CERT

Clearfield City is holding a two day "Train the Trainer" course for anyone who has previously taken the CERT courses and wants a refresher.  Cost is $10 and it will be at the new Syracuse Fire Station, November 5, 2010 starting at 6 pm and November 6, 2010 starting at 8 am.

CERT

West Point City is doing CERT classes. Register early at West Point City Hall. Class starts October 19th. The cost of the class is $25 which includes your CERT kit. Every block captain needs to complete this training, and others are invited as well. This is a great way to get trained for emergencies! The class runs from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Oct. 19th, 21st, 26th, 28th, and Nov. 2nd.

Be Ready Utah at the Utah State Fair

Be Ready Utah at the Utah State Fair

National Preparedness Month Continues Through September

WHAT:
Many Utah families have experienced emergencies and disasters with flooding, wildfires, power outages and severe weather. These unfortunate events often happen suddenly so it’s important to plan before the next emergency or disaster happens.

Be Ready Utah’s exhibit area at the Utah State Fair this weekend focuses on helping Utahns make small preparations for emergencies such as a communication plan and an emergency supply kit. Several local public and private organizations have teamed up with Be Ready Utah’s exhibit to help Utahns become better prepared during National Preparedness Month.

WHEN:
Thurs. Sept. 9 – Mon. Sept. 13
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Daily “Earthquake Lady” presentations: 12:30, 3:00 & 5:30
Look for Be Ready Utah materials at the Rodeo Friday, Saturday and Sunday

WHERE:
155 North 1000 W.
Salt Lake City
Be Ready Utah exhibit area
South east corner of the fair along North Temple, behind the Grand Building

STORY OP:
Multiple emergency preparedness booths from partner agencies within the Be Ready Utah exhibit area, the DPS Mobile Command Center, a readiness rally competition to put together emergency backpacks and the Be Ready Utah Bee Mascot.

Find out more about Utah's preparedness month activities at: http://bereadyutah.gov and preparedness tips at http://twitter.com/bereadyutah

Be Ready Utah is the State of Utah's emergency preparedness campaign managed by the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and under the direction of Lt. Governor Greg Bell. The campaign is designed as a bottom-up approach with the focus on an individual’s responsibility to prepare for various kinds of emergencies and disasters.

Peach Cobbler

Peach Cobbler

1 cube butter
4-5 fresh peaches covered with 1 cup sugar OR
1 quart bottled peaches drained
1 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 cup milk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in 9X13 pan. Whisk all dry ingredients together in a bowl, add the milk and mix well. More the batter over the butter in the 9X13, DO NOT MIX. Then spoon the peaches over the batter, again DO NOT MIX. The cake will rise up over the peaches while baking. Bake for 50-55 minutes. If you want a thicker, more cakey cobbler use a smaller pan, like an 8x8 and adjust the baking time. Serve warm our of the oven with homemade vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
Yum!
(This is also a great "store room" recipe. By using bottled peaches, powdered milk and powdered butter.)

Westpoint 12th Ward Mini Classes

August - Canning Basics
Please contact Teresa Koerner for lessons or FAQs on canning.  Peaches, Pears, Salsa, Jams, etc., she is available for one on one lessons.

September 8th - Getting Started
Let's make a plan and get going!

October 13th - Kits
Hygiene kits, 72 hour kits, First Aid kits

November - Dutch Oven Basics
How to season and use your dutch ovens, lesson by the Brinkerhoffs.

December 8th - Gift Ideas
Give the gift of Preparedness

Upcoming Cert Class

Clearfield City has a CERT class starting September 7th.  The course will run for 8 weeks.  It is each Tuesday night from 6-9 pm at the Clearfield City Building.  The cost of the pack is $25 (which is less than in the past).  Please call Clearfield City to register.

Wars and Rumors of Wars

“We live in a day of ‘wars [and] rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places.’ As prophesied, ‘the whole earth [is] in commotion’ and ‘Satan is abroad in the land.’ He seeks to destroy all that is good and righteous. He is Lucifer, who was cast out of the presence of God. Against all of that, we have very positive feelings about what lies ahead.”

