News Release

The Prophet Promotes Preparedness

While members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints promote emergency preparedness, the event held in Petaling Jaya recently was open to members and non-members alike.  Not only is it important to understand why one should be prepared for disasters, but it is also important to understand how to be prepared. Emergencies are often unpredictable, so it is imperative to prepare in advance and to have a family emergency plan in place. This workshop addressed short and long term preparations using games, interactive presentations, activities and hands on projects.

 

After making a list of possible reasons why one would need advance survival preparations, a "72 Hour Kit" was introduced. In many cases, a 72 hour kit could mean the difference between life and death. It is estimated that after a major disaster, it may take up to three days for relief workers to reach some areas.  Each family member should have his individual 72 hour kit assembled and packed in advance of an emergency.  This would give the essentials to sustain life and minimize suffering in case there is an evacuation with little notice.

A 72 hour kit must be something you can carry, traveling on foot on short notice, in an evacuation from which you may or may not return.  It must meet all your physical needs for at least three days. It contains water, food, clothing, shelter, supplies for sanitation, medical supplies, contact information, identification and other vital documents, aids to mobility and navigation and comfort items. All of this is packed in a backpack or other carry-able containers.  It is assembled in advance, kept in a safe but convenient location in the home or car where it can be grabbed on short notice under essentially all scenarios.  One family keeps their kits in a lidded plastic garbage can in their garage, so it can be quickly loaded into the family car if necessary.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, are encouraged by their leaders to store a three-month supply of food. This stems from one of the Church’s guiding welfare principles: self-reliance.  President and Prophet Thomas S. Monson explained, “Self-reliance is a product of our work and undergirds all other welfare practices. It is an essential element in our spiritual as well as our temporal well-being.” The idea of long term food storage was discussed, displayed and demonstrated.  The lunch served was made from food items typically found in food storage closets.  Beans, noodles and rice were the basic foods prepared in delicious ways, and included a creamy rice pudding for dessert.  Time was spent packaging dry goods in mylar bags and then sealing while removing the air.  White storage buckets were distributed.  So, each in attendance left with various prizes to promote personal emergency preparedness in their own homes.  Raising awareness was the objective.  Pro-activity was the result.  Light and Darkness.  Hope and Despair.  Each has his choice, but being prepared saves lives.  

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