Area Temporal Preparedness Guidelines: West Indies English
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Area Temporal Preparedness
Guidelines: West Indies English
WELFARE AND SELF- RELIANCE SERVICES
Introduction
The Lord said, “All things unto me are spiritual” (Doctrine
and Covenants 29:34). Caring for our temporal needs not
only protects our physical bodies from harm, but it can also
help us learn spiritual lessons as well. “By small and simple
means are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6). Act in
faith and the Lord will magnify your small and consistent
efforts.
Bishop W. Christopher Waddell taught, “As we embrace
spiritual principles and seek inspiration from the Lord, we
will be guided to know the Lord’s will for us, individually
and as families, and how best to apply the important
principles of temporal preparedness” (“There Was Bread”
October 2020 General Conference.)
We invite you to review the following guidelines and
activities that would be most helpful for your situation. Try
one or two of the suggestions now and then go from there.
1 © 2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All Rights Reserved. PD60011760
Contents page
INTRODUCTION 1
Guidelines and Activities for Individuals and Families
EMERGENCY PLANNING 3
GUIDELINES 3
GOLDEN RULES FOR EMERGENCIES – AREA PRESIDENCY RECOMMENDATIONS 4
PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR EMERGENCIES 7
PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT 8
DISASTER AND DISRUPTION ASSESSMENT 10
PLANNING FOR DISRUPTIONS 11
COMMUNICATION AND GATHERING PLAN 12
PREPARING FOR AN EMERGENCY CHECKLIST 13
HOME STORAGE AND PRODUCTION 14
GUIDELINES 14
STORING FOOD AND NECESSITIES 15
FOOD STORAGE FAQS 17
FOOD PRODUCTION AND PRESERVATION 18
PLANNING YOUR HOME STORAGE 19
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES 16
FINANCIAL PREPAREDNESS 17
GUIDELINES 17
FINANCIAL PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITY 20
EMOTIONAL PREPAREDNESS 21
GUIDELINES 21
ACTIVITY- REDUCING STRESS AND ANXIETY 23
ACTIVITY- DEVELOPING HEALTHY COPING SKILLS 24
Guidelines and Activities for Councils
TEMPORAL PREPAREDNESS GUIDELINES FOR COUNCILS 25
GUIDELINES FOR STAKES, WARD COUNCILS, AND PRESIDENCIES 25
FORMATION OF AN AREA EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMITTEE 26
T EMPORAL P REPAREDNESS A CTIVITIES FOR C OUNCILS 28
2
Emergency Planning
Guidelines
Introduction
The Lord has promised "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30). Preparation is
necessary in many areas, including emergency planning, home storage and production, financial preparedness,
and emotional preparedness. If we have these plans in place, we can be prepared when challenges occur.
Becoming temporally prepared is not a one-time event. You are not expected to have everything in order all at
once or even to reach a point where you feel completely prepared. Just like gaining spiritual knowledge,
temporal preparedness is best done line upon line. Then, when challenges occur, we can learn from them, heal
and grow, and renew our commitment to preparedness.
Elements of an Emergency Plan
Developing an emergency plan requires an understanding of the potential disruptions or disasters that may
occur in your area. With an understanding of these you can prepare your home for emergencies, make an
effective emergency kit, and create a communication and gathering plan.
3
Golden Rules for Emergencies – Area Presidency Recommendations
1. Have emergency bag ready
Although we have all heard of the need to have an emergency backpack prepared with everything we
need if we must leave the house in a hurry, we do not always have it ready and on-hand. So, today is
the day! ... You'll appreciate it if you suddenly come face-to-face with a natural disaster and you must
turn to your own resources to survive inside or outside your home until help arrives.
It's also a good idea to use one of the bags or suitcases you use to travel as they have subdivisions that
will help you organize the contents and are easier to carry when you have wheels (if you have a car,
choose one that easily fits in the trunk). What to put inside? It depends on your specific needs and those
of your family. Here is a guide to what not to miss:
• Non-perishable food and drink (one gallon of water per person per day) for three days. If your
emergency bag contains canned food, be sure to include a can opener.
• A portable radio and a flashlight, both with extra batteries.
• One first aid kit plus a supply of the medications you take daily.
• Also be sure to include a pair of extra glasses or contact lenses and those medical devices you usually
use.
• A whistle and a couple of useful tools like a wrench or pliers to close public services if necessary.
• An extra charger for your cell phone
• A change of clothes for each family member
• Cash (without electricity ATMs or cash registers in markets or gas stations won’t work).
2. Designate meeting points and a contact person
Nerves and confusion often accompany any natural disaster, so it is crucial that all members in your
family know how and where to meet if they get separated or are not together when disaster strikes.
Designate two meeting points today, one near your home and one further away, in case the damage in
the neighborhood were more extensive.
Also designate a contact person that everyone can call in an emergency. If you have the option, choose
someone who lives in a different state than yours because, in an emergency, local phones usually
collapse quickly, and it is easier to make a long-distance or even an international call.
3. Don't get rid of the landline
Wireless phones are more comfortable in everyday life, but remember that if there is no electricity, they
do not work. Keep a landline at home connected to the wall.
4. Make your home visibly clear from a distance
This is a detail that we often overlook, but that can be crucial during an emergency. Make sure your
home number is easily visible from the road and contains reflective material, so it is visible both during
the day and night.
