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Every able-bodied individual should participate in an emergency preparedness plan. But, in order to make it an efficient pursuit, it shouldn’t be done chaotically. Many people start off with fine intentions, but are ill-advised in their preparedness and food storage actions. They have a lofty purpose in mind (i.e., being ready for the worst should a disaster or emergency occur), but there is no approach to their madness. After they have randomly accumulated some of the requirements for any feasible perceived threats, they are not then sure if they have all they need, and if they have allocated their means properly. It is always better to have done at least something to prepare, but you should start at the beginning and progress through to the end in a methodical way– from short-term planning to a longer-term scenario. Of course, you won’t be able to think of everything, but it is definitely better to be over- than under-prepared, and the best approach is to put together a rock-solid emergency preparedness foundation and increase it in the proper sequence.

The proposed sequence is as follows: the first thing that everyone should store in case of emergency is a 72 hour emergency kit. A 72 hour emergency kit is an easy-to-carry and easily accessible package that contains items such as three days of water (principal) and non-perishable food items (preferably ready-to-eat goods), personal toiletry/hygiene items, first aid kit and medications, flashlight and batteries, blankets and sleeping bag, a radio, pocket knife, etc. 72 hours is the designated period in which it is most likely that after a disaster occurs regular services can resume. You should plan on being self-reliant for at least these three days.

The next level up in the readiness pyramid is a three-month supply of food storage that would include items that you ordinarily eat and can be rotated easily, eliminating any waste. These are such things as canned goods that fit easily into your food pantry or an extra closet, as well as frozen foods (meat, preserves, and vegetables).

MRE’s (meals ready-to-eat), freeze-dried foods, and dehydrated foods are the next move up in prioritization. These food storage items store for long periods of time in a climate-controlled environment, usually between 10 to 30 plus years.

Dry-pack storage items such as wheat, white rice, and beans progress us even further up the readiness pyramid. These things are very nutrient dense, and take more effort to prepare meals with, but are exceedingly versatile and can be included in too many recipes to count. They can be eaten as a regular part of most meals. Other dry-pack items include powdered milk, powdered eggs and powdered butter, bullion (chicken and beef), flour, pasta noodles, etc.

Taking things a step further beyond food, it is time to move up the readiness pyramid to the level that includes extra clothing and footwear. Remember you must bear in mind the climate in which you live and the change (or not) in seasons. If you reside in a territory that has harsh winters, be certain to have plenty coats, sweaters, thermal underwear, warm clothing, gloves, boots, and blankets.

The next level up the pyramid is firearms and ammunition. First and foremost these serve as tools for killing game animals for meat should this become required. Secondly, these may serve as security in the event of a disorderly societal breakdown (rioting, looting, etc.) where you may need to protect your family from harm.

Camping equipment basics such as tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, camping stoves/Dutch ovens, fishing pole and tackle, a Leatherman, matches, a lantern, and porta-potties will all make you much more sure in your abilities to survive in the outdoors if you need to move even further up the readiness pyramid, and have to leave your home for whatever reason for a period of time.

Showering isn’t an absolute do-or-die . That is why this category of personal hygiene items is closer to the summit of the readiness pyramid, but still very much a valid and useful part of it. The specific items you should include here are soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, a razor and shaving cream, deodorant, feminine napkins, and diapers.

After you have come this far, finalize the readiness pyramid with an emergency fund. This should cover as much as three to six months of living expenses, and then be supplemented with gold and especially silver (poor man’s gold) bullion.

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