Bishop H. Burke Peterson once told the church:
“It is a serious issue. Let’s not forget one of the most important lessons learned through the year’s supply program is the lesson of obedience” (Church News, 4/12/1975).
In my previous blog, “Emergency Preparedness Tip – Inventory,” I overviewed the need to have a food supply for emergencies. And not just a food supply to get you through the weekend; no, we’re talking a more extensive one (incidentally, the government recommends this also now).
But what about medical needs? Are you prepared after this fashion?
Of course, if you starve to death because you had no food during an emergency, medicine becomes less of an issue! This is why we must steadily add to a food storage system to take care of our family’s nutritional needs. LDSBlogs.com’s Preparedness category offers ideas; there are books also on the subject.
Let’s say, though, that you now have sufficient food storage for your family. You’re set for months – even if the government forced a quarantine due to the bird flu. You have at least three months of every day food items that your family is used to eating; you have water stored in multiple places around the house; you have longer-term food items also, such as wheat, rice, beans, sugar, etc. You’ll be fine. You even have heat sources ready to cook all the food.
But … what about your medical needs?
1. CPR Skills.
First of all, is anyone trained in your family to do CPR? If not, this becomes a first line of business. Schedule a class now. These are offered by local fire departments, the American Heart Association, the Red Cross, etc. But they are not usually offered weekly. This is why it is important to get it scheduled on your calendar, so that you don’t miss the next one in your community!
2. First Aid Skills
Second, does anyone in your family know simple first aid? What if a natural disaster happened in your area, breaking the leg of a family member … would you know how to set the leg? Did you know that thigh breaks are particularly serious, because the broken bone inside could sever a main artery? Amazing how first aid knowledge can become so priceless in an emergency!
If your family has not had this kind of training, call your local fire department and inquire about first aid classes. They will be able to direct you to the appropriate resources. (The internet can also provide you with information. Some companies even have kits with DVD materials for your family to watch and learn.) Whatever you choose to do, just make sure you DO something, so that your family can gain these priceless skills.
3. Medicine.
Do you have a reserve of medicine? Check with your doctor. Begin using the three month mail order possibility, if it exists with your insurance company. Stay on top of this. Learn herbal substitutes for minor emergency scenarios (some medical issues CANNOT be dealt with herbally – this is why your medical needs to be dealt with in advance). Make sure you have what you would need if the stores shut tomorrow and you couldn’t get your meds. Stay on top of this!
Summary.
It need not be overwhelming. Just set one goal a day and work on it.
Of course there are many variables. It is impossible to predict them all. But the most important thing to remember is to become friends with the Lord today. Do so through scriptures study, prayer, Sabbath day worship. The more you learn His ways, the more He will be able to help you with your ways – especially when facing an emergency situation!
For more information on overall provident living, visit the Provident Living website, offered freely by the Mormon church.