4
Also consider changing the light switch you have on the porch to one that includes the option to flash
the light.
Find these Emergency Switch Flashing Light Activator (order for an Emergency Switch Flashing Light
Activator) at your favorite hardware store.
If you need to call emergency services, you will want them to find your home quickly!
5. Prepare an inventory of your home
Taking an inventory of your possessions may seem like a tedious project, but it will make your life much
easier if you need to file an insurance claim after a natural disaster.
If you have access to a video camera (today many cell phones include photo and video camera), it will
be even easier.
Just go room by room recording with the camera and documenting aloud all the details you remember
of your valuables.
You can mention, for example, when and where you purchased that item, how much you paid, and
whether you used a credit card or if you paid it in cash.
Also say aloud the make, model, and serial numbers of the device. If you do not have access to a video
camera, use a photo camera to document each valuable object and write down the information related
to that object.
Then, spend an afternoon putting together all the receipts you have saved and clearly indicate to which
items they belong.
It does not matter if you inventory electronically or manually, remember to save the discs or papers
along with the rest of your important documents.
Make sure that the folder or box (could be a small safe) where you store them is water and fire resistant.
6. In case of Hurricanes
For those of us living in hurricane zone, take note of these tips to mitigate the effects in your home.
• Make a list of items from outside that you will have to bring into the house if a hurricane approach.
• Cover all the windows of your home. A very economical alternative is to put on the windows custom-
cut plywood panels (remember to mark which plank is for which window).
• Keep all trees and shrubs short to make them more wind resistant.
• Disconnect water, electricity, and gas services as directed by the authorities. Install, if possible, an
emergency generator.
• Fill the tub and other large containers with water to ensure water supply for sanitary purposes, such
as cleaning and flushing toilets. This water should not be used for drinking.
• Have a designated "safe place" in your home where your family can gather during a hurricane. The
place you choose must not have windows, skylights or glass doors and must be off the path of
floodwaters (never in the basement!). In a two-story house, go to an interior room on the first floor,
such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway.
5
• Store valuables (important papers, jewelry, family photos, etc.) in waterproof boxes or bags. Keep
them in a safe place and as high as possible to avoid damage if a flood follows the hurricane.
7. In case of floods
Floods are the most common natural disaster in the area, and although they can sometimes be predicted
in advance, sometimes they occur quickly and have devastating effects. Follow these basic precautions.
Stay as informed as possible and know the risks of floods in your area. If you are not sure, call your local
Red Cross office or the emergency management agency in your locality.
• If you live in an area at high risk of flooding, lift the boiler, water heater and electric panel in your
home and seal the basement walls with a waterproof compound.
• Consider installing check valves to prevent floodwater from entering your home pipes.
• Have several plastic containers of different sizes at home or where possible (save them inside each
other to save space). You will find them very useful if there's a sudden flood to store valuables you
want to keep dry and to fill them with drinking water.
• If there is a flood, the golden rule is to immediately go to higher ground and stay away from the
water. Do not forget that even in shallow water, currents can be much stronger and more dangerous
than they seem to the naked eye.
• Never try to walk, swim or drive through such fast water. There is a danger of being electrocuted if
a cable were down due to the storm.
8. If you have loved ones living in areas of risk:
• If you live far away, start by making a list of friends, neighbors, religious leaders, and other close
acquaintances who can check if your loved one is fine, and find out how to keep in touch with them
during an emergency. Exchange phone numbers, emails, and other contact information with them,
create a call list, and leave this information near your loved one's phone.
• "As a last resort, you can call the police—a non-emergency number—and ask them to check if your
loved one is fine. But the assist of local acquaintances is better, as the police could be busy with calls
for help.
• Create an evacuation route in case your loved one needs to move elsewhere before, during, or after
an emergency. Determine how they can leave their home safely, where they should go, and what is the
best route (including a transportation plan).
• Encourage your loved one to listen to advice on whether to evacuate on the radio or TV. Also, find
out the safest way for your loved one to stay at home during a hurricane.
• Make copies of important documents and store them in a waterproof bag to protect them. Keep the
bag in an easy-to-remember place and remind your loved one to take it with them before evacuating
their home.
• Develop a communication plan before you need it. Talk to your loved one about how they prefer to
let their family members know where and how they are—whether by a text in a group, email, or phone
call.
• Also be sure to choose a person who lives outside the city to contact in case it was easier to make
long-distance calls than local calls during an extreme weather phenomenon.
