CEN FAQs: Emergency Cooking When Power Goes Out

When the power goes out, many cooking devices will likely not work, like microwaves, electric stoves, and other electric cooking devices. A wise homeowner will plan in advance with some options for cooking if the lights flicker out. Even if you have a backup generator, the load is likely going to be too high to run a microwave or an electric stove even with a very large generator.

For homes with propane or gas service the ovens and stove top should continue to work as long as fuel is available. Keep in mind some electronic ignited stoves require a kitchen match to get started when the power is out.

An easy option is a propane fueled folding camp stove. These come in a wide variety of different features with costs ranging from around $50-$300. Most of these units are for outdoor use only. These stoves use different types of fuel containers, so you want to be sure that you purchase enough fuel in advance so that you are able to cook for a period of time during an emergency.

Many already have a gas or charcoal grill which is an excellent source of additional cooking capacity. The key, of course, is to make sure plenty of fuel is stored. You don’t want to find out you’ve only got a little left in your tank when needing to cook a supper. The additional tanks don’t cost a lot of extra money and are a great way to provide long term fuel for emergency cooking. Just be sure to refill the tank when they are empty.

Butane cooking devices are also an excellent option. And, most are safely used inside with proper ventilation, but read the instruction manual. When purchasing fuel use only fuel stored with a CRV (countersink release vent) which allows gas to escape the container in the event of exposure to high heat. Whenever operating any cooking device make sure you have a functioning carbon monoxide detector to provide safe use for your family.

In most areas where fuel is available an open campfire is an additional option. Generally, the better working devices on an open fire are cast iron. Part of the challenge is to keep a “balanced heat” because it is easy to burn part of the food while leaving other parts uncooked or cold. A good idea is to practice campfire cooking several times before an emergency - just for the fun.

A volcano stove provides the versatility of being able to burn propane, charcoal or wood. These units fold up for easy storage. Unlike some of the camp stoves with multiple burners these not only provide a cooking surface but they’re great for cooking with a Dutch oven, or meals that can be all cooked in one pot or pan. And, of course, you can always add a second one for additional cooking capacity.

A solar cooker uses free energy from the sun, providing an advantage of not needing to store any fuel. Of course, in some climates where it’s dark and cold these may not work consistently. However, there are excellent options to add to your backup cooking possibilities.

Having some canned food on hand makes emergency preparations much easier.  Opening a can of soup, stew, or other product requiring a minimum effort heating makes an easier meal. A good plan is to keep at least 2 to 3 weeks minimum of canned food available, even if it’s not your first choice. A few cans of spaghetti are easy to prepare in a pinch.

Having the food and cooking devices is a great start but you want to be sure you have other equipment necessary that you may not use in your kitchen every day. You will need to have good kitchen gloves to avoid getting burned when you’re working around a different heat source. Also, make sure you have some cooking utensils that will work with your new emergency cooking circumstance.

Isaiah wrote about the cedars of Lebanon: “It is used as fuel for burning; some of it he takes and warms himself, he kindles a fire and bakes bread. But he also fashions a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it.” (Isaiah 44:15 NIV) While as Christians we only worship God as the “giver” of our supply let us be good stewards in preparing these tools. And, let us be thankful He has given us one or more of these options which may be used for backup cooking to keep a fire going for our family and others as needed for basic survival. 

Take the time to assemble and practice with these devices because you don’t want to be getting out an instruction booklet when the kids are screaming and hungry. And….make sure you test your devices before an emergency occurs! 

Learn more how to become a ReadyChristian helping your family prepare spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically to help others in crisis of all kinds.

CEN FAQs: This Little Light of Mine - Homemade Emergency Candles

Maybe you have been one who has been hunkered down in your home as the snow blows and then ice takes out your power lines, turning your home dark. A hurricane or tornado will create the same situation. You may be without power for a period of time, if you don’t have backup lighting available. The good part is, all is not lost, in your house you likely already have the makings of some makeshift light sources. While Jesus is the Light of the world, and you can be “His little light” not only for your own family but to minister to others just by having some homemade emergency candles on hand.

A candle or lamp requires two simple ingredients which have been used over the past several thousand years:fuel and a wick. 

