The importance of being prepared for an emergency of any kind.

The devastating fires in Los Angeles this past week serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly and unexpectedly disasters can unfold. With fire hydrants running dry, tens of thousands of homes were destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of people were left homeless and displaced. Many evacuees had little warning and were forced to abandon their cars and flee on foot, leaving behind all their belongings, records, food, and money. Their struggles are just beginning, and the road to recovery will be long and challenging.

In light of these events, I urge each of you to prepare at least a basic “bug-out bag” for emergencies. This bag should include essential items such as important documents, money, and basic necessities, allowing you to leave quickly if needed. Take time to inspect and update your emergency supplies regularly. When I checked mine, I realized that the food had expired, and the clothes were no longer suitable.

While we are fortunate to live in a valley with relatively mild weather, we are not immune to disasters. Fires, floods, earthquakes, and heavy snowfall are all possibilities. We’ve witnessed numerous disasters across the country in recent years, and according to prophecy, these events will continue. It’s essential to be prepared, both for immediate emergencies and for potential long-term challenges.

Also, please recognize that an earthquake here could hinder our fire hydrant system from extinguishing fires across the valley. If that were to happen, we could very well face the same fate as Los Angeles. 

Photo courtesy of California Highway Patrol Golden Gate Division

BUILD YOUR OWN 72 HOUR KIT

While I have shown here several pre-made and prepackaged kits for sale from various vendors, you can make one yourself. You don’t have to buy anything from someone else. In fact, that’s the recommended solution because you know what’s in there, and hopefully, you know how to use it. A lot of these kits have all kinds of things that are cheaply made and should not be depended on.
Here is a list you can download and print out yourself to provide you with the information you need on what to put together. The more time you take gathering all of this information and materials into a backpack, bag, tote, or something else you can carry in an emergency, the better your life will be.

BUILD YOUR OWN HERE:

DOWNLOAD HERE

Earthquake and Flood Preparedness: Essential Measures for Truckee Meadows Valley Residents

This webpage focuses on two of the most significant natural threats we face here in Reno and Sparks: Earthquakes and Floods. The urgency of preparing for these events must be addressed, particularly in light of the vulnerabilities of the Prosser, Stampede, and Boca dams.
 
**The Potential Threat of Dam Failure**
 
Experts have raised concerns about the potential for a significant earthquake to compromise the integrity of these dams. In the unfortunate event that these structures fail, it is estimated that our valley could be inundated with up to 15 feet of water. This is not a distant possibility but a real threat that demands immediate and serious attention.
 
**Delayed Flood Awareness and Its Consequences**
 
The aftermath of such an earthquake poses a unique challenge. If homes are severely damaged, the awareness of the ensuing flood could be delayed, possibly reaching homes 5-10 hours later. This delay could be catastrophic, leaving residents with little time to react appropriately.
 
**Essential Preparations for a Swift Evacuation**
 
In light of this, one of the most crucial preparations you can make is to have a ‘bug-out’ plan. This involves preparing to evacuate to higher ground following an earthquake quickly. Such preparation includes:
 
  • Food and Water Storage: Enough supplies to sustain you and your family for a prolonged period.
  • Shelter and Clothing: Ready-to-deploy shelter options and appropriate clothing for various weather conditions.
  • Medication and Essential Documents: A stock of necessary medication and copies of important documents and records should be stored in waterproof, easily transported containers.
  • Fuel and Transportation: Ensuring vehicles are always sufficiently fueled, in good condition, and have an extra supply if needed.
  • Communication Devices: Keeping communication lines open and functional.
 
**Long-Term Aftermath Considerations**
 
It’s crucial to understand that the effects of such a disaster could last for days, weeks, or even months. Our community’s water, sewer, power, gas, and communication systems might be severely impacted. While a 72-hour emergency kit is a good start, extended preparedness is essential to navigate the complexities of the aftermath.
 
**Community Emergency Plan**
 
The Stake has proactively developed an emergency response plan. In the event of such a disaster, individuals are first to ensure the safety of their families and then meet at the designated church. Volunteers will be organized to search for other community members, assess their conditions, and coordinate with First Responders for urgent assistance. Each Ward within the Stake has a tailored version of this plan to serve their members best.
 
**Conclusion**
 
Understanding these risks and preparing accordingly can significantly impact our Stake’s resilience to these natural disasters. We encourage every member to take these warnings seriously and to act now to prepare themselves and their families for these potential emergencies. Together, we can ensure our Stake’s safety and readiness in the face of natural disasters.

Here is an excellent video discussing essential items to store for an emergency.

BASIC 1 PERSON 72-HOUR KIT-$39

INCLUDED EMERGENCY ITEMS: This emergency backpack survival kit includes the following: 1 x Triple-Pocket Reinforced Grab-N-Go Backpack, 1 x Dust Mask, 1 x Pack of Food Bars – 2,400 calories (5 year shelf life), 1 x Tissue Pack, 1 x Emergency Blanket, and 1 x Emergency Rain Poncho.

THE BLUE 72 ALSO INCLUDES PREMIUM SURVIVAL GEAR: This survival backpack also includes the following survival gear: 1 x Emergency Whistle/Compass Combo, 1 x Battery-free crank flashlight , 1 x 36 piece First Aid Emergency Kit and 5 x 4.22 oz. emergency drinking water pouches (5 year shelf life).

PERFECT PREPARATION KIT FOR NATURAL DISASTERS: This Backpack emergency kit is perfect to help you stay prepared in the case of the following emergencies or natural disasters: Hurricanes, Wildfires, Floods, Tornadoes, Earthquakes or even Power Outages. Be prepared with the Blue 72 Backpack Kit.

INCLUDES THE 3 ESSENTIALS TO SURVIVE: Each kit contains enough emergency supplies to sustain one person for three days (72 hours). The three basic essentials of food, water and emergency blankets (as recommended by the American Red Cross), are included in every handy backpack.

VERSATILE SURVIVAL KIT BACKPACK: The Blue Seventy-Two is a simple yet versatile 3-day emergency kit for one person. Whether you barely planned what you are going to eat for lunch today or you have step-by-step contingency plans for surviving an EMP attack, this kit is a must have.

BASIC 1 PERSON 72-HOUR KIT

Ready America 72 Hour Deluxe Emergency Kit, 2-Person 3-Day Backpack, First Aid Kit, Survival Blanket, Power Station, Emergency Food, Portable Disaster Preparedness Go-Bag for Earthquake, Fire, Flood-$77

  • About this item

    • 72-hour emergency kit for disaster preparedness: Stay prepared for emergency situations everywhere you go. Ready America emergency survival kits have enough supplies for 2 people for 3 days (72 hours). Basic essential emergency supplies as recommended by the American Red Cross, as well as a hygiene kit, dust masks, survival blankets and ponchos
    • Includes 33-piece first aid kit: Comes with first aid essentials for minor injuries such as bandages and wound cleaning solution. Take care of medical emergencies with easy-to-use supplies. Great for a car emergency kit or boat accessories
    • Food and water: Everything you need in case of an emergency. 2 x 2400 calories U.S. Coast Guard approved survival food bars, 6 x 4.225oz water pouches (both food and water have 5 year shelf life from date of manufacture), water purification tablets and a BPA free water bottle
    • Deluxe additions: The deluxe emergency kit includes a stainless steel multi-function pocket tool with screwdriver, pliers and knife functions, a 4-function hand-crank power station with radio, charger and flashlight and siren capabilities, and so much more

Everlit Survival Upgraded Survival First Aid Kit Emergency Gear Trauma Kit with 1000D Nylon Laser Cut Tactical EMT Pouch for Outdoor, Camping, Hunting, Hiking, Earthquake, Home, Office-$49

  • About this item

    • ✅【Most Advanced First Aid Survival Kit & IFAK】 Upgraded from the best-selling EVERLIT Survival First Aid Kit, improved by the Army Vets, field-tested by the Ex-Army Sergeant. The most comprehensive, advanced, quality Medical Survival Kit on the market, comprises essential first aid supplies and high-grade survival tools packed in a Mil-Spec Molle System Compatible tactical pouch. Perfect for camping, hunting, hiking, boating, outdoors, field trip, home, office, and car.
    • ✅【Comprehensive First Aid Kit Exceeds OSHA Guideline, Over 30 Unique Medical Supplies】 The kit contains more than enough supply to fulfill different medical and emergency needs of a single-family or a group of friends during an outdoor adventure. Including burn dressing, shears, CPR mask, wound dressing, elastic bandages, eye pads, alcohol pad, disinfectants, various sizes and shapes of bandages, gauze, moleskin blister relief, iodine, sewing kit, disposable gloves, and more.
    • ✅【High-Grade Emergency Survival Gears for Camping or Home Needs】 The Advanced Survival Emergency Kit offers more options to ensure you will be well-prepared under any emergencies. The survival kit includes an upgraded tactical flashlight (w/ batteries), multi-function tactical glass breaker, fire starter with a compass, 550 paracord bracelet, multi-purpose wallet saber card, emergency glow sticks, emergency blanket, and poncho.
    • ✅【1000D Reinforced Nylon, Water Repellent, Laser-Cut Tactical Molle Pouch Features Quick-Pull Opening Tab and Detachable Inner Pocket】 The 1000D Reinforced Nylon military tactical EMT medical Pouch features Quick-Pull Tab and Detachable Inner Pocket. The pouch has an overall dimension of 6.5” X 8” X 4”. The Quick-Pull Tab can be used to deploy the bag instantly without the hassle to pull the zippers. The Detachable Inner Pocket can be removed from the bag and attach to hook&loop.

Gravity Water Filter Pro, Versatile Water Purifier Camping with 0.01-Micron Water Filter Straw, 3L Gravity Bag, Survival Gear for Hiking, Backpacking, and Emergency Preparedness-$29.99

About this item

  • Very Versatile: In addition to being a camping water filtration system, gravity water bag connected suction nozzle can be used as a hydration bladder. The water filter straw plus straw suction nozzle can directly drink natural water, connected water pipe can extend the use. Water pipe added suction nozzle can be more effective drinking water, the filter straw connected to the water bottle to act as an extruded water filtration system
  • High-Efficiency Filtration: The water filter straw is made up of 0.01 μm hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane, Activated carbon fiber, and double PP Cotton.It filters about 600 milliliters per minute. The entire water filtration system is made of food-grade materials
  • Easy Maintenance: Wide open gravity water bag, water filling and flushing are very fast and convenient. The water filter straw backwash design, Insert a plastic bottle into the outlet of the filter for backwashing, no need for an extra syringe
  • Easy to Use: Just hang on a tree or put the gravity water bag in a high place, hands-free filtration, enjoy effort-free (no pumping, no squeezing) filtered water within minutes. The operation of this gravity-fed water filtration system is remarkably straightforward
  • Multi-scene Application: As a necessity for outdoor water purification, the Burtrail Gravity Water Filter is applicable to camping, hiking, backpacking, emergency preparedness (rainstorms, floods, earthquakes, hurricane, etc.) to meet the emergency water demand in a variety of situations
  • Portable and Lightweight: No cumbersome fittings and lightweight. Easy carrying survival water filtration system when putting all the parts in the organizer bag
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