How To Prepare for Disaster on a Budget?

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Natural disasters don’t wait for a convenient time. Preparing for them shouldn’t wait either.

National Preparedness Month 

Week 3 September 12-18: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness

Natural disasters don’t wait for a convenient time. Preparing for them shouldn’t wait either.

If you are on a tight budget, there are several steps you can take that won't cost anything or that you could coordinate with a low budget.  Here are some tips from Ready.gov:

Alerts

Start by signing up for alerts, safe-guarding important documents, and taking other low cost and no cost preparedness actions to lessen the impact of disasters and emergencies for you and your family.

Preparedness Products

Download or order your free preparedness products to help your family plan and prepare for the next emergency. 

www.ready.gov/publications

Evacuation Drills

Drills aren’t just for your toolbox. Practice emergency drills with your family regularly. Kids already do this at school, why not implement them on a yearly basis at home.

Have a Communication Plan

Emergencies can happen anytime, and less than half of American families have a communication plan.

Ready.gov provides downloadable resources that are free!  Print out a Communications Plan and fill it in with your family.

Plan ahead:

 www.ready.gov/kids/make-a-plan 

Prepare with Kids

Make preparing fun for kids! Go on a scavenger hunt around your house for items you already have to add to your disaster supply kit. Follow this list: www.ready.gov/kit and see how many items you can check off!

Be aware of disasters in your area

Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate. Visit: www.ready.gov/be-informed.

Here are some tips to help you put together a budget friendly emergency kits

•  Go to a dollar store.  Here you can find kitchen items, first aid, cleaning supplies, lighting, and water
• Look for grocery food sales- buy 10 with a discount, canned goods are often on sale and use coupons. 
• There are many budget grocery stores where you can find many items on your list.
• Buy in bulk for personal items. 
• Purchase items when not in high demand
• Buy throughout the year. 
• Use what you have at home, soda bottles can be cleaned appropriately and filled with water.
• Purchase off-brand items.
• Purchase electronic emergency supplies on eBay or Amazon