New to preparedness? Do not try to do everything at once. Start with these steps, in this order. Each one makes your household safer on its own.
1. Get through a 72-hour power outage
Flashlights, batteries, a way to charge phones, a way to stay warm or cool, and food you can eat without cooking. This covers the most common emergency there is.
2. Store water
The basic rule is one gallon per person per day, plus extra for pets. Start with a 3-day supply, then build toward two weeks.
3. Build a pantry that lasts
Buy a little extra of the shelf-stable food you already eat every time you shop. Rotate it. That is the whole secret.
4. Make a family plan
Where do you meet? Who calls who? How do you reach family if cell service is down? Write it down and keep a copy in your car.
5. Keep your car ready
Keep the tank at least half full, and keep a small kit in the trunk with water, snacks, a blanket, a phone charger, a first aid kit and cash.
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