$10/Week Prep Plan

Here’s a $10/Week Prep Plan for 24 weeks to help you get started and build your emergency supplies gradually without overwhelming your budget. Over the course of 24 weeks, you’ll stock food, water, first aid, lighting, hygiene, and basic tools—using just $10 a week (give or take, depending on local prices and deals).

 

$10/Week Emergency Prep Plan (24 Weeks)

WEEK 1: Water Storage

• (2) 5-gallon water containers OR
• (4) 1-gallon jugs of water

Goal: 1 gallon per person per day (aim for 3 days minimum to start)

Learn more about water storage in this article.

Learn how to store water in small spaces in this article.

 

WEEK 2: Canned Food Staples

• (4–6) cans: beans, chili, stew, soup, or canned chicken/tuna

Tip: Choose food your family actually eats.

To learn about food storage check out this article.

 

WEEK 3: Lighting

• (1) LED flashlight or headlamp
• (1) Pack of AA/AAA batteries

Check out this article to learn about inexpensive power backup systems.

 

WEEK 4: First Aid Basics

• Bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever
• Dollar store or basic kit version

Check out this article to learn about essential first aid and medical supplies.

 

WEEK 5: Grains & Carbs

• 5 lbs rice
• 2 lbs pasta
• 1 lb oats

 

WEEK 6: Hygiene

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Soap
• Feminine hygiene products or baby wipes

WEEK 7: Tools

• Multi-tool or basic knife
• Duct tape

WEEK 8: Canned Vegetables/Fruits

• (5–6) cans: corn, green beans, peaches, pineapple

WEEK 9: Fire Starting

• (2–3) Bic lighters
• Waterproof matches
• DIY fire starter (dryer lint + wax + egg carton)

WEEK 10: Protein

• Peanut butter (2 jars)
• Canned chicken or tuna

WEEK 11: Shelter & Warmth

• Emergency mylar blanket (2–3)
• Hand warmers (multi-pack)

Check out this article to learn about the best shelters for any disaster scenario.

WEEK 12: Manual Tools

• Can opener
• Paracord

WEEK 13: Water Purification

• Bleach (unscented, 1 gal)
• Eyedropper bottle (for measuring bleach drops)
• Instructions printed

WEEK 14: Food Storage

• (2–3) 5-gallon buckets with lids (Also good for hauling water, sanitation, laundry, gardening, and carrying things)
• Mylar bags or Ziploc freezer bags

WEEK 15: First Aid Add-ons

• Antibiotic ointment
• Antihistamines
• Medical gloves

WEEK 16: Pantry Restock 

• Instant potatoes
• Mac and cheese
• Ramen or shelf-stable meals

WEEK 17: Sanitation

• Toilet paper (4-pack)
• Trash bags
• Bleach wipes or disinfectant

Check out this article to learn about what to do if you can't use the sewer system.

 

WEEK 18: Cooking

• Manual can opener (if not already bought)
• Sterno fuel or cheap camp stove (check thrift stores)

WEEK 19: Lighting Add-on

• Solar garden lights or candle pack
• Extra flashlight batteries

WEEK 20: Multi-Purpose Items

• Bandana
• Tarp, reusable table cloth, shower curtain liner or plastic sheeting
• Zip ties

WEEK 21: Communication

• AM/FM radio (battery or hand crank). Best if you can find an NOAA weather radio
• Print emergency contact info

Read this article about how to create a family communication plan.

 

WEEK 22: Personal Safety

• Whistle
• Pepper spray (if legal in your area)
• Work gloves

WEEK 23: Important Docs Backup

• USB drive or waterproof pouch
• Print insurance & ID copies

WEEK 24: Comfort Items

• Deck of cards
• Hard candy
• Family favorite snacks

Bonus Tips:

• Check dollar stores, discount bins, and thrift shops for many of these items.
• Look for coupons and bulk deals to stretch your budget.
• Rotate food and water at least every 6–12 months.