BUILD UP
Start with basic supplies and gradually expand your emergency supplies to cover a wider range of scenarios as you grow more prepared.
Don’t be afraid to start small and build up your stock slowly. Set aside a little time each week to work on it. It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed. Trust us we have been there. Just breathe and take it one step at a time.
step #1: three days
Goal
Prepare for three days of self-sufficiency for the whole family, including pets.
Water
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Stock at least 1 gallon per person per day for three days and add an extra ½ gallon per day per pet.
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Include water purification tablets or a portable filter as a backup.
Food
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Non-perishable, shelf stable canned goods, protein bars, peanut butter, dry pasta. Try for 1600 calories per adult, per day.
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Pet Food: A three-day supply of pet food (canned or dry) in waterproof containers.
First Aid Kit
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Standard supplies bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, essential medications.
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Pet First Aid: Add basic pet-specific first aid items, like bandages, tweezers, and an emergency contact list for local veterinarians.
Flashlights and Batteries
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One flashlight per person, plus a backup for added security. Keep spare batteries.
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Consider a hand-crank or solar flashlight as a long-term solution.
Basic Hygiene Supplies
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Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wipes, and trash bags for waste management.
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Pet Hygiene Include extra waste bags, a small litter supply for cats, and a portable litter box if needed.
Comfort Items
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Important for everyone, but essential for pets and kids: A familiar item (like a blanket, book, toy, or bedding) to reduce stress during emergencies.
step#2: Two-Weeks
Goal
Expand stock to cover a two-week period with extra pet care provisions.
Water Expansion
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Increase water storage to 14 gallons per person and 7 gallons per pet for two weeks.
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Invest in larger water containers, if possible, for ease of storage and access.
Food Variety
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Increase food supplies with more proteins (canned meats, beans) and grains (rice, pasta).
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Pet Food: Gather a two week’s supply of pet food and any pet medications in resealable containers to maintain freshness.
Personal Care and Hygiene
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Additional hygiene items (toothpaste, soap, shampoo) for humans.
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Stock up on multi-use wipes and sanitizing products that are pet-safe for cleaning up after pets.
Communication and Safety
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Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates and alerts.
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Pet Emergency Tags: Ensure pets have up-to-date tags with your contact information and consider adding emergency contact tags with a backup number.
Sanitation and Cleaning
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Disinfectant wipes and bleach for sanitizing, plus additional trash bags.
step #3: one month
GOAL
Prepare for a month of self-sufficiency, especially with pet essentials.
Water and Food Supplies
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Expand water storage to cover 30 days, adding containers for long-term storage.
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Stock enough human food to last one month, focusing on shelf-stable proteins, grains, and vegetables.
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Pet Food: Ensure a full month’s supply, rotating stock to keep it fresh. For pets with dietary needs, prioritize appropriate alternatives.
Additional Medical Supplies
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Expand the first aid kit to include more comprehensive care options.
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Pet Medical Kit: Include a pet first aid manual, pet-safe antiseptics, and any required medications with instructions.
Backup Power and Cooking Options
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Portable power sources or battery backups for small devices.
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Consider a camp stove or portable cooking option, and confirm it’s pet-safe if used indoors.
Extra Comforts for Pets
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Familiar toys, chew items, and a comforting blanket or bedding for each pet.
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Consider stress-relief items like pet-safe calming sprays or anxiety wraps.
step #4: three months
Goal
Develop a robust stockpile to last three months, with self-sustaining solutions.
Water Collection and Purification
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Rainwater collection systems or larger water storage containers.
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Backup filtration system for larger volumes of water.
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Pet Watering Supplies: Add additional water-specific containers for pets to prevent cross-contamination.
Long-Term Food Storage
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Bulk items rice, beans, pasta, oats, stored in food-safe containers.
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Pet Food Bulk Storage: Store a three-month supply of pet food in airtight containers; rotate stock regularly.
Comprehensive Medical Supplies
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Expand with additional medical needs, like wound care items, cold/flu medications, and vitamins.
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Pet Medicine Stock: Extra pet-specific medications, especially for pets with ongoing health needs.