You have probably read at various times that the Pacific Northwest is due for a major earthquake, but no one can really predict when that will occur, because “soon” in geologic time covers centuries. Similarly, it is frequently written that the world is due for another round of pandemic influenza. This idea is derived from historic patterns, but can’t be predictably scheduled. Both things could reasonably occur tomorrow, or within the next few years, or later than that.
Fortunately, the high level of uncertainty in disaster preparedness can be mitigated by the fact that taking steps to prepare is usually beneficial on multiple levels, and some things can be prepared for at the same time. The April through June newsletters covered earthquake preparedness, but now that we are in flu season, this is a good time to go over pandemics.
Any pandemic illness can cause similar issues, but the focus is usually on influenza, so we shall focus on that as well.
We speak of “the flu”, but there are really several different variations. Influenza A is one genus. Other genera include Influenza B and Influenza C. All three can cause illness in human, but we will focus on Influenza A. This genus has only one species, but that species has many variants and subtypes. For each flu season, different strains are prominent. Flu shots will generally contain vaccines for the two or three most common strains of that season, causing you to produce antibodies for that strain. This may help if you are exposed to a different strain, but there is no guarantee.
The difference between flu season and pandemic flu is the rate of infection. Normally a large portion of the population has antibodies to the common variants because of earlier exposure. When a new strain emerges, or one from decades ago returns, there are no existing defenses so many more people become ill.
This is not to say that when it is just the regular flu season everything is fine. In an average flu season, the Unites States sees about 36,000 deaths, 200,000 hospitalizations, and billions of dollars in expenses in lost productivity. In contrast, the Spanish flu of 1918 resulted in between 500,000 and 675,000 deaths. With the exponentially higher rate of infection, a pandemic can result in disruption of health care as medical personnel have too much of a workload while being exposed to infection. It may also disrupt businesses, transportation, and schools.
Many of the steps that would be recommended for preparing for the next pandemic are things that are more in the realm of governments and international organizations (like preparing strategic stockpiles of vaccines and medicines). However, there are things you can do to prepare yourself and your family, and they are not necessarily even that difficult.
Maintain your own health: Even when the general population has no antibodies, not everyone gets sick. Keep your individual immune system strong by getting proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and exercise, as well as not allowing other stressors to wear your body down.
Stay clean: Filth provides a breeding ground for all sorts of diseases. In addition to keeping your living and work spaces clean, you should keep your body clean. An important part of this is frequent hand washing. Do not go crazy with antibiotic soap, because in addition to not killing viruses, it may kill helpful microbes and lead to an increase in resistance to antibiotic medicines. However, regular soap and water used frequently can be very helpful.
The new rule is to sneeze or cough into your sleeve (or elbow) instead of your hands. This may seem gross, but your hand touches doorknobs, plates, the food that you eat, and other people. Filling it with germs is poor form. Also, since you are touching all of those things, it brings us back to frequent hand washing.
Stay well supplied: Even if a pandemic does not shut down businesses or transportation (thus closing the stores), going out may not be the best way to keep yourself healthy. Government organizations recommend having at least a two-week supply on hand (and we believe in having at least three months worth).
This supply should also include non-food items, like toiletries and other items that you use in your daily life. It is also wise to keep current supplies of medicines and pain relievers. If it becomes difficult to get medical care, having your own items to help alleviate pain and fever may make you more comfortable.
Stay financially stable: You may have to miss work either due to your own illness or temporary shutdowns. Have a savings cushion so that missed days are not catastrophic.
Help your employer prepare: Any business should have contingency plans for various catastrophes, but that doesn’t mean that they do. Having your employer consider solutions like telecommuting now may help things continue to run smoothly later. There are online tools and checklists that can be used to facilitate the discussion.
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
http://www.pandemictoolkit.com/
Do keep perspective. Even the Spanish flu ultimately only infected about 28 percent of the population. It is possible to stay healthy, it is possible to recover, and it is possible to be prepared to weather the storm.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
October 2008 - Three keys to happiness
Men are that they might have joy, but that joy is often elusive. As we struggle with personal failings, hurt caused by others, and general disappointments in life, it is easy to become downcast, and possibly even depressed. Any one of those things can be a legitimate reason for sadness, but this can become a trap if we look for changes in our situation to bring about happiness. In reality, happiness is more of an attitude, and a choice, that will wax and wane a bit with the ups and downs of life but generally persist.
We need to choose happiness now. If we are waiting for it to come along with a higher-paying job, a slimmer body, or temple marriage, we are not only short-changing our current lives but also setting our selves up for frustration and anger later when we receive our desires and are still left vaguely dissatisfied.
Having the emotional resilience to find joy and peace regardless of circumstances will allow you to weather the storms that will come. Here are three ways to increase your present happiness.
Gratitude
You may remember Pollyanna playing the “Glad Game”, where she looked for reasons to be glad about things that would ordinarily be upsetting. Really, she was exercising gratitude, even if it seems cheesy when the solution to getting a crutch instead of a doll is to be glad you don’t need the crutch.
Counting our blessings reminds us that we have blessings. We always do have blessings. No matter what problems or obstacles we face, there are also gifts in place to help us through. Focusing on those gifts reminds us of the love our Heavenly Father feels for us, our eternal potential, and that eventually things will work out. In addition, with an eye to blessings we are able to recognize the good times that happen, and the small graces that can cheer us in the bad times.
To increase your gratitude, you might wish to try keeping a gratitude journal, where each day you review the things that went well. Do not forget the obvious things, like having a roof overhead or the full enjoyment of all five senses. Some blessings are so common that we easily take them for granted, but there is always someone who does not have it.
You can also sometimes have prayers where you only express gratitude, without asking for anything in return, or having a fast of gratitude. Expressing your gratitude to others, either for blessings from God or for things that they have done, may strengthen your feelings.
