Last week, we chatted about the importance of staying filled up spiritually and not being foolish when it comes to being prepared for the return of the Lord. A few days after I had written that article, we were affected by a widespread power outage.
Imagine how my attention was alerted when I read a couple verses in Proverbs a while later that speaks of how the “ant” prepares for winter by stocking up on food in the summer and fall. “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-8) Solomon reminds us in Proverbs 10:5 that: “He who gathers in the summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.” There is wisdom in planning ahead.
Here in Saskatchewan, we must not be fools when it comes to emergency preparedness. The extreme cold that is bound to come each winter can pose serious problems where life and limbs are involved. It is no secret that our weather can change in a short period of time and we should take extra safety precautions for that reason. Today is the best day to prepare for tomorrow!
What are the first things we reach for when the power goes off in our homes? We are so accustomed to having electricity; it is a shock when the lights go out! It may be a good idea to invest in a camping lantern. I’ve also heard firsthand that kerosene heaters work really well (they only smell when they are lit and shut off). Keep a box or tote handy that holds supplies you may need for a 72-hour span. If you’d rather, pack a backpack for each member of the family. This may make it simpler if you have to evacuate quickly.
Here are a few suggestions for your emergency kit: two litres of drinking water per person per day (small bottles are easier to carry and navigate with), canned food/protein shakes/energy or granola bars and dried fruit, matches, flashlight and batteries for flashlight, and first aid supplies. It may also be nice to have a wind-up radio, some cash and important papers on hand. As for power outages, there are also inexpensive and simple ways to heat an area of your home. Have you ever heard of the clay pot heater? It is a simple little DIY that you can make with terra cotta pots and a tea light. There are numerous how-to videos on YouTube you may wish to check out.
In our family emergency tote, I also include extra toilet paper (it’s always handy to have extra on hand even if there isn’t an emergency), cup-of-soup, and even chocolate or chocolate bars (which is also handy to have on hand for those non-emergency cravings). Some people suggest having bulk flour, salt and sugar on hand. I also started keeping a binder of all-important family information a couple years ago. It isn’t just for emergencies but can easily be grabbed for such a time. A pen and paper, a small Bible and a few Reader’s Digests would be nice to have if you have to leave your home for any period of time.
Dear readers, it is wise to make plans today and be prepared for an emergency in the future. Let this be a little encouragement to put some thought and effort into getting your affairs in order; physically and spiritually.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