A surprising number of items you already have in your house will make a makeshift wick. If you have any cotton twine or a heavy cotton of butcher’s twine that would be your best choice. But if not, you can cut a strip out of an old cotton shirt or if you have an old string mop lying around her cut out a few pieces of the mop as your wick. If you have some Borax in your house take 1 cup and boil in water adding one tablespoon of salt and soak your new wick for an hour and create a brighter light. Also, if necessary, you can take paper products and wrap them as tightly as possible as a wick, the advantages of the materials readily available, the downside is these tend to burn faster than the other options.

Next, you’ll need to locate fuel options for your lamp. Here are some ideas.

Nearly every home has some cooking oil, either fresh or used which is an excellent fuel source in an emergency. Just pour the cooking oil into a glass container such as a jar, punch a hole in the cap of the jar and put the cap on and pressed a wick through the hole into the oil. Give a few moments for the oil to soak up the oil and light.

That old can of shoe polish sitting around is also another emergency candle waiting to be used. Nearly all shoe polish is made out of a combination of oil and wax and simply flatten the polish in the container, cut a small hole in the top, place a with you the hole into the wax. Heat the wax up first with a match in the container so the wick will be able to suck up the fuel before lighting.

A stick of butter will also work, just take a soft quarter pound stick of butter, insert a whack and white for instant light. Make sure you place the butter in a safe container made of glass or metal.

If you have some bacon grease, simply take the container, punch a hole in the top, and insert a wick and the fat from the bacon grease will give you significant light. Just make sure you’re using a glass or fireproof container.

Vaseline is another option, simply open the container, take your wick and roll into the Vaseline material and stick one in the bottom of the container, cut a hole through the top and you will have an excellent light source. If the Vaseline is in a plastic container you will need to remove the product and place in a safe container.

Crisco or other shortenings make the longest burning candles. One option is to place your wick deep into a metal can of shortening, soaking the entire wick, creating a long-term burning light that could go for several days. An additional option if you have extra candles available in different places, simply remove shortening from your large container and re-create the process with a smaller supply. You want to be sure that you eliminate all of the air bubbles in the shortening to improve the burning.

Whenever you’re burning candles, regardless of the type, be careful to keep away from small children and pets. And, remember heat will rise so don’t place them where something from above the flame may catch fire.

Ideally you want to store backup lighting options, check out the CEN article on preparing candles in advance, because if you are caught without backup light these options will help. Additionally, use this information to guide your neighbors in creating their emergency lighting sources so you can help light up the neighborhood, as the Lord taught, "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,” (Luke 12:35 NIV)

Learn more about being a ReadyChristian today!

CEN FAQs: Improve Your Stewardship with Home Security

 

The Lord spoke to Zachariah and said, “Then I will encamp at my house as a guard, so that none shall march to and fro; no oppressor shall again march over them.” (Zechariah 9:8 NIV) 

We need to rely on God’s providence and protection for our home but there are significant steps we can take to preserve our property and safety.

Some tips:

• Set up outdoor lighting, with LED lights, the power cost is significantly less than in the past

• Set of motion detectors so the lights flick on, particularly by your front driveway to scare burglars away

• Leave inside lights on, connected to a timer giving the impression of activity in the home

• Keep your garage door remote control hidden in your vehicle, so a thief can’t break in, look up your address from your registration, and rush to your house with guaranteed entry

• Security cameras and doorbell communication units deter crime because the perpetrator has an increased likelihood of being identified and jailed

• Use deadbolt on all exterior doors, including a garage door, and make sure the frames are made of either very solid hardwood or steel

• Buy a fake security alarm sign

• Use a broomstick or dowel cut to to secure any sliding doors which otherwise are easily jimmied

• Install peepholes by every door and don’t open unless you know and can see the person

• Close drapes every evening so in case your house will know they close every evening, and they won’t know if your home or not

• Trim back shrubs away from your house so a perpetrator can’t hide, and if you do want shrubs next your home plant very prickly varieties to make these uncomfortable

• Keep a loud whistle or airborne by the bed of each family member so they can quickly sound the alarm to alert the household and hopefully scare a thief away

The key however is to place our trust in the Lord, as Solomon wrote, “Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” (127:1 NIV) Good home security is doing our part while we petition the Lord to do His part.

Become a ReadyChristian, one who is ready to bring the Good News in challenging times.

CEN FAQs: Kerosene as a Home Back Up Heater

Winter storms bring havoc around the nation as snow, ice and wind may take out power for hundreds of thousands of customers and at times over a million people are affected. Obtaining a backup source for heat often defines a major decision either being able to remain in your home or needing to find shelter elsewhere. In this article we're focusing on the assumption your home is without regular power, and you haven’t taken steps to acquire a backup generator with one which may be on your furnace.