In addition, if you find you have a hard time spotting the blessings in your life, you can pray for a more grateful heart, and for help in appreciating what you have.
Service
In the same way that gratitude reminds you that there are already good things in your life, service reminds you that there are good things about you. Not only does giving service remind you that you matter, it makes you matter more by the good that you do. Service brings with it the joy of accomplishment, and the warmth of the Spirit confirming that what you have done is good. Finally, it means that at least sometimes you are focusing on others instead of yourself. (Self-absorption never was happiness.)
Fortunately, there are always plenty of ways to serve, starting with the most basic church assignments like home and visiting teaching. I recently visited a sister with whom I had almost nothing in common. Our interests, family backgrounds, and stages in life (including ages), were completely different, and this sometimes made things a little awkward. Our visits tended to be shorter than some my visits with others. However, I could see it meant something to her that there was always someone who knew whether or not she made it to church, and would recognize her and speak to her there. You may not always become great friends, but having an additional person who cares hurts no one.
You probably also have a church calling that provides you with ways to serve. We used to talk about magnifying callings, and then people backed away from that usage because you can’t really make the calling bigger. However, a magnifying glass does not change the size of anything—it merely allows you to focus on the object, so you can have a better look and a better understanding. If you will focus on your calling, and what good can be done with it, and what you can bring to it, and whom you can serve by it, it sanctifies your work, and touches you at a higher level than merely doing your duty.
Beyond that, there are always opportunities to serve, whether it is a regular commitment with an organization (you can try searching at http://www.volunteermatch.org/), one-time service projects organized by the ward, or just keeping your eyes out for those who could use a boost. Sometimes it will be best to keep the service anonymous, and sometimes it will be helpful to let the recipient know that you specifically care, but all service should help you feel useful, and important, and grateful for the opportunity. It should increase joy.
Repentance
Ultimately, it is not possible to do wrong and feel right. Our sins cause guilt, and the weaknesses within us that allow the sin can also cause suffering and frustration. We do not need to despair, because through the Atonement we know that we can be made clean, and the scriptures tell us that our weaknesses can become strengths.
Still, it is easy to procrastinate our repentance. Perhaps we do not truly wish to give up the behavior yet, or we are afraid that we cannot, so we wait. However, ignoring the voice that tells you to repent makes you unable to listen to other needed messages. You may also be reluctant to pray so you can avoid the subject. This cuts you off from comfort and guidance, and makes it easier to slide into inactivity and other sin.
If you recognize sin in your life, pray for forgiveness. If you know something is wrong, but do not feel it in your heart yet, pray for that. If you have wronged someone, and confession and restitution is necessary, do that. If you don’t think you can resolve to forsake the sin, and need help in overcoming the weakness, pray for strength.
If you struggle with this process, the bishop can help, and some sins specifically require counsel with him. I have known people who have avoided that, abstaining from the sacrament and other activities, but avoiding confession. Your bishop might have you temporarily refrain from taking the sacrament, but he will also work with you towards forgiveness, setting goals and checking progress. Punishing yourself will not result in sanctification, only the same pain and stagnation that would come with not trying to repent at all. After all, forgiveness for us does not come from our own suffering, but through the Savior, and the Atonement. You should expect that sometimes you will need help.
Gratitude, service, and repentance are not the only factors to your happiness. You can find pleasure and joy in many ways, including the cultivation of friendships, the development of talents, and even in taking personal time for you. However, these three should be accessible to anyone at any time. They are also so fundamental that, without them, other efforts may be futile.
We need to choose happiness now. If we are waiting for it to come along with a higher-paying job, a slimmer body, or temple marriage, we are not only short-changing our current lives but also setting our selves up for frustration and anger later when we receive our desires and are still left vaguely dissatisfied.
Having the emotional resilience to find joy and peace regardless of circumstances will allow you to weather the storms that will come. Here are three ways to increase your present happiness.
Gratitude
You may remember Pollyanna playing the “Glad Game”, where she looked for reasons to be glad about things that would ordinarily be upsetting. Really, she was exercising gratitude, even if it seems cheesy when the solution to getting a crutch instead of a doll is to be glad you don’t need the crutch.
Counting our blessings reminds us that we have blessings. We always do have blessings. No matter what problems or obstacles we face, there are also gifts in place to help us through. Focusing on those gifts reminds us of the love our Heavenly Father feels for us, our eternal potential, and that eventually things will work out. In addition, with an eye to blessings we are able to recognize the good times that happen, and the small graces that can cheer us in the bad times.
To increase your gratitude, you might wish to try keeping a gratitude journal, where each day you review the things that went well. Do not forget the obvious things, like having a roof overhead or the full enjoyment of all five senses. Some blessings are so common that we easily take them for granted, but there is always someone who does not have it.
You can also sometimes have prayers where you only express gratitude, without asking for anything in return, or having a fast of gratitude. Expressing your gratitude to others, either for blessings from God or for things that they have done, may strengthen your feelings.
In addition, if you find you have a hard time spotting the blessings in your life, you can pray for a more grateful heart, and for help in appreciating what you have.
Service
In the same way that gratitude reminds you that there are already good things in your life, service reminds you that there are good things about you. Not only does giving service remind you that you matter, it makes you matter more by the good that you do. Service brings with it the joy of accomplishment, and the warmth of the Spirit confirming that what you have done is good. Finally, it means that at least sometimes you are focusing on others instead of yourself. (Self-absorption never was happiness.)