6
Preparing Your Home for Emergencies Preparing your home for emergencies is an important part of emergency planning. You may need to endure a disruption while staying at home. Review each area to get to know some practical tips for doing so. Utility Shut-Off In times of emergency, you may need to shut off utilities to your home to keep you safe. Learn where the shut off valves and levers are and how to use them to turn off the water, electricity, and natural gas lines located both inside and outside your home. Special Preparations for Potential Natural Disasters in Your Area Consider what kinds of natural disasters may be likely where you live and prepare your home accordingly. For example, if you live in an earthquake zone, consider securing your water heater by strapping it to wall studs and securing heavy furniture. If severe winter weather is a threat, prepare your home to keep the cold out with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep your pipes from freezing. Or if tornados are a threat, secure or remove any outdoor items that could be picked up by the wind and thrown into your home. Food, Water, and Non-Food Essentials Home Storage Having a food and water supply in your home can help you be secure. • Food- Store an emergency supply of foods you normally eat that last for long periods of time. See "Food Storage and Production" section. • Water- Have an extra supply of water where possible for washing and sanitations needs. Aim for a gallon a day per person. To store drinking water, follow the guidelines in the "Items to Store" section. • Non-Food Essentials-Store other essentials such as medical supplies, clothing, blankets, light source, communication method, extra batteries, etc. Cooking Solutions Being able to have an alternative cooking source to use, gives you more options when preparing meals. Make sure where you cook is well ventilated. Some cooking options to consider are: • Canned heat (used under serving dishes or fondue pots) • Wood burning cook stove • Fireplace • Candles • Grills/Camp stoves (use outdoors only) Emergency Kit Some disruptions require leaving your home quickly. Having an emergency kit on hand in your home will help you be ready. Consider having additional emergency kits on hand at your place of work and in your vehicle. 7
Preparing an Emergency Kit
Review the categories below to help you create an emergency kit. An emergency kit can help you be
prepared if you need to leave your home for a short period of time. Having one ready will help bring peace
to your mind.
Medical supplies:
Shelter:
Prescriptions, over the counter
Tents, blankets, clothes
medicines, first aid items.
Food and Water: Money:
Simple foods and water or Cash or value items to trade for what
water filter you need.
Critical Documents:
Light: Identification, property and vehicle
flashlight, batteries, candles, records, financial and legal forms,
matches medical information, insurance
policies, estate documents, and
emergency contact list.
Communication: Entertainment and Comfort Items:
Battery powered radio, phone Games, balls, puzzles, coloring
with charger, backup battery supplies, books
8
Additional Resources
Your local county and city are sources of information on emergency planning. You can find more about
this topic at the sites listed below.
• Trinidad:
• https://www.odpm.gov.tt
• https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• https://www.ttps.gov.tt
• www.oas.org
• http://www.salvationarmycarib.org
• Guyana:
• https://cdc.gy
• https://www.salvationarmycarib.org
• https://foodforhtepoor.org.gy
• https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• Barbados:
• https://www.dem.gov.bb
• https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• https://www.salvationarmycarib.org
•
• Suriname:
• http://www.preventionweb.net/publication/view/53917
• www.cdema.org
• www.paho.org
• https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
9Activity
Disaster and Disruption Assessment
Purpose:
Help individuals and families understand the potential
disruptions and disasters in their area.
Principle:
“Let all things be prepared before you" Doctrine and
Covenants 101:68.
Activity:
Answer the question below to help you assess the most
common disasters and disruptions in your area. This will
help you prioritize your planning.
What disasters or disruptions are most likely where you live? (e.g., tornados, floods, severe winter, etc.)
Refer to “Planning for Disruptions “activity on page 11 to make a plan for these disruptions.
10Activity
Planning for Disruptions
Purpose:
To assist individuals and families in planning for disruptions.
Principle:
"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear" Doctrine and Covenants 38:30.
Activity:
Use this worksheet to plan for immediate and long-term needs. Identify the resources you will need in each
time frame. For example, imagine the disruption is to your shelter. A short-term need could be using a
meetinghouse, a midterm need could be staying with friends or family members, and a long-term need could
be repairing your home or buying a new one.
DISRUPTIONS SHORT-TERM NEEDS MIDTERM NEEDS LONG-TERM NEEDS
(1–3 DAYS) (3 DAYS–2 WEEKS) (2 WEEKS–2+ MONTHS)
Example- A case of bottled water Store water in larger Water filter
Drinking Water volume container
Food, Drinking Water,
and Cooking
Physical Safety
Shelter and Clothing
Communication
Emotional Well-Being
Power Sources
Heating and Cooling
Medical Services
Sewer and Water
Transportation and
Fuel Supply
Spiritual Well-Being
11Activity
Communication and Gathering Plan
Purpose:
To assist individuals and families in making an emergency
communication plan.
Principle:
"Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy
company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard
unto them" Ezekiel 38:7.
Activity:
Create a communication plan for contacting people in an emergency. It’s good to have a list of family
members, friends, neighbors, Church leaders, and community resources. Consider memorizing phone
numbers in case your contact list is unavailable. Plan other ways to make contact if you can’t make a phone
call. This might mean texting, instant messaging, or posting on social media. Designate a relative in another
city to be an out-of-town contact. Plan for all family members to contact that person. They can tell their
condition and location to the out-of-town contact, who can help relay information.
COMMUNICATION PLAN (Names & Numbers)
FAMILY CONTACTS NEIGHBORS, CHURCH, WORK MEDICAL, COMMUNITY, SCHOOL
Out of town contact:
Designate a safe place where you and your family can find each other after an emergency. It is also a good
idea to pick an alternate place. Gathering places may change depending on the disaster or where you are
when the disaster happens. For example, if you’re at school, you may not be able to come to the safe place near
your home. Your gathering place should be somewhere where children can find a trusted adult.
GATHERING PLAN
Family gathering place:
Alternate family gathering place
School or child-care gathering place
12Activity
Preparing for an Emergency Checklist
Purpose:
To assist individuals and families prepare an emergency checklist.
Principle:
"And see that these things are done in wisdom and order" Mosiah 4:27.
