IT'S CONFERENCE TIME

Twice a year, we have the opportunity to learn at the feet of our prophets and apostles.  I am so looking forward to this weekend!

Since Conference happens regularly twice a year, at exact 6-month intervals, this is a great time to do a couple of quick preparedness things.

(1) Replace the batteries in your Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors.  These little gadgets are designed to save lives...if they are working properly.  The best price on 9-volt batteries I have found is the Amazon Basics 9 Volt batteries, 8 for $10.  At the very least, you can avoid that annoying "chirp" that seems to happen at the most inopportune times!

(2) Replace your drinking water.  Whether you have a 55-gallon barrel or old soda bottles full of water, this is a great time to dump and fill it up for an emergency.  Water is essential, we can only live 3 days without it!  Aim for 14 gallons per person.

Enjoy Conference Weekend!

LONG TERM STORAGE SUGGESTIONS

On January 20, 2002, The First Presidency sent a letter urging the importance of home storage. As part of this letter, suggested amounts of certain storage items were given as basic foods that would "be required to keep [members] alive if they did not have anything else to eat." The letter also states that "When member have stored enough of these essentials to meet the needs of their family for one year, they may decide to add other items that they are accustomed to using day to day." These food and amounts are per person:

•  Grains 400 lbs. 
•  Legumes (dry beans, split peas, lentils, etc.) 60 lbs. 
•  Powdered milk 16 lbs. 
•  Cooking Oil 10 qts. 
•  Sugar or honey 60 lbs Salt 8 lbs. 
•  Water (2 weeks) 14 gal. 

 As a general rule, half these amounts for children and 1 1/2 times the amount for teens. This week's challenge is to calculate how much food storage you need for your family. In coming weeks, I will share where to buy and how to use these basics.