Getting prepared can be incredibly overwhelming at times. As I thumb through our
Catalog, I feel a slight tremor of panic. I think "I need ALL of these things?! Right NOW?!" and it all seems too much. And it can get expensive. And like any project, it's that first step that is the most difficult. Where do I even begin? Obviously, everyone's prep will be different, and I am by no means saying this is THE way to start prepping... But, today I decided to be done with anxiety, and finally get started. So I set myself a budget of $25, and boiled down the catalog to three
essential items that I did not have, which are all on sale this month. Check these out:
Emergency Gas Wrench
This wrench is all one piece, made of sturdy metal, and comes with two sizes of openings for any gas line. It also comes with a zip tie so you can attach it directly to your gas meter, so you will always know where it is. That is assuming, of course, that you know where your gas meter is.
51-piece First Aid Kit
For everything that I would know how to "first aid", this kit has the tools. Simple, lightweight, and even comes with a sturdy plastic case - and a bargain at its sale price this month.
Millennium Bar Combo
These energy bars are not nearly as unpleasant tasting as you're thinking. Imagine a flavored shortbread cookie. Packed with calories, and they have a shelf life of 5 years, even if you store them in your steaming-hot car over the summer.
So that is my first step. WHEW! That wasn't so bad. Now I have a small measure of security, and can officially say that I have started my Emergency Preparation. And all of that only cost me $24.97, including shipping!
What was your "first step"? And what do you plan to do for step 2, 3 etc.?
6 comments
Anonymous
Started with enlisting help from the kids! We started with storing water and food for our 72hr emergency food kits. For a family of 7 this was a month long project and cost about $75. The kids were shocked; I reminded them you PAY for the convenience& those small packages!
Lee
Hi all,
Yes, get prepared! I echo that admonition to everyone and appreciate the reminder personally. There have been so many major natural disasters this year (2011) that have provided a constant reminder and motivation to do just that - get prepared!
I too have some basic food & water supplies, some first aid items, etc. But before I can purchase more food & water I need to clean/re-organize the garage so we’ll have more storage room. I’m also going to have to choose a plan for using, rotating, and replacing items before they expire.
This post is another good reminder for me to get going on this project (again) and make sure my family is as prepared as we can be before an emergency situation occurs. We all want to be prepared for when disaster strikes and like your post says we need to at least get started because a little preparedness is better than NO preparedness!
Anonymous
A friend got me started thinking about prepping with exactly those words "Just get started." Also on a budget, my purchases of the dehydrated and freeze-dried foods have been few and far between. I have, however, been able to stock up on some canned goods from the store using coupons when items go on sale (no extreme couponing here as local stores limit the amount a coupon can double to). With the holidays coming up, I once again plan to use some holiday money for more dehydrated and freeze-dried foods to have on hand. Sure wish I could find some red peppers dehydrated or freeze-dried.
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I decided to start and have bought 13 cans so far and will buy at least 2 a month or however the deals go. I hope to have a 3-6 month supply. Still trying to decide to tell the folks or not.
OD from HT
We're not new and feel like we have god coverage (you never have enough) so we are branching out by helping other learn to be prepared.
Sue
I am very much a novice at this, and don't have much of a budget for this. However, I have ordered a few cans of veggies, meat, fruit, and instant milk over the last six months or so. I believe I have a total of 30 cans of food – I know I would at least be able to make some soups/stews, and have a bit of fruit. It's no much, but it's a start!