Happy New Year! It’s that time when we make resolutions, set goals, and calendar for the coming year.
“He who created us and who loves us perfectly knows just how we need to live our lives in order to obtain the greatest happiness possible. He has provided us with guidelines which, if we follow them, will see us safely through this often-treacherous mortal journey”. (Thomas S. Monson)
“In reviewing the Lord’s counsel to us on the importance of preparedness, I am impressed with the plainness of the message. The Savior made it clear that we cannot place sufficient oil in our preparedness lamps by simply avoiding evil. We must also be anxiously engaged in a positive program of preparation. The Lord will not translate one’s good hopes and desires and intentions into works. Each of us must do that for himself” (Spencer W. Kimball)
Our commitment to obeying the counsel of the Lord and His prophets allows the Holy Ghost to dwell with us. We are all given the gift of personal revelation when we are striving to live righteous lives, when we have done our part and when we ask. Personal revelation is possible and can and will be a light that protects us and guides us as we work to prepare.
The world has become a more expensive, often meaner, and more frightening place, but we were warned this would come. Are we acting on what we have been warned of?
It’s time to self-assess. If you have not done so please read Part One: How Prepared Are You Really?: A Quiz and then review both articles as a family to make this year one for finding peace and reassurance that you need not fear that which is to come.
- Do you have cash on hand in small bills?
- Do you have a Five-Day Kit for all family members?
- Do you have an auto kit in all vehicles?
- Do you keep your gas tank half full?
- Do you have a pet emergency kit?
- Do you have maps marked with several evacuation routes marked to your evacuation destination?
- Do you have an emergency radio?
- Does your family know how to turn off the water to the house?
- Does your family know how to turn off the gas into the house?
- Does your family know how to turn off the electricity to the house?
- Does your family know how to open the garage door in a power outage?
- Do you have a port-a-potty?
- Do you have chemicals and biohazard bags for the port-a-potty?
- Do you have a three-month supply of the foods you eat?
- Are foods stored safely?
- Do you have a plan for staying warm during a winter power outage?
- Do you have a plan for staying cool during a summer power outage?
- Do you have equipment and fuel to cook off the grid?
- Do you have water stored?
- Do you have a way to purify water?
- Do you have important documents copied?
- Have you cleaned your gutters?
- Are poisons and cleaning supplies secured?
- Are papers and oily rags stored outside of the house?
- Are propane tanks stored outside the house?
- Are furnace vents cleaned?
- Are doors and windows clear of obstructions for easy exit?
- Have you pruned tree limbs that are dead or close to the house?
- Do you have a flashlight or other non-electric light source next to all beds.
- Do you have a whistle next to all beds?
- Do you have car keys next to your bed?
- Do you have a pair of sturdy shoes under your bed?
- Do you have a preparedness binder?
- Do you have a fire extinguisher in your car?
- Do you have a safe room in case of a disaster or home invasion?
- Have you done a home inventory?
- Do you have everything on the non-food checklist?
- Do you have extra batteries?
- Do you have carbon monoxide detectors?
- Do you know how to save water during a drought?
- Have you done a home inventory?
- Do you keep your freezer full in case of a power outage?
- Have you discussed possible disasters in your area with your family?
- Have you discussed possible disasters in their new area with children leaving for college?
- Do children leaving for college have Five-Day Kits and food storage in their dorm room?
Please join us at our Totally Ready Facebook page and at Totallyready.com as we tackle these questions each week.
As President James E. Faust taught:
“When obedience becomes our goal, it is no longer an irritation; instead of a stumbling block, it becomes a building block. …
“… Obedience leads to true freedom. The more we obey revealed truth, the more we become liberated.”