A kerosene heater  is an excellent option for backup heat. I’ve used these myself in the past and work out of a home office with electric heat, so kerosene is my backup to keep warm. A 23,000 BTU unit should be able to heat up to 1000 square feet. Other options for more heat, acquire some of the larger units which create over 80,000 BTUs. Think through the size you require for your home, and how many people you would like to keep warm. With practice you’ll be able to regulate the heat output from each unit.

With any of these kerosene heaters, even when rated for indoor use, we need to be careful of potential fumes. And, we need to make sure we have a working carbon monoxide detector when heaters are in use. For safety you should always remove the heater from your house when adding fuel in the case of a spill.

My experiences with kerosene heaters is they give off very little odor. One tip to reduce odors is to remove the kerosene heater from your home when you want to turn it on or turn it off, most of the fumes escape during the lighting and the turnoff phase.

When buying a heater read the manual and understand how much fuel is needed per 24-hour period to work at peak efficiency. Then, purchase the necessary fuel and always put the fuel in approved kerosene containers. If you’re into a seven-day power outage you don’t want to run out of kerosene after day two.

Make sure you have extra wicks for each heating unit. Rotate out the kerosene every 4 years. Put a reminder on your long-term calendar to replace otherwise the old fuel may just gum up your heater. Further, practice using the heater to make sure you and other family members understand the safety features of the unit.

Another advantage of these heaters is that many come with a flat surface which will allow you to use the heat, albeit carefully, to heat up a wide variety of foods. Be very careful you don’t allow anything to spill on the heater. One tip is to use a baking sheet, with a lip, over the heater and then put your pan atop the baking sheet so any inadvertent spills will not cause problems with the heater.

Kerosene as a backup heater will provide heat during an emergency.  King Solomon wrote, “Without wood a fire goes out…”  (Proverbs 26:20) A kerosene heater is a way to keep your fire going to heat your home, when the furnace fails.

Better yet, if possible, purchase an extra one or two and have available, along with extra kerosene, to loan to a neighbor. As a ReadyChristian this may be a great outreach opportunity!

CEN Advisory: The Hidden Deaths of COVID

Current news reports cite 320,000 Covid deaths  during 2020. Unfortunately, it is likely more are on the way in the last week of the year. Many will be feeling profound loss as this a time for Christians to respond with Hope.

In context the United States is on track for 3.22 million deaths in the United States, the first time the death toll has exceeded 3 million. The total US deaths are 400,000 more than experienced in 2019,  and a 15% increase in total deaths. A recent study indicated 67% of increased deaths were related to Covid.

Yet, we need to keep in mind the other 33% increase is attributed to other factors. Regardless of the cause of death, more will be experiencing profound loss and grief. What can we do when so many are facing loss and need the Hope that only Jesus brings in the midst of such great suffering? Find out how you can pray, care and share Christ in these uncertain times. 

One reason for the high levels are  increased deaths from pneumonia, heart disease and cancer.  One key factor is likely the 42% reduction in emergency room visits during peak times of the pandemic. Individuals are understandably reluctant to walk or be carried into an emergency room because of the substantial fear of picking up Covid. When an individual experiences chest pains or other heart attack symptoms many think twice or even a third time before submitting to the hospital. A delay in treating a heart attack may be fatal.  Additionally, many cancer screenings are down 50-80% , the lack of screenings may already have missed aggressive cancers resulting in death, but more likely result in a ticking time bomb that will take many to an earlier grave than necessary.

The CDC reports drug overdose deaths are at a record high, likely a result of depression over lockdowns and more individuals taking drugs all alone without having a buddy who could call 911 in an emergency. And, because of the pandemic, face-to-face treatment and counseling has been reduced.

And, we need to lend a hand to our friends and family who may be undergoing medical difficulties. When we have a family member who is short of breath, experiencing chest pains and sharp pains down the left arm it is not a time to tell them to sit back and take an aspirin. We need to insist they go to the emergency room, now. In situations where you are in doubt, many insurance plans, doctors’ offices and hospital facilities offer telephone triage appointments where a specialist can direct you over the phone to either choose Plan A, head to the emergency room now,  Plan B, make arrangements to be seen promptly by a physician or  Plan C, determine your situation does not require urgent care.

