Electricity- December 2022

 

Last month we added a 3-day supply of easy-to-prepare food into our 72-hour kits. This month we’ll focus on what to do when the lights go out.

Week #1—Got Power?

Electricity is the utility we use the most. However, it’s also the one we lose the most. You need to plan on how to get along without electricity for a few days.

Use surge protectors (not cheap power strips) on electronic devices to protect them from power spikes. Stay away from downed power lines. Know how to turn off the electricity to your home and to override your electric garage door opener.

Week #2—Flashlights and Radio

The first thing you’ll need when the lights go out is a flashlight. Keep some in your 72-hour kit and by your bed. It’s also wise to have candles, matches, and a battery powered radio. (Store the batteries with but not inside the flashlight to avoid damage from battery corrosion.)

Include enough batteries to last several days.

Week #3—Cash and Gas

Because credit card readers need electricity to work, keep $50 - $100 cash in your 72-hour kit. This allows you to buy groceries and supplies while the power is out. Smaller bills are best because stores may not be able or willing to give change.

Gas pumps need electricity to work, so keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. Since stop lights will be out, eliminate unnecessary travel.

Week #4—Cell Phone Considerations

Because you may be able to send text messages when you can’t make phone calls, a cell phone is vital for emergencies.

Conserve your cell phone battery by reducing the brightness of your screen, placing your phone in airplane mode, and closing apps you don’t need. Know how to use Power Saving mode and switch to it before your battery gets low.

Buy a car charger so you can charge your cell phone off your car battery. You can also buy spare batteries for some cell phones.

Cordless phones don’t work when electricity is out, so keep at least one corded phone in your home if you have a land line.

Extra Credit—Buy a Generator

If you can afford it, a generator can keep your house warm, food cold, kitchen working, and phones charged. However, it must be properly installed, maintained, and operated. Fuel must be rotated and there are fuel storage regulations. Read all the instructions and heed all the warnings. Improper use can cause property damage and even death. For a 3-minute video, click here.

A simple inexpensive alternative for short outages is an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS; $50 - $80). It can automatically keep your router (Internet) working and recharge cell phones for a few hours.

Contact: Amy Dennison amymorris@gmail.com onesteptoprep.blogspot.com

Food- November 2022

Last month we added 3 gallons of water per person into our 72-hour kit. This month we’ll add a 3-day supply of food.

 

Week #1—Got Food?

You need a 3-day supply of non-perishable easy-to-prepare food. The physical, mental, and emotional stress of the situation will make you very hungry. Store more food than you normally eat.

When your world is turned upside down, you will crave familiar food. Emergency stores sell entrees that last 20 years. However, they are often expensive, low calorie, high sugar, and high salt. You will save money and feel better if you store food you normally eat and rotate it by the expiration date.

If the power is off over 8 hours, the food in your fridge may spoil, even if you keep the door closed. When in doubt, throw it out.

Week #2—No Cook Food

Because your microwave and stove may not be available, store a variety of ready-to-eat food in an insulated waterproof container like an ice chest.

·      Ice chest

·      Nuts, trail mix, peanut butter, beef jerky

·      Energy bars, granola bars, fruit bars

·      Canned fruit, raisins, dry fruit, fruit juice

·      Cold cereal, granola cereal

·      Powdered milk, Morning Moo milk

·      Crackers, graham crackers, snacks, candy

·      Pet food, food bowl, water bowl

Week #3—Hot Water Food

If you don’t own a camp stove or grill, buy a folding stove for each person ($9 - $16 each) and 3 days of fuel ($3 a can). Do not store fuel in the house. Try it a few times to know how it works.

·      Camp stove, fuel, matches

·      Small pan to heat water

·      Instant oatmeal, dry soup, Ramen noodles

·      Hot chocolate, apple cider

·      Baby formula, baby bottles, baby food

Week #4—No Dish Cooking

Even though canned food can be eaten cold, it’s much nicer hot. To heat it in the can, remove the label and drain some liquid. Before it boils over, pick it up with pliers. Avoid dishes by using paper products.

·      Can opener (manual), pliers, garbage bags

·      Paper plates, cups, and bowls (large)

·      Plastic utensils (sturdy), paper towels

·      Canned meat, fish, soup, stew, chili

·      Canned vegetables

Extra Credit—Advanced Kitchen Supplies

If you would like to eat better or prepare for longer emergencies, store dishwashing supplies, extra water, cooking pans and tools, camp oven, foil, seasonings, etc.

