SURVIVAL

PENELOPE HOYT

SURVIVAL is a 2-book bundle by urban survivalist Penelope Hoyt.

Want to learn what it takes to survive?

Find out now with this prepper pack.

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THE NERDY SURVIVALIST:

Preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse might not be your cup of tea, but preparing for natural disasters SHOULD be.

If you've been wondering how you could prepare for a disaster when you don't even feel like you can prepare for dinnertime, this is the book for you.

THE NERDY SURVIVALIST is a book for the rest of us.

You aren't going to learn how to build a fire with your mind or how to survive living off berries in the woods.

Instead, you're going to hear from a mom who's seen it all and lived through most of it, and you're going to discover what you need to know to make surviving a reality.

Find out how you can start building a food storage even when you're on a budget, what steps you need to take BEFORE a disaster strikes, and what mistakes you should avoid right before a storm in this book by Penelope Hoyt.

*****

PREPPER HACKS:

If you’re tired of running to the store every time the weather channel warns of an upcoming storm, it’s time to consider becoming a prepper.

Prepping isn’t about digging an underground shelter. It’s not about storing up ten years’ worth of food in your basement. Prepping isn’t even about proving that you’re better than your neighbors.

Prepping means you get ready for what’s coming your way and you do it now.

Prepping means not waiting until there’s a flood watch to go get clean water. Prepping means not incurring debt because you weren’t ready for a financial disaster. Prepping means that you’re not going to put your family’s needs last: you’re going to put them first.

Prepping means you’re ready.

Prepping hacking, then, is all about quick and simple ways to improve your prepping. Whether you’re a seasoned survivalist or a newbie prepper, it’s important to constantly consider the steps that you’re taking to care for your family. Perhaps most importantly, it’s a chance to make sure that your prepping is where it should be, that you’re constantly working on your game plan, and that you’re doing everything in your power to keep your family safe and warm during a disaster.

The Nerdy Survivalist

Penelope Hoyt

Copyright 2014 by Penelope Hoyt

For Mom and Dad

Who were never afraid to be weird

When it meant being safe

Thank you for reading The Nerdy Survivalist! If you enjoyed this book, please visit the book's Amazon page and leave us a review!

Acknowledgements

Books are rarely something created alone. Most of the time, it takes the collaboration of a team or group of people to inspire the author, to keep her motivated, and to actually help her get everything written down that she needs to.

My own team consists of my husband, without whom I would never have been brave enough to try writing a book in the first place. To John, thank you for always believing in me and for inspiring me to try new things.

I'd also like to thank my father, Bill, for contributing the foreword to this collection of survival tips. You have always been one of the bravest, strongest, wisest men I know, and I'm proud to say that you're my dad.

To my mother and my sister, thank you for helping me try out new survival recipes and for always being ready to experience something new.

Finally, I'd like to acknowledge my children. My two little boys have always kept me on my toes when it comes to preparation, and together we have survived a hail storm, two earthquakes, two tornadoes, three hurricanes, a blizzard, and numerous other sticky situations. Somehow, they always manage to keep me grounded and calm even when I feel like quitting.

Contents

Foreword by Bill Hoyt

1: What is a Prepper?

2: Practical Preparation for Persons Presently in Populous Populations

3: How to Prep When You Have Kids

4: Staying on Top of Things: How to Deal When a Storm is Coming

5: Your Car: A Mom's Worst Nightmare

6: Prepping on a Budget

About the Author

Foreword

A curious lump rises from the yard behind the abandoned farmhouse.  Though the weeds growing atop it camouflage its shape, they clearly cover a structure of some sort, an ancient building half-sunken into the earth. Though utterly forlorn at present, a path running from the house’s back door to concrete steps that descend into it gives silent witness to the cellar’s past importance. Four steps down, a solitary board, once painted a festive green, hangs from a twisted hinge. Behind the squat doorway seems only darkness and the smell of worms.

Peering into the cellar you note the remains of shelves that once lined the poured concrete walls. They are covered with rotting leaves and the curious workings of the mud daubers who seem to be the storm cellar’s sole inhabitants. As you turn to leave, bits of broken glass, the remains of canning jars and candle holders, crunch beneath your shoes. You climb back into the sunlight, glad to leave the storm cellar in the past where it belongs, glad we do not need them today.

Or do we?

Penelope Hoyt's latest book demonstrates that in these uncertain times, the reason for the cellar is still with us. The shelves which lie neglected were once covered with jars of food - jellies and fruits and soups enough to last a winter. In these days when every trip to the grocery store squeezes the budget tighter, how can we not admire that foresight?  In the stormy spring, the cellar provided shelter from nature’s fury. When we see the disruptions caused by Katrina and Sandy, by tornadoes and floods and power outages, how can we say they worried too much?  The cellar was a place of comfort and safety to our grandparents and their grandparents, a place that protected their families against much of what life could throw at them. They prepared for the unknown not because they were pessimists, but because they were optimists: preparation was evidence that no matter what they faced, they planned to pull through it together.  

While we probably do not each need a concrete room half-buried in our yards, we all need the safety and the strength that the cellar represented.  We need to protect our families in uncertain times, to ensure that we can endure the storms - natural, spiritual, and financial - that are so prevalent today.

This book will show you how.   

-Bill Hoyt, author of Good Hater and blogger at No Zombies Aloud.

Chapter 1:

What is a Prepper?

I learned how to kill a chicken when I was 12.

I didn't help, mind you. Honestly, I couldn't even really bear to look.

But peeking through my fingers, the ax came swinging, and it happened.

And that's when everything changed.

Having grown up in the city, moving to a farm during my preteen years came as an unpleasant surprise. Pizza Hut didn't deliver to our new home and the nearest town was 10 miles away. None of my friends were allowed to come visit me in the middle of nowhere, and I couldn't blame them. After all, who wants to sit in a car with their kid for two hours just to drive them to a play date?

Yes, things were definitely different in the country.

But not everything was bad.

My parents chose to relocate our family long before the Y2K scare and long before the president ever admitted the country was in a recession. Long before people were scrounging for jobs and long before housing prices started to soar, we found ourselves nestled in a little piece of heaven off a dirt road.

My brothers and I spent our lazy days exploring the woods behind our house, hoping to find treasure or an adventure of any kind.

We found neither, but we formed some powerful memories that we would later think about fondly.

My parents were new to the idea of farming, too, and learning to manage livestock, learning to grow crops, and learning how to butcher animals all took time, energy, and patience.

But it was worth it.

They learned, through time, how to live self-sustainably. They planted an orchard, made their own wine, built their own fences, and even forged their own weapons.

And it all started with the chicken.

As a kid, life on the farm wasn't really "real" to me until we sat down to dinner one night and Mom served us Fluffy.

Who names a chicken Fluffy?

I picked at my food that night, thinking of how many days my favorite white-and-brown hen had spent running around the backyard, eating bugs and experiencing freedom.

And then she ended up on my plate, covered in salt and ketchup.

I took a bite.

Nothing bad happened.

The only real difference between eating Fluffy and eating a store-bought hen was that I had known one and I had given that hen a good life. She hadn't spent her life cooped up in a cage being force-fed hormone-infused feed. She had been free. She had been cared for.

My family had finally made the transition from city life to the world of rural living.

And things would never be the same again.

So what's a prepper?

A prepper is more than just a farmer or someone who lives on a farm. (And no, those aren't the same thing.)

A prepper is essentially someone who thinks that bad things could happen at some point, and that person tries to prepare for the worst.

My parents, believe it or not, aren't the most extreme preppers you'll meet. They still like to eat fast food and rent movies. They still use electricity and the Internet at their home. They still love to go out, to travel, and to do things. They still buy milk at the store.

Their goal isn't to live an off-the-grid life.

Their goal is to be able to survive and to care for their family should something catastrophic happen.

And that's what a true prepper does.

Whether you live in the city and want to start getting ready for an earthquake or you're from small-town Oklahoma and need to prepare for a tornado, prepping is something that anyone can do no matter where you live.