King Solomon wrote, A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” (Proverbs 27:12 NLT)

As a ReadyChristian we need to triage and encourage, and at times insist, those who are ill seek appropriate treatment, be it emergency room or for other important medical screenings.

CEN FAQs: Duct Tape Can Help Medically During an Emergency

 

Frequently, I’ve embraced a slogan ‘you can fix anything with duct tape’, while this isn’t exactly true duct tape provides a temporary solution for a number of solutions, including medical. Many of these possibilities are something you wouldn’t necessarily have thought about in advance. But, in a crisis duct tape may make medical situations easier to endure until more proper treatment is available.  

Some surprising uses for duct tape include:

• Bandages, use a sterile gauze pad over the wound and duct tape will hold the dressing in place

• Use as an emergency butterfly bandage strip, by cutting two small strips of the duct tape and add a smaller strip across the center, pulling the sticky side pieces together, which will create an emergency butterfly suture

• Blister treatment - if a blister has affected a foot use a sterile dressing over the blister and hold in place with duct tape being careful to make sure the gauze totally covers the blister

• Splinters or thorns may be removed if you don’t have tweezers by placing a piece of duct tape over the protrusion, and pulling swiftly straight out, removing the irritant

• Sprained ankles may be wrapped with duct tape to provide some level of support

• When a splint is needed you may use a flat surface such as a piece of wood, kitchen utensil or anything suitable and then hold in place by wrapping with duct tape

• Make an emergency sling by taking a piece of duct tape and folding the sticky sides together and cut the size and tied together as a sling

• A makeshift crutch can be constructed by finding a four piece of wood and wrapping the work part in duct tape to smooth the surface so you’re able to utilize as an emergency crutch

• Broken ribs - duct tape can be used over the affected area to provide some additional support and assist in restricting mobility until the patient is able to see a doctor

In most cases duct tape is not the optimum treatment. But thinking in advance of some potential uses will assist you in helping when someone is in crisis. And, a great resource everyone should have is the book Where There Is No Doctor. It is an outstanding guide for diagnosing and treating many situations. “And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick…” (Mark 2:17)  Surprisingly, duct tape may help you prayerfully and carefully assist in administering to those hurting during a crisis. For more information on how to pray, care and share the love of Christ in crisis situations large and small go to: ReadyChristian

CEN FAQs: Using Emergency Candles

 

For different reasons power outages are pretty common in many parts of the country. Snow and ice storms strike many areas leaving homes without power for days or even weeks sometimes. Hurricanes and tornadoes rip out electrical service. For example, in California service is shut down at times to limit the electrical load to avoid the risk of wildfires. We don’t want to be stuck with only a few candles left over from our last dinner party as our emergency plan. So a wise homeowner should buy a collection of emergency candles. CEN has suggestions on how to acquire the right products. The links provided below are not an endorsement of specific retailers, but are designed to give you a starting point for different types of candles for comparison-shopping.

Candles NOT to Save:

You need to consider the burn time and avoid candles that are gone very quickly. Also, think about the odor from candles. For example, citronella candles give off a bit of an odor and you may want to avoid a lot of scented candles. They may be great for a romantic evening but not so much if using them for several days in a row.

The type of wax is important. Unfortunately, candles don’t have food and drug administration approval guidelines, so you need to carefully read the labels when available and pay attention to the contents. Many candles purchased inexpensively online may not have a high-quality wax. So, buyer beware.

Some other features are important in selecting candles. You want those not giving off an aroma of any kind and that do not drip. You don’t want to have to clean up a mess or be concerned hot wax may spill and burn you or others. 

Candle Options:

Sterno offers a 115-hour emergency candle: These are safe, odorless and easy to store.  

Candle lantern: These burn for eight hours and have several additional benefits. The glass container helps avoid wind in drafts and is easier to use if taken outside. Drafts and breeze do affect the candles' burn time. Also, it has a loop to hang up, and the units fold up to save storage space.

Beeswax candles:  These are another good option with longer burn times, no odor and little residue. These candles can also be used in most candle lanterns. There are some additional larger beeswax candles with considerably longer burn times available.

Coghlan's offers a 36-hour candle:  Ideal for longer-term use. One of the benefits of this candle is they have three wicks providing maximum light when desired, but you can cut back to burning only one wick as needed. These come in a metal container and are very difficult to tip over.

Basic candle: These are often used in religious services and provide an incredible 80 hour burn time. One advantage is they are encased in glass so there is no risk of having wax dripped down and making a mess.

