While there are plenty of places to start prepping for free, at some point, you'll have to shell out a bit of cash if you want to continue on your prepping journey. If your budget is limited, these four areas of preparedness are fantastic places to focus your energy first.
Bug Out Bag (B.O.B.) and Your Emergency Evacuation Plan
A bug-out bag is the last thing you hope you'll ever need. But if you ever need to evacuate your home at a moment's notice, you'll be glad you have it. A BOB should contain what you need to get by for a few days. Hurricanes, civil unrest, flooding, gas leaks, and forest fires are scenarios where a BOB will be handy. Everyone in the family should have a bag with some extra clothing and a few snacks at a minimum. A backpack is great if you need to leave your residence on foot. A backpack also leaves your hands free to help children or the elderly get to a safer zone.
Vehicle Emergency Kit
You never know when a roadside emergency or accident will leave you stranded for a few hours. Snacks, plenty of water, and a few warm blankets will boost morale if you're going to be roadside for a while. See the related content linked at the bottom of this post for more info on vehicle kits.
First Aid/Trauma Kits
First aid is another main pillar in the prepping world. Your vehicles, home, boat, and camper should all have one readily available. It's very inexpensive to get one too. An unused coffee can, a small backpack, or a tackle box are perfect places to store your first aid supplies. If you choose to buy a first aid kit, you'll notice that usually there is ample room left over. This extra space is perfect for including new items that didn't come with the kit. A bag like the one pictured in this post, provides plenty of extra space and is flexible for adding other first aid and trauma items. Level up your basic first aid kit by adding these items: Bleed Stop or Quick Clot Tourniquet- must be trained to use! Extra gauze for packing wounds Instant ice packs Liquid Benadryl Scissors Pocket CPR mask *Be sure to learn how to use whatever you add to your kit and inspect it every few months to a year.
72 Hour Survival Kit These kits are perfect for blackout emergencies after storms etc. There is just enough in these kits to keep your family comfortable for a few days. Every home can and should have one. Most likely you have plenty of items laying around your home to start making one today. At the end of this post, you'll find a link to help your family build a more comprehensive kit. Water No one lives long without water. Buy a life straw or cheap water filtration system and water purification tablets. Related content Don't get Stranded in the Frigid Cold-Prepare your Car for Winter NOW! Protect your Family NOW! How to Make a Budget Friendly 72 Hour Emergency Kit
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