Third Step in Preparing (It's Not What You Think)...

There really is no secret on how to prepare, it just a matter of actually taking the first steps and staying focused.  
Even our government recommends being prepared. They have lists that you can print out or download. Last week I shared what I consider the first steps...
Step 1) 72 Hours of Water
Step 2) 72 Hours of Food

I would recommend after water & food, start gathering the other items listed: 

Starting with cash on hand. 

Now we didn't start with this amount, we had to diligently save. Personally, from the very start we quickly established using 10% each payday to start our purchases, then increasing another 10% of our earnings for saving for our on hand cash & that is after personally tithing. 



While this is a silly video, I think it illustrates how people often think. If you start with disciplining yourself to set aside real money for your purchases, you will be way more prepared than most. A lot of these items are items you should already have because you are using them. I found that I just centrally located all my items we might need for an emergency. Then you are able to start purchasing the other items with cash:

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit

This first group are items that I actually carry every day and has come in handy several times. 

Prescription medication & extra glasses 3 days worth stashed. 

Matches in water proof container or lighter(s)

Flashlight and extra batteries

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Feminine hygiene and personal hygiene supplies

Paper plates, cups, utensils, paper towels, mess kits

Wrench or pliers to turn of utilities

Can Opener for food

First Aid Kit

Whistle to signal for help

Face mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place

Local Maps (we keep ours in both cars)

Additional Items to Think About:

Sleeping bag, blankets

Battery powered or hand crank radio NOAA Weather Alert Radio. I would highly recommend the hand crank radio, that way you don't have to depend on having fresh batteries.

First Aid book

Documents

Activities

Change of sturdy clothing, shoes. Cold weather clothing

Just take these steps and establish your 72 hour kits. Then you will be able to breath easy as you continue on your journey of being prepared.
Next, it's time to look at tools for preparing.
The first tool I would consider getting is the FoodSaver and here is why:
Why the FoodSaver is the First Tool I would Buy

What you see here, is what I actually do. If you liked this article, please feel free to join our community (Perky Prepping Gramma) on facebook & keep up to date on things posted.  Thank you. ~Perky Prepping Gramma~ 

Also I participate in Amazon's associate program, where I receive a small percentage of recommended purchases. I only recommend things that I have used and like. There is no additional charge to you.