OUR NEXT CLASS: MAY 12th!

Drink Water for Life:
Your journey to better health!

Presenter: Deanna Delong (Beaverton Stake)

Who: Hedges Creek and Meridian Park Wards

When: Wednesday, May 12th

Where: TuSC, Relief Society Room

Time: 7:00 PM

Deanna Delong is an educator, lecturer, and author of a best-seller. She has appeared on numerous television programs, including Oprah. Her latest book, Drink Water for Life, presents detailed information about how an increase in drinking water can improve your health.

Car Care Kit

Here's another person's version of a Car Kit. Please look over this post and the one before it and decide what you should have on hand for a car emergency.

Bag of sand
Change of clothes for each family member
De-icer (road)
Extra batteries
Flashlight and batteries
Jumper cable
Note pad/pencil
Red triangle flat to go on antenna
Safety flares
Space emergency blankets, 1 per family member
Tow rope/tow strap
Transistor radio and batteries
Walking shoes and socks for each family member
Windshield ice scraper
Winter hat, coat, gloves for each family member

24 Hour (Car) Survival Kit

If you travel by car (we all do!), you should carry the basic essentials of life with you. A simple kit can help solve many of the problems a person might encounter if caught in an emergency situation. With a little ingenuity and just a few dolloars, you can make your own kit.

STORAGE - Any small storage container wil do, such as a #10 can with lid, small backpack, or plastic container. This will be used to carry most of teh following items:

CANDLE - Any candle will do, be creative--ie. old christmas candle, plumbers candle, etc. These will help kindle a fire or heat water.

BUTANE LIGHTER - Any small butane lighter will work great to light fires.

MATCHES - A penny box of strike matches - coat with wax or nail polish to water proof.

GARBAGE BAGS - One thirty gallon size bag. Use to pull over legs and tuck into pockets to protect from wind and water. Can also be used for shade in the summer.

TAPE - It has multiple uses. It can be used to: patch clothing, make an emergency bandage, secure top of garbage bag to protect from the elements, etc.

FOOD - Hard tack candy will give instant energy needed to move muscles. Bouillon and sugar cubes also provide instant energy. Granola bars and fruit leather are good energy providers. Wrap in plastic. Also include 1-2 water pouches.

WHISTLE - Use to let searches know where you are.

PENCIL & PAPER - use for writing messages to searches, thought you have, things you need to remember, etc.

COMPASS - Use to determine direction of travel.

MONEY - Include a few dollars and several coins.

The above survival kit should help you to sustain life in an emergency situation. Remember to keep it small and inexpenseive. You should be able to find lal of these items in and around your home.

***Some other additional items for the trunk, if desired: blanket, First Aid kit, knife, small mirror, flash light, extra walking shoes and socks.***

(Source: Thanks to one of the Spokane wards, WA, Relief Society)

A Letter from the Portland Mayor!

Dear Colleagues,

April is National Earthquake Preparedness Month, and in Portland, earthquakes are a constant and significant concern. The City of Portland, in close collaboration with partners in the region, state and federally, is always looking to be better prepared for such an event. Individuals, families, offices and places of business need to be prepared and know about the tools available to them in case of an earthquake or other emergency.

This morning, Portland's Office of Emergency Management (PoEM) unveiled a new feature of the city's coordinated information website, www.publicalerts.org, designed to rapidly get information out to residents in times of emergency.

You can now go to publicalerts.org, click on the Sign Up button, and register to get voicemail, email and text messages sent directly to your mobile phone in times of emergency. The information you provide is protected and confidential. It takes only a minute to sign up, so please register yourself, and tell your friends, neighbors and coworkers about it.

I especially encourage City of Portland employees to sign up so as to stay up-to-the-minute on what we're communicating out to the general public. We will also look to this new tool as a way to communicate with city employees in times of emergency. In the coming months, we will continue to add features and abilities to the site, publicalerts.org.

In the meantime, please take a moment to go online, visit www.publicalerts.org, and sign yourself up. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Sam Adams

Mayor, City of Portland

Water Alert: Boil your water!

