Nita-May Hippolite from Nelson, New Zealand over the last ten years has become a disaster preparation expert, and she practices what she preaches.
That’s one reason she could immediately help others last week after the latest South Island quake hit. Her family was taken care of before the quake – they’re always prepared.
She was raised in a remote rural farming and fishing community and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are known for being self-reliant.
“The Church’s self-reliance teachings fitted naturally into my remote upbringing,” she said.
Mormons are encouraged to store enough food, water, clothing and basic supplies to support their family for as long as they feel would be prudent in an emergency situation, or during a loss of employment.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also counsels each individual to have a grab-and-go emergency kit, filled with the same items that would last for 72 hours following a sudden disaster.