Prepping isn't something that has to be extreme. You don't have to stock up on 8 years' worth of bottled water to be a prepper. You don't have to relocate your family to a farm. You don't have to buy 15 guns. (Though you most certainly can do any of these things, if you want to. This is America, after all.)

If you have kids, prepping is even more important since you aren't just taking care of yourself. If you experience a power outage that lasts a few days, you're going to need to have food and water on hand. You're going to need to have cash since the ATMs won't be working. You're going to need to have enough extra puzzles to keep your kids entertained if you can't leave the house. You're going to need to be prepared.

Why the Nerdy Survivalist?

If you're looking for plans on how to build your own bunker, this book is going to disappoint you.

For that, I'm sorry.

If, however, you're interested in becoming a little more prepared for emergencies or natural disasters and you aren't quite sure where to start, I can help you.

The Nerdy Survivalist is a book for the rest of us.

If you don't know how to purify water using only a toothpick and a can of tuna, if you don't know how to start a fire using only your mind, and if you can't tell the difference between a .22 and a .38, this is the book for you.

We're not going to get into serious, off-the-grid living. There are other authors who have done a more thorough, more in-depth job of that than I could ever hope to do.

Instead, this book is going to offer you practical, reasonable suggestions for preparing your family no matter where you might live.

My own family has lived through earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and blizzards. We've experienced power outages that lasted a week in 100+ degree weather and we've experienced power outages in the dead of winter.

Stuff happens.

It's up to you to make sure that you're ready.

If you have kids or you simply want to start being a little more prepared for any situation that could arise, this is the book for you.

Let's get started.

Chapter 2:

Practical Preparation for Persons Presently in Populous Populations

Say it out loud.

No, really, please?

It would be a lot of fun. Promise.

No? Okay.

Moving on.

So, the very first thing that most preppers will tell wannabe-preppers to do is to move out of the city.

It's a very good piece of advice, to be honest.

During any kind of emergency, the heart of a city is one of the worst places you could possibly be.

But I'm not going to tell you to move.

This isn't because I think country living is bad. Quite the opposite, in fact. I fully believe that if you want to survive any sort of long-term economic collapse, disaster, or war, the further you can be from large cities, the better off you'll be.

Why?

Because people panic when they're scared and turn into evil, raging monsters.

People you thought were your friends, even people you've known for years, will become deadly when they're hungry.

And if someone thinks that you're prepared, that you have food, or that you have water, they'll do whatever it takes to get it.

They won't be remembering the time that you babysat for free or the summer afternoons you spent together at the pool.

They'll only be thinking about their hunger and about their fear.

Unfortunately, rural living isn't something that everyone can do.

This is especially true for military families.

My husband was in the military, so I get it. When you're stationed in Alaska, you can't exactly go and buy a farm. When your duty station is in Maryland, you're not going to have many "rural" places that you can live. It's just not possible.

This doesn't mean that you can't prepare your family for emergencies, though.

If you can't move to the country or you simply don't want you, you still have a responsibility to your family to prepare as much as possible.

"I live in the city" or "I live on a military base" are not excuses for not getting ready.

Even minimal preparation can go a long way in making sure that your family survives an emergency, whether it's a power outage or an earthquake.

Let's discuss 16 real, tangible ways that you can start to prepare your family for disasters if you live in an area with a high population. Remember that each step can be modified to fit your own family's personal needs. Always plan for your family and not for anyone else's. If your kids hate eating meat, for example, you probably shouldn't stock up on beef jerky. If your family doesn't have a blizzard risk, chances are you aren't going to need to stock up on winter boots.

1. Don't tell people you prep. Seriously.

It sounds like a no-brainer, but when you're excited about preparing for disasters, it's easy to start talking.

Don't.

Just don't.

Your friends and neighbors might laugh at you now for building a food pantry or stocking up on water, but when things go south, they're going to remember.

And they're going to come looking for you.

One of the most important aspects of prepping is privacy. While there's nothing wrong with discussing general ideas for preparing for disasters, keep the majority of your plans and preparations between you and your spouse. You can always share your food and supplies if you have extras, but if you only have enough for your own family, it's going to be easier to handle a disaster if nearby people don't know what you've got.

2. Buy food that you already eat

When you start to prep, you're going to come across a lot of blogs, companies, and preppers who recommend that you stock up on long-lasting foods.

These could be MREs, freeze-dried beans, or even dehydrated meat.

While there's nothing wrong with stocking up on these foods, keep in mind that it's really best to choose foods that your family already eats, enjoys, and is comfortable with.

During an emergency, a lot of things are going to be happening. Your kids might feel scared. Your family could be tired. You might be extremely hot or extremely cold. Having to learn how to eat a strange, unsavory type of food during a time of such unrest can be quite overwhelming, especially for younger children.

Instead of stressing out because your child won't eat the dehydrated potato you tried to serve him, choose to stock up on foods that your family eats on a regular basis.

Many prepared foods you can get at the grocery store can be stored safely in your home for long periods of time. While boxes of cereal or packages of oatmeal won't last indefinitely, they're perfectly fine to use as part of your food storage.

Remember that just because you're a prepper doesn't mean you have to eat like one.

3. Store food in different places

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, you probably want to put your food storage and prepper "stuff" in your kitchen.

After all, that's where food goes, right?

In actuality, it's a good idea to keep your food storage and prepper food away from your regular food.

Why?

There are two primary reasons.

First off, if your prepper and emergency food supply is with your normal food, you're going to eat it. It's not a matter of self control: it's a matter of convenience. When you get hungry and you need to run to the grocery store, you're probably going to think, I'll just use the tomato sauce from my emergency storage and replace it later. The problem with this is that most of the time, later never comes and you'll forget to replace the item.

The other reason you should consider keeping your food storage in a separate area is that if you find yourself in an extremely dangerous situation or some sort of economic collapse, burglars are going to look for food in the kitchen first. Chances are, most people aren't going to take the time to look under your child's bed or beneath the bathroom sinks for food.

Pick a place in your home that is cool, dry, and rarely used, and put your food storage items there. If you don't have a lot of food to store, a small plastic container can be the perfect way to store your items. They'll stay dry and unbothered. You can even use duct tape to keep the box closed.

4. Grow your own food

If you've never tried to grow your own food, now is the perfect time to start.

When you find yourself in a situation where you're hungry, you're eventually going to need to start producing your own meals.

While a food storage will last you for awhile, it's not going to be forever. If you end up in a situation where you have to evacuate your home, such as a fire or flood, your ability to grow food is going to be even more vital.

So start a garden.

It can be something small, but just plant something and find out what you've been missing out on.

I've lived in my fair share of apartments, so I get that prepping and growing food is challenging when you don't have a yard. After all, you can't have chickens when you live on the fourth floor. You can't exactly plant a row of strawberry bushes when your "backyard" consists of a small slab of concrete.

You can, however, take advantage of container gardening.

A container garden is exactly what it sounds like: a garden in a container. You can use large plastic tubs that you get at Wal-Mart or use small pots that you pick up at your local planting store. No matter what you decide, just try to grow something. The time to learn how to grow things is now, before you're in an emergency.

5. Stock up on things you use every day

I go through a lot of toilet paper.

Seriously.

It seems impossible, but with three boys in the house, we go through at least a roll every day.

Because of this, I keep a supply of toilet paper on hand. We're never without it. When it snows or storms or floods, I don't have to run to the store at the last second in the middle of bad weather to get something that we need.

I've got it.

What are some things that you use every day? An inhaler? Birth control pills? Toothpicks? Cotton balls? Batteries?

No matter what your family's personal "must-haves" are, make sure that you've got a few on hand. It's a good idea to have at least a 3 day supply of the things that you need, whether it be medication or personal hygiene supplies. Even better? Aim to store up at least a 30-day supply of the things that you need. Remember that even if you can get to the store after a few days, the shelves will likely be empty for awhile since everyone else in your city had to go buy things, too.