Fortunately, there are always plenty of ways to serve, starting with the most basic church assignments like home and visiting teaching. I recently visited a sister with whom I had almost nothing in common. Our interests, family backgrounds, and stages in life (including ages), were completely different, and this sometimes made things a little awkward. Our visits tended to be shorter than some my visits with others. However, I could see it meant something to her that there was always someone who knew whether or not she made it to church, and would recognize her and speak to her there. You may not always become great friends, but having an additional person who cares hurts no one.
You probably also have a church calling that provides you with ways to serve. We used to talk about magnifying callings, and then people backed away from that usage because you can’t really make the calling bigger. However, a magnifying glass does not change the size of anything—it merely allows you to focus on the object, so you can have a better look and a better understanding. If you will focus on your calling, and what good can be done with it, and what you can bring to it, and whom you can serve by it, it sanctifies your work, and touches you at a higher level than merely doing your duty.
Beyond that, there are always opportunities to serve, whether it is a regular commitment with an organization (you can try searching at http://www.volunteermatch.org/), one-time service projects organized by the ward, or just keeping your eyes out for those who could use a boost. Sometimes it will be best to keep the service anonymous, and sometimes it will be helpful to let the recipient know that you specifically care, but all service should help you feel useful, and important, and grateful for the opportunity. It should increase joy.
Repentance
Ultimately, it is not possible to do wrong and feel right. Our sins cause guilt, and the weaknesses within us that allow the sin can also cause suffering and frustration. We do not need to despair, because through the Atonement we know that we can be made clean, and the scriptures tell us that our weaknesses can become strengths.
Still, it is easy to procrastinate our repentance. Perhaps we do not truly wish to give up the behavior yet, or we are afraid that we cannot, so we wait. However, ignoring the voice that tells you to repent makes you unable to listen to other needed messages. You may also be reluctant to pray so you can avoid the subject. This cuts you off from comfort and guidance, and makes it easier to slide into inactivity and other sin.
If you recognize sin in your life, pray for forgiveness. If you know something is wrong, but do not feel it in your heart yet, pray for that. If you have wronged someone, and confession and restitution is necessary, do that. If you don’t think you can resolve to forsake the sin, and need help in overcoming the weakness, pray for strength.
If you struggle with this process, the bishop can help, and some sins specifically require counsel with him. I have known people who have avoided that, abstaining from the sacrament and other activities, but avoiding confession. Your bishop might have you temporarily refrain from taking the sacrament, but he will also work with you towards forgiveness, setting goals and checking progress. Punishing yourself will not result in sanctification, only the same pain and stagnation that would come with not trying to repent at all. After all, forgiveness for us does not come from our own suffering, but through the Savior, and the Atonement. You should expect that sometimes you will need help.
Gratitude, service, and repentance are not the only factors to your happiness. You can find pleasure and joy in many ways, including the cultivation of friendships, the development of talents, and even in taking personal time for you. However, these three should be accessible to anyone at any time. They are also so fundamental that, without them, other efforts may be futile.
Monday, March 16, 2009
August 2008 - Always a good idea
This month we will be going over several good ideas that are not broad enough to warrant their own newsletter. Some relate to emergencies and some don’t, but they can definitely make your life smoother.
It is always a good idea to keep a valid passport.
Maybe a business trip will come up suddenly, and already having a passport will save you from have to pay the expensive expediting fees ($60.00 to start, plus extra if you want to send and receive via overnight delivery). Even an expedited passport application takes two weeks. However, consider the case of the parents of an exchange student who went missing in South America in 2005. Although she was later found, her parents were anxious to fly down. They were able to receive assistance from their senator in getting passports expedited, getting them overnight, but how much better is it to just be able to hop on the plane?
If you have a sibling in the military, parents on a mission, or friends in the Peace Corps, it is always a good idea to keep your passport valid. Then, if you suddenly get an opportunity for cheap tickets to Barcelona, you are ready.
NOTE: Passport cards can only be used for travel by ship and car to neighboring countries. Stick with passport books so you are able to travel by plane and go more places.
It is always a good idea to double-check information before sending e-mail forwards.
When the message says “Send this to everyone you know”, whether it is…
· the picture of a missing teen and you’ve got to help find her
· a call to arms over House Democrats giving social security benefits to illegal aliens
· a warning that Madalyn Murry O’ Hair is trying to get the FCC to ban all religious broadcasting
· an apology for accidentally sending you a virus, and you should delete your jdbgmgr.exe file immediately
…or whatever, it is probably a lie. This doesn’t mean that the senders are trying to deceive you—
they were just fooled—but you do not have to be a fool with them.
There are many web sites where you can do additional research. If the message is specifically about viruses, it may be best to check a site like those run by MacAfee or Symantec. However, when the virus is being mentioned in an e-mail forward, chances are good that you can find out all about it at www.snopes.com along with the topics of all other forwards. They do a good job of listing sources, so if you do not wish to simply trust the site, you can do additional research.
NOTE: While it may be a public service to send the refutation to everyone who received the message, it is probably kinder to reply to the sender only.
2nd NOTE: E-mail chain letters (with promises of good luck if you forward and bad luck if you don’t) can be safely discarded without any additional research.
It is always a good idea to back up your computer files.
House fires or floods, theft, severe virus infestations, mechanical failure, and human error can all lead to data loss. On our family PC, that would mean the loss of several years’ worth of journals, genealogical records, recipes, current projects, and all of the photos from our last vacation.
There are several ways of backing up data, including automated services that periodically check all changes to files, keeping an updated backup file on a remote network. Zipping up a file and e-mailing it to yourself can save your files on your ISP server, but check to see how large a file can be stored, and for how long. You can also use a USB drive to periodically pull files, but it can contract a virus if plugged into an infected computer. Many people will store backups on a separate drive or partition, but this will not be helpful in the case of physical damage to the computer or virus infestations.
