10 Easy Steps to Get Ready

Each simple step you take today will make all the difference in an emergency tomorrow.
It’s not just about taking care of yourself and your family; it’s about helping others – being a light in a dark situation.

STEP #1 – Water

  • 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days
  • Extra: Consider purchasing a water filtration system (such as from Sawyer is) and/or iodine tablets

STEP #2: Food

  • 3 days of non-perishable food (canned, dehydrated, envelope, etc. – don’t forget a can opener and waterproof matches)
  • Shortcut: buy a Emergency Food Survival Pack. The highest rated on is My Patriot Supply. Food has a 25 year shelf life and only needs boiling water to prepare. Comes in all sizes and numbers of servings.

STEP #3: Shelter 

  • Sleeping bags
  • Tent
  • Tarp
  • Water-proof poncho

STEP #4 – First Aid Kit

  • Purchase a First Aid kit
  • Add pain relievers, prescription drugs, allergy meds, and other meds that are unique to you and your family.
  • Don’t forget pet meds
  • Extra: Emergency Preparedness Kit ($20) Includes many helpful items

STEP #5 – Light

  • LED and solar lights are ideal
  • Flashlights that either hang up or stand on their own are ideal
  • Extra batteries
  • Waterproof matches or lighter

STEP #6 – Emergency Radio

  • A multi-function, multi-power sourced radio is ideal
  • The Red Cross Emergency Radio is ideal ($65) – This is an excellent little radio that is multi-function and multi-power sourced 
    • Functions:
      • AM/FM radio with all 7 NOAA bands
      • Emergency Alert function
      • USB port for charging phones
      • LED Flashlight
    • Power sources:
      • Hand crank
      • Solar

STEP #7 – Cash: bills in smaller denominations

STEP #8 – Cell phone and charger (including USB charger)

STEP #9 – Basic Toiletries: soap, shampoo, razor, personal hygienic items

STEP #10 – Grab-and-Go docs

You will save yourself hours of time, hassle and money if you keep a safe box with originals or copies of your most important documents such as:

  • driver’s licenses
  • passports
  • insurance policies
  • social security cards
  • titles/deeds for vehicles/home, etc.
  • a priceless photo or two
  • etc.

If you can’t bring yourself to do any of these 10 steps, here is one shortcut that is way better than doing nothing: purchase a Wise Solar-Powered Survival Backpack ($150)