What would you do if there was an unexpected situation and you had to leave your home with only the essentials? An emergency kit is a necessary part of preparedness, but it can be expensive to put together. Thankfully, there are ways to create an emergency kit on a budget. Here are some tips to stay prepared without going broke.
Cover the Essentials
You simply can’t skimp on some things for your emergency kit, like a flashlight. A reliable light source is essential for any emergency, letting you illuminate your surroundings and helping you signal for help if needed. Include a rechargeable flashlight in your kit to save money on extra batteries.
Other items you should include in your emergency kit are:
- A first-aid kit
- A supply of non-perishable food and water
- A way to stay in touch with others if you’re separated
Once you’ve covered the basics, you can add other items based on your budget and needs.
Shop Smart
One way to save money when putting together your emergency kit is to shop smart. Many stores sell pre-packaged emergency kits, but these can be expensive and often contain items you may never use. It’s better to assemble your own kit tailored to your needs.
Watch for sales on items like non-perishable food and water, and stock up when prices are low. Many stores sell reusable storage containers you can use to store emergency supplies – these can be repurposed for other uses around the house or purchased secondhand.
Purchase Cost-Effective Items
Another way to save money on your emergency kit is to use coupons and cashback apps. Many stores offer coupons for items like bandages and antiseptic wipes, so check for deals before buying.
And remember to use cashback apps! Several available apps offer cash back on purchases from participating stores. Just look over the fine print to ensure the items you buy qualify for cash back.
Also, purchasing items in bulk can help you save money on supplies and provide you with everything you need for your emergency kit. For example, many stores sell large quantities of non-perishable food and water at a discount. Buying in bulk can also help you save money on packaging, as you can reuse containers from other products.
Get Creative
There are many ways to get creative when assembling an emergency kit on a budget. For instance, you can fill empty plastic bottles with water for emergency drinking water, or make your own first-aid kit using household items.
Many free resources are available online to help you create an emergency kit. Websites like FEMA’s Ready Campaign and the Red Cross have helpful tips and checklists to get you started.
Build Your Own First-Aid Kit
A first-aid kit is essential to any emergency kit, but store-bought kits can be pricey. Instead, you can easily make your own kit using items from around the house.
Start with a small container to hold your supplies. Some good options include a plastic box, a reusable storage bag, or even an empty makeup bag. Then, add the following items:
- Band-aids
- Gauze pads
- Sterile dressing
- Antiseptic wipes
- Safety pins
- Tweezers
- Aspirin or ibuprofen
- Antacid tablets
- Petroleum jelly
- Cotton balls
- Bandages
You can also include other items as needed, such as allergy medication if you have allergies, or insulin if you have diabetes. Once you’ve gathered all your supplies, label your first-aid kit so everyone in your household knows where it is and how to use it.
Now that you know how to create an emergency kit on a budget, you can be prepared for whatever comes your way. Even if you never have to use your kit, having one will bring you and your family peace of mind that you have everything you need to weather the storm – literally and figuratively.