All Portlanders west of the Willamette need to boil tap water

Credit: Portland Water Bureau

by Michael Rollins

Posted on November 28, 2009 at 4:35 PM

Updated today at 5:52 PM

PORTLAND -- The Portland Water Bureau issued a "Boil Water Notice" Saturday for all customers west of the Willamette River, including the Valley View, Burlington and Palatine Hill Water Districts.

The Water Bureau provided this link to a map of the afffected area. Some computers may not have the software to open it.

All tap water should be boiled at full roil for at least a minute. Any stored water or ice should be tossed. The precaution should be used until further notice from the Portland Water Bureau. Further test results will be available Sunday.

The caution is caused by presence of E. Coli in Reservoir 3 at Washington Park.

Here is a prepared statement from the Portland Water Bureau.

What should I do? What does this mean to me?

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST OR USE BOTTLE WATER. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Bring all water to a rolling boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

What is being done?

The Portland Water Bureau has taken the reservoir out of service. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 24 hours.

For more information, please contact Portland Water Bureau at 503-823-7770 or 1120 SW 5th Ave., Portland, OR, 97204. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

Water Bureau spokesman Terry Black said "routine water samples collected on Wednesday November 25, 2009 from Reservoir 3 in Washington Park indicated the presence of E. coli. A confirmation sample collected on Friday November 27, 2009 also tested positive for E. coli."

Dr. Paul Lewis, tri-county deputy health office, said "If there are health effects from drinking water contamination, we expect them to be diarrhea and belly ache. Although we are hopeful that the contaminated water will not affect peoples' health, diarrhea can be a bigger problem for young children and people who have weakened immune systems. It is also important to note that the E. coli bacteria that is detected on the monitoring test may not be the same as the more notorious E. coli O157:H7, a cause of serious bacterial diarrhea."

My NEW Favorite Preparedness Sites!

MAIN PAGE: http://funwithfoodstorage.net/

PLAN IT! http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/

BUY IT! http://thefoodstorageshopper.net/

EAT IT! http://everydayfoodstorage.net/

Please check these out! They are awesome!

Great price on Stainless Steel Juicer!

Bi-Mart has a stainless steel juicer (Nutri-Steamer) on sale for $49.99. Emergency Essentials has the same one for $149.95. Just thought you would like to know - if you wanted to let everyone know about this great deal. There is a limit of 2 per customer at Bi-Mart.

Thanks!

P.S This is effective through July 22.

A New Message on Family Home Storage!

Go to www.providentliving.org (on front page) for the:

Family Home Storage: A New Message
Check the expiration date on your ideas about home storage. You may need to throw some of them out. A recent article in the Ensign highlights a new message on home storage to help you be prepared.

Cannery this Saturday CANCELED

Saturday, June 20 (9-Noon) --HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO LACK OF INTERESTED PARTIES--PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT TO SIGN UP FOR SEPTEMBER'S TRIP!

Saturday, Sept. 19 (9-Noon)
Saturday, Nov. 14 (9-Noon)

Deseret Industries
10330 SE 82nd Ave
Portland, OR 97266
971-230-0770

Please mark your calenders now! We only have space for about 15 people each time! If you want to be added to the list, please leave a "Comment" or email/call Rebecca with your name and the dates you want to attend. Thanks!

REMINDER: Bring your order forms already filled out and a check with you, and remember no sandles are allowed. (forms can be found at providentliving.org) Please call Rebecca W. if you have questions!

Learn to cook with your Dutch Oven!

REMINDER & INVITATION TO: DOG (Dutch Over Group) is TOMORROW, Saturday, June 6th
Cooking starts at 1:00pm Eating at 3:00pm Bring lawn chairs and whatever you need to be comfortable.
Come join us for the afternoon or just stop by-we are a friendly group and hope your interest in cooking Dutch Oven style will find its way to us. The food is always delicious!
Bring everything to be ready to start cooking at 1:00PM BBQ Pit behind the LDS South Tigard Church Building 15555 SW 98th St Tigard
Directions: Off Hwy 99 near the 217 exit (south toward Library and Tigard High School and Cook Park), 1 Turn left at SW Hall Blvd 2.4 mi 2. Turn right at SW Sattler St 0.6 mi 3. Turn left at SW 98th Ave 0.2 mi There is a golf course across the street.
Hope to see you there.
If questions contact Leon Hammer NWScout05@comcast.net
Site Location: www.easysite.com/fpn

More on the Swine Flu!

