Hey there. My name is Sarah, and I’m new here at Emergency Essentials. I’m happy to be a part of EEI’s mission to “Help People Prepare.” I’m going to be honest with you, though—I’m not prepared. Not even close. And by not even close I mean I haven’t started—at all.
Chances are if you’re reading this you fall into one of two groups of people:
- Those who are already working on emergency preparedness, OR
- People who know they should prepare, but haven’t started yet for whatever reason
If you fall into group number two, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. I felt a little overwhelmed at first when thinking about creating an entire emergency preparedness plan from scratch. But really it comes down to just a few simple steps, and we’re going to go through them together.
I have a boatload of excuses for not being prepared. And as it stands now, I can give you three common excuses for not getting started that apply to me: I’m poor, I don’t have a lot of space, and I don’t know anything about preparedness. Sound familiar? Maybe you (or someone you know) have made similar excuses.
Whatever your reasons for not prepping up to this point, join me in getting started. I’ll be prepping on a budget, keeping small spaces in mind (heads up, urban preppers!), and I’m going to cover all the basics (and then some) just a little bit at a time.
Let’s hear it, folks. Are you new to preparedness planning? Anything you’re dying to learn about? Let me know in the comments!
--Sarah
24 comments
Jonnalyhn Wolfcat Hall
Pick a low denomination bill and coin, then every day when you come home if you have one in your wallet/coin purse-tuck it into your 72 hour kit!
Anonymous
Ready to get started
Emergency Essentials®
Hollyros, that's a great question. I would suggest taking a look at this Insight Article on the Emergency Preparedness website:
http://beprepared.com/article.asp?ai=639
I hope that helps!
—Sarah
Anonymous
Just received my first food order this week… a couple of Group Specials. I've decided to stick with the basics… freeze dried veges, fruits and meats. Keeping it simple and staying away from the "prepared" freeze dried foods to save money. Looking forward to your blog, Sarah. We'll learn together!
Kavajax
Hi, thanks for the great info!!!
Amber
Sarah, please be sure you have a very good can opener. Used to be an opener would function for years, but these days they can start skipping and bending within a couple of dozen cans. Buy multiples, of different brands, if you can. Also, if you have five-gallon buckets, you must have one of those F-shaped openers.
Gamma seals seem expensive, but they are huge money savers over time. We keep a bucket each of flour, sugar, oats, rice, and other things in the kitchen. The gamma seals let us just unscrew the lid, dip out what's needed, and screw the lid effortlessly back on. A bucket with seal lasts years and years.
Ruby
One thing to consider is accessibility. If your stash is tucked away to gather dust, how are you going to rotate it, or learn to cook with it, or get your kids used to seeing it on a plate and thinking of it as food? Kids under stress will sicken themselves rather than eat something unfamiliar and potentially yucky.
Emergency Essentials®
Thanks everyone for your enthusiasm and suggestions! I'm looking forward to learning and sharing with you.
Mr. Green, that's a fantastic suggestion—I'm definitely going to incorporate that.
Sandy, I appreciate your comment about avoiding debt—definitely something to keep in mind as I look at the big picture.
Sharon, prepping for an emergency first, and a disaster later, sounds like the best way to describe what I'm hoping to do—I love that you phrased it that way.
—Sarah
Scott Teel
The Do1Thing.com emails are pretty good. A little simple for those preppers out there that have a few months or years under their belt, but good for the novices nonetheless.
Hollyros
what is the best way to store water
Anonymous
Started a year or so ago, and have learned that I have to BUDGET for Preparedness, and commit to not only spending the budget amount every month, but also not spending OVER the budget amount.
Also, for those just starting, a great place to get some basic preparedness steps in place can be found at Ready.GOV, or at http://do1thing.com/. That site sends you a very simple, brief once a month email that suggests tips on preparedness for you and your family.
Sorcha
Just starting out here too…
Signed,
Color Me Clueless
Anonymous
Sarah, I can't wait to see the what you cover in your blog posts. I think these posts will be beneficial to many people. You are right, it is overwhelming when you first start out and when looking at all the options and then the price tag— wow! It truly makes your eyes cross. So, I for one, look forward to your posts.
me and my GSDs
Just getting started so I need all the help I can get.
Anonymous
Finally, someone as clueless as me! I am looking forward to your blog.
Sharon
start by preparing for an emergency, not a disaster – 72 hrs is a good starting place – work up slowly to being prepared for the end of the world!
Sandy
Start with the basic and gradually add when you can. The first lesson don't go into debt. If your in debt, work on paying it off. Live within your means and use cash when ever possible.
btwr1
i am also on a very tight budget and very little space so this becomes overwhelming as to where and how to start
lfhpueblo
I'm getting started. Have a few things, but you're right, not a lot of money, not a lot of room.
eric
i look forward to learning how to prepare
mormonhermitmom
I've had all three excuses at one time or another.
Annie
Definitely will be following this. Very interested!
Mr Green
Lets make this VERY simple- when you go to the grocery store, instead of buying one can of what you already like- buy two and put in your cupboard for a rainy day. Jay
Dianne C
Hi Sarah,
Just getting started myself. Not really sure what I am doing yet but trying none the less. I look forward to reding your blog.