Activity:
Review items you have, work to gather what you need, and record action items. Once you have everything on
your checklist, do not forget to check your emergency supplies regularly. Children grow out of clothes, food
expires, and plans change. Revisit this list and see what needs to be replaced or added.
Checklist:
Food and Water
❑ Supply of perishable food for days.
❑ gallons of water per individual.
❑ Cooking source
❑ (Add your own)
❑ (Add your own)
Emergency Kit
❑ Clothing
❑ Blankets
❑ Medical supplies
❑ Light source
❑ Critical documents (identification, financial etc.)
❑ Communication method
❑ Communication and gathering plan
❑ (Add your own)
❑ (Add your own)
Home Preparation
❑ Knowledge of location and how to shut off home utilities (gas, water, and electricity)
❑ (Add your own)
ACTION ITEMS
13Home Storage and Production
Guidelines
Church leaders council members worldwide to store a basic supply of food and water at home, to prepare for
times of need. In Old Testament times Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and directed a food storage program
that saved Egypt from hunger. We also can be blessed by striving to prepare "every needful thing." (Doctrine and
Covenants 109:8) One of the blessings will be peace of mind.
God’s children live in many different circumstances. Some of us have limited finances or space in our homes.
Bishop W. Christopher Scott Waddell shared “God does not expect us to do more than we can do, but he does
expect us to do what we can do, when we can do it” (“There Was Bread” October 2020 General Conference) We
can start small and build from there. We can do it “in wisdom and in order.” (Mosiah 4:27)
Overview of What to Store
Longer-term food supply Short-term food supply
• Basic staple foods such as grains • Foods you normally eat
and dry beans
• Shelf-stable items such as canned and
• Foods that can be stored for years packaged foods that do not spoil
quickly
• Foods that could sustain life
Non-food essentials Water
• Basic supplies to see you • 4 liters (1 gallon) of water for each
through an emergency at home, person each day for at least 3
such as medications, flashlights days
and candles
• Filters or other ways to purify
water if needed
14Storing Food and Necessities Short-term Food Storage Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. This is the starting point for your food supply. Make a goal that is reasonable for your circumstances. It is okay to start with a small goal -for example, having a one-week supply. Then build up from there as you can. You might want to think of foods to make nutritious meals even if you could not get fresh items from the store. This would include canned and packaged items that do not spoil quickly. Figure out which foods in what amounts you would like to keep on hand. Use this food in your normal cooking before it expires. Then buy more to replace the items you use up. For more ideas on short-term storage see https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/latter-day-saints- channel/blog/post/how-to-begin-your-short-term-food- storage?lang=eng. Water Water is crucial for life. Store at least a gallon (4 liters) for each person per day for 3 days. Where possible, store enough for 2 weeks. More water will be needed in hot climates. If water comes directly from a good, pretreated source of drinking water, it does not need to be purified before storing. If you need to use water that is impure, store a means of water purification, such as a filter. Use sturdy, leak-proof, break-resistant containers. Do not use plastic jugs that have contained milk or fruit juice. Keep water containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Store water where it would not cause damage if a container leaked. Store water containers so they are not directly on the ground or cement. For more information on water storage and purification, see: • https://providentliving.churchofjesuschrist.org/self-reliance/home-storage- centers?lang=enghttps://www.ready.gov/water 15
.
Longer-Term Food Storage
For longer-term needs, gradually build of a storage of long-lasting foods that preserve life.
These basic foods are: • Non-fat dry milk*
• Grains (such as white rice*, wheat, • Fats and oils (such as cooking oil*)
corn, rolled oats*, and pasta*) • Salt
• Beans (such as such as pinto or black • Daily multi-vitamin supplement* or
beans), lentils* fruits and vegetables*
• Sweeteners (such as sugar and honey) • For cooking: baking soda, baking
powder, yeast*, and spices*.
Many of these foods can last for many years-–even 30 years. To last that long they need to be stored at room
temperature or below. They need airtight packaging that keeps out moisture, insects, and rodents. The items
marked with a * have a shorter storage life and would need to be rotated. If desired, you can increase the
variety by adding other foods such as canned or dehydrated fruits and vegetables and canned meats.
Other items to include would be recipes based on these items, and a grinder if you store whole grains.
You could use a portion of these foods in your everyday meals, then replace them to maintain your supply.
To learn more about amounts of foods to store, see: Gospel library > Topics > gospel topics > food storage > learn more
about a long-term food supply > An Approach to Longer-Term Food Storage
For more details including information on shelf-life and packaging recommendations,
see: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/food-
storage?lang=eng
Non-Food Essentials
Store other necessities you would need for emergencies, or in case you could not buy
them.
❑ Candles, lanterns, or flashlights, ❑ Important documents (see page 5)
matches, batteries ❑ Bedding and clothing, including
❑ Medications and first-aid supplies some clothes that young children can
grow into
❑ Hygiene supplies such as soap, toilet
paper, and feminine supplies ❑ A simple means of cooking without
electricity
❑ Laundry supplies
❑ A means of communicating with
❑ Basic cleaning supplies including
family
disinfectant wipes
16Food Storage FAQs
.
Where can I find room to keep food storage?
Store food in a clean cool, dry place. It is best to store food at room-
temperature or below, but not freezing. Here are a few possibilities:
• Shelves, cupboards
• In low boxes under beds
• On the floor or back wall of closets
• Not directly on cement or the ground.