Click on link below to read a very helpful newsletter:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhgs2mk6_27frkvj6hp

At the end of the newsletter, it provides this possible TO PURCHASE list:

MAY PURCHASES: “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30)

1. Cannery items of the month (buy extra grains, beans, & rice to add to your long-term supply).

2. 1 case (at least) of bottled drinking water.

3. $5.00 cash every payday (at least) set aside in your HOUSE (NOT the bank).

4. Don’t let your vehicle gas tank go below ½ full, and fill up a 5-gallon gas can to store (add a product to prolong shelf life).

5. Don’t forget to buy extra groceries at each shopping trip to continue building up your EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY IMPORTANT 3-month supply of every day items.

6. Big item of the month: A “Luggable Loo” type of porta potty; or even a bucket w/ lots of trash bags. Start a supply of extra hygiene items (toilet paper, toothpaste, dental floss, soap, shampoo, diapers, wipes, feminine products, laundry soap, deodorant, etc.)

7. 72 Hr. Kit: Bottled Water & Food (jerky, trail mix, granola bars, fruit leathers, peanut butter crackers, sunflower seeds, etc.)

8. Plus whatever else you feel inspired to do for your family’s needs.

9. Have you been to the Temple this month? Do you have prayer and study the scriptures daily?

P. S. Do you have pet food for your pets?

Pandemic Preparedness Planning

Contributor: Lake Oswego Ward Emergency Prep Specialist

Regardless of what kind of outcome this flu has, from a preparedness standpoint - this is a great opportunity for us to think about what we'd do if it DID get crazy!

Since some people don't prepare for things unless the Church says so (I'm sure that's none of you :)) here's what the Church says!

http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,8041-1-4414-1,00.html

So I want to hear what steps you and your family are taking to stay ahead of this game?

Deb

Where's the flu now? http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&msa=0&msid=106484775090296685271.0004681a37b713f6b5950&ll=32.639375


*****
Pandemic Preparedness Planning


The following fact sheets provide information on how individuals, families, and health care workers can help prepare for a possible flu pandemic:

• Home and Family Preparedness


• Personal Hygiene


• Personal Protective Equipment


• Infectious Disease Cleanup


• Sheltering In Place


• Social Distancing


• Workplace Preparedness


• Health Care Worker Preparedness

Note: The following links are not to official Church publications, but are provided as additional resource material. The Center for Disease Control Web site offers pandemic flu information for individuals and families. Brigham Young University—Idaho offers an online training video for the prevention of Avian flu.

Make your own charcoal!

Additional information on Charcoal:

It is easy to make your own charcoal! Because, if given the circumstances are at their worst- you can't buy any and you've run out...then this is important to know so you can then make your own.

Very simple instructions for direct method:
http://www.eaglequest.com/~bbq/charcoal/

This site features the indirect method:
http://www.velvitoil.com/Charmake.htm

I just put "make your own charcoal" in the Google search window, to find these, you may want to study additional sites as there are more out there which vary in illustrations or pictures and directions. It is handy to have this information on hand just in case you find yourself needing charcoal and can't get any the way you're used to.

Heat, Light and Cooking In An Emergency

http://www.nationalterroralert.com/heatlightcooking/

Charcoal
Charcoal is the least expensive fuel per BTU that the average family can store. Remember that it must always be used out of doors because of the vast amounts of poisonous carbon monoxide it produces. Charcoal will store for extended period of time if it is stored in air tight containers. It readily absorbs moisture from the surrounding air so do not store it in the paper bags it comes in for more than a few months or it may be difficult to light. Transfer it to airtight metal or plastic containers and it will keep almost forever.

