4.25.2009

the peace of preparedness

I've been carefully watching the flu outbreak in Mexico that is the main headline for every news source I checked this morning.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30398682/
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/25/swine.flu/index.html
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=235&sid=6259913

My husband and I had a brief conversation as we discussed the possible implications of this outbreak for our family. I asked if there was anything that he wished we had in our storage for a situation like this. We both paused for about 20 seconds and considered our storage. We both listed a few things: a few more general medications, some dishwasher soap (which we thought we had run out of last night), and some diced chilies/tomatoes (also running low). There was a lot of peace as we both realized that we were already prepared. Of course, I'm sure we haven't anticipated every need, but we've already covered most of them.

I'm not sure that preparedness is about one single event. I think it is mostly about being prepared for many challenges that may face us like quarantines, natural disasters, or more simple things like job loss, disability or decrease of income. With a water supply, financial reserve, three-month supply and longer-term supply, we really are prepared for a myriad of problems - including a flu outbreak.

There are a few things that you might want to consider adding to your storage right now that would help with a pandemic situation. You might already have most of these things as part of a complete first aid kit.

*A current supply of your own prescription drugs
*Cough and cold medications
*Vitamins
*Fluid electrolyte solutions
*Thermometer
*Gloves and masks
*Sanitizer
*Disinfectants

There is a scripture in D&C 38:30 that states, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." I'm not experiencing fear right now because we are prepared. What a wonderful blessing that comes along with preparedness! If you aren't feeling that peace, you can reevaluate your own preparedness and set some firm goals so that your family can have that peace.

8 comments:

Christy said...

Overall, we are prepared. I'm going to go get a few more things, more bleach and more bread.

Wendy said...

Christy -
Thanks for the comment. Bleach is a good idea.

strangeone01 said...

Can this flu like disease be transffered threw blood and if should we be worried about the mosquitos

Trust_Freedom said...

It's going to be interesting to see how long it will take for a run on grocery/drug/convienance stores; of course, it depends on how fast and widespread it becomes.

Wendy said...

I don't know about mosquitos - sorry.

Hopefully there won't have to be a run on stores. I'm hopeful that indications that this flu is mild are confirmed.

Vickie said...

I'm glad you have that peace. I've got a ways to go still to be fully prepared. And of course Jared is scheduled to go to Mexico this weekend - bad timing I know. But I guess that comes with the profession.

Anonymous said...

I'm with you -- we just needed a few minor touch-ups to our storage, but overall, we had peace from being prepared. While there is a lot of media hype surrounding the H1N1 flu right now, there is a good chance it will come back with a vengeance in the fall and we need to be prepared. http://tinyurl.com/ck8856

Wendy said...

It's always a good time to get prepared and these past weeks have been a good reminder. Thanks for your comments, Kellene!