Welcome!

These monthly newsletters (from January 2011 to present) are to help us all be more prepared. They are written for the Hurricane Utah Stake (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,) but everyone is welcome to make copies. Many other groups and individuals are using them. (Note: Garden tips are for Southern Utah. You may need to adjust to fit your climate.)

Friday, February 27, 2026

March 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

 


Click here for a complete copy of the March 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

Spring has sprung – and in the west it seems like winter only made a short visit! As we “March” right into the new month- there are plenty of preparedness tasks to be mindful of. March celebrates St Patrick’s Day – and we can tap into that “luck ‘o the Irish” as we plant seeds and plan for a summer harvest. Now is the time we lay the foundation as we prepare the soil, plant the seeds, and prepare for the summer harvest and eventual winter storms. This applies to our gardens, but also to all temporal and spiritual preparedness. Take the opportunity of today to prepare for tomorrow. Take stock of your food and emergency supplies. Plant a garden. Plan for preserving the harvest. Include daily prayers and scripture study in your routine. Attend the temple regularly. Whatever that “preparation” looks like for you and your family - just Be Prepared!

 Included in this month's newsletter: 

Got Milk? - Amounts and tips for storing a basic milk supply.

Disaster Prep: Today While the Sun Shines! -  Thoughts and a suggestion list - of "daily tasks" that could be a game changer in case of a disaster. 

Spiritual Preparedness -  Quotes from President Russel M Nelson and President Ezra Taft Benson that encourage us in our gospel living and spiritual preparedness.

In the Southern Utah Garden -  Planting and garden/yard chores for this month.

Cooking with Food Storage - What's for Breakfast? - Recipes for Breakfast Peach Crisp, Biscuits, and Wheat Berry Cereal.

Food Storage - Quantity for each Family Member -  A list according to a variety of ages for amounts to store for a one year supply.

Food Storage Helps - Includes a link to "The Food Guys" online food calculator to figure storage amounts specific to  YOUR family!

A Blast from the Past! -  Two quotes from President Ezra Taft Benson to help us take a hard look at ourselves and where we are in our food storage endeavors.


Click here for a complete copy of the March 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

Friday, January 30, 2026

February 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

 

Click here for a complete copy of the February 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

February is the month of love! They say love is spelled T-I-M-E. The time we spend with loved ones does show our love! But love could also be spelled P.R.E.P.A.R.E.D.N.E.S.S. This valentine giving time of year is a great time to consider how each of us are caring for our loved ones. So many disasters and unexpected life events can catch us off guard. The world is filled with uncertainty and evil seems to be growing. But we have long been warned to Be Prepared! When the sudden winter storms arrive, an earthquake, or even a lost job – we do not have to scramble at the last minute! We can follow the prophetic counsel of over 100 years – and be ready for whatever life hands to us! Let us “show the love” for our families and prepare every needful thing!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Legumes: Use Your Bean! - Info for storing beans as a long term storage item, and ideas of things to make.

Provident Living - ideas to help save money!

Spiritual Preparedness - Quote from Elder Mark D Eddy on being spiritually prepared.

Words of the Wise - a Quote from Elder L Tom Perry on the seriousness of being prepared.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for the Feb to March garden. Includes planting times, and references to previous Back to Basics Newsletters.

Fuel Storage - tips to help you store fuel for heating and cooking.

Cooking with Food Storage - Valentine Treats from your shelves! Recipes for Rolled sugar cookies, three variations of pudding, and a Pinto Cream Pie.

Disaster Prep - Groover. Portable Emergency Toilet instructions.

Click here for a complete copy of the February 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.