When building your emergency kit on a budget, here are the pointers you need to keep in mind to have everything you require in an emergency. Being prepared for a natural disaster doesn\u2019t have to be expensive. There are several families with emergency kits worth more than $200 with items they would never use. Here are some tips to create an emergency survival kit that\u2019s perfect for your family and is well within your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The basics are batteries, bottled water and instant canned food. If you don\u2019t have any of those, you must stock them up soon. Essentials should include water, non-perishable food, batteries, clothes, blankets, flashlights and medicine. Set aside emergency funds every month that can be used during a disaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you live in an apartment, you don\u2019t have to worry about cleaning up during the aftermath. But if you\u2019re a homeowner, you might have to spend hours cleaning up the yards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can either keep the tools and supplies with you or borrow them during natural disasters \u2014 you can see what equipment your neighbors have and then team up during cleanup. Common chain saws, clippers, shovels, etc will be enough in the aftermath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s necessary to understand your house, the setup, and design your emergency kit accordingly \u2014 your list should include everyone in the family: What will the kids need? What will the elders need?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Accessories like cell phone chargers, cash, laptops, etc. will keep your devices connected with others and also help you get updates or help from the internet. It\u2019s advisable to keep them somewhere where you can find them in a minute so that you don\u2019t miss out on gadgets and accessories necessary during an evacuation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During natural disasters, you must protect yourself from infectious diseases. Try to get municipal drinking water treated with water purification tablets. Never use old milk cartons even if you are in a hurry as they can be highly infectious. In fact, it\u2019s better to replace your water bottles every four months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t have to evacuate and can stay at home, you may not get water during blizzards and tropical storms. For taking baths and flushing toilets, you can store water in a bathtub by filling it with cold water whenever the news reports about an upcoming storm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests storing at least one gallon of water for each person a day for drinking and sanitation purposes. To be on the safer side, you can have a supply for two weeks or more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Non-perishable food items are most helpful during disasters. You can stock up on cereal, granola bars, peanut butter, dried fruit and nuts, canned juice and non-perishable pasteurized milk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can get into the habit of setting aside an item for your emergency kit whenever you get something extra because of an offer, just like saving an emergency fund. Once again, you must think about babies and senior citizens as they might need a special diet. Keep checking the federal government\u2019s www.ready.gov<\/a> website for timely help during disaster preparation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First aid essentials like bandages, gauze, tweezers, antiseptic cream and painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen should always be around your house. These are basic essentials when preparing your emergency kit on a budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can either get a first-aid kit directly from the store or buy individual items to create your own first-aid kit. Purchasing each item will be cheaper overall at the dollar store, Walgreens or CVS. You can Include an antihistamine as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep a first-aid kit at home and another handy one in the car. The one in the car will be there when you can\u2019t carry the one at home during evacuation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Include flashlights and portable cell phone chargers. Don\u2019t forget to keep them all charged. Get the Fix-a-Flat aerosol that will temporarily patch a flat tire. It\u2019ll be life-saving if your tire is punctured during evacuation. These are crucial when planning your emergency kit on a budget.First aid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What to buy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If your nearby store comes up with a frequent Buy One Get One offer, get into the habit of stocking up your emergency kit. Try assigning the extra item to your kit every time you go shopping. Or you can buy them in large quantities. Toilet paper, paper towels, canned goods, personal hygiene, batteries and bottled water get a price cut when you buy them in bulk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n