Your backup should include personal data files that you have created, like letters, photos, and possibly music. You may also want to backup installation files for purchased software. Even if available storage prohibits this, consider creating a document where you record the license files for downloadable software to facilitate program recovery.
It tends to be a good idea to start young.
An IRA or 401K started in your early twenties can earn much more than one started when you are thirty-five. A savings account started early, even with small amounts, grows over time. It is easy to put off thinking about the future when you are young and single, but the time you spend procrastinating represents opportunity lost. Also, depending on options, they can provide significant current savings on taxes.
Even if you are planning ahead, knowing that you are going to retire in forty years, without any current dependents you may not think about insurance. However, from high school graduation to just after college graduation is a great time to buy insurance. Insurance companies will assume that you are going to live for a long time, and you can get really low premiums.
Whole insurance will be the best investment, and can eventually be borrowed against at low interest. Term insurance will be cheaper, but will expire. You can find term policies with return of premium written in, but this will raise the cost. Do not rule out term insurance automatically, as getting a low-cost term policy now can guarantee your insurability for later when you can afford a better policy. Do avoid companies based in Florida or Texas, as regulations are looser there.
It is always a good idea to have saved a down payment before buying a house.
It may not always be a good idea to buy a house. Although a mortgage payment is an investment, while rent is just a living expense, and property almost always increases in value, there is maintenance involved, and if you are not sure how long you will be in the area, it may be best to wait. However, if you are going to buy, and can pay down at least twenty percent of the price, then mortgage insurance is not mandatory and you may be eligible for a lower interest rate. Even if you are far from ready to buy a house, it is not too early to start saving for a down payment.
If you have children, pets, investments, or property, it is always a good idea to have a will.
Having clearly stated your wishes beforehand can prevent confusion and ill feelings later in the event of unexpected death. Regarding children and pets, it is also advisable to make sure that you have spoken with the people who will be assuming care in advance, and that they would be ready to take on that responsibility. Emergency preparedness is largely about planning for things that you do not want to happen, and how to make them better if they do happen. That means having to face all of the possibilities.
Finally, it is always a good idea to have a 3-month to 1-year supply of food storage, a 3-day to 2-week supply of water storage, a 72-hour kit, and an emergency plan, including plans for communication with other family or household members, and to practice all the principles of provident living.
It is always a good idea to keep a valid passport.
Maybe a business trip will come up suddenly, and already having a passport will save you from have to pay the expensive expediting fees ($60.00 to start, plus extra if you want to send and receive via overnight delivery). Even an expedited passport application takes two weeks. However, consider the case of the parents of an exchange student who went missing in South America in 2005. Although she was later found, her parents were anxious to fly down. They were able to receive assistance from their senator in getting passports expedited, getting them overnight, but how much better is it to just be able to hop on the plane?
If you have a sibling in the military, parents on a mission, or friends in the Peace Corps, it is always a good idea to keep your passport valid. Then, if you suddenly get an opportunity for cheap tickets to Barcelona, you are ready.
NOTE: Passport cards can only be used for travel by ship and car to neighboring countries. Stick with passport books so you are able to travel by plane and go more places.
It is always a good idea to double-check information before sending e-mail forwards.
When the message says “Send this to everyone you know”, whether it is…
· the picture of a missing teen and you’ve got to help find her
· a call to arms over House Democrats giving social security benefits to illegal aliens
· a warning that Madalyn Murry O’ Hair is trying to get the FCC to ban all religious broadcasting
· an apology for accidentally sending you a virus, and you should delete your jdbgmgr.exe file immediately
…or whatever, it is probably a lie. This doesn’t mean that the senders are trying to deceive you—
they were just fooled—but you do not have to be a fool with them.
There are many web sites where you can do additional research. If the message is specifically about viruses, it may be best to check a site like those run by MacAfee or Symantec. However, when the virus is being mentioned in an e-mail forward, chances are good that you can find out all about it at www.snopes.com along with the topics of all other forwards. They do a good job of listing sources, so if you do not wish to simply trust the site, you can do additional research.
NOTE: While it may be a public service to send the refutation to everyone who received the message, it is probably kinder to reply to the sender only.
2nd NOTE: E-mail chain letters (with promises of good luck if you forward and bad luck if you don’t) can be safely discarded without any additional research.
It is always a good idea to back up your computer files.
House fires or floods, theft, severe virus infestations, mechanical failure, and human error can all lead to data loss. On our family PC, that would mean the loss of several years’ worth of journals, genealogical records, recipes, current projects, and all of the photos from our last vacation.
There are several ways of backing up data, including automated services that periodically check all changes to files, keeping an updated backup file on a remote network. Zipping up a file and e-mailing it to yourself can save your files on your ISP server, but check to see how large a file can be stored, and for how long. You can also use a USB drive to periodically pull files, but it can contract a virus if plugged into an infected computer. Many people will store backups on a separate drive or partition, but this will not be helpful in the case of physical damage to the computer or virus infestations.
Your backup should include personal data files that you have created, like letters, photos, and possibly music. You may also want to backup installation files for purchased software. Even if available storage prohibits this, consider creating a document where you record the license files for downloadable software to facilitate program recovery.
It tends to be a good idea to start young.
An IRA or 401K started in your early twenties can earn much more than one started when you are thirty-five. A savings account started early, even with small amounts, grows over time. It is easy to put off thinking about the future when you are young and single, but the time you spend procrastinating represents opportunity lost. Also, depending on options, they can provide significant current savings on taxes.
Even if you are planning ahead, knowing that you are going to retire in forty years, without any current dependents you may not think about insurance. However, from high school graduation to just after college graduation is a great time to buy insurance. Insurance companies will assume that you are going to live for a long time, and you can get really low premiums.
