Phase Two Emergency Preparation: Purchasing Food and Supplies

Phase Two is the more active phase of preparation.  You will need to start completing the steps on your list.  I have 4 things on the beginning of my list:

• Set up a first aid kit
• Create and store 72 hour kits (I am creating Bug Out Bags with 72 hour kits included)
• Purchase and store water (1 gallon per person per day, 3 days worth to start)
• Start to store non perishable food items

This step can be overwhelming, so do this in the way that is easier for you. You can start with the first item and don't even think about the others until #1 is completed. Or you can do like I have done. I have chosen to work on  all four at the same time because I think that having some of these items is better then having water, but no food, or food but no first aid kit available to me. Even if my first aid kit isn't completed at least I will have some items organized and ready if an emergency event happens tomorrow. Plus some items we have here at home but they just need to be pulled to the side and organized.

This phase can also be the most expensive, so you will have to decide how little or how much you want to purchase.  However with a little leg work and patience it doesn't have to break the bank. I do a lot of bargain shopping so I found that Aldi's and Ollie's both had great items for my 72 hour kits without breaking the bank. I picked up items each time I went grocery shopping and it took me about a month to complete my 72 hour kits. If I ran into Walmart for something then I made a run by the camping department and the clearance isle.  I found something to purchase every time and it usually was just a fraction of the normal cost. I also happened to go in Harbor Freight with my husband one weekend and found they had great prices on many items that I wanted to add to my emergency preparation. For my Bug Out Bags I searched my attic for old back packs and found 4 out of 5 needed bags for my family. The last I paid less than $4 for at a thrift store. Couponing is also a great way to stock up on needed items.

One of the most important pieces of advice that I can give you is to be organized. Remember that 5th step in Phase One was to make a list and I recommended that you start a notebook to keep all your lists together. In my notebook I have my preparation list as well as a list for the Bug Out Bag for each member of my family. That way I know exactly what is in each bag (with a list of expiration dates as well) and I can easily see what I need to pick up. That notebook along with my binder will be 2 of the most important tools I have as I prepare.  How is your emergency preparation coming?