6. Get flashlights.

Don't think that you're too good for flashlights.

Go buy some.

If you want to save money, Rayovac frequently has coupons for $1.00/off flashlights. You can use these at Wal-Mart to buy their flashlights that normally cost $1.00. They're in the camping section. This way, you'll get free flashlights. (You can find coupons in the Sunday paper or pick up extras that people didn't want on eBay.)

Another option for cheap flashlights is the dollar store. You can get small ones, which are great if you've got kids. Mine tend to lose their flashlights, so I'd rather they lose ones I spent a buck on rather than $20 flashlights.

Of course, you should definitely invest in at least one large lantern-style flashlight to use in your living room or kitchen during power outages. This is going to enable you to cook or spend time together reading or playing cards.

While a lot of people advise stocking up on candles, I prefer flashlights because they're safer with small children and pets. Remember that if you're in an emergency situation and you accidentally light your house on fire, there's no guarantee that help will come for you. It's better to be safe than to not have a house because you knocked a candle over.

7. Make sure that your locks work

Do your locks work?

Do all of your locks work?

It might seem like a dumb thing to think about, but again, it's much better to think about it now.

Chances are you have at least one lock in your house that's either loose or not working. Get it fixed now, especially if it's a window lock. While people who are ransacking houses can certainly break in, most people aren't going to waste time with locked homes - at least not at first. They'll go for easy targets instead.

8. Get a firearm and learn how to use it

You need to have a gun.

There's really no debate about this.

Get a gun, find out how to use it, and have it ready to defend yourself and your family. When you're in an emergency situation, especially a prolonged one, people get crazy. They do things that they wouldn't normally do. They forget what "civilized" means. And when it comes down to it, you need to be prepared to do whatever it takes to keep your household safe.

If you've never fired a weapon before, you're going to want to have proper training. Your local shooting range might offer classes, but your community center should also offer Hunter's Safety Courses at least once a year. Give them a call to find out the schedule, the cost, and how you can sign up.

9. Have an escape plan

When you live in the city, you need to know how you're going to get out if you need to.

This is going to be your escape plan.

The first thing you need to do when you're thinking about your personal escape plan is to stop thinking that there's not going to be traffic or road blocks or closures.

Think worst case scenario.

What are you going to do if you need to get away now and the main roads are closed? How will you get out?

Take a look at road maps for your area or even take a drive during rush hour. What roads tend to be busy? Which ones are unused? Could you escape from the area by bicycle? What about on foot? Are there wooded trails that you could take? Which paths would keep you from being seen?

You also need to ask yourself which items you need to bring with you. Stop thinking that you're going to be able to bring your entire food storage and instead think bottled water, guns, important personal documents, and medications. Your Bug Out Bag or Emergency Kit should be packed and ready to go, either in your car or by your front door.

Finally?

Decide where you're going to go. Do you have a farm outside the city? Do you have a friend with one? Do you have an RV parked in a tiny RV park that you can get to? Do you have a cheap, paid-for-with-cash single-wide trailer a few miles from town?

Find somewhere and plan to go there, but also be willing (and able) to change plans if the need arises.

10. Keep cash on hand

When the power goes out, so do the credit card machines.

And the banks.

And the automatic registers at the grocery store.

Keep cash on hand that you can use during an emergency situation. At least a grand is ideal, but realistically, just save what you can. It's best to have some money in small bills, simply because most people you're buying from probably won't be able to make change.

11. Never let your tank get below half

Don't be one of the those people who ends up in a line at the gas station and runs out of gas before it's your turn.

Always keep your tank at least half-full of gas. Should an emergency occur, you'll at least be able to get a head start on everyone else who is trying to leave the city.

12. Leave sooner, rather than later

If you need to escape, it's always better to go sooner rather than later.

Always.

Keep in mind that most people are going to sit around and wait for help to come. It's what people do. No one is going to know what to do when help doesn't come, so the sooner you can escape from your area, the better.

What's the worst thing that's going to happen if you leave home before a storm hits? Honestly, ask yourself. What's the absolute worst thing that could happen if you leave before things get bad in your area?

While you certainly shouldn't flee from your home anytime the weather gets a little iffy or there's the treat of a storm, you should be cautious and on the alert. When it's time to go, you need to actually have the guts to go.

13. Your hurricane kit

If you live in an area where hurricanes are a risk, it's important to keep a hurricane kit in your home. This should be kept in a plastic tub with a lid or another type of waterproof container. Don't let leaky windows or a flooded first floor be the reason you lose your food supply.

Ideally, your hurricane kit should contain at the bare minimum:

Food and water for each family member for three days or more

First aid supplies

Water purification tablets

Medications your family needs and uses on a regular basis

Extra diapers, wipes, and other baby "must-haves"

Formula

Pedialyte or Gatorade in case someone becomes ill

Duct tape and plastic sheets (such as shower curtains) in case you need to seal the windows

Extra towels

Flashlights and batteries

Remember that when you're facing a hurricane, you'll generally need to remain indoors until the storm has passed. Additionally, remember that even if you live a few hours from the beach, strong winds and rains can still happen. My family was living in the middle of Maryland when Hurricane Sandy hit and although we were nowhere near the beach, our entire area was affected by the storm. Be ready.

14. Your flood kit

Like a hurricane, a flood can be incredibly devastating. Unlike a hurricane, a flood can happen anywhere. Living in the Midwest doesn't mean you're going to be exempt from the damage that a flood can cause.

My family had just moved to northern Colorado before the "hundred year flood" of 2013. It struck the day before my birthday and not only did the storm ruin my party plans, it also caused long-lasting damage to buildings, houses, and land in my area. The flood was unexpected, unplanned for, and overall quite damaging.

Like a hurricane kit, a flood kit is simply a box of supplies and gear that you keep in your home. You can keep this tub under your kitchen sink or in the back of your coat closet. Where you keep this set of supplies doesn't really matter. All that matters is that you have supplies in case something happens and you need them.

Your flood kit should ideally contain:

Ponchos for each member of your family

Food and water for each member of your family

Medications, formula, and other "must-haves"

Extra towels (you'll be surprised at how quickly you go through these)

Extra warm socks for each family member

Materials for sealing your doors and windows if you live on the first floor

When we were experiencing our flood and we were stuck inside for three days, what I wanted most was a piece of chocolate.

Seriously.

Call me crazy, but comfort foods can go a long way when you're dealing with a disaster, so don't be afraid to throw a couple of non-prepper foods in your kit if you know that it's something that will help you stay calm and relaxed.

15. Your tornado kit

If you live in an area with tornadoes, have a box of snacks and water ready in your basement or shelter. If your only shelter option is an interior bathroom, keep some food beneath the sink. If you're stuck indoors for hours and hours, you're going to get hungry and you'll want something to munch on without wandering around the house.

16. Your boredom kit

One of the things that a lot of preppers seem to forget about is boredom.

When you're stuck inside with your kids for days, they're going to get wound up and they're going to get bored.

And do you know what's more awful than being stuck inside during a flood without electricity or the Internet?

McBoingBoing and his twin brother Bouncy.

Even if you live alone, don't have kids, and don't like to do much, have a few things handy to entertain yourself during power outages. This could be a handheld video game console, books, puzzles, board games, or something new you've never played with before.

If you like to craft, have some knitting needles and yarn on hand.

If your kids like to draw, maybe throw a brand new box of markers in the boredom kit.

Again, remember that it doesn't matter what you put in the box, just that you have something to entertain yourself and your family with.

Chapter 3:

How to Prep With Kids

One of the biggest challenges in preparing for natural disasters or emergencies is knowing how to get ready even if you have little kids. While packing a bug out bag for adults can be something as simple as throwing some granola bars into a bag, things get more complicated when you have tiny humans in your household. After all, you might need diapers, wipes, and maybe even some children's medicines. You might need someone's special stuffed lamb that he just can't sleep without. You might need a special blankie. You might need eye drops or a thermometer or something else completely.

