Survive on a Shoestring: Get Prepared with Budget Survival Kits
Emergency preparedness is important for everyone, but it can be difficult to know where to start. Many people think that they need to spend a lot of money to be prepared for emergencies, but that's simply not true. By putting together a budget survival kit, you can be ready for anything without breaking the bank. In this article, we'll go over some tips for creating a budget survival kit that will keep you and your family safe in case of an emergency.
The Myth of Expensive Emergency Preparedness
Many people believe that they need to spend a lot of money to be prepared for emergencies. They think that they need to buy expensive equipment, stock up on pricey food and water supplies, and invest in high-end emergency shelters. While some of these things can be helpful, they're not necessary for basic emergency preparedness. In fact, you can put together a basic survival kit for very little money, and then build on it over time as your budget allows.
What This Article Will Cover
In this article, we'll cover some key tips for creating a budget survival kit. We'll start by assessing your needs and determining what you already have on hand. Then, we'll go over some shopping strategies for finding the best deals on emergency supplies. Finally, we'll discuss how to build your kit over time and keep it up to date. Whether you're new to emergency preparedness or you're looking to upgrade your existing kit, this article will give you the tools you need to survive on a shoestring.
Assess Your Needs
Before you can start building your budget survival kit, you need to assess your needs. This means taking into account the potential emergencies you might face, as well as the specific needs of you and your family.
Identify Potential Disasters in Your Area
Different areas are prone to different types of disasters. According to Ready.gov, you should research the types of disasters that could occur in your area and plan your survival kit accordingly.
Determine the Number of People in Your Household
The number of people in your household will determine how much food, water, and other supplies you need to have on hand. According to Trip Survival Kits, you should also consider any pets or other animals that you need to care for.
Consider Any Specific Needs
Do you or a family member have any specific medical needs? According to SafeWise, you should make sure to take these into account when building your budget survival kit.
Assess Your Budget for Emergency Preparedness
Once you've determined your needs, it's time to assess your budget. According to The Penny Hoarder, you don't need to buy everything all at once. You can start with a basic kit and then build on it over time. By prioritizing your needs and shopping smart, you can create a budget survival kit that will keep you and your family safe in case of an emergency.
Start with What You Have
You may already have some of the items you need for your budget survival kit. Here are some ways to get started with what you have on hand:
Take Inventory of What You Already Own
According to Emergency Prep Gear, the first step to building a survival kit is to take inventory of what you already own. Look around your house and see what items you already have that could be used in an emergency. This might include things like blankets, first aid supplies, and tools.
Use What You Have on Hand
Once you've taken inventory, start using what you have on hand. According to SafeWise, you can use things like empty water bottles as containers, or use blankets as makeshift shelters.
Repurpose Items for Emergency Use
Get creative and think about how you can repurpose items you already own for emergency use. For example, a tarp can be used as a makeshift shelter, or a belt can be used to strap items together. According to The Penny Hoarder, repurposing items is a great way to save money when building your budget survival kit.
By starting with what you have on hand, you can save money and make the most of the items you already own.
Find Deals to Save Money
You don't have to spend a lot of money to build a budget survival kit. Here are some ways to find deals and save money:
Look for Sales and Discounts
According to The Penny Hoarder, you can save money by looking for sales and discounts. Keep an eye out for sales at your local grocery store, as well as discounts on emergency supplies online.
Utilize Coupons
Another way to save money is to use coupons. According to Trip Survival Kits, you can find coupons for emergency supplies in your local newspaper or online. Make sure to take advantage of any coupons you find to save money on your budget survival kit.
Consider Secondhand Items
You can also save money by considering secondhand items. According to SafeWise, you can find gently used emergency supplies at thrift stores or garage sales. You can also check online classifieds like Craigslist for deals on emergency supplies.
Make Your Own Supplies
If you're handy, consider making your own emergency supplies. According to Emergency Prep Gear, you can make your own emergency shelter using a tarp and some rope. You can also make your own first aid kit using items you already own.
By finding deals and getting creative, you can build a budget survival kit without breaking the bank.
Prioritize Essential Items
When it comes to building a budget survival kit, it's important to prioritize essential items. Here are some items that should be at the top of your list:
Water
According to Ready.gov, water is one of the most important items to have in your budget survival kit. You should aim to have at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Make sure to also have a water filter or purification tablets in case you need to purify water from other sources.
Non-Perishable Food
In addition to water, you should also prioritize non-perishable food. According to The Penny Hoarder, you should aim to have at least three days' worth of non-perishable food on hand. This might include things like canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruit.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is another essential item for your budget survival kit. According to SafeWise, your first aid kit should include items like bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, and pain relievers.
Lighting and Communication
You should also prioritize items that will help you stay connected and informed. This might include things like flashlights, batteries, and a hand-crank radio. According to Emergency Prep Gear, you should also consider including a whistle or other signaling device in case you need to call for help.
By prioritizing these essential items, you can build a budget survival kit that will keep you and your family safe in case of an emergency.
Get Prepared
Now that you know how to build a budget survival kit, it's time to get prepared. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that you and your family are ready for an emergency:
Plan Ahead
According to The Penny Hoarder, planning ahead is essential to being prepared. Make sure you have a plan in place for how you will evacuate your home in case of an emergency. You should also have a designated meeting spot and a plan for how you will communicate with each other.
Gather Important Documents
In case you need to evacuate your home, make sure to gather important documents like passports, birth certificates, and insurance information. According to SafeWise, you should keep these documents in a waterproof container or a secure location that is easy to access.
Keep Important Phone Numbers
You should also make sure to keep important phone numbers on hand. This might include the phone numbers of family members, your doctor, and your insurance agent. According to The Penny Hoarder, you should also make sure to have a backup way to charge your phone, such as a portable charger or a solar charger.
Practice Emergency Drills
Finally, make sure to practice emergency drills with your family. According to Ready.gov, practicing drills can help you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency. Make sure everyone knows where to go and what to do in different emergency scenarios.
By planning ahead, gathering important documents, keeping important phone numbers, and practicing emergency drills, you can be ready for any emergency that comes your way.
Be Prepared Without Breaking the Bank
Building a budget survival kit can seem daunting, but with careful planning and creative solutions, it's possible to get prepared without breaking the bank. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Look for deals and discounts on emergency supplies
- Utilize coupons and consider secondhand items or homemade options
- Prioritize essential items like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and lighting and communication tools
- Plan ahead, gather important documents, keep important phone numbers, and practice emergency drills
By following these tips, you can build a budget survival kit that will keep you and your family safe in case of an emergency. Remember, being prepared doesn't have to be expensive!
If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out our other great content for more tips and tricks on staying safe and prepared.
Q & A
Who should consider building a budget survival kit?
Everyone! Emergencies can happen to anyone, at any time.
What are the essential items to include in a budget survival kit?
Water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and lighting and communication tools.
How can I prepare for an emergency without spending a lot of money?
Look for deals and discounts, utilize coupons, and consider secondhand items or homemade options.
What should I do if I don't have a lot of storage space for my budget survival kit?
Consider building a modular kit that can be easily stored in a small space.
How often should I update my budget survival kit?
Check your kit regularly and update it as needed. Aim to do a full refresh every 1-2 years.
What if I don't know how to use some of the items in my budget survival kit?
Make sure to read the instructions and practice using the items before an emergency happens.
But isn't it expensive to prepare for emergencies?
Not necessarily! By prioritizing essential items and planning ahead, you can build a budget survival kit without breaking the bank.