The Time is Now

With the Earthquake in Virginia this week and now a Hurricane coming to the same region we should be looking around us to see where we need to better prepare.  The time to prepare is now.  Where are we on our efforts?  Where do we want to be? What can we do today?  If you don't have the answers to these questions there is something that you can do.

Being fully prepared takes time, effort and money.  If we find ourselves short in one or all of those areas there is one thing that we can and must do to prepare.  PRAY.  If we simply have a desire to prepare but do not know how or where to start PRAY,  The Lord will guide you in your efforts.  Pray about what you can do now to prepare for the future.  There are many things that each of us can do that cost no money;  Make an Emergency Plan, plan Escape Routes, save milk jugs and soda bottles for water storage. If we are prayerful we will be guided in what is most important for us.

Now would also be a good time to review our 72 Hour Kits;  If you need to rotate the food, update medications or add something that you find to be missing.  If you have children make sure their clothing fits.  If you haven't started a 72 Hour Kit you could take last year's school back pack for the kids and put their emergency clothing inside instead of throwing them out.

Don't forget that you may be away from home in the event of an emergency.  You may want to have a Mini Emergency Kit in your car or at your office.  It will only take a little time and thought and you will be better prepared.

We live in an area where earthquakes, though unpredictable, are expected.  Here are some links with information about what we can do BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER an earthquake.  Knowledge is Priceless and can save a life.  Please take a few minutes to review the information.

We can all be prepared, we just have to take the first step and start.

Water Purification Guidelines

Water Purification Guidelines

If your water supply is not known to be safe or has become polluted, it should be purified before use. Water purification is generally a two-step process.

Step 1: Clarify

Cloudy or dirty water must first be made clear. It may be passed through filter paper, fine cloth, or other filter. It may be allowed to settle and the clear water on top carefully drawn. Filtered or clear settled water should always be disinfected before use.

Step 2: Disinfect

Boiling Method
Bringing water to a rolling boil for 3 to 5 minutes will kill most water-borne microorganisms. However, prolonged boiling of small quantities of water may concentrate toxic contaminants if present.
Bleach Method
Adding 1/8 of a teaspoon (8 drops) of fresh liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to every gallon (4 liters) of water will kill most microorganisms. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used. The use of bleach does not address toxic contamination.
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Web site provides additional information about water purification.

Commercial Water Filters

Commercial water filters can effectively filter and purify water contaminated with microorganisms, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals. Their effectiveness depends on design, condition, and proper use. Water filters produced by Seychelle have been used successfully by Church missionaries for many years.
To learn more and to find local emergency preparedness stores, search the Internet for water purification and emergency preparedness supplies.
www.seychelle.com
www.katadyn.com

Water Storage Guidelines

Water Storage Guidelines

Commercially bottled water in PETE (or PET) plastic containers may be purchased. Follow the container’s “best if used by” dates as a rotation guideline. Avoid plastic containers that are not PETE plastic.
If you choose to package water yourself, consider the following guidelines:

Containers

• Use only food-grade containers. Smaller containers made of PETE plastic or heavier plastic buckets or drums work well.
• Clean, sanitize, and thoroughly rinse all containers prior to use. A sanitizing solution can be prepared by adding 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to one quart (1 liter) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.
• Do not use plastic milk jugs, because they do not seal well and tend to become brittle over time.
• Do not use containers previously used to store non-food products.

Water Pretreatment

• Water from a chlorinated municipal water supply does not need further treatment when stored in clean, food-grade containers.
• Non-chlorinated water should be treated with bleach. Add 1/8 of a teaspoon (8 drops) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) for every gallon (4 liters) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.

Storage

• Containers should be emptied and refilled regularly.
• Store water only where potential leakage would not damage your home or apartment.
• Protect stored water from light and heat. Some containers may also require protection from freezing.
• The taste of stored water can be improved by pouring it back and forth between two containers before use.