I've got two little boys and they keep me on my toes. They're wild and energetic and silly and creative, but they're also excited about learning and trying new things. Instead of making prepping something that you do on your own time, I've found that it can be really useful to include my children in my personal preparations. A lot of parents shy away from the topic of prepping with their kids, which is unfortunate since children need to know what's going on.

While I'm not saying that you should scare your child with discussions about the collapse of the dollar or a possible nuclear war, you absolutely should discuss tornadoes with your child. What causes them? What happens if you experience one? What actions should your child take? What about a hurricane? What should your child do if he's home alone and the house starts to flood?

The time to talk with your child about emergencies is before they happen: not when you're in the middle of one and everyone is panicking.

Whether your kids are five or 15, there are a few ways that you can prepare for disasters and emergencies even with them by your side.

1. Let your kids pack their own bags

Want to get your kids involved in prepping? Let them pick out special backpacks to use for their bug out bags. Having a special character or movie-themed backpack can be fantastic for kids. Once they pick their bag out, let them help you actually pack it. Never just prep without your kids. Instead, let them be a part of the activity. Older kids could use a tote bag or a canvas duffel that they decorate with patches.

2. Bring your kids to pick out supplies

When you head to the store to pick out your prepping supplies, whether it be food storage items or something for your bug out bags, bring your kids along. Let them see how you prep. If your kids don't see you in action, they won't be able to see how preppers actually do things. When possible, let your children make choices in the things that you buy. You don't have to let them decide everything, but something as simple as picking the color of a hunting knife or deciding whether they have a cranberry or blueberry flavored granola bar can be empowering.

3. Talk with your kids about prepping

Always talk with your kids on a regular basis about how vital emergency preparedness really is. Some parents feel like they need to protect their children, so they don't talk with them about the importance of being ready for anything. Remember that although talking about emergencies can be scary, giving your kids the gift of knowledge is incredibly valuable. If your child knows what to expect and how to react to something, he's going to be able to handle himself much better than if he goes into a situation blindly. If you don't know what to say to your child, consider reading a book together about preparing for emergencies or even taking a first aid or survival class.

4. Understand that your situation is going to be different than other people you know

Each family has different dynamics, lifestyle preferences, beliefs, and problems. The way that you prepare for an emergency will be different than the way that I prepare. You should absolutely read prepping blogs, books, and manuals, but understand that you're going to have to personalize your preparations when you have kids.

My son is seven. He likes running and jumping and video games, but he also has physical limitations the come into play when I'm trying to prepare. He's got asthma, so I have to be ready to handle an asthma attack or flare-up even during an emergency. This means having a battery-operated nebulizer handy. It means having extra medication ready. His asthma even means that he might not be able to walk very far during an emergency, so any type of evacuation plan cannot involve walking.

What limitations do your kids have? Is your toddler terrified of thunderstorms? Does your preschooler need a feeding tube? Does one of your children have a difficult time with changes? No matter what your family's personal situation is, just remember to adapt any planning to meet your needs.

5. Stock your medicine cabinet

Even if your family doesn't have a lot of health problems, make sure that you have any medication you might need on hand. This includes Tylenol, vitamins, hydrocortisone cream, vitamins, and canker sore cream. Also plan to have things like tooth ache medicine, teething ointment, and even diaper rash cream in your house. An even better plan is to learn how to make your own creams and ointments so that you can quickly whip them up when you need them, but for now, just make sure that you have these items in your bug out bags or in your cabinets for easy access.

6. Expect to need more supplies than you think you'll need

I once found myself stranded in the middle of a snowstorm with my kids. We ended up at a tiny motel and couldn't leave. Even if we could have managed to get out of the parking lot, every restaurant and gas station in the town was closed. The result was that we relied on our bug out bag food to survive.

Now, I thought that I was prepared for anything, but what I wasn't prepared for was the fact that my younger child happened to be going through a growth spurt and was starving and that my other son got bored and so he was also starving. They managed to eat through almost all of the bug out bag food, including six protein bars and two bags of beef jerky, in just a few hours.

Kids are unpredictable. Sometimes they're starving and sometimes they won't eat anything. Just make sure that you have more things on hand than you think that you'll need. While a lot of manuals suggest having a granola bar or MRE available for each meal, in reality, your kids aren't going to understand food rationing at first, especially if they're preschool age or younger. For minor emergencies and natural disasters (not full economic-breakdown situations), just plan to pack extra food. A few extra bags of jerky or trail mix won't take up a ton of space, but could save you a lot of trouble.

7. Come up with a solution for transportation

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to quickly evacuate your home, how will you do it? Consider what your options will be if the roads in your area are blocked. Chances are that you aren't going to be able to walk anywhere very quickly with kids on foot, especially if you're all carrying gear. Consider getting a bicycle with a seat for your child or a bike trailer. Another option would be a heavy-duty jogging stroller. Even a hiking carrier or an ERGObaby Original Baby Carrier could be a solution for short-term movement. Again, remember to be realistic in your expectations. If you're faced with an emergency that's bad enough to require that you leave town, you aren't going to want to be on the roads with your crying, overtired toddler for long. Make sure you leave early and know where you're going to bug out to.

8. Practice walking with your kids

If you've ever tried to walk more than a few feet with your kids, chances are that they've whined. Maybe their feet hurt or their legs are tired. Maybe they're thirsty. Perhaps your child is bored. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to walk for a long period of time, whether it be the zombie apocalypse or simply because your car broke down on the side of the road, you probably can't carry your child the entire way. Practice walking with your children, especially if you have more than one youngster. Make it a habit to walk a little bit each day. You can start out slowly and gradually work your way up to walking a mile or two with your children. After awhile, it will become second nature to them.

9. Stay as healthy as possible

When something bad happens, the last place you want to try to go is the hospital. Hospitals are full of sick people and when you're dealing with something like a hurricane or flood, hospitals are also going to be filled with injured people. Instead of trying to make it to the E.R. during a hailstorm because your asthma is acting up or wondering if urgent care is open so that you can finally get a refill on your medication, boosting your immune system before something bad happens can help you stay out of the hospital.

The best way to boost your immune system is to follow a healthy diet. Things like sugar and caffeine actually suppress your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight illnesses. Drink water on a daily basis and make sure that you eat plenty of lean meats, fruits, and vegetables.

You can also take vitamins, though the type you use is going to depend on your personal medical challenges. Talk with your holistic doctor or chiropractor about what supplements you should consider taking to improve your body's immunity. You can always talk with your family practice doctor, of course, though many physicians honestly don't know much about vitamins. A chiropractor or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) will be about to help you.

10. Practice trying new foods

Sometimes things happen and you can't always eat foods that you're comfortable with or used to. If your power has been out for a week, for example, and the grocery stores aren't stocked and the restaurants aren't open, you're going to have to get a little creative with your eating. Practice for that situation before it even happens by opening up your kids to the idea of new things. Sometimes the hardest part for children is simply handling the idea of trying scary foods. Try to eat something new at least once a week. This will help your kids understand that new things aren't always bad things and that it's okay to eat food even if it looks scary.

11. Explore nature with your kids

Get your kids used to being outside. Take them for walks, go spend time in the woods, try camping, or go on a hike. If you live in the city, your kids might not be completely comfortable with a lot of outdoorsy stuff. That's fine, but they need to get over that. The best way you can help them is to make it a habit to spend time doing things in nature.

12. Travel frequently

While you  might not have the financial freedom to travel overseas or even across the country, you can take short day trips with your children. Travel as much as you can and to as many different places as you can. This might mean that you take  a road trip to a friend's house in another state or it could mean that you drive to a town an hour away just to explore. Get your kids used to seeing new places, meeting new people, and exploring new communities.

13. Teach your kids to read a map

Think paper maps are out of date? Think again. Show your kids how to read a map, how to find an alternate route, and how to look for landmarks. If you're ever in a situation where your GPS system doesn't work or your phone's Google Maps app isn't functioning, knowing how to read a map could be a lifesaver. You can buy road maps at any bookstore, but you can also get them for free from AAA if you're a member. Another option is to check out individual visitor centers online or in person and request a free road map.

