Boy what havoc it has created. Most of Pasadena is with out power and has shut down schools in the area. Other parts are dealing with a fire hazard and the downed power lines. Not all that fun.
Last night we got a good spook when the power went out suddenly for 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Sure was shocking to be in total darkness all of a sudden. Luckily we had done some pre-planning and had emergency bags at the ready in the closet. Not that these kits or bags are up to date or complete. They have a few of the basics. Hand crank flashlight, candles, Toilet paper, and the like.
Knowing where the bags were at help a lot in the dark. I was able to get out the flashlight quickly and illuminate the room in short order. We then got out a few candles and went that route.
We learned quickly that the more decorative, scented candles do not give off a lot of useful light. They glow mainly. The longer stick candles provide a better light but, you do learn to appreciate electricity and lighting when you lose it.
One of the main faults with our kits right now is the lack of food. because food does not stay good for forever it makes it hard to store. Originally, we stashed a bunch of cans of food (Gets heavy really quickly), then we changed it to more light weight lasting products like raisins and other dried fruit. We unfortunately forgot to rotate the items and found we had some really dark apricot when we did an inspection. Have not fully replaced these items yet. We also have to come up with good method to put on of these in our car. Never know when you might be out and about when an Earthquake hits.
Here is something I found that might help kick start the process of getting an emergency kit running.
Emergency Preparedness Game
Often when I watch the news on television, I see reports of natural disasters. With each new report, I am reminded of the counsel given by Church leaders to be prepared. Since our family did not have an emergency supply kit and preparing one seemed overwhelming, I wanted to find a doable solution. As my husband and I counseled together, we realized that we didn’t have to accomplish the task alone—we could enlist our children’s help.
To involve everyone and make preparing for an emergency seem fun instead of daunting or upsetting, we decided to have a scavenger hunt as part of family home evening. Together we could gather items for an emergency preparedness kit. Considering family members’ individual needs, I made a list of supplies for our search. For starters, the baby would need a bottle, formula, and diapers, while my husband would need sturdy clothes and work gloves. I also found ideas from information I had saved from Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment lessons.
At the start of our family night, we discussed possible natural disaster situations and the importance of being prepared so we don’t have to be afraid (see D&C 38:30). After our discussion, we divided our family into teams and gave each group an empty laundry basket and part of our list. Then we had our scavenger hunt throughout the house, collecting the needed supplies. The children had a great time gathering the items and choosing which clothing to include. Within an hour, we had items for a complete emergency kit—tailored for our family’s needs. What once had seemed an overwhelming task became a fun activity for our family, and we now feel better prepared should an emergency arise.—, Celeste Ward, Las Vegas Nevada Sandstone Stakeemergency-preparedness-game - Ensign 2002
So we need to take some time and review of kits. Maybe they are not stocked with our more pressing needs. We might not have cloths that fit in there anymore. We definitely need to update our food items and water.
Then when the big one hits we won't be totally freaked out. We will know that we have a variety of food stores at home, water, and if the need to evacuate come up we have some "GO" bags with the essentials.
Due to this preparedness I wasn't as freaked out as some last night.
Buaidh - NO - Bas
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