 

Contact: Amy Dennison amymorris@gmail.com onesteptoprep.blogspot.com

 

Neighborhood Radio Net: Sunday, Nov 13, 4 pm: Participate in a GMRS Radio Net on the 2^nd Sunday at 4 pm. Eric & Amy Dennison will be available to answer questions about the GMRS radios. If you have a GMRS radio, we can do a test and help you get started using it.

Zoom link: https://byui.zoom.us/s/4366630502 (Join as attendee)

Got water?

 

Oct 2022 – Water

Week #1—Got Water?

Because water is so inexpensive, we tend to take it for granted. But, the water supply is often interrupted during emergencies.

Water is necessary for digestion, circulation, muscle performance, and body temperature. Symptoms of dehydration are headache, fatigue, constipation, and rapid pulse. You can only survive a few days without water. Assess your water needs. Where can you store it? What do you need to do to improve your water storage?

Bonus: Try using only your stored water for 2-3 days. See if you can live on one gallon of water per person per day.

Week #2—Gallon Per Person Per Day

Each person should have 3 gallons of water in their 72-hour kit. This sounds like a lot, but a large case of water (40 half liter bottles; $4 - $6) is enough for two people. Store the water in a cool, dark place and rotate it by the expiration date.

If the emergency lasts more than 3 days, water distribution points will be set up. However, you need your own container to carry water home. Buy a 5-gallon water jug (with spout; $9 - $13).

Week #3—Buy Water Heater Strap Kit

If city water becomes contaminated, try to turn off your main water valve before it enters your home. You can then drain clean water out of your water heater and the pipes in your home.

However, if your water heater tips over in an earthquake, a broken water line will flood your basement and a broken gas line can cause an explosion. Buy a water heater strap kit ($17 - $20).

Week #4—Brace Your Water Heater

Follow the instructions in your water heater strap kit to tie your water heater to the wall so it will not tip over in an earthquake. This allows you to rely on your water heater, instead of worrying about it during an emergency. For a 4 minute video, click here.

Extra Credit—Store More Water

If you would like to prepare for longer emergencies, you can store your own water. However, make sure you do it right.

Do not use plastic milk jugs—they will break. Do not use juice bottles—sugar in the plastic causes bacteria growth. You can use 2-liter soda pop bottles or a 55-gallon water drum (with pump).

Thoroughly clean the container with dishwashing soap, rinse with hot water, and refill with tap water. Store the water in a cool, dark place and rotate it every 6 months. For instructional videos, click here and here.

Contact: Amy Dennison amymorris@gmail.com onesteptoprep.blogspot.com

 

Neighborhood Radio Net: Sunday, Oct 9, 4 pm: Participate in a GMRS Radio Net on the 2^nd Sunday at 4 pm. Eric & Amy Dennison will be available to answer questions about the GMRS radios. If you have a GMRS radio, we can do a test and help you get started using it. This month we’ll be talking about the protocol for radio check-ins during an emergency.

Zoom link: https://byui.zoom.us/s/4366630502 (Join as attendee)

Sept 2022: Emergency bathroom & hygiene

 

Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness

Sept 2022 – Emergency Bathroom & Hygiene

Last month we started making 72-hour kits by getting a backpack for each family member. This month we will add our first emergency supplies into our kits.

What is the very first thing you will need in a large emergency? You can survive about a week without food, and about 3 days without water. The very first thing you will need is a bathroom—you can only go a few hours without one, especially if you have children.

 

Week #1—Gather the Supplies

If you lose city water or sewer during an emergency, you will not be able to flush the toilet. Add these items into your 72-hour kit so you can make an emergency toilet.

·       2 5-gallon Bucket ($3 - $5)

·       Toilet Seat for 5-gallon Bucket (plastic, $13 - $15) (or pool noodle)

·       Garbage Bags (heavy duty kitchen)

·       Kitty Litter, Pine Bedding, or both (2 large bags, scented)

·       Toilet Paper (in plastic)

·       Paper Towels (in plastic)

·       Hand Wipes or Sanitizer

Week #2—Make an Emergency Toilet

For a 6 minute video about the 2 bucket system, click here.