Boyd K. Packer, “The Power of the Priesthood,” Ensign, May 2010, 6

Ham Radio

A ham radio class will start on May 26  at 7 pm in Layton.  Please contact Mike at kd7mg@arrl.net for additional information.

Repost

This is a repost from November - but since some people have tax money - what better way to spend it?

Cheaper than you think

A basic one year supply of food is cheaper than you think. Don't believe me - I'll prove it.

300 lbs. Grain @ $5.80 per 25 lb. bag x 12 = $69.60
60 lbs. Legumes @ $14.10 per 25 lb. bag + $8.50 (2 #10 Cans) = $36.70
20 lbs. Oil @ $2.00 per 48oz. bottle x 8 = $16*
60.5 lbs. Sugar @$13.20 per 25 lb. bag x 2 + $9.30 (2 #10 Cans) = $43.43**
50 lbs. Milk @ $35.40 per 25 lb. bag x 2 = $70.80
55 gallon water drum = $40 (@ Maceys

Basic One Year Supply = $236.53 + 40 for water = $276.53 Per person (The Cost is over $20 more now than in November)

Granted this is Basics and there is no variety, but that is an amazing start! You can do this. Christmas is coming, what better gift.

*Crisco 48 oz. bottles are on sale at Walmart right now for $2.00 (Smith's has them for $2.00, through tonight.)
**During case lot sales you can generally get a 25 lb. bag of Sugar for around $10  $11.38 @ Maceys, so you could get 75 lbs. for $34.14.

(All prices, except Oil are from the Church Cannery)
Price updates in Red.
 
The price of sugar has gone up some and milk a lot - it does not pay to wait.

Article on KSL

Check out this article on KSL regarding preparing for a natural disaster.

There are some good links to checkout.

Cannery

We are making a trip to the cannery Saturday (tomorrow) at 10:30 a.m. if you are interested in coming or want me to pick something up for you, let me know.

Here is a link to the order form, so you can see the cost and what they have.

Upcoming Events

Case Lot sales are going on NOW.

Advanced First Aid Class - April 16th at the church.

Cannery Appointment - April 17th at 11:00 a.m. at Ogden Cannery.  (Meet at 10:30 to carpool).

Advanced Police Training with South Davis Police/Fire - Starting April 22nd - see me for details.

Concealed Weapons Class on April 28th at 5:30 p.m. - Cost is $60 and the class is being taught at the CAL Ranch store in Ogden.

Check it out

Have you seen the Church's Emergency Preparedness Website?  Check it out here.

An e-mail

My Mom sent me this e-mail today - I tried to verify it through various resources and came up with nothing.  So, please take it for what it is - an e-mail with a good message and a good reminder.
--Thank you

In Chile: The Lord's Earthquake Warning


Editor's Note: President Larry Laycock and his wife, Sister Lisa Laycock head the Santiago Chile East Mission and had spent the two weeks prior to the 8.8 earthquake visiting each missionary apartment and preparing them for an earthquake. They brought specific instructions on what to do, supplied water purification bottles for the missionaries, told them how to create a 36-hour kit for emergencies and how to stay in communication should an earthquake strike. They prayed with each missionary and dedicated their apartments. Why? Because of a special experience that alerted them to what was coming. They told their missionaries, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."

They have 171 full-time proselyting missionaries in this mission.

Special thanks to the Laycocks for allowing Meridian to publish this letter that Sister Laycock sent to her family shortly after the earthquake sharing their remarkable experience of kindness from the Lord. They are in Chile with their son, Landon.

Dear Everyone,

I am writing to let you all know how very grateful we are for your prayers, concern, and love. Please keep praying! We need the Lord's help and guidance in order to do all He would have us do to learn what He would have us learn from this earth quake tragedy, and to minister in the way He would have us minister.

During the past few days, we have witnessed many events which serve to remind us that the Lord is in charge and that as missionaries and members of His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are performing His work, and as President Monson teaches, "When we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to His help." I want to share with you a few miracles that will help you to understand our profound feelings of gratitude.

