Prepping Queen - Emergency Preparedness

Remember that the average adult needs 1600-2200 calories a day. If you are extremely physically active you will need more. Read the packaging of emergency food kits to make sure they have enough calories for the specified period of time. There are many that offer less than 1000 calories per day.

It's nice to have a way to heat food in case of a utility outage. The side burner on a gas grill outside is great. Camp stoves work but most must be used outdoors. Sterno type stoves can heat things up indoors (great for that can of Spaghetti-O's). What indoor safe stove do you use?

If you keep canned food on hand for emergencies, it's a good idea to keep a manual can opener on hand. I always have one I use regularly and a second, new one on hand in case the first one breaks.

Smoke detectors lose their sensitivity in about 10 years and need to be replaced. It's easier to buy smoke detectors with a 10 year battery. Otherwise you need to replace your batteries at least once a year.

It's important to have a heat source that is safe to use indoors in case of an extended power outage. If you don't have a fireplace, a portable propane heater like an indoor safe Big Buddy heater will work. Make sure you have a battery powered carbon monoxide detector too.

Most people who live in small apartments don't have the space to store a month's supply of food and water but most people can keep a week's worth of food on hand and a few gallons of bottled water./3

Your first goal is enough food for 72 hours. Your next goal would be a week. Your stretch goal is a month. It's not something you need to do overnight but it's something you can gradually do over months or years when there are sales. Make sure to rotate out older food so it does not spoil./2

When preparing it's best to buy things you normally eat. When soup, rice, pasta, or canned proteins is on sale, buy an extra can/box or two. Not only would you be prepared for a natural disaster, but you would also be prepared for personal disasters such as financial hardship or illnesses. /1

Don't forget about your pets. Keep a supply of dog or cat food and medicines in your 72 hour kit. Whatever they normally eat would be best. You can keep the food in small plastic containers or zip lock bags. A foldable pet crate or carrier is also a good idea in case you have to go to a shelter.

Depending on your situation it may be easier to just keep your 72-hour supplies in a storage tote or box instead of a bag. It is just best to have everything together so you can grab it if you need it quickly. /3

Don't forget to add in any medications you take on a daily basis to the kit. A small bottle of generic Tylenol or Ibuprofen would be a good addition to the BOB. Some people have elaborate BOBs, but the vast majority of us only need enough to get to a temporary shelter. /2

Many people keep a 72 hour bag or a bug out bag (BOB) with the basic necessities they would need for 72 hours. Comfortable changes of clothes, easy to eat food, a blanket, feminine hygiene supplies, a can opener if needed and a small first aid kit. /1

A good start for emergency preparedness is 72 hours of food. You don't need to buy expensive kits. Things you normally eat are best. Ready to eat foods like canned soups and Chef Boyardee type foods are great. Things you can eat cold if needed. Protein bars are great to have on hand too.

Disaster preparedness is important. Everyone should keep enough supplies on hand to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. A week would be better. We're all from different backgrounds. Any political/religious comments will be blocked. I'm an American helping others because we're more alike than different.

Start by keeping enough drinking water on hand for 72 hours (one liter/quart per person per day minimum - two would be better). One week is a stretch goal. The next goal would be a water filtration device to make natural water sources near you potable.

Preparing disasters requires access to clean water. Water filtration removes harmful bacteria, viruses, and particulates and it makes water safe. There are "straw" type filters and fancy filters that you can use to purify liters/quarts at a time for your family. You can also DIY a water filter.