There are many things that we can do to prepare.  The most important are to:

1. Ensure the membership and we, as leaders, are doing what we can to bring ourselves closer to Jesus Christ.  Guidance and direction by the Holy Ghost is of great worth in dealing with any problem, whether it is a small daily concern or something sweeping.  The Lord has also provided a way to prepare and be sure we are able to provide comfort and support, and sharing of others burdens.  This can be done through several welfare programs that are in place in advance of emergencies.

2. Members should be encouraged to donate generously to the fast offerings fund, and the humanitarian fund.  This will help the church assist in need.  Also…

3. Members should be counseled to be self-sufficient and live providently as far as possible.  If we do, we “need not fear.”  Furthermore, we should…

4. Develop working relationships and skills to work with others, in advance of emergencies, especially those outside the church in organizations that can be of assistance, not limited to, but especially communication and relief agencies.

In emergency preparedness and response planning, it may be helpful to consider the four phases of emergency management.   Each phase may require its own plan.

1. Preparation — Actions taken before a disaster to improve the ability to cope with a disaster.  Examples: Downloading or reviewing family, ward, or stake emergency preparedness plans, acquiring food storage, receiving emergency preparedness training (CERT training, first aid/CPR training, obtaining a ham license, etc), compiling 72 hour kits, holding family councils to learn how to respond.

2. Response — Actions taken immediately before, during or immediately after a disaster (generally 24-72 hours) to ensure safety of victims, minimize, and initially assess damage.  Examples: Assessing damage, rescue of victims, turning off damaged utilities, utilizing bottled water when supplies are contaminated, etc

3. Recovery — Actions taken to return to normal life (pre-disaster status) and to initiate major repairs (generally 24 to 72 hours after a disaster).  Examples: Repairing damage to homes and property. Organizing efforts securing family and finding resources to help those affected with their material, physical, emotional, or spiritual needs.

4. Mitigation—Actions taken to prevent or reduce the effects of current/future disasters.  Examples: Purchasing flood insurance, anchoring bookcases, cutting back vegetation around a house, or replacing wood shake shingles with fire-resistant shingles in a fire-prone area, and removing debris from flood-prone creek or river beds, etc; moving vehicles away from active fire, bulldozing a fire line, wetting down adjacent building to prevent cinders from catching, etc. obtaining a generator and maintaining tools and equipment necessary for clearing and rebuilding.

Tsunamis are a real threat in the Seaside, Sand City, Carmel, Monterey and PG areas coastal areas. If you are on one of our many beautiful beaches, and in the space of just a few minutes the tide seems to go out… Way out… leave for high ground immediately! In the event of a Tsunami your best bet is elevation. UP! Keep going up until there is no more up to go to! For more information on Tsunami and survival go to Ready.gov>Tsunami

Earthquakes are a vulnerability known throughout California and surviving an earthquake requires quick assessment and thinking. In particular the soil types common throughout much of Monterey County are prone to ‘liquefaction’ during earthquakes. To learn more about earthquake safety go to Ready.gov>earthquake

Fire is an increasingly common problem in the state of California and in the forested areas in Monterey County it poses some serious concerns. Fire causes the need for evacuation but in many of the areas on the Pacific Grove peninsula and along the Hwy 68 corridor, there are limited evacuation route options during a large scale wildfire. Be prepared, know your ESCAPE routes. Keep a go bag and a 72 hour kit available. Be prepared to bike, walk or hike out if necessary. A garage floor vault can be invaluable to leave important items in a safe place that is secure to see and learn more about these vaults visit Safe&Vaultstore.com for ideas.

Flooding is yet another concern and something to prepare for - especially in our relatively flat agricultural areas. Even if you living on high ground, flooding can have create wide spread road closures. Again, be prepared, know your ESCAPE routes. Flood insurance if available will help offset unexpected costs and headaches in the event of a flood. Knowing the evacuation routes in case of flood is paramount. Awareness of the potential for post flood standing water to facilitate disease will safeguard your family.