Let us work for what we need. Let us be self-reliant and independent. Salvation can be obtained on no other principle. Salvation is
an individual matter, and we must work out our own salvation, in temporal as well as in spiritual things.
Marion G. Romney, Ensign, Nov. 1976, page 124
u www.providentliving.org
u www.72hours.org
vol. 9
March 2007
Emergency
Preparedness Newsletter
u www.3days3ways.org
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u www.ready.gov
u www.fema.gov
When the Lights Go Out …
Kathleen J. Hanna, “When the
Lights Go Out …,”
Ensign, June 1992, 71
Because we live in an area
that experiences frequent
power outages, our fam-
ily has learned that know-
ing what to do when the
lights go out begins with
what we do before the
storm. Perhaps some of our
ideas can help you prepare
for similar emergencies.
Our emergency candle
box is our first secret for
weathering a blackout suc-
cessfully. In this box we
have matches,
candles,
extra wicks for kerosene
lanterns, and a small flash-
light. We keep kerosene
lamps and extra bottles
of kerosene nearby. When
the lights go out, we can
go straight to the box
and light our first candle.
We never use an unshielded
candle beyond the first few
minutes, though. Fires are a
major hazard during power
failures, because people try
to light their homes with
candles. Kerosene lanterns
or camping lanterns, placed
securely on level surfaces
out of children’s reach, pro-
vide more light with less
risk. We keep our lanterns
filled and trimmed, ready for
use. If you must use candles,
put them in a secure place
out of the reach of children.
We have a wood stove that
provides heat during power
outages. If you don’t have
an alternative heat source,
conserve the heat already
in your house by hanging
blankets or large towels
over doors and windows.
Close doors leading up-
stairs, downstairs, or into
unused rooms. Fill hot-wa-
ter bottles or plastic jugs
with hot water to warm feet
or beds. If you live in an area
with cold winter tempera-
tures, con