Whole insurance will be the best investment, and can eventually be borrowed against at low interest. Term insurance will be cheaper, but will expire. You can find term policies with return of premium written in, but this will raise the cost. Do not rule out term insurance automatically, as getting a low-cost term policy now can guarantee your insurability for later when you can afford a better policy. Do avoid companies based in Florida or Texas, as regulations are looser there.
It is always a good idea to have saved a down payment before buying a house.
It may not always be a good idea to buy a house. Although a mortgage payment is an investment, while rent is just a living expense, and property almost always increases in value, there is maintenance involved, and if you are not sure how long you will be in the area, it may be best to wait. However, if you are going to buy, and can pay down at least twenty percent of the price, then mortgage insurance is not mandatory and you may be eligible for a lower interest rate. Even if you are far from ready to buy a house, it is not too early to start saving for a down payment.
If you have children, pets, investments, or property, it is always a good idea to have a will.
Having clearly stated your wishes beforehand can prevent confusion and ill feelings later in the event of unexpected death. Regarding children and pets, it is also advisable to make sure that you have spoken with the people who will be assuming care in advance, and that they would be ready to take on that responsibility. Emergency preparedness is largely about planning for things that you do not want to happen, and how to make them better if they do happen. That means having to face all of the possibilities.
Finally, it is always a good idea to have a 3-month to 1-year supply of food storage, a 3-day to 2-week supply of water storage, a 72-hour kit, and an emergency plan, including plans for communication with other family or household members, and to practice all the principles of provident living.
Monday, March 9, 2009
July 2008 - Investing in Food Storage
You may already be aware that our ward has scheduled a cannery date for August 19th (6-9 PM), but you may not know what that means, or why it should be important to you. Here you go.
Church leaders have been advising members to store food for several decades now, but it has been an easy counsel to ignore, and many members have. The focus has recently changed from a year’s supply to a three-month supply, which should be considerably easier, but some members are still distinctly unmotivated.
The advice is nonetheless incredibly practical. Even Wall Street Journal columnist Brett Arends recently suggested that Americans begin stockpiling food (Load Up the Pantry, April 21st, 2008). This was not necessarily due to a fear of pending doom, but as a practical means of dealing with rising food prices. He points out that with rising raw material costs, increased demand in China and India, and diversion of some agriculture to ethanol, the average increase in food prices has been about 4.5 percent per year. On some staples it is significantly higher, like a 10% increase for milk, cheese, bananas, and peanut butter, a 13% increase for flour and rice, and a 30% increase for eggs. These trends are predicted to continue, especially in light of rising fuel costs. As you will probably only earn 2.5% on a money-market fund, or 4.1% on a really good CD, food storage becomes a very reasonable type of investment.
As young singles our lives can seem fairly unsettled, where we can always imagine that we will be relocating soon, maybe even because we will get married. This is no reason to delay. If you do get married (and I hope we all do soon), you may find that you can each fit your three-month supply into the cupboards, and it provides a nice reserve as you start your new life. If you are moving cross-country, and money is not a concern, you can donate your supply to the food bank and start over in your new location. It really will not be a burden.
If you look at the food storage calculator at http://www.providentliving.org/ (check under Family Home Storage, Longer-Term Supply), it will recommend 25 pounds of wheat, white rice, corn, and other grains, along with 5 pounds of dry beans and other legumes, per person per month. Basically, this is 25 pounds of grains and 5 pounds of protein. The ones mentioned specifically have the advantage of being nutritious and storing well over a long period of time, but they are not required. If you don’t like beans, for protein you can freeze meat, purchase cans of beef ravioli and sloppy joe mixture, or pressure-can your own venison or tuna.
An effective food supply is one that you will like to eat. Yes, if you get hungry enough you will eat anything, but too drastic a change from your normal diet will stress your digestive system. Storing things that you already eat prevents that, and allows for storage rotation, keeping your food fresh.
You can also add canned fruits and vegetables, fun snack foods, and mixes to your supply. If you are storing flour and sugar, you should probably add in other items that tend to be used in conjunction with them, like cooking oil, salt, and vanilla.
You can find the cannery order form and price list online:
http://www.providentliving.org/pfw/multimedia/files/pfw/pdf/113827_HSOrderForm_US_JUL_08_pdf.pdf
Granulated Sugar, White Rice, White Flour, Spaghetti, and Macaroni: You probably already know exactly what to do with these items. The advantage to getting them through dry-pack (besides the fairly low prices) is that the #10 can will hold up better than the paper and plastic bags these usually come in, meaning that you will not have to worry about tears and pests.
Hard Red Wheat and Hard White Wheat: There are recipes that can be made by cooking directly with the wheat, but many of the people who store it do so with the intent of grinding it into flour. Why store wheat instead of flour? The price is comparable, and the wheat is definitely more work. However, wheat will last for upwards of 30 years, and the maximum recommended shelf life on flour is about 10 years. If you wish to go for the wheat, you should consider getting a wheat grinder. For maximum versatility, look for one that can be operated by hand or electricity.
Black Beans, Pinto Beans, White Beans, and Refried Beans: The first three are great for their nutritious value and their long storage life (again, 30 years). They can be baked, cooked as chili or in soups, or served with rice, but will generally require soaking for twenty-four hours before use. The refried beans are dehydrated, so you can simply add water and spread onto tortillas or into 7-layer dips, but their shelf life is only 5 years.
Dry Onions and Carrots: These items do best mixed in with other dishes, like casseroles, soups, or pot pies. While probably not essential, they can add some flavor and color, keeping variety in the menu. Be aware that the onions are strong.
Quick Oats and Regular Oats: The quick oats are slightly thinner than the regular oats, therefore cook faster. Otherwise, it is hard to tell the difference. While they only create plain oatmeal on their own, you can add your own flavorings, as well as expanding their use to cookies and crisps, or using as a filler with some ground meat preparations.
