September 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

 

Click here for a complete copy of the September 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

September brings so many wonderful things. Apples and fall harvests, back to school excitement, Friday night lights for the sports fan, pleasant weather, and shortened days. It is also the National Preparedness Month – which is designed to encourage and remind us all to be prepared for emergencies and disasters. It is the perfect time to take stock of our emergency preparedness, as well as our longer-term food storage. There are lots of fruits and veggies to still bottle, and case lot sales happening in local grocery stores. This month check your 72-hour kits, take the preparedness survey, make a plan with your family, and finish filling your storage shelves. There is no time like the present! Being prepared brings a great sense of satisfaction and provides peace for the family. This month is a great month to Be Prepared!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Family Preparedness Survey -  a list of questions to give yourself a checkup on your personal level of emergency preparedness.

Disaster Prep Tips -  ideas that are helpful in any disaster.

Spiritual Preparedness - a quote from President Russell M Nelson in 2020 on the importance of preparedness, especially spiritual and emotional.

In the Southern Utah Garden -  a to-do list for September!

Cooking with Food Storage -Back to School Treats for the kids -  recipes and ideas for yummy things to feed the kids (and grownups too!)

The 72-Hour (or more) kit - a list of things to include in your emergency bag. You might use this to bug out - or shelter in place!

Quotes -  two short thoughts to encourage us to Be Prepared!

 Click here for a complete copy of the September 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

August 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

 Click here for a complete copy of the August 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

The “lazy days of summer” seem to be winding up faster than we planned. August has shown up rather quickly. It is a great month to enjoy the last of summer activities. Take advantage of the warm summer days and nights to star gaze, float the river, play night games, or just take a drive through the nearby wonders. As we “finish” the summer fun, let us remember to include a little more preparedness. Those camping trips and cookouts are practice for no power or water. The garden should be in full swing – and pretty much everything you grow can be preserved in one way or another for a winter meal. The world around us has so much upheaval – from volcanoes and earthquakes to political spats and corruption. But we can remember, as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.” Let us use this time to Be Prepared!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Disaster Prep - A Back-to-School Family Plan:  tips to establish a family communication and travel plan for safety and disaster prep.

Better Late Than Never... Food Storage Catch-up:  If you have procrastinated but are now thinking you should get a food storage - here are ideas to help you get going!

Spiritual Preparedness:  Quotes from Elder Ronald Rasband and President Dallin H Oaks to remind us of the importance of preparedness. Includes a thought from President Spencer W Kimball.

In the Southern Utah Garden:  tips for August chores in the garden, orchard and yard.

Disaster Prep- What level are you?  Five levels of preparedness to help you give yourself a checkup.

Using the Harvest - How to Tips:  ideas to freeze summer squash and dry peppers (including making a pepper powder.) Also past Back to Basics references for tomato and squash canning and recipes.

Provident Living - A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned: tips to save money in your home and keep belongings nice!

 Click here for a complete copy of the August 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.