September 26

Basic Long Term Storage
Per adult for one year

Grains: 400 lbs.
Legumes*: 60 lbs.
Powdered Milk: 16 lbs.
Cooking oil: 10 qts.
Sugar or honey: 60 lbs.
Salt: 8 lbs.
Water (2 wks) 15 gal.

*Legumes include dry beans, split peas, lentils, etc.
Source: First Presidency Letter, 2002

March 2009 Ensign:

1. Gradually build a small supply of food that is part of your normal daily diet until it is sufficient for three months

2. Store drinking water

3. Establish a financial reserve by setting aside a little money each week, and gradually increase it to a reasonable amount.

4. Once families have achieved the first three objectives, they are counseled to expand their efforts, as circumstances allow, into a supply of long-term basic foods such as grains, legumes, and other staples.

"This new program is within everyone's grasp," explains Bishop Burton. "The first step is to begin. The second is to continue. It doesn't matter how fast we get there so much as that we begin and continue according to our abilities."

Self Reliance Tips

#1. Find an out of area contact. If there is a local emergency, your family should have a contact that each person knows the number to. This way no matter where you are, everyone knows that this is the person to contact to let them know how and where you are and to also find out about the others in your family.

#2. Gather maps for your area, and any other areas you may go in an emergency or on a daily basis. This way you will be able to review any alternate routes should you have to evacuate the city, or skirt around a disaster that might have happened. Highlight the routes you may take, and share these routes with your family.

#3. Gather all of your flashlights and check the batteries. Make sure they are fresh, and instead of keeping them in the flashlight, maybe keep them in a ziploc in the same location as the flashlight. Make sure the flashlights are easily accessible and in places where you might need them if the power is out.

#4. General Conference time of the year is a great time to check the batteries in your fire alarms, and recycle your water storage. Use up your water that has been sitting. Water your plants, inside and out, and fill up the jugs with frresh clean water.

#5. Post important phone numbers close to your phone. Also put your own phone number and address close for a quick reference for your children, babysitter, or visitors if they need to know it in case of an emergency.