You may find more space by:
• Eliminating unused items in your home
• Re-organizing your cupboards or pantry
How can I afford food storage?
Avoid debt or going to extremes with home storage. Work toward your
goal gradually. Here are a few ideas:
• Buy one or two extra items during your regular shopping.
• Reduce some lower priority expenses.
• Sell some possessions you do not need.
• Find ways to earn some extra money.
What are some good ways to get started?
• Make a goal that fits your circumstances.
• Figure out what foods and what amounts you would like to store.
(Some people like to use a chart like this.)
• Try one or more of the activities on pages 15 and 16.
How can I regularly use and replenish my storage?
Use a system that works well for you. Here are a few ideas:
• When you use up a can or package, put it on your grocery list.
• Check occasionally to make sure you still have your goal amount on hand.
• Organize items so you can tell which is oldest. Use the oldest first.
17Food Production and Preservation
Families can increase their food security by using sustainable
practices such as gardening and animal production.
Gardening
Where land is available, you can plant a garden. Remember:
• Vegetables need 6 hours of sunlight a day.
• The ground should be level.
• The soil needs to be turned over and mixed with other organic
matter such as manure, compost or leaves.
• Find out which foods grow well in your local climate and soil.
Food may also be grown in containers on a patio, balcony, or
rooftop. Vertical gardening can turn unused space along a fence or a
wall into a productive growing space. Some food can be grown indoors such as herbs, micro-greens and seed
sprouts. For instructions on gardening, check local sources such as government agencies. Also check out
Gardening on Gospel Topics on the Church’s main website.
Small Animal Production
Raising small animals can provide a family with a good protein
source. Animals best suited to small-scale production are chickens,
rabbits, and goats. This should be done where zoning laws permit,
and space is available. Placeholder image of
Chickens, rabbits, or goats
Preserving Food at Home
Preserving food at home is sometimes a good option. Check to see
how the cost, quality, and time involved compare with buying
canned food.
Instructions for canning (bottling), dehydrating, or freezing food
can be found online. For example:
https://food52.com/blog/23721-best-canned-food-storage-ideas
(canning)
18Activity
Planning Your Home Storage
Purpose: Image– Family (at
Plan to build or improve your home storage. least one adult and
2 children) eating at
Principle: a table. Simple
surroundings. Pic
” Organize yourselves and prepare every needful thing” doesn't show fresh
(Doctrine and Covenants 109:8). food like salad,
meat, dairy.
Activity:
Develop your home storage and production. Fill out the chart
below. Then read over the activities on the next page. Consider
doing any of them that would help you with your storage. You
might want to do some of the activities in Family Home Evening.
Overview chart: Filling out this chart will help you plan your food storage.
Where can you store food?
Which foods do you commonly
eat that are shelf-stable
(packaged, canned)?
What meals could you make
using only your stored foods?
What ways might you add to
your food storage on a
limited budget?
What would you like your food
storage goal to be?
What actions could you take to
build your food storage?
15Activity
Additional Activities for Individuals and Families
Family Goal Meal Plans Information Hunt
Make a food storage goal. For Look at the canned or What questions do you have
example: packaged foods you use about food storage? Using the
regularly and make a few links in this guide or other
• 1 week of food we
simple meal plans using only sources, find the answers you
regularly eat.
those foods. This helps you need.
• 1 extra bag of rice. know what to buy for storage.
For example, look up facts
• 3 gallons (12 liters) of about:
water for each person. Creatively Fund Storage • Types of containers for
Let each family member Figure out ways to set aside storing water.
choose a food item they would the money for food storage. • Purifying water.
like to have included in the For example, sell something
storage. you don’t really need, or buy • Recipes using basic (long-
one extra item each week term) storage foods.
Water Storage when shopping. • How to grow a certain
Do you have water that has vegetable indoors.
been stored for a long time? Food Storage Game
Food Storage Space Hunt
Empty the containers and Make a game of listing the
water plants, wash the car, or food you already have stored. As a family activity, explore
use the water in other ways. Give each family member 2-3 your home looking for spaces
food items to find. They can where food could be stored. Is
Replace the containers with
list the items and how many there unused space on shelves
fresh water and mark the date.
cans, boxes, or bags they find. or in a closet? Is there space
Before starting, have family under a bed? Is an un-needed
Non-food Essentials members guess what the item taking up space? If you
Scavenger Hunt numbers will be. See whose would like, take photos of the
guess was closest. possibilities.
Using the checklist on page
12, assign different family Food Storage Meal Making
members to find different
Try making one or two meals a
items. They can either write
month using only items from
what they found and where
your food storage (nothing
they found it or take a
fresh from the store).
photo. See how many items
the family can find in 30
minutes. Afterward, write a
list of what items you still
need to get.