14. Learn how to use a compass

Another must-learn skill for kids is how to use a compass. This is one that a lot of parents skip because hey - who uses a compass? If you're ever lost, though, or your child becomes separated from you and can't find his way home, a compass could really help him. Practice using one together until your child gets comfortable enough to use it on his own.

15. Talk with your kids about first aid

Finally, discuss first aid with your child. Talk about how to handle minor cuts and bruises, but also get into the more challenging aspects of first aid. What should your child do if he falls and can't walk home? What should your little one do if his friend gets stung by a bee? How should your child handle a broken bone? Read first aid books together, watch first aid videos for free on YouTube, or enroll in a first aid class through your local Red Cross.

Chapter 4:

Staying on Top of Things:

How to Deal When a Storm is Coming

Sometimes the hardest part of preparing for a disaster is knowing what to do right before it happens.

You can plan for years for something bad to happen, but when you're actually faced with the challenge, it's easy to get scared. It's easy to panic. It's easy to second guess yourself and wonder if you should just run to the store for that one last item.

A few years ago, my family was faced with warnings of an impending blizzard. I know, right? Creepy. And although my pantry was stocked, my fridge was full, and my emergency kits were all set, I still wondered if I should do what my neighbors were doing and run to the grocery store. After all, shouldn't I pick up a few extra snacks? An extra box of diapers? Some baby wipes? Formula? Chocolate, perhaps?

So I went to the store, and despite the fact that I managed to get a parking space, I was completely disappointed when I walked inside.

The entire grocery store was in chaos.

The bread aisle was empty.

The milk was all gone.

There were no water bottles.

Entire aisles were completely destroyed.

And this was just for a snowstorm that was supposed to last one day.

Imagine if this had been a long-term power outage? Imagine if we were going to be hit with a flood?

When bad things happen, most people run to the store to pick up a few last-minute items. The problem is that when everyone runs to the store, trying to go becomes dangerous and pointless. You're going to waste your time trying to get things that, to be honest, you're probably going to be fine without, especially if you've been prepping for a long time.

It's much more difficult to sit at home and trust yourself.

But that's exactly what you need to do.

When a storm is about to hit, things are going to be different. If you've been preparing for awhile, you have the things that you need on hand. You've got blankets. You've got flashlights. You've got batteries and water and books and bandages.

You don't need to run to the store.

Don't let the panic of people around you be the reason that you get trapped away from home.

Don't let the fears of other people destroy your knowledge that your family is ready.

Most of the people that you know are going to be last-minute preppers who run to Wal-Mart when the rain starts. They're going to be the ones who are fighting people for the last gallon of water or who post on Facebook about how awesome it is that they stole a loaf of bread from someone else's cart.

Don't be that prepper.

Instead, when things start to get bad, you're going to want to do a few things.

-First off, check your car. Even if your car is at half a tank, stop at the gas station on the way home from work and top off your tank. Many people rush the gas stations when there's an emergency, which means you're either going to end up sitting in line for hours or you're going to find that the gas stations are out of gas completely. Do yourself a favor and fill up early and often.

-Also make sure that your home is secure. Are your windows and doors tightly sealed and shut? Are you expecting strong winds? Did you pull the patio furniture inside? What about the toys in the yard? Did you tie your trashcan up or place it inside the garage? During a storm is not the time when you want to be worried about flying debris hitting your house or your vehicles. Make sure that ordinary objects in your yard don't become flying saucers of destruction.

-Charge everything in your home. Charge your phones, charge your video games, charge the portable DVD player, and charge all of your reusable batteries.

-Place some water bottles in your freezer so that they can freeze. If the power goes out, you can either leave them in the freezer to preserve your frozen goods for a longer period of time, or you can transfer them to your refrigerator to keep your milk, eggs, and cheese cold.

-Let your kids know that there's a storm coming, so if they want to do anything online, print something off the computer, or do anything else that requires power, they can do so before the electricity goes out.

-Make sure that you know where important items are so that you aren't searching for them in the dark or at the last minute. Things like your child's favorite blanket, your daily medication, and even your wallet should be within easy reach.

-Settle in for a warm, relaxing time with your family. Stay calm even if you feel like crying. Remember that your job is not only to keep your family physically safe, but emotionally safe, as well. If you get scared, your kids are going to pick up on that vibe. Consider letting your children sleep in your room or snuggling together to read stories by the candlelight so that they feel comfortable, secure, and safe.

Chapter 5:

Your Car: A Mom's Worst Nightmare

It started out like any other day.

There were clouds in the sky, but nothing unusual. There was no warning on the news that said You might die today or Caution: danger ahead.

I had driven the well-worn path nearly a dozen times before already. Visiting my parents was always fun, but the 10-hour drive was lengthy and I was ready to get home.

The highway I chose to travel was safe, straight, and predictable. I had never encountered bad weather or murderers or terrible food or scary gas stations, so I wasn't afraid when there were clouds in the sky that morning.

After all, it was just any other day.

Taking a road trip with kids isn't always simple, but that day was going to be. My sons were both in great moods, the DS was charged, the DVD player was ready, and each child had a stack of books to look at during the drive. We were all in great moods and more than ready to head home after a week of being away.

When we'd been on the road for an hour, it began to rain.

The rain stopped just as suddenly as it began and the sun came out, shining brightly, reminding me that things were going to go my way. Everything was going to be fine. I turned on my favorite music and began to sing along to keep myself entertained during the remaining 9 hours of the trip.

After all, it was going to be a long, boring drive.

It wasn't long before someone started throwing rocks at my car. Maybe it was the semi ahead of me: I wasn't sure, but there were a lot.

With each hit against my windshield, I cringed. It was a new car.

Suddenly, the road became difficult to drive on and all of the cars ahead of me were pulling over. What was going on? Why was everyone stopping in the middle of a busy highway? Why were the rocks still hitting my car?

My "duh" moment came when I realized that I was not, as I thought, dealing with small rocks and pebbles.

I was in the middle of my first hailstorm: on a highway outside of any cities, on a highway with no overpasses or bridges, on a highway without an off-ramp in sight.

The window is going to break, I thought, and I yelled at the boys to stay down. I threw a blanket over them and ducked down. My wedding dress was in the passenger seat of the car. After years of sitting in my mother's closet, I was finally bringing it home.

And we were stuck in a hailstorm.

And my windshield was going to break.

Just as suddenly as the hail began, it stopped. The sun came out, laughing at me.

The cars around me began to drive, slowly. I followed suit, wondering how much damage my car had sustained, thankful that my windshield hadn't really broken.

We had been driving for about 15 minutes when a funnel cloud began to form in the sky. I had grown up in the Midwest and had been around tornadoes before, but there was nowhere in sight to take shelter.

I glanced in my rearview mirror at my little boys, snuggled up with their games and books, and I pushed on the gas pedal.

I'd had enough for one day.

The sun cleared up and we continued driving. We made it nearly halfway home when it snowed. I regretted my decision to wear a tank top and skirt, but in my defense, it had been 80 degrees the day before.

And I had made this drive a dozen times before.

And there had never been weather like this.

And it was the middle of April.

Sure enough, a few miles down the road, the sun was shining again and my sons were sweating in the backseat, begging me to turn on the air conditioner. I checked my GPS. We were only three hours from home. We would be back in no time at all.

The traffic ahead of me was slowing down, and two men on the sides of the road held signs that said SLOW DOWN. ACCIDENT AHEAD.

It started to snow.

Seeing that the entire highway was gridlock just up ahead, I took the next exit and barely made it up the icy ramp before turning into a tiny gas station. I rushed my kids inside and dumped $60 on two sweatshirts, a bag of beef jerky, two bottles of juice, and some crackers.

"What's going on?" I asked the attendant. She shrugged. No one knew.

Heading back into the car, I topped off the gas tank and got back on the road. The traffic had cleared, and I could not see what had caused the delay: an overturned RV. It was blocking one lane of the highway.

