September - National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America


During National Preparedness Month, we underscore the important responsibility Americans have to be ready for emergencies in our homes, businesses, and communities.

The Department of Homeland Security's Ready campaign highlights preparedness steps, including having an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, and becoming informed about different types of emergencies. After preparing themselves and their families, Americans can take the next step and get involved in helping to prepare their communities for all types of emergencies. For more information, citizens may visit www.ready.gov and citizencorps.gov.

During National Preparedness Month, we also honor our Nation's police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel for their hard work and commitment to protecting others. As first responders, they have demonstrated the true meaning of heroism by taking great risks to safeguard our communities, and all Americans are grateful for their efforts.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2008 as National Preparedness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the importance of preparing for potential emergencies and to observe this month by participating in appropriate events, activities, and preparedness programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Tortilla Soup (submitted by Heather Adams)

4 chicken breasts
2 15 oz. cans black beans
2 15 oz cans Mexican stewed tomatoes
1 cup salsa
1 4 oz. can diced green chilies
1 14.5 oz. can tomato sauce
1 large can spicy chili beans

Cook in crock pot on low for 8 hrs. 1-2 hours before serving, remove chicken & shred. Put back in pot & stir. Serve with sour cream, cheese, tortilla chips.

Dry Pack Opportunity

Our stake's next dry pack opportunity is Tuesday, September 30, 2008. Our ward has 2 more openings (one in the morning, and one in the evening). Please sign up in the comments below, or call Sister Seamons if you would like to go. First come, first serve. In addition, there are several alternate spots available, in case of cancellations. As of right now we are allowed to purchase 36 cans of product per person. Amounts and prices change almost daily, due to shortages. It is requested, that those who are going, will pick up cans for those who cannot go, but want to buy items. If you would like to purchase product that way, please contact Sister Seamons right away.
Here is a list of products available: Beans, Milk, Rice, Sugar, Wheat, Apple Slices, Carrots, Macaroni, Oats, Onions (dry), Potato Flakes, Spaghetti, Cocoa, Flour, Fruit Drink Mix.
Please visit www.providentliving.org for more information about these products (storage life, price, quantity needed, etc.), or contact me with any questions you might have.

Fabulous Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup shortening
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs (or 2 T dried whole egg & 1/4 cup water)
2 t. vanilla
2 cup whole wheat flour
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 cup quick cooking oatmeal

Put first 5 ingredients in bowl and mix together just until combined. (Shortening will be in small lumps.) Mix flour, baking powder, soda and salt together and blend into shortening mixture. Blend in oatmeal. Form into 1 1/4" balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Makes 3 dozen.
Just a side note: Shortening has the longest shelf life of all cooking oils.

Yeast and Sugar

Macey's has the best price for SAF yeast and sugar right now. I like to store my sugar in a 5 gal. bucket with a gamma lid. I rotate it regularly and it's easily accessible.
Yeast has a shelf life of about 1 year, if kept in the cupboard. If you keep it in the freezer, the shelf life is increased to a minimum of 5 years. I just opened a package of SAF instant yeast the other day, that I had in the freezer for 7 years, and I noticed no difference in the rising of my bread dough. Once opened, I keep my yeast in a quart size freezer bag in the fridge to ensure freshness.

Sales Alert

Macey's has a huge sale on FOOD STORAGE items going on right now through Wednesday, Aug 27. Check their weekly ad for fabulous deals!

Basic Food Storage

From Brigham Young's time to the present, latter-day prophets have counseled Church members to store food for times of need.

In a letter to priesthood leaders on January 20, 2002, the First Presidency wrote:
"Church members can begin their home storage by storing the basic foods that would be required to keep them alive if they did not have anything else to eat...When members have stored enough of these essentials to meet the needs of their family for one year, they may decide to add other items that they are accustomed to using day to day."

It is recommended to store the following for long-term basic food storage:

Grains (wheat, oats, rice, flour, pasta)
Legumes (dry beans, lentils, canned beans, peanut butter)
Fats & oils (vegetable oil, shortening, mayo, peanut butter)
Sugars (White, brown, powdered, honey, corn syrup, jams etc.)
Milk (nonfat dry, evaporated)
Salt, Yeast, Baking Soda, Baking Powder
Water (2 weeks)

The website providentliving.org has a food storage calculator that will calculate what amount you will need for each item for your family size.

All Is Safely Gathered In

The pamphlet "All is Safely Gathered In" (available from the bishopric) states the following:
For longer term needs, and where permitted, gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans.
These items can last 30 years or more when properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place. A portion of these items may be rotated in your three-month supply.

Visit www.providentliving.org for more information about home storage.
You can order wheat, rice, and beans directly, without added shipping cost through lds.org.