More than 30 years before the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the raising of the level of national threat to "high," Jim and Nancy Holland of Townsend learned how suddenly an emergency can strike and how valuable it is to be prepared.

The couple lived near a small community in California called Lydle Creek. Nestled in a narrow canyon and surrounded by sheer walls, the homes sat perched on the edge of the creek that separated the two sides of the canyon.

For many days rain fell on the small community, flooding the area and washing out the single road leading in and out of the town, and cutting the residents off from any communication and supplies. Living within the community were several LDS families. Through the lessons taught by their church, the families were prepared for this kind of situation. With the year's supply of food they had been encouraged to store, the Mormon families were able to help and feed the entire community for the three to four days necessary until the road could be rebuilt, and supplies and communication could be restored.

"That made a big impression on us," said Nancy. "When we moved to Montana in 1972, we didn't know much more about the LDS Church. Since becoming members in 1976, we have always stored."

Within two years of joining the church, the Hollands had their one-year supply of food and the other essentials of home production and storage.

Calling it provident living, the church teaches independence, industry, thrift and self-reliance. It's not just about being prepared for a natural or man-made disaster, it's about being prepared to care for the family when any time of need arises. Accidents, illness, unemployment or commodity shortage, wars, depression, famines, earthquakes, floods, are all possibilities when considering and planning the care and protection of family, according to literature.

"There was a time when we had no income and we lived on our food stores," said Nancy. "We had a garden at the time and I canned a lot. It is provident living, rather than emergency living," she added.

In the church doctrine, the LDS members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are advised: "If you are prepared you need not fear."

Nancy said that when Jim developed a heart problem and needed medication, the couple realized the health aspect of the food that they store. The foods they store include whole wheat, powered milk, juice, oatmeal, beans, oil, sugar, salt, canned fruit and vegetables. They buy paper supplies in bulk when they can.

"We live on a limited income, but I feel wealthy," said Nancy. "I have all the basics to make and do all we need to be healthy. I grind my own wheat, and bake my own bread; we grind our cereal from the whole grain too. I have always done this," she added.

Nancy said they live modestly, frugally and resourcefully, employing their talents, energy and skills to make life good.

"I think it is a very wise way to live," said Nancy. "We live in a throwaway world and with the problems on the horizon, there is no telling what is in the future. In our faith, we believe that if we have done all we can do, then the Lord will pick up the slack."

With five children to feed, Scott and Gwyn Jensen of Helena found their food storage an integral part of their basic survival when faced with six weeks without a paycheck.

The couple lived and worked on a dairy farm in Ronan. In November 1990, Scott was offered a new job in Helena. With a new baby and the holiday season nearing, Gwyn said they had only three weeks to move and settle into their new home.

"We had saved enough money for rent, deposit and utilities. But that was it," said Gwen.

The previous summer, Gwyn said, she had preserved and canned all the vegetables her garden could produce. Beans, beets, carrots, corn, jams, jellies, and applesauce were among the variety of fruit and vegetables she put up. They also had stores of wheat, flour, beans, sugar, oil and salt. She said that until they received the first paycheck from Scott's new job they relied on the food they had stored to feed the family.

"I had canned everything I could put my hands on," said Gwyn. "We were so relieved and felt so fortunate to have the food stored and to be able to provide for our family during that time. It's peace of mind," she added.

Carolyn Sangrey and her husband, Jack, are the Helena Montana Stake LDS directors on preparedness. They meet with members of the wards and branches to discuss ways to provide people in the community the opportunity to learn how to store.

"Only when you are self reliant can you be truly independent," said Sangrey. "It's like an insurance policy."

On Saturday, March 1 the Helena Montana Stake of the LDS Church will sponsor a Preparedness Fair to help educate the community about preparedness, what to do in an emergency or disaster and how to become more self-reliant. Gardening tips, financial preparedness, how to cook with beans, cooking with wheat and how to store water are among the numerous topics, presentations, workshops and demonstrations that will be presented.

"I think it will be a good opportunity for folks to come and learn. We hope they will be able to take with them some knowledge of being self reliant," said Sangrey. "What we would like to see is a more prepared community. We are only as prepared as our neighbors are."

"A segment on the 72-hour emergency kits will be presented. Right now that's something you're hearing a lot about," Sangrey adds.

Paul Spengler, coordinator for the Lewis and Clark Disaster and Emergency services will present on Helena's Disaster Plan and what can be done in the event of an emergency, be it flood, fire, earthquake or a hazardous material release, and what the evacuation plan would be.

"We have always recommended people be prepared to be on their own for three days, " said Spengler. "That's in case of a major incident that may cut people off from utilities, lights and water, that kind of thing. We recommend people have all the standard stuff that you think you are going to need that you would take camping: water, clothing, food that needs little or no preparation, battery-powered radio and flashlight, etc."

Spengler stressed that people must keep risk in perspective. He said the most likely place for people to be seriously injured or killed is out on the highways. The second worst place is in their homes. He said people should not become obsessed. If you have a trip planned, whether it is an international or national flight, go.

"There are many things that we have control over in many areas in our lives," he said. "Like having a 72-hour preparedness kit, having a family emergency plan in place, wearing seat belt and practicing safety precautions. I hear people say that they are getting conflicting messages from the government. First they tell us we are at an orange alert status. Then we hear from Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and others saying don't change your lifestyles."

Spengler said the risk of a terrorist attack is slight compared to other risks, like on the highways or some other kind of accident. He said that those in emergency management always preach preparedness. So if people are prepared for a natural disaster then they are prepared for a human caused disaster and vice versa.

There are many reasons why a family should prepare a 72-hour emergency survival kit. Spengler suggested in many types of natural disasters there is no time to organize the supplies necessary for evacuation. Often very little time is given to gather anything except the kit. Disasters like accidental chemical spills from trains or trucks, releasing toxic or explosive fumes, earthquakes, mud slides, flash floods and many other natural disasters may require evacuation of the home within two to three minutes.

"When I speak to the LDS Church on preparedness, I feel like I am singing to the choir. They're supremely prepared," said Spengler. "If everybody else would just take a page from their book, we would all be better off facing any disaster or emergency that might happen."

The American Red Cross will also be on location with its Emergency Response Vehicle to answer any questions and concerns the public may have in regards with the level of homeland security in place and the recommendations to the public. A table will be set up with the Emergency Services and Health and Safety Service and will also offer the public information on educational classes for community first aid and CPR.

"When the time of need arises, the time of preparation is past"