It's not a matter of if but of when

If you think it will never happen to you, then you haven't been watching the news lately. It's not a matter of if . . . but when.

How often has preparedness and self-reliance been stressed over the years? Countless clarion calls have been made by local, state, and federal agencies, as well as from the American Red Cross and trusted leaders. The question is, have we heeded their calls?

Take a moment to look at the events that have taken place since entering this new millennium. We can clearly see the need to prepare ourselves for whatever may lie ahead. We all need to plan for bumps in the road: personal trials, health problems, economic setbacks, a family crisis, man-made calamities and natural disasters.

Be aware. Stay informed. We can do so by continually adding to our preparedness information base. Determine your strengths and weaknesses. Prioritize. Focus your attention on what you need to do next. Start with gathering those items that will sustain life, provide warmth, shelter and proper sanitation. Then add those items that would make bad situations more tolerable. Next, add convenience items and stress-relievers.

Years ago LDS President Harold B. Lee said, "Perhaps if we think not in terms of a year's supply of what we ordinarily would use, and think more in terms of what it would take to keep us alive in case we didn't have anything else to eat (or use), the last would be very easy to put in storage for a year." Most important, remember current President Gordon B. Hinckley's words, "Do not panic nor go to extremes."

Some people feel like they are at the bottom of a pyramid of information they know nothing about. Don't let such feelings overwhelm or deter you from getting started or resuming your efforts. Learn from the experiences of others. Even "humble preparedness beginnings" have saved lives.

Each generation needs to be reminded of that which has been taught before.

Take stock. The following questions will help you evaluate your current status:

• Do you date every item before it gets put on food storage shelves, or into the 72-hour kits? Do you diligently and systematically rotate your storage and supplies?

• Do you still have your 20-30-year-old wheat and hard-as-rock beans stored in the original bags? (Not your best scenario because of increased vulnerability to infestation, and the adverse effects of arid or damp climates; which can either dry out or mildew your basics.) Is your powdered milk and cooking oil way past its prime?