare and Self-Reliance Specialist

Lansing Michigan Stake

The most common utility lost in Michigan is electricity. Each member is encouraged to have a minimum 3-day supply of essentials which includes food, water, health and hygiene, and special needs.  Supplies should be prepared for your specific needs.

1.     Communication Plan – list of emergency contacts, a gathering place to meet if you are not together

2.     Water – at least one gallon per person per day

3.     Food – prepackaged, easy-to-prepare nutritious foods when no power is available.

4.     Personal essentials – first aid kit, medications, hygiene supplies

5.     Power - flashlights, batteries, power bank for charging phones, battery-powered radio

6.     Specific Needs – infant supplies, pet supplies, elderly, disabled, etc.

Helpful Resources

We invite you to explore the following trusted resources for guidance:

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  Church Emergency Preparedness & Self-Reliance materials 

• Ready.gov
  Practical guidance on building emergency kits and plans 

• American Red Cross
  Emergency supply checklists and safety planning 

Work toward a 14 to 28-day supply of essential items, as your circumstances allow.

Expanding to a 14–28 Day Supply

As you build on your 3-day supply, consider increasing the following items:

1. Water

• Aim toward one gallon per person, per day 

• Store safely in clean containers 

2. Food

• Add additional non-perishable items (canned goods, dry foods, etc.) 

• Focus on foods your family regularly eats 

• Choose items that require minimal preparation 

3. Health & Hygiene

• Extra medications (as appropriate) 

• First aid supplies 

• Hygiene and sanitation items 

4. Power & Light

• Additional batteries 

• Backup charging options 

• Safe heating options during winter outages 

5. Household & Special Needs

• Supplies for infants, pets, elderly, or medical conditions 

• Warm clothing, blankets, and seasonal needs 

Simple Ways to Build Gradually

• Purchase a few extra items each time you shop 

• Take advantage of sales or bulk discounts 

• Rotate and use what you store

As you build your food supply, remember that these items are meant to bless your daily life as well. Use them and then replace them as you shop—keeping your storage fresh, useful, and ready when needed. 

Helpful Resources

We invite you to explore the following trusted resources for guidance:

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  Church Emergency Preparedness & Self-Reliance materials 

• Ready.gov
  Practical guidance on building emergency kits and plans 

• American Red Cross
  Emergency supply checklists and safety planning 

As we continue to strengthen our temporal preparedness, we invite individuals and families to consider the next step: gradually working toward a 1-3 month home supply, as circumstances allow.

The Lord has counseled us to "prepare every needful thing" (Doctrine and Covenants 109:8). Preparation is not intended to create fear or financial hardship. Rather, it can bring greater peace and help us become more self-reliant and better able to care for our families and others during difficult times.

Build Gradually - Do What You Can

Every household has different circumstances. Some may already have several months and years of supplies, while others are just beginning. Please do not feel that everything needs to be purchased at once. Start where you are, use the resources you have, and build gradually without creating a financial burden.

Adding a few extra items during normal grocery trips - especially when frequently used foods are on sale - can build a substantial supply over time.

Store What You Eat - Eat What You Store

As your food supply grows, make it part of your everyday life. Store foods that your family normally eats, incorporate them into regular meals, and replace the items as they are used.

This simple practice of using, rotating, and replenishing keeps your food supply fresh, reduces waste, spreads the expense over time, and ensures you know how to prepare the foods you have stored.

Consider More Than Food

·        Nutritious, shelf-stable foods and ingredients used in regular meals

·        Drinking water and a plan for obtaining safe water during a longer disruption

·        Medications, first-aid and hygiene supplies

·        Flashlights, batteries, phone charging and other appropriate backup power

·        Household and sanitation necessities

·        Special dietary and medical needs

·        Supplies for infants, older adults and pets

After establishing a practical supply of everyday foods, families may also consider gradually adding appropriate longer-term staples.

Preparedness is a process, not a competition. Our circumstances and resources differ. The important thing is to prayerfully consider what your household needs and take the next reasonable step.

Resources to Help You Prepare

Official Church Resources

·        Tips for Food Storage and Production - Guidance for building short- and long-term supplies, rotating food and storing water.

·        Preparing an Emergency Food Storage - Practical suggestions for gradually expanding food storage while avoiding unnecessary financial burdens.

·        Long-Term Food and Water Storage - Guidance for developing longer-term preparedness.

·        Church Home Storage Centers - Information about foods packaged for longer-term storage.

Additional Independent Resources

·        The Survival Mom - Beyond the LDS Food Storage Calculator - An independent resource that can help families think beyond quantities of basic staples and plan around foods, meals, and nutrition they actually use.

·        2012 LDS Preparedness Manual - An extensive preparedness resource compiled independently by a member of the Church. It is not an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It contains useful information on food and water storage and other preparedness topics; however, because of its age, information involving technology, communications, backup power and similar areas should be supplemented with current sources.

Additional local information and preparedness resources: www.LansingStake.org/Prepared

Small and consistent efforts can make a significant difference. As we prepare according to our individual circumstances, we can move forward with faith and greater confidence in the Lord's counsel: 

"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear."
- Doctrine and Covenants 38:30