Hot Cocoa Mix and Fruit Drink Mix: With only a 2 year shelf life, these may seem like strange additions to the list. However, if there are ever concerns about water contamination, leading to the water being boiled or having bleach added, the extra flavor these provide can really help.
Potato Pearls and Potato Flakes: Two easy ways to make instant mashed potatoes. The flakes having a much longer shelf life, but many people prefer the pearls for flavor and texture.
Nonfat Dry Milk: Most people hate reconstituted dry milk, but powdered milk stores for 20 years, and fresh milk will not. This one will be a judgment call based on how much you need milk.
Apple Slices: When you first open the can these resemble dried leaves, but with a little access to normal humidity they plump up and become suitable for snacking. I have also used them to make apple crisp.
Pancake Mix: This is a new offering, but probably has an advantage over the flour in that only water needs to be added to complete an actual recipe.
Some of you may remember chocolate and vanilla pudding, as well as a soup mix, but these items are no longer listed. Lately they have been out of macaroni, spaghetti, and white wheat, so these items may not be available when we go.
I hope this letter is helpful. To give you further opportunity to decide what items are best for you, we will be giving you three tasting opportunities:
August 3rd: I will be bringing recipes made from home storage items to Break-the-fast. Sign-up sheets for the 19th will also be passed around in Relief Society and Elders Quorum.
August 4th: Home storage items will make up the refreshments at Family Home Evening.
August 13th: A special joint Home Family and Personal Enrichment evening, with recipes and demonstrations.
August 19th: We go to the cannery. We can take anywhere from 8 to 40 people, who will work together to can the items after everyone has ordered. It usually ends up being pretty fun, and you have home storage at the end of the night.
Church leaders have been advising members to store food for several decades now, but it has been an easy counsel to ignore, and many members have. The focus has recently changed from a year’s supply to a three-month supply, which should be considerably easier, but some members are still distinctly unmotivated.
The advice is nonetheless incredibly practical. Even Wall Street Journal columnist Brett Arends recently suggested that Americans begin stockpiling food (Load Up the Pantry, April 21st, 2008). This was not necessarily due to a fear of pending doom, but as a practical means of dealing with rising food prices. He points out that with rising raw material costs, increased demand in China and India, and diversion of some agriculture to ethanol, the average increase in food prices has been about 4.5 percent per year. On some staples it is significantly higher, like a 10% increase for milk, cheese, bananas, and peanut butter, a 13% increase for flour and rice, and a 30% increase for eggs. These trends are predicted to continue, especially in light of rising fuel costs. As you will probably only earn 2.5% on a money-market fund, or 4.1% on a really good CD, food storage becomes a very reasonable type of investment.
As young singles our lives can seem fairly unsettled, where we can always imagine that we will be relocating soon, maybe even because we will get married. This is no reason to delay. If you do get married (and I hope we all do soon), you may find that you can each fit your three-month supply into the cupboards, and it provides a nice reserve as you start your new life. If you are moving cross-country, and money is not a concern, you can donate your supply to the food bank and start over in your new location. It really will not be a burden.
If you look at the food storage calculator at http://www.providentliving.org/ (check under Family Home Storage, Longer-Term Supply), it will recommend 25 pounds of wheat, white rice, corn, and other grains, along with 5 pounds of dry beans and other legumes, per person per month. Basically, this is 25 pounds of grains and 5 pounds of protein. The ones mentioned specifically have the advantage of being nutritious and storing well over a long period of time, but they are not required. If you don’t like beans, for protein you can freeze meat, purchase cans of beef ravioli and sloppy joe mixture, or pressure-can your own venison or tuna.
An effective food supply is one that you will like to eat. Yes, if you get hungry enough you will eat anything, but too drastic a change from your normal diet will stress your digestive system. Storing things that you already eat prevents that, and allows for storage rotation, keeping your food fresh.
You can also add canned fruits and vegetables, fun snack foods, and mixes to your supply. If you are storing flour and sugar, you should probably add in other items that tend to be used in conjunction with them, like cooking oil, salt, and vanilla.
You can find the cannery order form and price list online:
http://www.providentliving.org/pfw/multimedia/files/pfw/pdf/113827_HSOrderForm_US_JUL_08_pdf.pdf
Granulated Sugar, White Rice, White Flour, Spaghetti, and Macaroni: You probably already know exactly what to do with these items. The advantage to getting them through dry-pack (besides the fairly low prices) is that the #10 can will hold up better than the paper and plastic bags these usually come in, meaning that you will not have to worry about tears and pests.
Hard Red Wheat and Hard White Wheat: There are recipes that can be made by cooking directly with the wheat, but many of the people who store it do so with the intent of grinding it into flour. Why store wheat instead of flour? The price is comparable, and the wheat is definitely more work. However, wheat will last for upwards of 30 years, and the maximum recommended shelf life on flour is about 10 years. If you wish to go for the wheat, you should consider getting a wheat grinder. For maximum versatility, look for one that can be operated by hand or electricity.
Black Beans, Pinto Beans, White Beans, and Refried Beans: The first three are great for their nutritious value and their long storage life (again, 30 years). They can be baked, cooked as chili or in soups, or served with rice, but will generally require soaking for twenty-four hours before use. The refried beans are dehydrated, so you can simply add water and spread onto tortillas or into 7-layer dips, but their shelf life is only 5 years.
Dry Onions and Carrots: These items do best mixed in with other dishes, like casseroles, soups, or pot pies. While probably not essential, they can add some flavor and color, keeping variety in the menu. Be aware that the onions are strong.
Quick Oats and Regular Oats: The quick oats are slightly thinner than the regular oats, therefore cook faster. Otherwise, it is hard to tell the difference. While they only create plain oatmeal on their own, you can add your own flavorings, as well as expanding their use to cookies and crisps, or using as a filler with some ground meat preparations.