When we were set apart for this calling, Elder Scott of the Council of the Twelve Apostles taught us many important lessons. He spoke from personal experience when he was a mission president in Argentina. One message that he shared with us is this: "At times, during your mission, you will be awakened in the middle of the night or the early morning hours with thoughts of specific things you should do for certain missionaries. Do not ignore these thoughts. They are promptings from the Holy Ghost who will communicate with you in the stillness of the night or the peace of the early morning hours. He will speak to you then because that is when you are still enough to hear."

Elder Scott further instructed us to keep a notebook beside our bed so that we could record these precious promptings. He said that by the next morning, we would be likely to forget the promptings if we didn't write them down.

We have been astonished at the fulfillment of Elder Scott's prophetic words. We have received many promptings in the exact manner that Elder Scott described. We are so thankful that Elder Scott taught us how to recognize and act upon these precious promptings. Had he not taught us, we may not have given these promptings the attention they require.

Nearly two-and-one-half weeks ago, I was awakened at around 4:00 AM by just such a prompting. I did not hear a voice, but the thought was as clear as if it had been in the form of spoken words: "There is going to be an earthquake. Prepare your missionaries." I sat up in bed and immediately remembered Elder Scott's counsel. That morning I told Larry what had happened. He immediately set to work organizing our missionaries to prepare for an earthquake.

In talking with our office missionaries to arrange for them to put together a list of everything we would need to prepare...in both Spanish and English...we discovered that the Lord had also let two of our office missionaries know of the possibility of an earthquake (in the form of dreams) and the need to prepare our mission.

We set a goal and arranged our schedule so that we could visit every apartment in the mission to check for safety and to review with our missionaries what to do in case of an earth quake. What a wonderful experience we have had as we have met with them and shared scriptures with them about being spiritually and physically prepared. "...if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" (D&C 38:30).

We instructed every missionary to have a "go-bag" (36 hour kit). We reviewed our emergency action plan with them of where to go and what to do if they had phone service and in case they did not. We gave everyone a paper with all instructions in English and Spanish, and we reminded them that "this life is the time to prepare to meet God" (Alma 34:32-34). We shared with them our thoughts and feelings about the need for spiritual and physical safety.

Some of them became frightened and asked us if we knew something they didn't know. We smiled and repeated "...if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." We didn't want to unduly alarm them, but we did want to impress upon them the need to be prepared. We tearfully reminded them of our recent transfer conference where we had shared our feelings about our dear Elder McKay Burrows who was unexpectedly called home in January while serving his mission in Romania...how he was prepared in every way to meet God. We reissued our challenge to "be prepared" in every way. Then we knelt with them in their apartment and dedicated each apartment, asking for a blessing of safety and security to be upon every apartment.

When the earthquake came, we were prepared. We did not experience the panic that many felt. We knew we were prepared. Because of the words of the Lord's chosen Apostle, Elder Scott, we had listened and heeded the quiet, but clear promptings of the Holy Ghost. We were blessed with peace in the midst of chaos. We learned an important lesson: our preparation helped us to avoid panic and fear, but the Lord, in His wisdom, allowed us to experience enough discomfort to know that He has all power. He is in charge. We are nothing without Him. We are dependent upon Him for every breath we take. Only He can save us from death and destruction. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is our perfect example. If we follow Him, we will be saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of His Gospel.

As the earthquake became more violent, the mission home groaned and wailed. The power died, so the whole city was black. The windows made a hideous screeching sound, and flying objects banged against swaying walls. The printer/fax machine, books, book ends, and fifty-pound television burst from the entertainment center and crashed to the floor, cabinets emptied, drawers flew open, the refrigerator moved, water sloshed out of the toilets, the floor jolted up and down as we ran across it trying to hold onto the walls to keep from falling down, and the piano toppled over like a small toy. As we made our way to the back yard, I remember thinking, "God is all-powerful. He is our only refuge from this horrible mess." I prayed and prayed for Him to still the earth.

