If disaster struck, would you be ready for it? That’s the question that Bluffdale Ready would like to help residents be able to answer with an unhesitant “Yes!”

The Bluffdale Stake and the Bluffdale South Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have joined forces to present this free readiness program to the Bluffdale community. Stake leaders want local residents to know that there is more to preparedness than just food storage and 72-hour kits.

“It’s not what you have; it’s what you know. One person can’t do it all; collectively we can do it,” Derek Haynie, Mapleton Ready director said.

Bluffdale Ready was inspired by Mapleton Ready, a preparedness group in Mapleton. Mapleton Ready has been going for over seven years and has people coming from all over to attend its classes and workshops. The newly formed Bluffdale group hopes to do the same.

“These classes are for anyone who wants to live a more self-sufficient lifestyle, whether it be growing food or protecting their families,” Dan Capel said. As the self-reliance and emergency preparedness director for the Bluffdale Stake, Capel is currently in charge of the Bluffdale Ready program.

An introduction to what the Bluffdale Ready program is about was held Jan. 8 at the LDS church at 14650 South 3200 West.

Upcoming topics for Bluffdale Ready include seed starting, means of communication, baking and water storage. Future topics will include probiotics, power, security and defense, transportation, cooking, gardening, sanitation and shelter.

“If no emergency happens, it’s no big deal. We live happier, healthier, better. If it does, it’s no big deal. We’re ready,” Capel said.

Bluffdale Ready holds its classes every third Thursday at 7 p.m. at the same church house. The Radio Communications class will be on Feb. 19. Seed Starting/Saving will be March 19, and Mittleider Gardening (vertical gardening) will be April 16. Anyone interested in learning more about the program, or getting on the email notification list can visit BluffdaleReady.org.