Hot Cocoa Mix and Fruit Drink Mix: With only a 2 year shelf life, these may seem like strange additions to the list. However, if there are ever concerns about water contamination, leading to the water being boiled or having bleach added, the extra flavor these provide can really help.
Potato Pearls and Potato Flakes: Two easy ways to make instant mashed potatoes. The flakes having a much longer shelf life, but many people prefer the pearls for flavor and texture.
Nonfat Dry Milk: Most people hate reconstituted dry milk, but powdered milk stores for 20 years, and fresh milk will not. This one will be a judgment call based on how much you need milk.
Apple Slices: When you first open the can these resemble dried leaves, but with a little access to normal humidity they plump up and become suitable for snacking. I have also used them to make apple crisp.
Pancake Mix: This is a new offering, but probably has an advantage over the flour in that only water needs to be added to complete an actual recipe.
Some of you may remember chocolate and vanilla pudding, as well as a soup mix, but these items are no longer listed. Lately they have been out of macaroni, spaghetti, and white wheat, so these items may not be available when we go.
I hope this letter is helpful. To give you further opportunity to decide what items are best for you, we will be giving you three tasting opportunities:
August 3rd: I will be bringing recipes made from home storage items to Break-the-fast. Sign-up sheets for the 19th will also be passed around in Relief Society and Elders Quorum.
August 4th: Home storage items will make up the refreshments at Family Home Evening.
August 13th: A special joint Home Family and Personal Enrichment evening, with recipes and demonstrations.
August 19th: We go to the cannery. We can take anywhere from 8 to 40 people, who will work together to can the items after everyone has ordered. It usually ends up being pretty fun, and you have home storage at the end of the night.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
June 2008 - Before the Earthquake
Obviously, there is nothing you can do to prevent an earthquake, and prediction technology is still fairly limited. However, we do know enough about them to predict potential problems, and there are options for mitigating these issues. There may be some steps that work great with a 6.4 but fall short in the case of a 9.1, but each is at least worth considering.
Protecting the home structure
The good news is most homes here in the Pacific Northwest are made from wood, which has a tendency to move with the earthquake. This can prevent the house from completely falling apart which is a risk with stone and brick dwellings). However, the foundation should not move (at least not as much), and there is a possibility of the house slipping off of the foundation. You should make sure that your house is bolted to the foundation. If it was built after 1973, this was probably done automatically, but check.
Since 1973 the Uniform Building Code has also required that the cripple wall (also called pony wall) be braced, without those requirements increasing in 1991. This acts as a barrier to the vertical studs collapsing, letting the house collapse into the crawl space.
These repairs can be a do-it-yourself project, or done by a contractor. Since many of you are living in apartments or in newer homes, it is not practical to give instructions for these steps here, but instructions are readily available, and these two factors are probably the most important things you can do to prepare your home for an earthquake.
Other structural weak spots are “soft-stories”, like an apartment over a garage. Because the door needs to come up, there is limited bracing over a large space, limiting the support offered to the top story. On a smaller scale, you can have similar issues with large picture windows or double doors. Plywood sheathing can add reinforcement in these cases.
Chimneys can also be a vulnerable point, especially tall ones made of brick or stone. Having the chimney changed out for a shorter, solid metal one, or at least having the chimney reinforced, can prevent a collapse at that location.
If nothing else, at least knowing the weak areas in your home may give you a better idea of where to take shelter (like not by the fireplace).
Preventing fires
Gas appliances with rigid connections run the risk of being sheared off in an earthquake, leading to combustible gas leaks. Make sure you have flexible connections on all gas appliances (as well as knowing how to shut off the gas).
Preventing crushes
Fire prevention does include having a flexible connection for the water heater, but in addition the water heater should be strapped to the wall. Being heavy, tall, and full of hot water, an unsecured heater is likely to topple, leading to possible injury and probable mess. By the same token, water coolers should be strapped as well. Home improvement stores have commercial kits for water heaters, which should be able to be adapted to coolers as well.
Other appliances may be at the risk of toppling, even if they seem to be built in. One homeowner in Loma Prieta was surprised when his stove and microwave slide out of their settings. This can also be an issue with dishwashers. If they are only resting on a trim strip, bracing can be added.
Some tall structures at a risk of toppling can be secured to the wall. This can include bookcases, china hutches, and even refrigerators.
Preventing projectiles and lacerations
Even after you have secured the appliances in your kitchen, it is still probably the most dangerous room in the house in an earthquake. The trembling can open cupboard doors and shake out cereal boxes, jars, and plates, leaving a horrible mess even if you avoid injury. Adding latches that will prevent the cupboards from opening can protect you and your stuff. There are many types of latches out there, but you may find that the heavier, spring-loaded ones are more secure. You can also consider latches on drawers, and a child-safety lock on the refrigerator.
Large pictures and mirrors should be bolted to the wall. Smaller pictures can be hung on the walls with closed-loop hangers, reducing the likelihood of their falling down. For items on shelves, you may wish to consider laying down non-skid shelf padding (as used in boats and RVs) or hold-fast putties. Remember, this is not just about having less to clean up later, but also having fewer things that can hit you in the head, and less broken glass to walk on. Fishing wire, bungee cords, and old socks with lead weights can all be used to stabilize various items.
Remember that picture window? Even if the area around it does not collapse, it or other windows (or a glass sliding door) could end up shattering, becoming a real danger. Changing to tempered or laminated glass is an expensive option, but adding safety film may be more reasonable and just as effective.