Grateful that I was safe, I sent up a silent prayer of thanks and kept driving.

This time, the snow didn't stop falling.

This time, the roads kept getting more and more icy.

I was in the middle of nowhere and I realized for the first time that we were not going to make it home that night. Driving 30 MPH on a 75 MPH road, I made my way slowly, watching for the next exit.

A few cars passed me. Most stayed in the slow lane with me, matching my pace.

Then traffic stopped completely.

And in my little Volkswagon Beetle, I began to make my way slowly up a tiny hill, slipping and sliding the entire way. At the top of the hill, a semi was overturned on one lane. The zombie apocalypse was at hand, or at least I thought it might be. I counted 7 semis overturned in the ditches on either side of the road before I stopped counting and started praying.

Taking a deep breath - and crying a little - I kept driving, knowing that if my car slipped, I was going to end up on the side of the road in a snowstorm with two little boys who were going to be very cold, very bored, and very hungry.

The next exit, which was 20 miles down the road, took me over an hour to reach. It was completely snowed and iced over. There was no way I'd make it up the off-ramp in my car, so I kept driving. I had been on the road for more than 12 hours and I was exhausted. All I wanted was to find a motel so the boys and I could collapse into the quiet peace that only sleep can bring.

Finally, I saw an exit.

I took it.

The first motel that we stopped at was completely full.

At the second motel, as I struggled to get the kids out of the car so we could walk up to the front desk, a man parked his car and raced to the door. How nice, I thought. He's going to hold the door for us.

But he didn't.

Instead, he jumped in front of me and told the receptionist, "Room for one, please."

She rolled her eyes at him, catching my gaze and nodding slightly so that I knew everything would be okay.

When it was my turn, we got the last available room. $60.00 later and we were all inside a tiny bedroom with a working television and running water.

I couldn't complain.

That is, until I looked at the door and saw that it didn't have a real lock.

And the heater in our room was broken.

And my car was already snowed over.

And the state police had already shut down the highway.

I called the front desk from my cell phone because the phone in our room didn't work.

"Look," I told the woman, "Our heater isn't working in our room. I don't expect you guys to fix it now, in the middle of the night, but could you bring us some extra blankets or a space heater?"

Within 20 minutes, the owner of the motel brought us two space heaters. I put my little boys to sleep in one of the tiny beds, piling all of the blankets and pillows on them.

I still couldn't believe that I had seen so many cars off the road in one day.

I was afraid that the space heater was going to catch the room on fire.

I worried that my 5-year-old was going to wake up and burn himself on the heater.

And I stared at the broken lock on my door, happy that I had everything I needed to defend myself and to stay warm.

And after all that, there were a few things I learned that I might not have otherwise.

First off, always carry socks in your car. We had all been in sandals when we left my mother's house, and sandals + a freak snowstorm are not a good mix. My car is small without a lot of extra space, but socks are something that I realized we need to always have on hand. If you have room in your trunk, extra sweatshirts never hurt, either.

The other thing I realized is that my bug out bag had far less food in it that I anticipated. While I suspected that I had a 3-days' supply of rations for myself, I didn't figure that my kids would be bored, stressed, anxious, and starving. At the hotel, they ate through my entire box of granola bars. Then they ate a few more. My car's emergency kit now has more food than I could possibly need. And it's still probably not enough.

I was grateful to have vodka in my bug out bag. No, I didn't end up using it for antiseptic, but after a day like mine, it really took the edge off having to stay in a murderous motel with my bouncing boys. I was thankful for the vodka, but wished I had packed Tums, children's allergy medicine, and gum or hard candy.

Whether you're going on a road trip or you're just running errands during the day, having an emergency kit in your car is a must. While being more prepared in my bag wouldn't have spared me the trouble of getting caught in the storm, it would have made my night at the motel a little easier.

So from one mom to another, here are a few other little lessons I learned:

*Your kids will have to pee at the most inconvenient times.

*Always carry extra cash with you in case you stop at a motel that doesn't take credit cards (or if the power is out).

*Stop before you think you're going to need to. I had to drive for more than an hour before I was able to find a place to stop. Don't let that happen to you.

*Have an extra set of warm clothes in your car.

*Whining is going to happen. You'll need to tune it out.

*Never underestimate the value of an extra blanket. There was a draft in our motel room, which meant the cold air was blowing at the beds all night. Being able to hang a blanket over the door saved us from a long night of shivering.

*Get a battery-operated cell phone charger.

*Have comfort foods. If you get stressed or scared, you're going to want them.

*Talk with your kids ahead of time about how you're going to handle an emergency like the one I encountered.

Remember that while you can't always predict an emergency situation, you can have a positive attitude when you encounter one. It's okay to be scared, overwhelmed, or frightened. Just remember that we've all been there and that staying calm is going to be your best asset.

Chapter 6:

Prepping on a Budget

Staring at the cost of survival and prepper items really wears me out.

I try not to do it too often.

If I do, I wind up feeling overwhelmed and depressed because it seems like you have to be a millionaire in order to prepare properly.

In reality, it's possible to prepare for emergencies even if you're on a limited budget. Just because you're living paycheck-to-paycheck does not mean that it's impossible for you to keep your family safe. Just because you're on a tight budget does not mean that you can't stock up on items that are going to help you during an emergency.

Having a small income can certainly be difficult.

Trust me: I get it.

My husband and I have been a single-income family for the last 9 years, so I know how specifically you have to plan your spending and your grocery list when you don't have a lot of extra cash just sitting around.

Fortunately, there are a few little tricks that I've learned that will help you prepare well without spending a lot of extra money on prepper supplies. As always, these tips can be modified to meet your family's specific needs. Remember that a limited budget simply means that you need to get creative when it comes to your preparations, but you can absolutely do it.

Tips for saving money prepping

1. Buy a few things each week

Don't buy everything at once.

Chances are, you aren't going to have a hurricane tomorrow or even next week.

Your house isn't going to be destroyed by a flood in the next pay period.

You might not believe me, especially if you've been watching survival television or reading disaster blogs, but you're going to be okay.

Just slow down.

While many preppers will disagree with me, I'm a firm believer that you shouldn't go into debt in order to prepare for the possibility of a disaster. When you buy things slowly, you enable yourself to be wise with your money while still planning ahead.

Consider picking up just a few extra items each week when you go to the grocery store. This means you could grab an extra bag of beef jerky, a few extra packets of freeze-dried strawberries, or an extra gallon of bottled water.

Be patient when it comes to shopping.

Taking things slowly will not only allow you to be careful with your spending, but it will also give you time to organize your prepper items and to keep your house somewhat sane as you slowly accumulate the food and items you'll need for an emergency.

2. Shop around

Always price check when it comes to larger prepper items.

If you're going to buy a bunch of canned goods online or you're going to invest in some durable, long-lasting camping gear, you'll need to shop around.

Checking different stores will ensure that you get the best possible price for your items. It's going to take you a little bit of time, but if you save 15% or even 30%, it's going to be worth the effort.

3. Use coupons when possible

Clip coupons from the Sunday paper and if you shop online, always use a promo code.

Coupons sound annoying, and sometimes they are, but saving money is never a joke. A quick search online could bring up a promo code that will save you a lot of money on something that you're already buying, so it's a win-win situation.

The best way to find promo codes for a specific store is to search online saying something like:

Emergency Essentials Promo Code

OR

Cheaper Than Dirt Coupon Code

When in doubt, you can also check RetailMeNot.com for up-to-date coupons.

4. Shop during the off-season

Don't buy winter boots when everyone else is buying winter boots.

Instead, buy your boots in the spring. You'll get a better deal, you'll save money, and you'll be prepared for the first snow.

While shopping during the off-season isn't always possible, it's a great way to save a little cash and to start building up your emergency supply. Don't just shop in stores, either. You can get some great off-season deals online at your favorite retail websites.

5. Buy used

I know, I know.

Nobody really wants to buy used.