When we reached the back yard, we watched in terror. By the light of the moon we could see the swimming pool water form giant waves and crash out onto the rocks. House and car alarms screamed into the night...some from being crushed by falling debris and others, I guess, from the bizarre movement of the earth. I am not sure if the intense rumbling sounds came from the earth itself or from everything else that was shaking so violently. Finally, it stopped.

When the calm came, we had to sit down because our legs were weak and unstable. My legs stayed wobbly all day and night yesterday. Today the muscles in my legs hurt like I ran a marathon. The aftershocks have been extremely unsettling. Each one begins like the one last night started. We just close our eyes and wait to see if it escalates or dies down. .I have never experienced anything like this!

We were awakened this morning by a very strong after shock. Larry jumped out of bed and yelled, "Welcome to another glorious day in Chile!" We just had to laugh. We moved a mattress into the floor in our bedroom and made Landon sleep in our room. He was in his room with the door locked the night before and we couldn't wake him up. He never locks his door, but he was playing a joke on Larry because every morning Larry wakes him at 5:30 AM for seminary by tickling him unmercifully. So Landon had decided to stop him.

When we couldn't open his door, in the middle of the quake, we thought he was trapped, so we screamed and banged. Landon thought that everything was falling off the walls because we were banging so hard on the door. I think we scared him more than the earthquake did!

Today, we attended a strong ward where Larry was invited to speak. The entire chapel and beyond was filled. People were so humble and so teachable. Larry taught the importance of doing the small things. He taught about Jesus Christ and the opportunity we have to love one another and to share what we have with others.

It was a great blessing for us to be with these beautiful Chilean people. Some have lost their homes...or at least parts of their homes. But they are strong and they want to serve the Lord. He taught of the scripture in Luke 21:11,13 which says, "and great earthquakes shall be in divers places...and it shall turn to you for a testimony." He also welcomed the sweet young woman who was in the congregation with the missionaries...her first time attending church...and then he invited her to be baptized from the pulpit. He asked her to please invite us to her baptism, and she said, "I will." The Lord always knows what His people need.

Landon was reading in Alma 15:17 today. He said, Mom listen to this. This is what is happening here in Chile just like in happened in Ammonihah. The people were humbled and "checked as to the pride of their hearts and began to humble themselves before God, watching and praying continually that they might be delivered from Satan, and from death, and from destruction."

Our hearts are filled to the brim with gratitude for all of the blessings we have received in the Chile Santiago East Mission. We see miracles every day. In the midst of great pain and suffering, we can always find our Savior. He stands with His arms open, pleading for all of us to humble ourselves and come unto Him. He loves us. He invites us to accept His gift...the atonement. He invites us to repent. He wants us to love one another and to serve one another. He wants us to bring our families and those we love to Him. We can do it. We can do all that He asks, no matter how difficult it may seem. "With God all things are possible"

We are having a devotional tomorrow for all of our missionaries to talk about the last week of Christ's life in preparation for Easter. We want to remind our missionaries to teach and preach with increased vigor of Christ. Last Monday in our office meeting, Larry suddenly stopped in the middle, and said, "During the prayer, I had a very strong impression that March 2010 is going to be our best baptizing month we have ever had in this mission."

Now we know why he received that feeling. We are going to prepare to bring many souls to the waters of baptism in March. Please continue to pray for us and for the people of Chile. Please pray for the missionaries to have strength and courage to do all that is being required of them, even in difficult times.

We are so thankful that the tsunami did not turn out badly in Hawaii. Who would ever think that an earthquake in Chile could threaten the shores of Hawaii? Thankfully, the Lord is in charge. He is the one to whom we must turn for refuge from every storm. He has the power to save us.

Editor's Note:

The letter ends here, but President and Sister Laycock told us:

"We've never experienced anything like the earthquake. We have had 90 aftershocks, some stronger than others. Our legs are wobbly. It is a scary feeling to experience an aftershock because it brings back all the feelings we had during the earthquake.

