Do-it-yourself Emergency Preparation

Depending on the regional threats Floods, Hurricanes, Fires, Tornadoes, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, etc. and the potential severity of those threats, will determine what you will need to give yourself the best leverage for coping with those threats.

There are always the very basic necessities food, water and shelter and first aid. The quantities are determined by number of people that need to be supported.

FOOD:
You should have a supply of freeze dried , dehydrated, and/or Meals-ready-to-Eat (MRE)'S sufficient to support each person for a minumum of 72 hours.

Water:
The general rule of thumb for water is 2 gallons per person per day. This might sound excessive but you will be using water for more than drinking.

Shelter:
Two person tube tent minimum, larger size is better.
Wool blanket or sleeping bag.
Emergency Space blanket.
Instant hand/body warming pads.
Propane powered Heater, 20 pound cylinder mounted

First Aid:
I recommend taking a first aid class including CPR and to keep your cards current as you may need to help others around you.
First aid kit for home and car.
First aid manual.
Extra prescription medications.
Aspirin or Ibuprofen.

I'll be publishing an in-depth checklist shortly.