Today we heard about family preparedness. A start is to prepare a 72-hour kit and include supplies for each family member. A counselor told us he has 7 backpacks, one for each family member, hanging in his garage awaiting any pending disaster. We are starting our 72-hour kits tomorrow. Anyone interested in a 72-hour kit can look at these links:
- lds.org (Basic home storage information - the church tells us to aim for a 3-month supply at first.)
- about.com (72-hour kit ideas.)
- geocities.com (72-hour kit monthly addition checklist.)
- avertdisasters.com (72-hour kit weekly addition checklist.)
- peaceandcarrots.com (A list of sites to assist in family preparation.)
Another part of being prepared is to get our finances in order and to try to stay debt-free. A goal we strive for and have since we were first married! Financial freedom seems so refreshing. Here are a few ideas and goals we look into:
- daveramsey.com Get out of debt "at gazelle speed" and control your money habits.
- lds.org A handy budget worksheet.
- lds.org A debt-elimination calendar (sample) that we are using.
- paidtwice.com Snow flaking it - paying debt down with extra funds acquired.
- frugalliving.com Ideas to live within your means.
I know being prepared is important. I realize this everyday I don't prepare for the next. If things are not in order and ready as they can be, I drag all day long and suffer. So does the rest of the family. It is important to prepare our own way for help in a disaster. We should not think to depend on a neighbor (they need to meet their own needs) nor the government...ha! While we have a small supply in our house, I feel it necessary to follow further steps to keep it organized and readily available for the family. I mean, what if I run out of diapers for the baby... now that would be tragic! No - seriously. Basic needs. That is the ticket to start of with. Cover our basic needs first. Good luck and God speed if you plan to make this your goal as well.
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