16Financial Preparedness Guidelines Making wise money decisions boosts your confidence and prepares you for life’s ups and downs. Avoid Debt Why? Debt adds up quickly. If you have gotten into debt try to pay it as soon as possible. There are some reasons you may need to get a loan: • Buying an affordable home • Getting an education that leads to better work • Buying basic transportation if necessary If you want to make a big purchase, save your money and buy it when you can afford to pay for it without going into debt. Use a Budget This helps you plan how to use your money each month. Committing to a budget will allow you to become more self-reliant. Resources can be found online, see the Personal Finances manual at Churchofjesuschrist.org/self-reliance. Financial Planning Tools Look at financial calculators to help you make wise money decisions. You can see how long it will take to pay off your debt, build an emergency fund, save for retirement, or save for a vacation. (See ChurchofJesusChrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/family-finances.) 17
Build A One-Month Emergency Fund
Work to build a one-month emergency fund to protect you and
your family from financial difficulty. Like any goal, this won’t
happen overnight. It will take some time and that is okay. You
can start by putting any extra money you have toward your
emergency fund.
Save the money in a safe place, like a bank account. Do not use
this money for anything other than emergencies. If you have an
emergency and must use money from your emergency fund,
begin putting money back into the fund as soon as possible.
Even if you have debt, make only the minimum required
payment until you have built a one-month emergency fund. To
reach your goal more quickly, you may want to find extra or
better work, sell some things you can live without, or get rid of
unneeded costs.
Have Insurance
You should try to protect yourself from challenges that could hurt you financially. There are many types of
insurance, but the four most common are:
• Property insurance: Examples are homeowners, renters, and auto insurance. This can help cover the cost to
replace or repair property when there is serious damage, theft, or destruction.
• Health insurance: This insurance can help cover the cost of health care, from covering check-ups and
treating sickness to paying for major medical events. Your need for health insurance may vary. Health care
may be a government service in your area.
• Life insurance: Life insurance provides a family with money if an insured family member die.
• Disability insurance: This insurance guarantees that a part of the insured person’s income will be paid if he
or she becomes disabled and cannot work for a long time. Often your employer will provide this.
18Put a Little Away
As you prepare for the future, save money where you can. You might also seek education and buy a home.
Seek Education
“For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea—it’s a commandment,” says Elder Dieter F.
Uchtdorf, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (“Two Principles for Any Economy,” Ensign, November 2009.)
President Thomas S. Monson reminds us of the blessings of receiving an education: “Your talents will expand
as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your families in their learning, and you will have
peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in
life” (“Three Goals to Guide You”, October 2007 General Conference.)
Consider Buying a Home
Owning a home is not for everyone, and often renting may be a better option. If you are thinking about buying
a house, remember these two ideas:
• Buy a home only when and where it makes sense for you.
• Buy only what you can comfortably afford.
Your monthly mortgage payment should not be more than 25 percent of your monthly gross income. Use that
number as a guide for what you can afford to pay, rather than what a lender is willing to let you borrow.
Save for Retirement
President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “As you move through life toward retirement and the decades which
follow, we invite all . . . to plan frugally for the years following full-time employment” (Teachings of
Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 208).
There may be government or social programs that can help you during retirement, but you will probably need
to also use money from your own savings in retirement. If you do not plan now, you may not have enough
money to be self-reliant after you retire.
Estimate how much money you will need in retirement before you start saving. The simple formula on this
page can get you started.
19Activity
Financial Preparedness Activity
Purpose:
Decide how much you would like to save for a one-month emergency fund to be protected from financial
challenges.
Principle:
Track your income and expenses. The first step to making wise financial decisions is to understand
your current financial situation. When you know where your money is being spent, you can make
changes and plan where you want your money to go.
Activity:
Estimate the amount of money you need for one-month of living expenses. For the next 1 to
2 weeks write on this worksheet when you received or spent money. Common expenses and income
are listed below, with room to list your own.
Date Description Income Expense
Paycheck
Tithes/Offerings
Rent/Mortgage
Utilities
Insurance
Groceries
Ponder:
Besides having an emergency fund, what are other financial goals you feel inspired to make? Review
the previous pages for ideas.
20Emotional Preparedness
Guidelines
Becoming like the Savior includes facing challenges and hardships during this life. He will help us use
adversity to build the character that we came to earth to develop.
Being emotionally resilient is the ability to adapt to challenges with courage and faith in Jesus Christ.
Emotional resilience will help us deal with life’s challenges successfully. The good news is that emotional
resilience skills can be learned.
Good mental and emotional practices can help us prepare for the challenges of life. The illustration below
provides an overview of some of these practices.
Develop
healthy
thinking
patterns
Provide
strength to
Manage
others; draw
difficult
strength
emotions
from others Turn to
God and
seek to
hear Him Understand
Build healthy our bodies
relationships and
emotions
Use healthy
coping skills
during
difficulties
Keeping Yourself Emotionally Resilient
To stay emotionally resilient, we must learn to recognize and manage our own emotions and help others do
the same. We can reach out for additional help from friends, family, and qualified professionals when needed.
The activities in this section cover basic skills to help you face challenges and disappointments with greater
resilience.
21Getting More Help When Needed
Support Groups
Groups can be a great way to build emotional
preparedness. Depending on what is available in your area, you
may wish to join one of these groups. Check with a member of the
bishopric to see what is available.
• Emotional Resilience Self-Reliance group – 12-week group
using the Emotional Resilience manual.
• Addiction Recovery group (in-person and online).
• Addiction Recovery group for spouses (in-person and online).
Receiving Professional Help
How can we tell when professional help is needed? In general, professional help is needed when the
problem is persistent, long-lasting, and severe despite our best efforts. Other indications are:
• Suffering from persistent feelings of overwhelming anger, sadness, fear, emotional pain, or
hopelessness.