Supply info here. (In an extended disaster, bury the bags rather than storing them as she says in the video.)

Line the 5-gallon bucket with 2 garbage bags. To control smells, put some kitty litter or pine bedding in at the start and after each use. Snap the plastic toilet seat on the bucket and close the lid (or use pool noodle).

If your home is otherwise habitable, you can line the toilet in your home instead of a 5-gallon bucket. Plug the toilet bowl hole with a flexible rubber ball before putting the bag in the toilet bowl. 

Replace the garbage bag at least once a day. Securely tie the top of the bag and bury or store outside.

Week #3—Gather Other Bathroom Items

Get personal hygiene supplies for each family member and put them in their individual 72-hour backpacks.

·       Tissues (in plastic)

·       Comb or Brush

·       Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Dental Floss

·       Mouthwash and Deodorant (travel size)

·       Wash Cloth

·       Mirror (small)

·       Feminine Hygiene Products

·       Cleaning Solution for Glasses/Contacts

·       Diapers, Baby Wipes, and Diaper Rash Cream

·       Litter Box and Poop Bags (for pets)

Week 4—Shave, Shower, and Laundry

Most people can easily go 3 days without shaving, showering, or doing laundry. However, if you would like to stay clean or prepare for longer emergencies, buy shave, shower, and laundry supplies for camping. For a 3 minute video, click here. (sorry about the audio…but the info is good.)

 

Extra Credit:

For more Utah-specific and in-depth videos on sanitation in a disaster, see the First Responder Mom videos and how to plug drain holes here.

 

Neighborhood Radio Net: Sunday, Sept 11: Participate in a GMRS Radio Net on the 2^nd Sunday (Sept 11th) at 4 pm). Eric & Amy Dennison will be available to answer questions about the GMRS radios. If you have a GMRS radio, we can do a test and help you get started using it.

Zoom link: https://byui.zoom.us/s/4366630502 (Join as attendee)

August 2022 – Start (or refresh) your 72-Hour Kit/Go Bag

 

Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness

August 2022 – 72-Hour Kit

Last month we finished making our general emergency plan. This month we’ll start the most important aspect of emergency preparedness, a 72-hour kit.

Week #1—Commit to Make a 72-hour Kit

During a large emergency (like a major earthquake) utilities, services, and even roads can be disrupted for an extended period of time. It can take three days for FEMA and the Red Cross to set up emergency shelters and distribute supplies.

During this time, you’ll need a 72-hour kit for each person in your household.

Ideas for what to put in kit:

-BYU Women’s Conference list: https://womensconference.byu.edu/sites/womensconference.ce.byu.edu/files/14d.pdf

- https://beready.utah.gov/family-preparedness/get-a-kit-family/

Week #2— Decide Where to Keep It

Based on your situation, decide where to store your 72-hour kit.

·       Camper or Motorhome—If you have a camper or motorhome and you store it on your property during the winter, then you could easily move into it if your home is not habitable.

·       Car—If the emergency happens while you are away from home, you will probably have your car with you. However, you need to insulate perishable items, like food and water, from hot and cold temperatures.

·       Garage or Shed—Because your home could be destroyed by fire or earthquake, you may want to keep emergency supplies in your garage or in a shed.

·       Home—Store it close to an exit, where you can quickly grab it if you need to leave in a hurry.

Week #3—Get a Backpack for Each Person

Because you may need to relocate to an emergency shelter or hotel, get a backpack, duffel bag, or suitcase for each person in your household. Make sure it is large enough for all your emergency supplies. If it is not waterproof, then store it off the floor so it will stay dry.

Week #4—Don’t Borrow from Your Kit

Have your 72-hour kit be for emergencies only. If you borrow items and forget to put them back, then you won’t have them when you need them the most.

Extra Credit—Buy a Premade Kit

If you can afford it, buying a premade 72-hour kit is a quick way to get some basic emergency supplies. If not, you can save money by making your own kit as we talk about it in the newsletters this year. However, don’t assume the kit contains everything you need, especially if it’s inexpensive. Also, make sure you know how to use all the items in your kit.

Neighborhood Radio Net: Sunday, August 14

Participate in a GMRS Radio Net on the 2^nd Sunday (August 14th) at 4 pm). The first several sessions will be on Zoom and will be informal. Eric & Amy Dennison will be available to answer questions about the GMRS radios. If you have a GMRS radio, we can do a test and help you get started using it.

