Emergency Prep: Where to Start

Are you feeling overwhelmed with all the things you need to do to prepare, and you just don't know where to start? This article is an easy step-by-step guide to help you start preparing for emergencies without feeling overwhelmed. It’s designed to build confidence and momentum while keeping it manageable.

 

Step 1: Start Small and Assess Your Needs

1. Identify likely emergencies: Think about the most common risks in your area (power outages, storms, earthquakes, etc.).

2. Set a goal: Start with a 3-day emergency plan and expand over time.

3. Write it down: Make a simple checklist to track progress.

 

 

Step 2: Build a Basic Emergency Kit

Gather essential items you already have and gradually purchase what’s missing:

Water: Store 1 gallon per person per day (start with a 3-day supply).

Food: Collect non-perishable items like canned goods, dried fruits, and granola bars.

Essentials:

• Tarp and Rope to rig a tent

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First-aid kit

• Medications (if needed)

• Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife

• Blankets or sleeping bags

• Solar battery pack/ phone charger

For more in depth information about emergency kits check out this article here. 

 

Step 3: Make an Emergency Plan

1. Communication: Write down important phone numbers and designate a meeting spot.

2. Evacuation: Know multiple routes out of your area and keep maps handy.

3. Stay-in-place: Understand what supplies you’d need if stuck at home for a week.

If you would like a step by step guide to creating an emergency plan, check out this article here. 

 

Step 4: Organize Your Documents

1. Make copies of: IDs (birth certificates, wedding license, passports, SS cards, etc.)

• Insurance policies

• Bank information

• Possession documents (vehicle titles, deed to your home, etc.)

• Important phone numbers

2. Store them in a waterproof and fireproof bag or safe, or scan them and keep the digital files on a password protected flash drive. Don't forget where you put that flash drive. Do not store them in the cloud - no matter how safe you think it is, unless you want your identity stolen. No computer system is hack free.

 

Step 5: Practice and Learn

1. Practice drills: Walk through your emergency plan with family or household members. Keep your written plan somewhere you remember and can refer to it as needed. 

2. Learn skills: Take small steps to build self-reliance, like learning CPR, using a fire extinguisher, how to shut off the gas and water or how to purify water.

 

Step 6: Expand Gradually

1. Stockpile more supplies: Work toward a 2-week, then 1-month supply, then 3- month supply of food and water. This is your short term food supply that should be rotated through so nothing is wasted. See more on food storage here. 

2. Emergency power: Consider a solar charger or generator for essential devices.

3. Protection and security: Look into home safety measures, like securing furniture in earthquake zones or reinforcing doors.

 

 

Step 7: Build a Community Network

1. Connect with neighbors, friends, or local groups who are also preparing.

2. Share tips and resources—community efforts often reduce the load.

 

Final Tips for Success

Set small monthly goals: Tackle one category at a time, such as water this month, first-aid next month. For a FREE monthly emergency prep calendar, follow this link here. 

Rotate supplies: Use and replace food and water periodically to avoid waste.

Stay informed: Monitor weather alerts and news about local risks.

Remember, every small step you take makes you more prepared. You don’t need to do everything at once—progress is what counts!

For more information on food storage, check out this link here.

For information on financial prep and ways to stretch your dollar check out this link here.

If you want to learn about emergency funds check out this link here.