Obviously, this is a lot of work, and some of it may not be worthwhile for the benefit, but give thought to what would be valuable. Take a walk through your home, and see which areas would be most dangerous. Pay special attention to the bedroom, because sleep will slow your reaction times, and you probably don’t want anything harder than a plush animal toppling onto your bed. (While you are doing this walk-through, you may want to multi-task, also looking for fire hazards and things you would want to take in an evacuation.)
Preventing confusion
Practice makes perfect, if for no other reason than you can see where things will go wrong. For example, you might go outside to make sure everyone in the family knows how to turn off the gas and discover that your connection does not match the diagram. If you do this before the earthquake, you still have time to call the gas company and get it figured out. How many household members will fit under the one table? Will the dogs fit in the same tent as the humans? Holding drills will ensure that everyone knows the drill.
Part of this is that all household members should know where emergency supplies are, you should choose locations where they will remain easily accessible. While most supplies can be kept in a central location, everyone should have shoes and light sticks near their bed.
Other preparation
Any other preparation you do will only help. It will be great to have water storage, it will be great to have food storage, and it will be great to have 72-hour kits and camping supplies. It will be great to be physically fit and capable of handling stress. Provident living will never hurt you.
Protecting the home structure
The good news is most homes here in the Pacific Northwest are made from wood, which has a tendency to move with the earthquake. This can prevent the house from completely falling apart which is a risk with stone and brick dwellings). However, the foundation should not move (at least not as much), and there is a possibility of the house slipping off of the foundation. You should make sure that your house is bolted to the foundation. If it was built after 1973, this was probably done automatically, but check.
Since 1973 the Uniform Building Code has also required that the cripple wall (also called pony wall) be braced, without those requirements increasing in 1991. This acts as a barrier to the vertical studs collapsing, letting the house collapse into the crawl space.
These repairs can be a do-it-yourself project, or done by a contractor. Since many of you are living in apartments or in newer homes, it is not practical to give instructions for these steps here, but instructions are readily available, and these two factors are probably the most important things you can do to prepare your home for an earthquake.
Other structural weak spots are “soft-stories”, like an apartment over a garage. Because the door needs to come up, there is limited bracing over a large space, limiting the support offered to the top story. On a smaller scale, you can have similar issues with large picture windows or double doors. Plywood sheathing can add reinforcement in these cases.
Chimneys can also be a vulnerable point, especially tall ones made of brick or stone. Having the chimney changed out for a shorter, solid metal one, or at least having the chimney reinforced, can prevent a collapse at that location.
If nothing else, at least knowing the weak areas in your home may give you a better idea of where to take shelter (like not by the fireplace).
Preventing fires
Gas appliances with rigid connections run the risk of being sheared off in an earthquake, leading to combustible gas leaks. Make sure you have flexible connections on all gas appliances (as well as knowing how to shut off the gas).
Preventing crushes
Fire prevention does include having a flexible connection for the water heater, but in addition the water heater should be strapped to the wall. Being heavy, tall, and full of hot water, an unsecured heater is likely to topple, leading to possible injury and probable mess. By the same token, water coolers should be strapped as well. Home improvement stores have commercial kits for water heaters, which should be able to be adapted to coolers as well.
Other appliances may be at the risk of toppling, even if they seem to be built in. One homeowner in Loma Prieta was surprised when his stove and microwave slide out of their settings. This can also be an issue with dishwashers. If they are only resting on a trim strip, bracing can be added.
Some tall structures at a risk of toppling can be secured to the wall. This can include bookcases, china hutches, and even refrigerators.
Preventing projectiles and lacerations
Even after you have secured the appliances in your kitchen, it is still probably the most dangerous room in the house in an earthquake. The trembling can open cupboard doors and shake out cereal boxes, jars, and plates, leaving a horrible mess even if you avoid injury. Adding latches that will prevent the cupboards from opening can protect you and your stuff. There are many types of latches out there, but you may find that the heavier, spring-loaded ones are more secure. You can also consider latches on drawers, and a child-safety lock on the refrigerator.
Large pictures and mirrors should be bolted to the wall. Smaller pictures can be hung on the walls with closed-loop hangers, reducing the likelihood of their falling down. For items on shelves, you may wish to consider laying down non-skid shelf padding (as used in boats and RVs) or hold-fast putties. Remember, this is not just about having less to clean up later, but also having fewer things that can hit you in the head, and less broken glass to walk on. Fishing wire, bungee cords, and old socks with lead weights can all be used to stabilize various items.
Remember that picture window? Even if the area around it does not collapse, it or other windows (or a glass sliding door) could end up shattering, becoming a real danger. Changing to tempered or laminated glass is an expensive option, but adding safety film may be more reasonable and just as effective.
Obviously, this is a lot of work, and some of it may not be worthwhile for the benefit, but give thought to what would be valuable. Take a walk through your home, and see which areas would be most dangerous. Pay special attention to the bedroom, because sleep will slow your reaction times, and you probably don’t want anything harder than a plush animal toppling onto your bed. (While you are doing this walk-through, you may want to multi-task, also looking for fire hazards and things you would want to take in an evacuation.)
Preventing confusion
Practice makes perfect, if for no other reason than you can see where things will go wrong. For example, you might go outside to make sure everyone in the family knows how to turn off the gas and discover that your connection does not match the diagram. If you do this before the earthquake, you still have time to call the gas company and get it figured out. How many household members will fit under the one table? Will the dogs fit in the same tent as the humans? Holding drills will ensure that everyone knows the drill.
Part of this is that all household members should know where emergency supplies are, you should choose locations where they will remain easily accessible. While most supplies can be kept in a central location, everyone should have shoes and light sticks near their bed.
Other preparation
Any other preparation you do will only help. It will be great to have water storage, it will be great to have food storage, and it will be great to have 72-hour kits and camping supplies. It will be great to be physically fit and capable of handling stress. Provident living will never hurt you.
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