Candle Precautions:

Whenever candles are being burned, safety precautions are required, particularly if children, or pets, are running around. We need to be careful where candles are placed so that they will be kept away from anything else that may be flammable. Keep in mind heat rises so there’s a possibility that several feet above your candle may be quite hot and could ignite some surfaces. Any candle, even if thought to be drip free, may create some waxed drippings, especially if located near a draft area. So, placing a candle under a safe plate or other containers a good step.

Any good candle isn’t very useful if you don’t have matches. Buy and store matches in a safe dry place with a significant number of kitchen matches for any event. These matches are useful for a wide variety of purposes. 

And, if you’re not certain you will like a type of candle, consider placing a smaller trial order and see how you like the odor, sustainability and ease of use. 

We see in Scripture the importance of being ready with light sources: “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. (Matthew 25:8-10) 

 

While Jesus is the Light within any crisis, a ReadyChristian knows that in the event of a disaster we do not want to increase the hardship of being without power or be impeded as we share His Word with those around us.

CEN FAQs: Storing Emergency Fuel

During any emergency we see on the news long lines of cars wrapped around the block waiting to obtain fuel, only to learn before the pull up to the pump the tanks are dry. A wise and prepared person would want to store some emergency fuel for emergency use. “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” Proverbs 22:3

Inventory

Before storing fuel take an inventory of the items you would like to power: a propane grill, your car, heaters or perhaps a generator. Determine how much fuel you would need to operate your emergency devices, for several days or a week, and then plan accordingly.

Storage

Always store fuel in properly labeled safe containers. For example, storing gasoline, even short-term in milk jugs or other containers that may be handy, but is dangerous and will degrade both the container and the fuel!  The correct gasoline containers will have a label for Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) certifying the safety of the container for fuel. To avoid confusion in the future only store fuel in the specific labeled container, don’t put gasoline into a diesel container.

After you determine the amount of fuel you want to set aside for an emergency purchase the needed number of containers to meet your goal. Taking steps of obtaining a generator for backup power will be of little use without the correct fuel availability. Don’t forget to obtain storage cans with a spout to make pouring easier without spilling. 

 All fuel has a shelf life. Typically you can plan on the following:

 Diesel- 18-24 months

 Gasoline - 6-9 months for optimum use

 Propane- indefinite when stored properly

 Kerosene 3-5 years, best if a fuel stabilizer is added every year

 Coleman white gas 5+ years

Fuel storage is an important consideration. For optimum safety best to store at least 50 feet from your home in a metal shed if possible. Keep in mind that gasoline fumes are heavier than air and if stored in an enclosed part of your home or garage fumes may potentially sink to the floor and ignite by a furnace or water heater pilot light.

Get into the habit of keeping your gas tank filled up, rather than letting your tank run to empty, so you will know you have some on hand for emergencies and to assist others as God would lead. 

Rotation

Your fuel must be rotated, or your stored gasoline may become a liability rather than a blessing.  Gasoline will clog your engine if stored too long. When you fill your containers, label them with the date, but also make a note on your calendar when you want to refresh your fuel supply. While the fuel is still usable fill your automobile and then drive off to the gas station to refresh your supply. Failing to rotate fuel on a regular basis is one of the biggest and most common mistakes made in preparations.

Some propane tanks will have an expiration date, which refers to an inspection time, not that the propane will degrade. I’ve effectively used propane storage for over 15 years with no issues.

During an emergency the fuel you have stored will allow you to drive your car, power a backup generator, fuel your barbecue for cooking and power other critical devices. With some simple planning, acquiring the correct storage containers and rotating your fuel on a regular basis you will be able to mitigate part of your situation during a crisis.

Keeping adequate supplies of fuel is just one of the important elements to being fully prepared. Go to ReadyChristian to learn more about being spiritually, emotionally, mentally as well as physically prepared to respond in crisis with the Hope of Christ.

CEN FAQs: Ready to Fight Kitchen Fires?

Each year 190,000 Kitchen Fires  flare up causing massive property damage, personal injury and at times death. Each homeowner should take some basic steps to be ready to mitigate a kitchen fire.

First, a simple fire extinguisher within easy reach, under your sink, or in an easy to reach pantry or other location where you’re able to grab the extinguisher, point and extinguisher fire rapidly is key. In advance, advise children of the locations of the extinguisher and provide instruction so they’re able to grab and use. If for any reason you’re not able to extinguish the fire in seconds immediately clear your house and call 911. 