Online auction sides like eBay, Amazon.com, and even Facebook swap 'n' shop groups are all places you can get gently used items at a fraction of the original cost.

Many people will buy something and use it only a few times before they ditch it, so shopping for used items is an amazing way to get something that's in nearly-perfect condition without coughing up the cash for something that still has tags attached.

6. Take advantage of free resources for learning

When it comes to saving money, you can cut corners on things other than physical items.

You can cut costs on education.

Take inexpensive online first aid or survival courses through Udemy.com, Groupon.com, or even Amazon Local. You'll get top-notch training without paying top-notch prices. You can also take CPR certification courses through many of these online websites or find a good deal to use at a local CPR class.

Coursera is another online site that offers free college-level courses. Everything you need to succeed is included in the course and you'll even receive a certificate of completion. With Coursera, courses are not ongoing, so you'll need to sign up and start the class at the same time as the other students. I've taken some great classes through this site, and as long as you have the time and the self-motivation to complete them, it's a valuable resource.

Your local library's value also cannot be understated. Check regularly to see what kinds of classes are being offered. You can also request that your library host a first aid class, a camping class, or even an outdoor survival class to take your kids to. You can always request something and if you can demonstrate to your library that there's a genuine interest in the community (like by getting your mother's group to enroll in the course), they may be willing to offer what you need.

About the Author

Penelope Hoyt lives with her husband and children in an undisclosed type of home in an undisclosed location. When she's not busy spending time with her family, Hoyt enjoys reading zombie novels and playing the piano.

Her other books include Minimalism Made Easy, Going Green, Sell That House! and Decluttering Made Easy. This is her fifth book.

Prepper Hacks

Penelope Hoyt

Copyright 2014 by Penelope Hoyt

Contents:

Prepper hacking
Bug-out bags
Pantry
Gardening
Parenting
Sanity hacks
Hurricanes
Floods
Blizzards
Power outages

About the author

Prepper hacking

If you’re tired of running to the store every time the weather channel warns of an upcoming storm, it’s time to consider becoming a prepper.

Prepping isn’t about digging an underground shelter. It’s not about storing up ten years’ worth of food in your basement. Prepping isn’t even about proving that you’re better than your neighbors.

Prepping means you get ready for what’s coming your way and you do it now.

Prepping means not waiting until there’s a flood watch to go get clean water. Prepping means not incurring debt because you weren’t ready for a financial disaster. Prepping means that you’re not going to put your family’s needs last: you’re going to put them first.

Prepping means you’re ready.

Prepping hacking, then, is all about quick and simple ways to improve your prepping. Whether you’re a seasoned survivalist or a newbie prepper, it’s important to constantly consider the steps that you’re taking to care for your family. Perhaps most importantly, it’s a chance to make sure that your prepping is where it should be, that you’re constantly working on your game plan, and that you’re doing everything in your power to keep your family safe and warm during a disaster.

When I wrote my first prepping guidebook, City Preppers: How to Build Your Pantry and Develop the Skills You Need to Survive, Even When You Live in an Apartment, I had no idea just how many people would be interested in prepping. I had my own interest in the subject, of course, having grown up with prepper parents.

What I found after I wrote my book, though, was that most prepper books are either designed for very new preppers who don’t know anything about the topic or very prepared preppers who already live off the grid.

Where are the books for people who are ordinary moms and dads?

Where are the books for people who live in the city, but who still want to be ready for anything?

Where are the books for people who have kids with special needs?

If you’re frustrated with prepping books and you’re ready for something realistic that’s going to help you simply and easily get ready without investing a ton of time or money, this is the guide for you.

We’re going to cover a lot of different subjects in this book, including how to create a bug-out bag, how to start gardening, and even how you can get your kids ready for anything. This is by no means a comprehensive guide to prepping, but it will get you started with making sure that your family stays safe and secure.

Your first step in prepping? Start thinking.

Think about your personal situation – what could happen to you?

Often, one of the most difficult things to consider is what kind of disasters could affect you. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or scared, especially if you turn on the news and are overwhelmed with bad things that are happening in the world.

Unfortunately, panicking never helped anyone.

I asked my 7-year-old son this week what he should do if there was a power outage in our home.

“First,” he told me, “I would remain calm. Next, I would make sure my little brother was safe and warm.”

“What next?” I prodded.

“Next I would find something to play that had batteries, like a video game.”

While many preppers wouldn’t be interested in handheld video games during an emergency, I swelled with pride when my son remembered that above all else, he needed to remain calm.

The truth is that disasters can be scary for anyone. It doesn’t matter whether you’re survived a dozen blizzards or this is your first encounter with bad weather. The unexpected can be terrifying.

And that’s okay.

But if you want your family to be safe, you need to start thinking about the possibility that something not great could happen and, more importantly, how you can prepare for that.

Personally, I live in an area that floods easily. In fact, a huge flood last fall rendered us stuck in our home for days. While we escaped unscathed, many of our neighbors suffered structural damage to their homes and cars. Because I know that there is the chance for a flash flood to occur in our area, I can know how to prepare.

What types of disasters happen where you live?

If you’ve lived in your home for more than a few years, you probably have a good idea of what you can expect. If you recently moved, though, you can find out what types of problems you tend to encounter by talking with your neighbors, researching online, or even chatting with your real estate agent.

Know several escape routes

For most people, hunkering down (also referred to as sheltering in place) is going to be preferable to bugging out. This basically means that when something bad happens, you’re probably going to end up staying where you are, rather than evacuating the area.

This is typically because evacuations can be tricky. Roads get washed away. Bridges become damaged. Accidents block roads. You know the drill. Unless you get out of your home early enough, you may find that you’re stuck riding out the storm where you stand.

It’s a good idea to always have two plans.

First, know how you’ll hunker down. Know what items you need to have on hand to shelter in place. We’ll talk about this more in depth in the chapter on building your pantry, but remember things like dog food, diapers, baby wipes, formula, sand bags, and even plastic tarps to cover broken windows can all be valuable assets during an emergency.

Secondly, you’ll need to know how you’re going to escape if you do need to evacuate your area. If your home floods completely or a hurricane causes a tree to fall through your roof, you’ll most likely need to evacuate. In these cases, you can’t always count on help to arrive. Remember that police, fire fighters, and emergency responders all have families, too. Many people won’t go into work during emergencies because they’re busy taking care of their own families. Others are willing to help, but may be so swamped with emergency calls that you end up waiting hours or even days for help.

It’s a good idea to plan several escape routes when it comes to leaving your home. Avoid main roads or roads with bridges, as these are usually the first to become impassible. If you know back roads or alternate routes, these are going to be your best bet for escaping safely. Remember that if other people try to leave at the same time you do, there could be traffic jams. Opt for the roads that are less traveled and less popular.

If you’re new to your area or you simply aren’t sure what alternative routes are available for your family, make sure that you look at several maps to get a good idea of what you’re up against. You can request free state maps from your state visitor center. Simply visit the state’s website and request more information, including a map. You’ll receive your map free in the mail, typically within two weeks. If you’re a member of AAA, you can also request free travel maps directly from the AAA website. You can usually request up to 10 maps at a time. AAA will also create free road trip guides for you, so you can actually request that they plan your escape routes for you. This is also a free feature that comes with your membership. They’ll mail the directions and a map to you in a small book.

You should also have emergency destinations in mind. Make sure that you discuss these with your family. If you think that you’re just going to leave the city and survive, you’re mistaken. What’s so great about getting outside of the city if you don’t have shelter, food, or money? If you have prepper friends on the outskirts of town, now is the time to ask whether or not you can plan to bug out to their location. Keep in mind that your friends might say no. This is their right. Most of the time, though, your prepper friends will be willing to let you stay with them, at least temporarily, provided you’re willing to work to earn your keep.

Tip: Make sure that your friends know up front about any pets you have. Just because you’re welcome as a guest doesn’t mean that your furry family members will be.