Zoom link: https://byui.zoom.us/s/4366630502 (Join as attendee)

July 2022 Newsletter- Make a Plan Part 2

 

Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness

July 2022 – Make a Plan (Part II)

Week #1—Set your Budget

Decide how much of your monthly budget will go toward emergency preparedness.  Over the next 2 years, $10 - $20 a month can make a difference! If you would like more than you can afford, tell friends and relatives you would like emergency preparedness items for birthdays and Christmas. For a 2 minute video: https://tinyurl.com/2d6tp82b

Week #2- Participate in a Neighborhood Net

https://onesteptoprep.blogspot.com/2022/05/how-to-participate-in-gmrs-radio.html

Participate in a GMRS Radio Net on the 2^nd Sunday (July 10^th) at 4 pm). The first several sessions will be on Zoom and will be informal. Eric & Amy Dennison will be available to answer questions about the GMRS radios. If you have a GMRS radio, we can do a test and help you get started using it.

Zoom link: https://byui.zoom.us/s/4366630502 (Join as attendee)

Week #3 —Neighborhood Info and Emergency Alerts

·       Provide information about equipment or skills that would be useful in an emergency and about the needs of your family.

o   https://tinyurl.com/3te7zybe

·       Sign up for emergency alerts from Sandy City to get information about local hazards, severe weather and other emergencies.

o   https://sandy.utah.gov/1748/My-Alerts-Emergency-Routine-Alerts

·       Download the Red Cross Emergency app  for emergency alerts for our area and other places you care about. It has information on how to prepare for all kinds of emergencies and the location of emergency shelters.

o   https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html

·       If you are disabled, handicapped, or have special needs, use the Utah State Special Needs Registry (call 211 or visit www.SpecialNeedsUtah.org). Personal information is shared with emergency responders so they can serve you better during small emergencies. However, during large emergencies they will be overwhelmed, so make other plans too.

Week 4- Prepare Children (and grandchildren!)

During an emergency, kids need a sense of security. They will feel safer if you involve them in your emergency planning. Make sure they know how to call 911 and to only do it during a real emergency. Most important, during an emergency, stay calm and talk about positive things. This will reassure them and help them feel safe.

https://www.ready.gov/kids

Extra Credit- Plan for Pets

Most emergency shelters do not take pets. Sometimes they can accommodate them, but you should not depend on it. If you need to evacuate, will you take your pets to a friend/relative’s house, pet boarding business, or stay in a pet friendly hotel (instead of the shelter)? Because some roads may be blocked or bridges may be unstable, you should have several options.

You will need vet records, pet carrier, leash, and pet food. You should have your phone number on their collar, an implanted pet chip, and a current picture of your pet. For a 3 minute video, click here. https://tinyurl.com/269yyvb3

 

Contact: Amy Dennison amymorris@gmail.com

onesteptoprep.blogspot.com

We are in this together!

 Have you been feeling like this lately?

                                    Or this? 

• Natural disaster or manmade challenges
•  Earthquake
•  Pandemic
•  Job loss/reduction
•  Loss of the person in your family who knows how the bills are paid
•  Inflation and supply chain disruption

2021 statistics for Sandy City

• 96,000 people over 22 square miles
• 7 fire departments: 80 full time, 30 volunteer=110
• https://www.firedepartment.net/directory/utah/salt-lake-county/sandy/sandy-city-fire-department
• 117 police officers
• https://www.police1.com/law-enforcement-directory/police-departments/sandy-city-police-department-sandy-city-UT-e1KGbAJ49h9vLO20/

117 + 110= 227 emergency response people divided by 96,000 people = 1 response person for every 422 people in Sandy

…plus Costco, the soccer stadium, the mall, and other shopping centers within Sandy. In a disaster, priority will be given to places with higher density of people. 

Convenience is the first thing lost in an emergency. Prepare now to in order to be capable when things are not convenient.

The more we can help each other, the better off we’ll be.

CERT: Community Emergency Response Training

Sandy City: https://sandy.utah.gov/1362/CERT

$15, meets over several weeks

Draper City: https://www.draperutah.gov/627/CERT

$35, hybrid- online and in-person