As we are less than 8 hours from the winter storm moving in. . I’m reminded to get things in place.

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/05/21768235-ice-storm-threatens-power-in-south-and-midwest-as-temperatures-plummet

They are saying that many people will loose power and we all hope it doesn’t happen in our neighborhood but just in case. .
This is a great reason to get prepared and rehearse with your Family Kit and Plan. This may not be as bad as other storms but its the perfect reason to see if your family emergency kit works!

If the electricity went out and the trees blocked the roads to your house. . would your family be ok for a day or two?

• Do you have enough blankets, fire wood, generator or propane?
• Do you have enough batteries for flashlights, cell phone and other devises?
• Do you have enough water/food ready to eat that doesn’t need to be cooked? Canned soups, meat, milk, etc.
• How will you deal with ice on your car, sidewalk and plants. (Scrapers, shovels, salt/sand?)
• Have you made sure that all critical emails and packages have been mailed?
• Does your family have a plan of where to meet if the storm moved in during school and work hours?
• Have you covered the outside faucets and let them drip?
• What about the plants and pets?
• Finally do you know where the gloves, hats and scarves are for the kids.. who will want to play outside?
• How will you keep the kids occupied without tv or computers?

This could be perfect excuse to let the whole family practice “sheltering in” which is a fancy term for camping out in your house. Kids always love to play camp out. . so why not turn this into a fun family adventure and practice building your Family Emergency Plan and Kit now.

Remember it is never too early to prepare but it can be too late.
At Prep2Bless we pray that you and your family never have to go through a disaster but want to make sure that you are prepared so that you can respond and be a blessing to others in times of emergencies.

Now we are finally getting some better stories about the condition and suffering that so many are coping with.  Tonight as I was about to turn off the computer I happened upon these stories and pictures from the BBC.  They are worth the time to watch them. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24950905

How I wish we could do more.  On this side I am happy to announce that Just Water which makes the water filters for the Texas Baptist Men (and used all over the world) are getting ready to send 10,000 filters over to the Philippines. They are working round the clock to get the shipment ready.

Our thoughts, prayers and offerings go out to those who are recovering from this dreadful storm.

And may God strengthen them and bless those who are coming to help from around the world. 

Remember that all disasters are the responsibility of the local government then state then federal agencies. But the first and most important issue is that we must be ready.  If a tornado hit I am not going to wait for officials to provide water, food and flashlights for my family.  I want to be able to cover our immediate needs, because when emergencies happen there are more needs than workers.

It might be a good idea to find out how ready your community is for disasters.  I am confident about Grand Prairie and Plano because I have interacted with the teams.So just as we need to have our Emergency plan, lists, supplies in place so does every city and county in every state.

http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/dallas/City-of-Dallas-Fails-FEMA-Audit-223969951.html

What this does remind us that we all need to be prepared at all times for all situations.  The folks in Boulder Colorado never expected to have such floods, nor did New Jersey expect Hurricane Sandy to change the shore forever.  Today, this week, this year has been a sober reminder that it maybe too late to be prepared but it is never too early to start.  It just takes a few minutes a day.

http://dailycaller.com/2013/09/16/shooting-occurred-during-national-emergency-preparedness-month/

This means that being prepared is not optional it is essential.  If you don’t have a family plan and 72 hour kit then remember Prep2Bless makes it easy.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/11/25/us-britain-climate-oxfam-idUSL2518480220071125

The next upcoming Prep2Bless Event is June 22 at North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship in Plano.

This video gives some humorous ways for dealing with Zombies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-QE-3yohIk&feature=youtu.be

And even more exciting for us at Prep2Bless is that we are having the opportunity to be with Dr. Smith and the great people of NDCBF on June 22 for the first Plano Prep2Bless.  This is a faith-based Emergency Preparedness training that is free but registration is requested.   We hope that you and your family can join us for this great event from 9-12:30 Sat. June 22.  Over 20 workshops, experts, information and demonstrations to help you be prepared.