How much is peace of mind worth?

By Leslie Probert, For the Deseret News
Published: Friday, Nov. 2 2012


Hurricane Sandy provides a stark reminder of the unpredictability of our weather. The drought affecting many areas of the country this summer was another reminder of the uncertainties of life.

It's not as hard as you might think to store some food and water for a time of difficulty. It’s not that difficult to organize supplies that can be grabbed in case of evacuation. The biggest challenge is making a serious decision to do something about getting prepared. Once the commitment is made, people who are diligent will find ways to make it happen.

Peace of mind is invaluable in a time of difficulty. The following benefits are motivation to get going, to persistently acquire a supply of food and water, and to organize basic disaster supplies.

Click the following link to read more:

Building a food storage: How much is peace of mind worth?

Quote on Preparedness

“I know of no other way to prepare for these times of adjustment than to be certain that during times of employment, preparations are made for less prosperous times, should they occur. Start now to create a plan if you don’t already have one, or update your present plan. Watch for best buys that will fit into your year’s supply. We are not in a situation that requires panic buying, but we do need to be careful in purchasing and rotating the storage that we’re putting away. The instability in the world today makes it imperative that we take heed of the counsel and prepare for the future”

L. Tom Perry
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

October 1995 General Conference - LDS Church
“If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear”

Preparation Comes Before Catastrophes Strike

Article posted written by Joey Ferguson, www.deseretnews.com


It wasn't fear of a major disaster that motivated Doug Ellis to stock up on $5,000 worth of food, 300 gallons of water and a generator that could power his house for a week.

"My motivation is my family, but my fear is economic downturn and, here in Utah, an earthquake," said Ellis, who is raising four kids with his wife, Robyn.

Most people aren't like Ellis and his family, who are prepared for any possible disaster. A majority of Americans at least somewhat agree that they are not prepared for a major catastrophe, according to a January 2012 National Geographic study.

At least half of respondents to the study believe there will be a significant earthquake, hurricane, terrorist attack or financial collapse in the next 25 years.

Experts say the problem is that, unlike with Ellis, motivation for emergency preparedness is often the product of fear after a natural disaster, not before.

Read more...click on the following link:

Staying prepared: How to be ready for a disaster even after the disaster

Earthquake App from the American Red Cross

Check out this app for your smart phone from the American Red Cross...and find more at the following link:

Mobile Apps - American Red Cross

Earthquake by American Red Cross
Be ready for an earthquake with Earthquake by American Red Cross. Get notified when an earthquake occurs, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out – a must have for anyone who lives in an earthquake-prone area or has loved ones who do.

From your mobile phone, call "**REDCROSS" (**73327677) and we will send you a link to download the app to your phone or you can download them directly from the iTunes or Google Play app stores.

Features

• Step-by-step instructions let you know what to do even before/during/after an earthquake, even if no data connectivity.
• Get notified when an earthquake occurs with notifications generated by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
• See the perceived shaking impact to your area or those of loved-ones.
• Let family and friends know you are okay with the customizable “I’m Safe” alert for Facebook, Twitter, email and text.
• Find open Red Cross shelters in your area when you need help.
• Stay safe when the lights are out with the Toolkit, including a strobe light, flashlight and audible alert functions.
• Prepare for the worst by learning how to assemble an emergency kit for your family in the event of power outage or evacuation.
• Empower your family to stay safe and remain calm in an emergency by learning how to make and practice an emergency plan.
• Earn badges that you can share with your friends and show off your earthquake knowledge with interactive quizzes.
• See an illustrated history of earthquakes in your area.
• Know how to what to do about food and drinking water when your area has been impacted by floods and power outages.

Hurricane Survivors Warned of Fake Building Contractors

As if disaster survivors don't have enough to worry about in repairing their lives!  See the article below from FEMA concerning the rebuilding efforts in Louisiana from Hurricane Isaac.

Release date:
NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Release Number: DR - 158

BATON ROUGE, La. –
With more than $218 million in state and federal recovery dollars in the hands of Louisiana’s Hurricane Isaac survivors, fake building contractors and other con artists are angling to get their hands on some of it, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warns.

Scam artists and other criminals often attempt to prey on vulnerable survivors once they have some money in hand to repair their storm-damaged homes. Authorities in Louisiana have already received isolated reports of unscrupulous people doing just that.

“While homeowners are anxious to repair their homes as quickly as they can, we urge them to first check the credentials of anyone offering to do those repairs,” said Gerard M. Stolar, federal coordinating officer for FEMA’s Louisiana-based recovery operation. “Asking just a few questions can save people from a lot of heartache.”  

Homeowners do have a valuable resource to help them determine whether someone is a legitimate professional. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors offers an online database that allows people to check up on potential contractors:   http://www.lslbc.louisiana.gov/findcontractor.asp.

The site also includes a “For Consumers” pull-down tab, which includes a public education section, complete with tips for hiring contractors and managing costs, including advice on determining appropriate down payments and payment schedules.

The most common post-disaster fraud practices include not only fraudulent building contractors, but phony housing inspectors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Those who suspect fraud should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local authorities or through the Louisiana Attorney General’s office at 1-800-351-4889 or online at www.ag.state.la.us.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Updated: November 7, 2012 - 14:04

Goal Zero - Hurricane Sandy Relief

Here is a way you can help those affected by hurricane Sandy to have a power source...at the same time as you prepare for yourself.  Check it out...

NO POWER
Millions of people lost power as a result of Superstorm Sandy, and we're calling on all the members of Goal Zero Nation to be a power of good in this dark time.

MATCHING SALES
Beginning Thursday, November 1 through Thursday, November 15, we will match all sales made on GOALZERO.com and send the same amount in Goal Zero products to the areas that need power most.

YOU BUY ONE, WE GIVE ONE
With "You Buy One, We Give One", you'll be preparing for tomorrow and helping victims of Hurricane Sandy today.

GZ RELIEF TEAM
In addition to sending desperately needed power, several Goal Zero team members are heading east to give much-needed man power on the ground. You can follow their journey by visiting the Goal Zero Storm Center where they'll be posting photos and videos.

It doesn't matter how far away you live, you can help those affected by Hurricane Sandy today.

Link to their website:  www.goalzero.com

If you’ve been thinking about buying a power pack, solar panels, or even some lights or speakers to go with your existing Goal Zero™ products, now is the time. You’ll not only get the products you need and want, but you’ll help restore power to those who need it most.

Emergency Essentials has teamed up with Goal Zero™ to spread the word about their ‘You Buy One, We Give One’ relief program. All Goal Zero™ products you purchase at an Emergency Essentials store count toward this program!

Safe and Well Website - American Red Cross

https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms//

After a disaster, letting your family and friends know that you are safe and well can bring your loved ones great peace of mind. This website is designed to help make that communication easier.  

Register Yourself as “Safe and Well”
Click on the “List Myself as Safe and Well” button to register yourself on the site.

Search for Loved Ones
Concerned family and friends can search the list of those who have registered themselves as “safe and well” by clicking on the “Search Registrants” button. The results of a successful search will display a loved one’s first name, last name and a brief message.

Click on the link and check it out...even click on the buttons to see what information they will ask for.

https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms//