Why didn't anyone ever tell me this? (Let's get prepared!)

We visited the Hawthorne Ward a few months ago and as I picked up a program, I noticed a handout listing useful websites for getting prepared for emergencies/ disasters. Listed below are links to six different websites with wonderful information. Please check out at least a few of them and start (or finish) getting prepared. You'll be glad you did!

    http://providentliving.org
    http://ready.gov
    http://www.fema.gov
    http://preparedness.ldswelfare.org
    http://livingprepared.blogspot.com
    http://www.redcross.org

The list was followed by this quote from Spencer W Kimball:
Let's do these things because they are right, because they are satisfying, and because we are obedient to the counsels of the Lord. In this spirit we will be prepared for most eventualities and the Lord will prosper and comfort us. It is true that difficult times will come--for the Lord has foretold them--But if we live wisely and providently, we will be a safe as in the palm of His hand.

Teaching Your Teens about Emergency Preparedness

Preparedness 101:  Zombie Apocalypse! 

I recently found this blog on the CDCs website (click here).  Yes, that is the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  It has a bunch of great tips on how to prepare for a Zombie Apocalypse, which happen to also be great tips on how to survive a real disaster.  It also includes pertinent information on the origin of Zombies, which is extremely useful for the uniformed parent of teenagers.  Here is an excerpt:

Better Safe than Sorry

So what do you need to do before zombies...or hurricanes or pandemics for example, actually happen?  First of all, you should have an emergency kit in your house.  This includes things like water, food, and other supplies to get you through the first couple of days before you can locate a zombie-free refugee camp (or in the event of a natural disaster, it will buy you some time until you are able to make your way to an evacuation sheter or utility lines are restored). 

They then list the basic elements of, you guessed it, a 72-hour kit.  You will need your teen's input to be truly and thoroughly prepared, though.  For example, my son, who is an expert on zombie apocalypse theory, informed me that an essential item that is lacking in the emergency kit is a shotgun.  Apparently, "everyone" knows that you need a shotgun to ward of zombies.

There is also information about Harvard psychiatrist Steven Schoolman who wrote a medical paper on zombies.  He refers to their condition as "Ataxic Neurodegenerative Satiety Deficiency Syndrome."  Needless to say, the blog is very complete. 

If you have had trouble getting your teen (or let's face it, your husband) interested in emergency/disaster preparedness, this may be a great way for you to catch their interest.