• These issues continue and do not diminish.
• Being physically incapacitated. Appetite and sleep patterns change.
• Uncontrollable sense of worry and anxiety.
• Contemplating harming self or others.
• Ability to function on a day-to-day basis is affected.
Counseling from Family Services
A bishop can refer a member to receive counseling from professionals through Family Services.
Finding the Right Professional Help in the Community
In some places Family Services personnel have identified professionals whose approach is compatible with
our beliefs. When you make the choice to seek a professional, recognize that you become a consumer of a
service and have the right to ask questions. Consider looking for a professional who meets the following
characteristics:
• Understands and respects your values—what you want to get out of therapy.
• Can explain their training and experience and how it relates to your needs. Look for qualified
professionals such as licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers,
psychiatrists, psychologists, professional counselors, and so on.
• Has sessions that are right for you in length, cost, etc.
22• Is willing to consult with your Church leader on your progress and work together to help you.Activity
Activity- Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Purpose:
To help individuals become more skilled at coping with difficulty
during challenging times.
Principle:
God allows us to experience difficult times as part of our growth
here on earth. He will help us. We can learn emotion management
skills for dealing with life’s difficulties. As we practice these skills in
our day-to-day life, we will be better prepared to handle new
challenges successfully.
Activity:
Stress and worry are a normal part of life. Stress comes from situations and motivates us to act.
Anxiety is a feeling of too much worry and does not go away after a situation is over. In times of
difficulty stress and anxiety can become more intense and limit our ability to function well. Here are
some ways to manage stress and anxiety. Check those you already use or ones you want to try.
• Pray • Help someone else • Drink water and eat healthy
• Read inspiring literature • Do something relaxing such foods
• Take a short break— as reading, music, or • Seek accurate information for the
take deep breaths, going outside problem
stretch • Stay connected with friends • Focus on what is most important
• Do a physical activity and family to you
• Take a break from social • Take it one step at a time • Talk with a friend who is a good
media, internet, TV • Journal your thoughts and listener
• Talk to yourself with feelings. • Do something you love outdoors
kind comforting • Write down meaningful • Schedule a time to do something
thoughts as you would memories of when you with friends or family
talk with a friend felt peace, joy, love. • Accept that challenges are part of
God’s plan for us
Now, choose 1–3 of the ideas you checked. Plan how you could use them within the next 3–4 days to help
with something stressful. Write down how and when you could do this. Share your plan with another
person who can understand and encourage you.
Way to reduce stress and anxiety When and how
Example: Take a short break. Example: Set a reminder on my phone to take five-
minute breaks at lunchtime and before returning home
from work.
23Activity
Activity- Developing Healthy Coping Skills
When we are in challenging situations and under
distress, there are a variety of ways to respond. How we
choose to respond to challenging situations will lead to
positive or negative consequences. To begin with, it
helps to be realistically aware of the responses we
normally use.
1. Think of a recent time when you were in a difficult
situation. It might have been facing a disappointment,
being criticized, being worried about something,
making a mistake, or encountering a limitation.
What was the situation?
_________________________________________________________________________
2. Now, take a little time to reflect on the responses below. Circle how you responded in this
situation. (Circle as many as apply)
3. What other ways of responding do you often use? (Circle those)
4. Which of the actions below would you like to start using more? (Mark those with )
Pray for help Respond with a soft voice Talk it over with someone
Plan the next action to take Express doubt to yourself or others Get angry
Make excuses Look for more information Indulge in self-pity
Apologize for mistakes Do something to make it right Rebel
Focus on the present and future
Give up Allow fear to rule
rather than dwelling on the past
Defend your actions or thoughts
Complain Procrastinate
even if they are wrong
Do something to
Remind yourself things will be ok Remember mistakes can be fixed
solve the problem
Write down your feelings Take a break to calm down Blame others
24Temporal Preparedness Guidelines for Councils
Guidelines for Stakes, Ward Councils, and Presidencies
Stake councils, ward councils, and presidencies assist units in working together to become more temporally
prepared. Members have been counseled to work together to help one another build their temporal
preparedness. As members do so, their hearts can be “knit together in unity and in love one towards
another” (Mosiah 18:21).
Role of Councils
• Prepare a simple written plan to respond to emergencies. Ward plans should be coordinated with the
stake’s emergency plan.
• Be an example of caring for those in need and helping them become self-reliant.
• Plan ways to teach members how to apply preparedness principles based on local needs and situations.
• Provide opportunities to become prepared through lessons, activities, and ministering
• Work together to identify and solve local preparedness challenges
• Avoid invoking a spirit of fear or extremism
• Mock emergency exercises should not be conducted.
Stake/District and Ward/ Branch Emergency Plan
The Stake/District and Ward/ Branch Emergency Plan is a document prepared by these councils to help
organized emergency efforts before, during and after a natural disaster such hurricane, earthquake,
pandemic or fire. This plan is to be prepared by each stake/district and ward/branch on an annual basis and
update and review regularly. The Bishops, Presidency of Quorum of Elders, and Presidency Relief Society
should be aware of it and be familiar with its contents.
