Being prepared is easier than you think... Here's a shopping list to get you started

USA.gov - Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

Building an emergency kit is easy. Start with items in your house: flashlight, water and canned foods.

Ready.gov - Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

Recommended Supplies List (PDF)

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

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See, that doesn't look all that hard does it? Buy a little at a time and before you know it you'll have your basic supply kit done!