"We love being with our missionaries. Because they were prepared, they were immediately able to turn their attention to helping others. They were never concerned about themselves. They were concerned with those who need help and by mid-morning the day of the earthquake, we were able to dispatch them to help others. We told them to investigate the needs of their neighbors and help in any way they could.

President Laycock noted, "The Spanish translation of Luke 21:13 says that there will be earthquakes in many places, and it will give you the occasion to bear testimony. We met with 10 sisters this morning, and one of them mentioned a neighbor next door whom they always asked if she would have time to speak with them, and she always said no. Yet in the crescendo of the toll of the earthquake, she was speechless with fear and not prepared. When the sisters said, 'Could we pray with you?', she answered, 'I have time to pray with you.' It opened the door to a teaching opportunity to share the gospel.

President and Sister Laycock said, "Everyone we talk to has been so willing to talk about Christ and God's power. We've been sharing God's love with them. We are seeing God's love everywhere. People are reaching out to one another. They are serving one another. The news reports looting. We are seeing a different side. We are seeing people who want to communicate with God, who are sincerely looking for the truth."

Babies

I think most of us would readily agree that babies have special needs.  Your baby's 72 hour kit should "look" different from the rest, below is a list of suggestions/additions to assist with rounding out the supplies for your baby's 72 hour kit.

 - Diapers

 - Wipes

 - Formula

 - Baby Food

 - Snacks

 - Pacifer

 - Bottle

 - Blanket

 - Medicine appropriate for baby/toddler

 - Comfort item (rattle, doll, favorite toy, etc.)

It is important to add a little diaper bag to our 72 hours kits, but I think it is also helpful to add a little 72 hour kit to our diaper bag.  Keep your diaper bag stocked and next to the crib or front door.  In addition to the "regular" diaper bag items, consider adding a flashlight, bottle of water, granola bars/energy bars, whistle, mylar blanket, family plan and a few first aid items.

"Porta Potty" kit

- 5 gallon bucket with carry handle
- Seat with lid (can be purchased at Emergency Essentials or Ace Hardware)
- Lots of heavy duty plastic bags to line bucket
- 7-8 rolls of toilet paper (remove the cardboard center and wrap individually in plastic wrap or in a ziplock bag
- Hand wipes
- 1 liter bottle of cat litter (kitty litter absords the droppings and keeps the smell down)
- 1 roll of paper towels
- A pack of enzyme 300 deodorizer (optional)
- Bottle of spray disinfectant (optional)

All of these things should fit in the bucket so it is convenient to carry.  Additional things can be added as needs and room allows (additional sanitation options, sanitary supplies for women, etc.)

*Emergency Essentials also offers a "starter kit" which includes the bucket, seat and 2 enzyme packs.

While the skies are clear

"Plan to build up your food supply just as you would a savings account ... we urge you to do this prayerfully and DO IT NOW."
                     -- Ezra Taft Benson (General Conference, October 1980) (emphasis added)

"Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh."
                     -- D&C 1:12

Sometimes I sit and ponder ... we have been warned for how long?  There are how many scriptures that tell of Christ's coming?  What if President Monson said that the Savior was coming on ______, 2010?  What would you change?  Would your summer plans change?  Would you panic or get to work?  I would like to think that we would get to work.  The time has COME to get to WORK.

"The kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God on the earth will be combined together at Christ's coming - and that time is not far distant.  How I wish we could get the vision of this work, the genius of it, and realize the nearness of that great event.  I am sure it would have a sobering effect upon us if we realized what is before us."
                    -- Gordon B. Hinckley (General Conference, October 1992)

Soon the bride groom will be here, will we be ready?

"I am suggesting that the time HAS COME to get our houses in order."
                     -- Gordon B. Hinckley (General Conference, October 1998)(emphasis added)

*Quotes compiled by ldsavow.com

Upcoming...

Westpoint City and Clearfield City have CERT classes beginning March 2nd.

Westpoints cost is $25.00, register at the city building. This is a 5 session class, Tuesday, Thursday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. 