Fifty or sixty dollars worth of charcoal will provide all the cooking fuel a family will need for an entire year if used sparingly. The best time to buy briquettes inexpensively is at the end of the summer. Broken or torn bags of briquettes are usually sold at a big discount. You will also want to store a small amount of charcoal lighter fluid (or kerosene). Newspapers will also provide an excellent ignition source for charcoal when used in a funnel type of lighting device.

To light charcoal using newspapers use two or three sheets, crumpled up, and a #10 tin can. Cut both ends out of the can. Punch holes every two inches around the lower edge of the can with a punch-type can opener (for opening juice cans). Set the can down so the punches holes are on the bottom. Place the crumpled newspaper in the bottom of the can and place the charcoal briquettes on top of the newspaper. Lift the can slightly and light the newspaper. Prop a small rock under the bottom edge of the can to create a good draft. The briquettes will be ready to use in about 20-30 minutes. When the coals are ready remove the chimney and place them in your cooker. Never place burning charcoal directly on concrete or cement because the heat will crack it. A wheelbarrow or old metal garbage can lid makes an excellent container for this type of fire.

One of the nice things about charcoal is that you can regulate the heat you will receive from them. Each briquette will produce about 40 degrees of heat. If you are baking bread, for example, and need 400 degrees of heat for your oven, simply use ten briquettes.

To conserve heat and thereby get the maximum heat value from your charcoal you must learn to funnel the heat where you want it rather than letting it dissipate into the air around you. One excellent way to do this is to cook inside a cardboard oven. Take a cardboard box, about the size of an orange crate, and cover it with aluminum foil inside and out. Be sure that the shiny side is visible so that maximum reflectivity is achieved. Turn the box on its side so that the opening is no longer on the top but is on the side. Place some small bricks or other noncombustible material inside upon which you can rest a cookie sheet about two or three inches above the bottom of the box. Place ten burning charcoal briquettes between the bricks (if you need 400 degrees), place the support for your cooking vessels, and then place your bread pans or whatever else you are using on top of the cookie sheet. Prop a foil-covered cardboard lid over the open side, leaving a large crack for air to get in (charcoal needs a lot of air to burn) and bake your bread, cake, cookies, etc. just like you would in your regular oven. Your results will amaze you.

To make your own charcoal, select twigs, limbs, and branches of fruit, nut and other hardwood trees; black walnuts and peach or apricot pits may also be used. Cut wood into desired size, place in a large can which has a few holes punched in it, put a lid on the can and place the can in a hot fire. When the flames from the holes in the can turn yellow-red, remove the can from the fire and allow it to cool. Store the briquettes in a moisture-proof container. Burn charcoal only in a well-ventilated area.

Do you have a plan???

Great Goal Idea for April-May!!
Make an Emergency Preparedness Plan
To be ready for evacuation, be it from a fire, flood, or for some other emergency reason, making a plan is important. Your plan should include preparing for emergencies at home, in the car, and at work or school. Make an evacuation plan for your home so that each family member knows how to get out safely and where to meet. Let your kids help in drawing up the plan - and be sure everyone practices. There is a good example you can use at http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/

Emergency Food Bars Website

Contributor: Erin S.

A friend of mine from Woodburn ward called me today. She was ordering a bunch of bars off this website - 3600cal emergency food bars and I ordered a few through her. They have a 5 year shelf life, ready to eat, no cholesterol, no nuts for people with allergies.

Anyways, I think they are a great item for 72 hour kits or to keep in the car in case of emergencies... the website also sells emergency water, flashlights, radios, hygiene kits, bigger items, etc, etc, etc for all types of emergencies.

It's at quakekare.com. It has info and products that people might be interested in taking a look at.

Preparing for Disaster!

Hello all! I'm attaching a link to the Washington County Office of Consolidated Emergency Management (a mouthful!) flyers for preparedness. These flyers are a gem to have! Especially if you would like to motivate your neighborhood to get prepared - there are some great ways to encourage your neighbors or distribute flyers/ideas to them. There is one similar to the other charts that have been posted about preparing month by month, too. Happy browsing!

http://www.ocem.org/families_and_individuals.cfm

Contributor: Pam