An alternative product for fighting a kitchen fire is a Fire blanket, a simple blanket which you remove from the container, place over the fire quickly without the mess of an extinguisher may prevent injury or loss.  Again, like a fire extinguisher, if you’re unable to eliminate the fire within seconds, call the fire department.

Additionally, if a pan flares up unexpectedly, and the fire is contained in that pan, put a lid over the flames and the fire should quickly extinguish itself. If a small amount of flames have escaped the pan to your countertop or stove, baking soda or salt poured over the small flame should extinguish the flame quickly. Just make sure you have extra baking soda or salt available and are able to grab it swiftly.

Most of us have experienced a kitchen burn which can be very painful, some are a short-term inconvenience while others can become quite severe.  When you are burned, run your burned area under cold water for at least 10 minutes to ease the pain and the damage. The prepared kitchen needs to include supplies for treating a burn including sterile gauze and extra bandages. Make sure you keep an antibiotic cream available to quickly treat the affected area.

Your bandages should be able to treat the occasional slicing of a hand which is quite common. Make sure you have plenty of bandages available, so you don’t have to go running back to your bathroom cupboard or search for the right size. Again, make sure you treat the wound with an effective antibiotic cream.

Finally, place a few ice packs in your freezer so in the event of a slip and fall or if you have an injury you want to treat with cold, you’re able to access the packs quickly. Ice cubes may be effective, but be careful don’t drip water in the kitchen causing somebody else to slip and hit the floor magnifying an already challenging situation.

Embrace the step of preparing your kitchen for a fire or other injury and you will have taken another step in your journey of becoming a ReadyChristian.

CEN Advisory: Are you a ReadyChristian?

With so many crises surrounding us today from the pandemic, civil unrest, wildfires and the economic collapse we may question our own resilience and ability to recover. When Dr. HB London was with Focus on the Family helping pastors in crisis, he made the profound statement: “What we are in any great moment is what we have become before it occurs.” Often the greatest moments in our lives are the hardest and stretch us beyond ourselves. This means our readiness to face these “tests” will largely be a result of the resilience we have already prepared for and exercised spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. 

The New England Journal of Medicine found that 90% of those in crisis will ask: “Where is God in this?” The spiritual component is critical to a full and healthy recovery from a crisis. Just as one’s emotional wellbeing is important in healing from trauma long term, so is cultivating a  healthy mindset in moving forward along with the obvious - physical recovery. When we are in a better position to help others spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically when a crisis occurs we actually recover more quickly and stronger ourselves. Preparedness and building resilience then, is both wise from our own survival view, as well as others. 

But Scripture reminds us we have a choice to make:

“A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks, and suffers the consequences.” Proverbs 27:12

Scripture also says to be ready to give an answer for the Hope of Christ within us in I Peter 3:15. Have you ever wondered how resilient you are to face crises whether large or small, known or unknown? Do you know what the Bible says about being ready? Ready for what? Are you a ReadyChristian for these uncertain times?

To find out try answering these ten questions with either "Yes" or "No":

1.       Do you know the top one or two emergency threats or risks in your neighborhood?

2.       Do you have plans and resources in place to help you and your family fully recover spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically before, during and after a crisis?

3.       Do you have plans in place to help friends or neighbors find safety or recover in an emergency?

4.       Have you conducted an assessment to identify security concerns and potential risk factors which may have changed in your neighborhood within the past year?

5.       Do you have plans in place for your residence in case of a natural disaster or security incident?

6.       Have you practiced safety drills with your family for different types of incidents within the past year?

7.       Do you have an agreement with at least two other families in your immediate neighborhood to help each other in the event of an emergency?

8.       Do you know how to pray, care for and sensitively share the Gospel message to bring hope and calm in a crisis?

9.       Do you have strong Christian relationships in place to draw upon in an emergency?

10.   Do you believe you are prepared to respond and help others in any emergency?

Each of these questions is biblically based. So, if you answered “NO” or are unsure about any of these questions, don’t look away from the problems in front of you. Rather, thank God He has shown you what is ahead and seize the opportunity to prepare while you can. CEN’s self-study guide, videos, timely and actionable information for Christians, and many other resources which are found in ReadyChristian will help you discover your level of readiness, get biblically prepared to stand against that day!