Be Prepared to Serve

News of Japan's earthquake has brought reflection on the multitude of troubles throughout the World and the need to be prepared and to provide service.

Last week our during our Relief Socity Birthday Celebration we enjoyed cake and ice cream and focused on humanitarian service projects.

This quote by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen of the University of California San Francisco, was read to us by the director of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Humanitarian Center.
When we help, we inadvertently take away from people more than we could ever give them; we may diminish their self-esteem, their sense of worth, integrity and wholeness.. When you help someone, they owe you one. But serving, like healing, is mutual. There is no debt. I am as served as the person I am serving. When I help I have a feeling of satisfaction. When I serve I have a feeling of gratitude. These are very different things... We can only serve that to which we are profoundly connected, that which we are willing to touch. We serve life not because it is broken, but because it is holy... I think I would go so far as to say that fixing and helping may often be the work of the ego, and service is the work of the soul. They may look similar if you're watching from the outside, but the inner experience is different. The outcome is often different, too... Only service heals."

Here among the disaster this pictures shows one rescuer who was willing to touch another and lift the hopes of many.

I was reminded that there is need for service everywhere and not just during huge disasters.

We heard of people isolated for government assistance, without food, water, and shelter (remember it is winter there) for more than 3 days. We've been told to be prepared and to have our 72 hr. kits ready and handy should we be told to evacuate or be stranded after a disaster without basic needs.



Are you prepared?
72 Hour Emergency Kit
By Rachel Woods, About LDS Guide, http://lds.about.com

Notes:
Update your kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure
that: all food, water, and medication are fresh (not expired), clothing fits, personal
documents and credit cards are up to date, and batteries are charged.
Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and
entertainment during a stressful time.
Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
You can include any other items you feel are necessary for your family's survival.
Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt, “flavor” other items, or break open.
Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might help prevent this.




Food and Water
(3 day supply of food & water per person
when no refrigeration/cooking is available)
_ Protein/Granola Bars
_ Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
_ Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
_ Canned Tuna, Beans, Meat, Vienna
Sausages, etc (“pop-top” cans might leak/
explode & Jerky can “flavor” other items)
_ Canned Juice
_ Candy/Gum (Jolly ranchers can melt &
mint gum might “flavor” other items)
_ Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters per person)
Bedding and Clothing
_ Change of Clothing (short and long
sleeve shirts, pants, socks, jackets, etc.)
_ Undergarments
_ Rain Coat /Poncho
_ Blankets and Emergency Heat Blankets
_ Cloth Sheet
_ Plastic Sheet
Fuel & Light
_ Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps)
_ Extra Batteries
_ Flares
_ Candles
_ Lighter
_ Water-Proof Matches
Miscellaneous
_ Bag or Bags to put 72 hour kit items in
(such as duffel bags or hiking back packs,
which work great)
_ Infant Needs (if applicable)
Equipment
_ Can Opener
_ Dishes/Utensils
_ Shovel
_ Radio (with batteries!)
_ Pen and Paper
_ Axe
_ Pocket Knife
_ Rope
_ Duct Tape
Personal Supplies & Medication
_ First Aid Supplies
_ Toiletries (roll of toilet paper—remove
center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock
bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush, etc)
_ Cleaning Supplies (mini hand sanitizer,
soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc. Warning:
Scented soap might “flavor” food items.)
_ Immunizations Up-to Date
_ Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen,
children’s medication, etc.)
_ Prescription Medication (for 3 days)
Personal Documents and Money
(Place these items in a water-proof container!)
_ Scriptures (miniature ones are lighter)
_ Genealogy Records
_ Patriarchal Blessing
_ Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage
Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts)
_ Vaccination Papers
_ Insurance Policies
_ Cash
_ Credit Card
_ Pre-Paid Phone Cards



Notes:
1.Update your first aid kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to replenish and check all supplies. Expired or contaminated items should be replaced.
2.Check with your family doctor for any specific medicines and first aid supplies your family might require for an emergency.
3.Some items may leak or break open. Using tubes, plastic bottles, or Ziploc bags can help prevent contamination.
4.All first aid supplies should be labeled and organized for quick and easy use.
5.Supplies may be divided and organized into compartments or sections for easier access when using your first aid kit.
6.You may include any other first aid items you feel would be useful or necessary.
7.A condensed version of this first aid kit should also be included in your 72 hour kit.

Standard First Aid Kit Supplies*
•Container (metal, wood, or plastic) with a fitted cover to store first aid kit
•First Aid Booklet (including CPR)
•Prescribed Medications
•Any critical medical family histories
•Adhesive
•Ammonia
•Bicarbonate of soda
•Calamine lotion (sunburn/insect bites)
•Diarrhea remedy
•Elastic bandages
•Gauze bandages
•Hot-water bottle
•Hydrogen peroxide
•Ipecac syrup (induces vomiting)
•Knife
•Matches
•Measuring cup
•Medicine dropper
•Needles
•Paper bags
•Razor blades
•Rubbing alcohol
•Safety pins
•Scissors
•Soap
•Thermometer
•Triangular bandages
•Tweezers
•Prescriptions
•Consecrated oil



If everyone has their own pack it is easier to carry what you need, should you be evacated. It also helps if you get separated.

Additional First Aid Kit Supplies
•Immunization records
•Medications for children (if applicable)
•Fever reducing medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen
•Allergy medication
•Antibacterial wipes
•Antibiotic ointment
•Antiseptic wipes
•Band-aids
•Burn ointment/spray
•Cotton balls
•Cough syrup/cough drops
•Disposable blanket
•Eye drops/eye wash
•Feminine Hygiene
•Gloves
•Hand sanitizer
•Hot and cold instant packs
•Hydrocortisone cream
•Lip ointment (chap stick)
•Medical tape (waterproof & regular)
•Nail clippers
•Needle and thread
•Snake bite kit
•Sterile strips
•Sunscreen/lotion
•Tourniquet kit
•Vaseline
•Water purification tablets

Do you have what you need to care for you and your family if asked to evacuate? Can you transport it without using your car?

Have you made an emergency plan and does you family know where to meet if they get separated or who to call.