Be Prepared

Stories abound of people helping people. One sad thing is that there are little towns completely wiped out. One not far from us has fewer houses standing than blown down. They say you can tell the distinction between the tornado damage and the hurricane damage. One man had his whole pine tree farm shaved off halfway up. The hurricane toppled big southern pines flat with roots exposed, but the tornadoes twisted or popped the tops off.

Our neighbor is driving a truckloads of cleaning supplies, food, bedding, etc down this morning. He writes:

The pictures do not do justice to the total and complete destruction of the Gulf Coast. When you view the amount of destruction, it looks too big to tackle. However, I always believe the way you eat an elephant is one bite at a time. After the initial rescue work, I worked with a group of four families that I know and who are all living in one house. The house has sustained major roof damage and interior water damage, but it is still liveable. Out of the four families, three lost everything - jobs, houses, vehicles, businesses, clothes, etc. I have attached a file that lists the types of supplies they need....

I hope everyone can take some time to think about what they would do in an emergency. First things first - is to get God's Word in our hearts. We can do all things through Christ Who strengthenes us. We have authority in Jesus Name. I heard of a church that is laying hands on their automobiles for repair, and we can heal the sick in Jesus name if we would just do it and BELIEVE.

As we become dwellers in the shelter of the Most High, we will say, "Wow, the LORD really is my refuge and my fortress! He really does not let destruction come nigh my dwelling!" The pastors here are saying that the number one thing to do is GET RIGHT WITH GOD.

After that.... it's a good idea to think about putting some water aside. Water is the most important thing. An oil lantern or several are nice. Plus oil. We have a gas stove, which was great for cooking and toast. Some plastic tubs for washing in and candles (scented are nice for the bathroom : ) are helpful. Those in glass containers are safer than regular. Even after the wick is gone you can drop a match in and it will glow long enough to do what you need to do. Also a bucket per bathroom is helpful.

If the septic is a concern (ours was not because we were not showering or doing laundry to fill the sptic tank) you can hook a plastic bag by the handles over the toilet and catch the waste and dispose of it in the garden. Sorry, gross, but that's what our neighbors did, who have no pool for flushing water down the commode.

Extra bleach wipes are good to have on hand as is vinegar. A friend 'bathed' with diaper wipes. There is milk you can buy in cartons with a shelf life. This is good. I stood and looked at a mountain of paper towels on sale the week before the storm and bought two packs of 6 each. It seemed crazy at the time but I thought I was supposed to and I am glad I got them.

Extra gasoline on hand is wonderful. Put stabil in it to keep it longer. We even ran out of containers in the stores. We now have gasloine at most gas stations around here, not all grades, but something at least. So things are getting back on task. We have football games so we need gas!

Have lots of matches in the house. Have a non-electric phone. An emergency supply kit maybe in a backpack with first aid and stuff already in it would be smart.

When the emergency arises is a tad late to think clearly about what you would take in a hurry if you had to rush from your house. Imagine tying your kids to your back and swimming out the window!! Make a family emergency plan and learn more about things and people in your own area.

Don't wait. Get to know your neighbors now. We had ours over in the dark and it was fun, but it was something we could have done sooner.

We don't usually eat candies, but I picked up a package beforehand and surprised the kids. It is nice to have special little touches, to set the table pretty when you don't feel like it. We even put praise music on with the generator.

Be really careful with lanterns. Even a responsible kid can knock a glass-based oil lamp off the table and cause a fire. I was always conscious of fire. Have several flash lights and plenty batteries. We re-charged batteries with the generator.

Hey, y'all up north. When we were in Michigan I thought this kind of emergency would be a breeze for southerners. Not! Everyone needs to wash and drink water, even though being hot in summer without AC might be better than freezing cold in the north without heating.

Keep praying for the rescuers. It is very hard for them, emotionally and physically.

Let's BE READY for the coming of the Lord. This old earth is groaning loudly with labor pains, about to give birth to the new age with Jesus as King!

God bless us everyone. Keep looking up. He is good.