Please see link for a copy of sample document and guide to prepare it:
https://caribbean.churchofjesuschrist.org/acp/bc/Caribe%20Area/Caribbean%20Area/2020/Welfare/WARD%2
0AND%20STAKE%20EMERGENCY%20PLAN%20GUIDE%20-%20TG%20.pdf
25
Formation of an Area Emergency Response Committee
In the Caribbean area we formed a standing emergency response committee. The composition of the committee
changes slightly depending on the specific emergency. The three general areas to which we respond are:
A. Natural disasters and man-made disasters: (typhoons, floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc.,
political disturbances)
B. Church reputational or good name matters - (Misconduct or alleged misconduct by leaders, missionaries, or
members involving Church property)
C. Accidents - (Church-related activities resulting in an accident or death)
• Area President
• Area Director of Temporal Affairs
• Area Representative of Missionary Department Field
• Area Security Manager
• Area Welfare Manager
• Area Physical Facilities Manager
• Materials Area Manager
• Area Communications Manager
• Area controller
• Area Legal
In all cases, the Area President and the Area Director of the Temporal Affairs are involved. With this standing
committee, we can respond very effectively and in a timely manner to any emergency, natural or otherwise,
without worrying that we have lost some important aspect.
Formation of a CC Emergency Response Committee
• Area Seventy
• Area Seventy Secretary
• Stake Presidents
• Mission President
• Temple President
• Welfare/Self-Reliance Representative for the CC
• Physical Facilities Representative for the CC
• Communications Representative for the CC
26Formation of a Stake/Mission Emergency Response Committee
• Stake Presidency
• Relief Society president
• Assigned Members of the High Council
• Bishops
• Elders Quorum Presidents
• Member of the High Council Representative of Welfare - Self-Reliance
• Member of the High Council responsible for Physical Facilities
• Stake Communications Representative
Communication from the Emergency Response Committee.
Line of communication
A. Area Presidency to Presidency of the Seventy - Quorum of the Twelve
B. Area Seventy to Area Presidency - DTA
C. Stake President/Mission to Area Seventy
D. Elders Quorum and Relief Society Presidents to Bishop and Stake President
Media
A. WhatsApp Groups
B. Zoom Groups
C. Email
Frequency of Reports
A. As frequent as necessary in a major emergency
B. Daily
C. Weekly
Report Format (Word)
A. Brief summary of the situation
B. Condition of:
I. Missionaries
II. Buildings
III. Members
IV. Employees
V. Population in General
C. Recommendations
Note: You can also use the following link:
CARIBBEAN DISASTER ASSESSMENT
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=s-
7mYddfqkquPGHo3rCbebIWuEsKtqlMl_6eMOWjzaNUREJTSVNGQjY3WTU2Ukc3WEo0RjZGNzkyUS4u
27Activity Temporal Preparedness Activities for Councils Purpose: To assist units in working together to become more temporally prepared. Principle: Members may counsel together to help one another build their temporal preparedness. As members do so their hearts can be “knit together in unity and in love one towards another” (Mosiah 18:21). Activities: Review the following council activities and choose three or four to complete that would be most helpful for your council. Required • Work together to complete the Stake and Ward Emergency Planning Guide Activities (https://caribbean.churchofjesuschrist.org/emergency-preparedness-plan) to create or update your unit emergency plan. • Support members to help them complete each of the individual or family activities for temporal preparedness. Your example and personal experiences with becoming more temporally prepared will help those you are called to serve. Optional • Share one section of the temporal preparedness guidelines and an accompanying activity in a ward council or presidency meeting. • Use all four sections of guidelines and activities for a 5th Sunday lesson for your unit. • Use the Discussion Guide: How Can I Minister to Others in Crisis (https://caribbean.churchofjesuschrist.org/emergency-preparedness-plan) to hold a 5th Sunday, Relief Society, or elder’s quorum lesson for your unit. • Choose a chapter from the Emotional Resilience Manual (Emotional Resilience (churchofjesuschrist.org)) to use as a 5th Sunday, Relief Society, or elder’s quorum lesson for your unit. 28
Otto, Father of four
Lost his job and needs help with rent
Fast Offering Administration
HANDBOOK 2.2, 2.4, 3.1
Purpose
Leaders will provide fast offering support in alignment with Elana, Single Mother
Church policy and guidelines. Can’t afford childcare
Doctrinal Foundation
“And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things
are mine. But it must needs be done in mine own way.“ D&C
104:15-16
Principle
Johann, Elderly Brother
Fast offering assistance is available to address immediate Needs long term food assistance
temporal needs. Bishops approve expenditure. Other organi-
zation leaders may support by working on a Self-Reliance Plan
with the individual or family and recommending what finan-
cial assistance is needed. When providing this help, leaders
should use the spirit of discernment to:
• Encourage personal responsibility and support.
• Provide basic resources rather than cash. Ramirez Family
Grandma passed away. They need help with
• Provide temporary assistance that supports basic needs. funeral costs.
• Offer work or service opportunities.
Instructions
Case Study Review
Activity Antonia, Single Sister
Review the cases below most relevant to your ward. Open the Needs an expensive surgery she can’t afford.
handbook and discuss if it is appropriate to use fast offerings
for that situation.
Additional Resources
Sacred Funds Sacred Responsibilities training
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/help/support/
record-keeping/finance/financial-training-lessons/sacred- Your Case
funds?lang=eng Discuss a situation you have encountered.
Confidential—for headquarters use only
©14
2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All Rights Reserved. PD60011760
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