Create an emergency preparedness plan.

Emergency Preparedness Plan

A practical approach to surviving without modern conveniences, focusing on essentials and long-term resilience.

1. Mindset & Philosophy

Life first, possessions second. Survival depends on staying alive and healthy, not on saving every item. Practical over excessive. Pack what you can carry; don’t try to move your whole house into a bag. Value old skills. The “old-fashioned” tools and methods — crank radios, CBs, hand tools — may be essential again. Adaptability is survival. Be ready to live without electricity, running water, or internet.

2. Core Survival Priorities (The Rule of 3)

3 minutes without air – Stay safe from smoke, debris, and extreme weather. 3 hours without shelter – Protect from cold/heat/rain (tent, blankets). 3 days without water – Safe drinking water is priority. 3 weeks without food – Food is important but less urgent than water and shelter.

3. Essential Supplies

(Aim for a 72-hour “go bag” you can grab in seconds, plus a small home stockpile)

Water

Portable water filter (you already have one — great for lakes, streams). Sealed water pouches (5-year shelf life) or bottled water (replace yearly). Collapsible water containers for carrying larger amounts.

Food

Canned goods with long shelf life (2–5 years): beans, meat, soup, vegetables. Freeze-dried meals (10–25 years) if budget allows. High-calorie bars (5-year emergency rations). Rotate stock: Use and replace oldest items first.

Shelter & Warmth

Compact tent. Disposable thermal blankets (lightweight, retain heat). Weather-appropriate change of clothes (layered for cold or heat). Rain poncho.

Medical

Comprehensive first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, gloves, medications). Prescription meds (rotate monthly). Emergency whistle for signaling.

Tools & Gear

Crank radio (AM/FM + weather band). CB radio or walkie-talkies for local comms. Multi-tool or knife. Fire-starting kit (waterproof matches, lighter, fire starter). Headlamp or flashlight (hand-crank or solar preferred).

Important Items

Small stash of cash in small bills. Copies of IDs in waterproof bag. Local maps (paper).

4. Storage & Shelf Life Management

Store in a cool, dry place. Label all perishables with expiration dates. Rotate: Eat/replace older stock every 6–12 months. Test gear yearly (radios, water filter, crank lights).

5. Skills to Practice Now

Basic first aid and CPR. Water purification methods (boiling, filtration, chemical). Fire building without matches. Navigation with a map and compass. Off-grid cooking (camp stove, open fire). Radio communication etiquette.

6. Living Off the Grid Mindset

Conserve resources — avoid waste, especially water. Repurpose materials (old blankets, jars, tools). Learn to forage local edible plants (carefully and with proper ID). Practice short-term “grid down” days to test your readiness.

7. Emergency Plan for People & Pets

Choose meet-up points (nearby and far away). Have contact list written on paper. Keep a pet emergency kit (food, water, meds, leash).

8. Practice, Don’t Just Pack

Run “72-hour drills” twice a year. Test your ability to cook, clean, and communicate without modern utilities. Update your bag for seasonal changes.