The events of the past week, epic firers in Colorado, severe tropical storm flooding in Florida or the line of thunder storms that cut power to millions should urge us on to prepare for future disasters.

 

Many of us don’t know where to start, or think I can’t afford thousands of dollars, so who bother?  The Lord told Zechariah “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand." (Zechariah 4:10 NLT) What is most important is we start now, no matter how humbly.

One way to start is to reuse old food and beverage containers to begin a storage program as part of a crisis operations plan.  

Water is the first necessary we need, just watch the news and see water is the first relief supply delivered. Most containers will hold water.  Reuse soda pop bottles, juice bottles along with other containers.  On pop bottles look for the letters PET or PETE, these take longer to break down. Wash thoroughly and fill with water. Date each bottle and rotate every two years. This simple step will keep you in water during an emergency at no cost.

Any glass jar, with a top can be used to improve the storage life of foods. Use them to store cereal, beans, salt, sugar, pasta, powered milk, rice and other foods. They will keep longer and mice won’t chew through glass like they can plastic bags. Almost any glass jar will work, just soak off the label and wash.

Some plastic containers that do not seal are poor choices, margin tubs, yogurt containers or chip dips should not be used as you can’t seal very well.

A small investment in bulk foods, properly stored along with extra water will go a long way in helping you be prepared for the next emergency. Better yet, prepare so you can share water and extra supplies with neighbors. The door to witness will be opened as you minister during an emergency crisis.

Take the step of being a Ready Christian by visiting this link: http://bit.ly/GVpW91