Clearfields cost is $47.00, register at the city building by February 19th.  This class is 6-7 classes and is held each Tuesday evening at 6:30.

In comparing what I know of the two (my parents attended Wespoint's and I attended Clearfield's), the same information is covered at both.  I believe there was more hands on training with Clearfield and we received more supplies, etc. for our backpacks, but I think both classes are great.  At both classes you will receive a backpack, vest and hardhat.

Truly I don't think it matters which one you go to - just GO. 

Family Emergency Plan

Do you have one??? If not, let's get started.

First, you need a Emergency Information Sheet. This sheet should have local police (emergency and non-emergency), fire, health dept, red cross, ambulance and local shelter numbers for starters. You also want to list on this sheet each family members - name, date of birth, blood type, allergies and any medications they are taking. This should be your central list, easily accessible for everyone in the house. I would suggest adding family and friends locally to call in case of an emergency as well as an out of state/town contact. Also, think about adding doctors names and numbers to the list.

Second, you need a list in each 72 hour kit with the above information as well as your families rally/meeting place. The "in case we get separated meet _____" place. You should have a local meeting place and an out of town/state meeting place. It may seem silly, but disaster can strike at anytime, day or night. Where are your loved ones right now?? I doubt everyone is right next you or even in the home. We go to work, school, shopping, etc. What if you block is evacuated, what if your drive home is no longer drivable? Where do we go? Who do we contact? If we plan in advance we will feel less panicked and will have greater peace.

"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear..."

Note: The importance of having an out of area contact is if the local lines are tied up/down, you are more likely to be able to reach someone outside of the area to let them know you are okay. Imagine that a large earthquake happens where you live or where someone else in your family lives and of course you can't get a hold of that person - wouldn't it be great to be able to call your (brother, uncle, grandma or whoever the contact is) and have them say that they have heard from them and everyone is alive, etc.

I have also had it suggested to me that keeping copies of important documents (drivers license, birth certificates, etc.) is helpful to have in your kit. As well as a family picture.

Sorry about all the "What ifs..." but if you think about this in your life, with a real application it is more likely to inspire you to action.

(If I can manage the time and can figure out how to post it here, I will make a Family Emergency Plan template and post it here, but don't wait for me to get started.)

Earthquakes in Utah

The Utah Seismic Safety Commission (USSC) put out a booklet in April 2009 to help prepare and teach Utah residents about earthquake safety and the biggest dangers in your area.

Did you know you can download it for free here?

Just a thought, in case all the recent news about the devastation in Haiti has you wondering what you can do to prepare yourself.

Have you noticed that they keep news reports keep saying that they desperately need clean water and food ... you could always start there.

Deals and Case Lot Sales

Produce:
Broccoli $0.69 lb. Kents
Bananas $ 0.44 lb. Kents
Oranges $0.39 lb. Fresh Market & Reams
Red Peppers $0.99 each Smiths
Green Onions $0.50 each Smith
Bell Peppers/Cucumbers 3 for $1 Reams
10 lb. bag of potatoes $0.99 Reams

Fresh Stuff:
Milk $1.89 Kents ($2 for milk, oj and chocolate milk at Smiths)
Eggs (18 count) $1.89 Smiths
Yoplait Yogurt $0.38 Maceys

Food Storage Items:
Sugar 25 lb. bag $9.68 Maceys
Flour 25 lb. bag $6.88 Reams
Tomato/chicken noodle soup $0.38 Reams
Cream of mushroom/chicken soup $0.44 Reams
Brown sugar/powdered sugar $0.98 Maceys
Peanut butter (18 oz.) $1.00 Smiths
Beans (kidney, black, pinto) $0.48 Maceys
Tomatoes $0.48 Maceys
Hunts Pasta Sauce $0.79 Smiths
Tomato sauce $0.25 Smiths
Applesauce $0.44 Reams
Chili $0.78 Maceys

24-pk of bottled water $2.88 Fresh Market

Toiletties:
Toilet Paper (24 roll) $4.48 Maceys