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Budgeting and Preparing for Disasters in Your Home

7 min read

National Preparedness Month started in 2004 and is observed in the United States annually in September. It is a time dedicated to encouraging individuals, families, and communities to be proactive about emergencies and disasters by taking steps to prepare for such events ahead of time as a way to ensure health and safety. This initiative, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), raises awareness about the importance of being prepared for a wide range of potential disasters, including natural disasters, like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, and human-made events, like cyberattacks and terrorist attacks. Disaster preparedness and awareness are crucial in reducing the risks and impacts of these disasters.

A key focus of National Preparedness Month is on the importance of having a disaster preparedness plan. This plan typically involves creating an emergency kit, developing a communication plan, and knowing evacuation routes. Families and communities are encouraged to discuss and rehearse their plans together, ensuring that everyone knows exactly what to do in the event of an emergency. This can help people respond more calmly and effectively during an actual event.

Preparedness is a community effort and responsibility. National Preparedness Month emphasizes the importance of community involvement and ends on Sept. 30, National Preparedness Day, a day dedicated to community action. On this day, communities nationwide participate in local emergency planning activities centered on the importance of being more emergency-aware and prepared and the importance of assisting vulnerable populations during a disaster.

The mission of National Preparedness Month is to save lives. Proper preparation can mean the difference between life and death in many disastrous situations. By being informed and ready, families can be better equipped to protect themselves and their communities.

What to Buy for Your First Aid Kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is invaluable, no matter the type of emergency one might be facing, in case of minor injuries or medical emergencies during a disaster. It is important to note that many premade first aid kits have insufficient materials. For this reason, many Americans choose to collect materials and build their own first aid kit that is tailored to the needs of their family.

Here's what to include:

  • Absorbent compress dressings
  • Adhesive bandages (25 or more)
  • Adhesive cloth tape
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Antihistamines
  • Antiseptic wipes or spray
  • Aspirin
  • CPR face shield
  • Elastic bandages (ACE bandages)
  • Emergency blanket
  • Emergency phone numbers
  • Eye wash solution
  • First aid manual
  • Flashlight with working batteries, plus extra batteries
  • Gloves (non-latex)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Hydrocortisone cream
  • Ibuprofen
  • Instant cold packs
  • Personal medications, at least a seven-day supply
  • Scissors
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Thermometer
  • Tweezers

First Aid Resources

Food to Buy

Having a sufficient supply of nonperishable food is essential in many different types of emergencies that have the potential to stretch on for days or weeks. Aim for at least a three-day supply per person. Here's what to stock:

  • Baby food or formula, if applicable
  • Bouillon cubes or concentrate
  • Canned goods (soups, vegetables, beans, fruits)
  • Canned meats (tuna, chicken, Spam)
  • Comfort foods (chocolate, candy)
  • Crackers and rice cakes
  • Dried fruits and nuts
  • Dry pasta
  • Instant coffee, tea bags, and/or hot chocolate mix
  • Instant oatmeal or cereal
  • Instant potatoes
  • Jelly
  • Jerky or dried meat
  • Manual can opener
  • Peanut butter or other nut butter
  • Protein bars and/or granola bars
  • Powdered or shelf-stable milk
  • Rice or other dry grains
  • Water, one gallon per person per day

When deciding what foods to stock, it is important to consider the needs of your family and make adjustments accordingly. For example, children, pregnant women, those who are sick, and those living in areas that are prone to extreme hot or cold weather may need to prepare differently.

Emergency Food Resources

It's always better to assume that you will lose power during an emergency. When our usual power supply isn't available, it is important to have an alternative way to power emergency devices, including cell phones, radios, medical devices, and other important electronics. There are a few different options for alternative power, including generators, propane, and batteries.

Here are a few items you may want to have on hand:

  • Portable power banks for charging phones and small devices
  • Flashlights
  • LED lanterns
  • Solar-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Hand-crank cellphone charger
  • Battery-operated fan
  • Portable generator and extra fuel
  • Solar chargers for small electronics
  • Extra batteries in various sizes

Emergency Power Resources

Tools to Buy

The right tools can make all the difference in an emergency situation. Here's a list of essential tools to be included in an emergency tool kit:

  • Basic tool kit with a wrench, pliers, hammer, screwdriver, screws, and nails
  • Duct tape
  • Emergency whistle
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Fixed-blade knife
  • Foldable shovel
  • Maps of your area
  • Multipurpose tool (like a Swiss Army knife)
  • Plastic sheeting and tarps
  • Rope or paracord
  • Portable stove (camping stove) and fuel
  • Tent
  • Work gloves
  • Waterproof matches or lighter

Emergency Tool Resources

What to Buy for Children's Disaster Preparedness

Caring for children during an emergency can be stressful, but having the right supplies on hand can make it more manageable. If your family includes infants or small children, here are some items that you may want to include in your emergency preparedness kit:

  • Extra clothing
  • Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream (enough for at least three days)
  • Children's training toilet
  • Extra comfort items, like a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or blanket
  • Baby formula or baby food (even for breastfeeding moms, just in case they can no longer supply enough breast milk or they are separated from their child)
  • Children's pain relievers and medications
  • Age-appropriate books, games, or activities for comfort and entertainment
  • Identification bracelet with contact information
  • Child-sized masks for dust or debris

Resources for Caring for Children During an Emergency or Disaster

What to Buy to Prepare Seniors or Disabled Individuals for a Disaster

Special consideration should be given to the elderly and adults with disabilities during emergencies. To meet the needs of this population, here are some of the things that should be included in your emergency kit:

  • Mobility aids (extra cane, walker, or wheelchair)
  • Hearing aids with extra batteries or chargers
  • Glasses
  • Medications
  • Incontinence supplies
  • Assistive devices (e.g., oxygen, ventilators) and extra supplies
  • Emergency contact list with medical information
  • Manual wheelchair (in case of power loss)
  • Personal alert system, for those living alone

Resources for Caring for Seniors and Disabled People During an Emergency or Disaster

Disaster Preparedness for Pets: What to Buy

Pets are an important part of many families, and they need to be taken care of in the event of an emergency, too. Here are some of the items that should be included in your family's emergency preparedness kit if you have a pet:

  • Pet food (at least a three-day supply)
  • Pet bed
  • Water
  • Collar with ID tag and leash
  • Pet carrier or crate
  • Waste bags or litter box
  • Pet medications, if applicable
  • Comfort items, such as a favorite toy or blanket
  • Vaccination records
  • Pet first aid kit

Disaster Preparedness Resources for Pet Owners

About The Author

Marc Mezzacca avatar
Marc Mezzacca

Founder and CEO, CouponFollow

As the Founder and CEO of CouponFollow, Marc has a passion for helping consumers save time and money while shopping online. He’s been a bargain and deal hunter since the early 2000s.