During most major disasters, emergency shelters will be set up. These could be in your local community center or your local high school. Basically, any community building that has a lot of space could be a potential shelter. Keep in mind, however, that it’s not always in your best interest to stay at an evacuation or refugee shelter. While you’ll absolutely get a place to rest your head, remember that you’ll be sharing space with dozens or even hundreds of other people. This means that you’re going to be in room with babies crying, people snoring, and children playing. You may not get a lot of rest.

Additionally, shelters open up the possibility that you could be exposed to viruses and other illnesses. If you’re concerned about your health or the health of your family, you may want to plan for other emergency lodging.

Some possible lodging ideas to consider:

If you have an RV or camper, locate nearby RV camps that you could head to. Again, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to leave with your vehicle, but plan for it in case you can.

Purchase a small tent that you can carry. Make sure you have a bag that lets you carry the tent on your back if you need to evacuate on foot. Know the location of several nearby campgrounds where you may be able to seek refuge during an emergency situation.

Connect with other preppers online through blogs and forums. While there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to stay with them, it’s always good to have a support group, especially a local one.

Consider renting a small property outside of town. This could be a lot or even a small house. While it would absolutely be an added expense, it could be worth it to know that your family would be safe during an emergency.

Buy a trailer home on the edge of town or in a nearby small town. You can buy a used trailer home fairly inexpensively and would only have to worry about paying lot rent.

Locate small hotels or motels outside of town where you could stay for a few days during power outages in your area or if your home became damaged. Remember that roadside motels, especially those on the Interstate, tend to fill up quickly during bad weather. Look for some that are a mile or two off the main road to make sure you’ll have a room to stay in.

Know how you’ll prepare with elderly people

One thing many preppers forget to consider is elderly relatives or neighbors who live nearby. If you’re responsible for an elderly person, make sure that you take their special needs into consideration when you’re prepping and planning. While evacuating might be your first instinct during a crisis situation, realize that this may not be possible if you’re the primary caregiver for someone who is disabled or unable to move around quickly, especially if you plan to evacuate on foot.

It’s especially important to consider the dietary and medical needs of an elderly friend or relative that you care for. Remember that during an emergency, you may not have access to your local pharmacy. Consider getting extra medication for the person you care for. While insurance may not pay for an extra month’s worth of medicine, you have a couple of options available.

First, start refilling the prescription a few days early each month. Instead of waiting until the day you run out of medicine, refill it a few days early. Check with your insurance company or pharmacy to find out the earliest day you can refill your medication to have it covered. During a power outage or blizzard, this means that you’ll be able to treat your relative without an interruption in their medication.

Your other option would be to order medication from a mail-order pharmacy and pay out of pocket for the medication. While you’ll need to have a copy of the prescription, some pharmacies, including Canadian pharmacies, will enable you to order your medication online, pay for it with a credit card, and have it mailed to your home. The downside to this is that you would be paying for your prescription out of pocket. You can do this at your regular pharmacy, as well, but Canadian prices tend to be much lower than American ones.

Additionally, make sure you take into consideration things like incontinence underwear or pads, denture creams and ointment, and any other special medical and personal needs your relative may have. You essentially want to make sure that the person you’re caring for is as comfortable as possible while in your care. Although facing an emergency can be tricky, it’s important to consider everyone you are responsible for. Also remember that even if you aren’t able to evacuate an elderly person safely, your family members can still evacuate and seek alternative shelter. Make sure you talk with your spouse about how you’ll handle it if you need to split up.

Have a plan for evacuating with your kids

Whether you plan to evacuate on foot or by car, make sure you also think about the littlest people in your life. Small kids may not be able to walk long distances, so make sure you have a hiking backpack carrier or sling to carry youngsters in. I’m a huge fan of the Ergo carrier. It’s pricey (usually around $100), but absolutely worth the cost. I like this carrier because it shifts the weight of your child to your hips instead of your back or shoulders. I carried my son in an Ergo until he was 3 years old, but I know many mothers who carry their kids even longer.

The other option for evacuating with young kids is to ride your bike. You can opt for a child’s seat on the back or front of your bike or you could purchase a small bike trailer. A trailer can be a great addition to your prepper gear since it means you’ll also be able to bring extra water and food with you when you leave your home. This is great for evacuating during a viral or economic disaster, but leaving town on foot isn’t going to be ideal during a horrible storm.

If you have older kids, you should always talk with them about how to prep and how to know when it’s time to leave your home. Make sure that your kids know what to do if you aren’t home when a storm hits or you’re away on business when there’s a massive power outage. One of the biggest concerns during a long-term power outage is that your children could become overheated if the power outage happens during the summer. During the winter, cold is a huge concern. No matter what your plan for evacuating or hunkering down might be, make sure that your older kids are well aware of what your family plans to do during an emergency.

Conduct drills with your family

Do you feel a little crazy for thinking about conducting emergency drills with your family?

Don’t.

Remember that the time to make mistakes is now. The time to mess up is now. The time to find a fatal flaw in your evacuation plan is now.

Many preppers have these amazing plans for evacuating and surviving major disasters, but don’t bother trying out their routes ahead of time. When your emergency escape route includes driving over a bridge, what will you do if you’re trying to escape during a flood? When your emergency escape route includes a major intersection, how will you get through during a traffic jam?

If you wait until disaster strikes to try out your escape route, you may find that you’re even worse off than if you had stayed home. Consider trying a practice escape with your family. Pack all of the things you would take during an emergency – including water, backpacks, and bikes – and head out. See what happens. You may find that you prepared well or you may discover that your plan has a few problematic areas.

When you get home, ask yourself:

What obstacles did I encounter that I hadn’t planned for?

Do I need to make any alterations to my escape route?

What happens when I take this route during rush hour?

Were my kids able to keep up?

Were my bags too heavy?

Were there any major items that I forgot to pack?

Is my family ready to evacuate quickly if we need to?

After a drill, always talk with your family members about their experiences. Chances are that they have some really valuable feedback they’d be more than happy to share with you.

Have cash on hand

Having an emergency stash of money can be difficult to start if you struggle financially. It’s still important, though, that you try to start building up a small fund. During a power outage or grid-down scenario, ATMs and credit card machines won’t function. During these times, you’ll need to have cash with you or you simply won’t be able to buy anything. While some preppers like to have several thousand dollars in cash, I’d suggest that you at least have enough money to pay for a hotel room for your family members, a full tank of gas, and several meals. If you can only afford to have $20 on hand right now, that’s fine. Just put aside $5 or $10 each week and you’ll quickly build up a fund you can count on.

You can store the money in plastic bags in your bug-out bags so that the cash doesn’t become damaged during a rainstorm or hurricane. Alternatively, if you only have $20 on hand, you can fold it up and stick it in the back of your phone case by your battery. This ensures that you have money on you, but other people won’t necessarily be able to rob you.

Bug-out bags

Bug-out bags.

Emergency kits.

Tornado boxes.

Hurricane kits.

No matter what name you’ve used to refer to this prepper essential, a bug-out bag is basically a small amount of emergency supplies. Most bug-out bags are backpacks filled with 72+ hours’ worth of food, water, and supplies. The reason that most preppers opt for backpacks is that they are small enough to store easily and portable enough to carry quickly.

Bug-out bags are an important part of prepping even if you already live at your bug-out location.

Why?

Because bug-out bags provide you with everything you need to quickly leave your home and live for a few days without help.

If you live in the city, a bug-out bag is important since it provides you with the food and supplies you’ll need to reach your bug-out location. If you already live in the country or at your bug-out hideout, you should keep a bug-out bag in your car. If you break down or find yourself away from home, you’ll have everything you need to make it back in one piece.

How many should you have?

Making bug-out bags can be a lot of fun. In fact, it can even be slightly addicting. It’s easy to say that you need a bag for the car, a bag for your office, a bag for the gym, and even one for home. In reality, you usually just need one bag per family member if you plan to keep your bags at home. If you’re creating a bug-out bag for your car, you could consider keeping one or two bags available. You probably won’t have a full supply of gear and food for family members in your car, depending on the size of your vehicle, but having something is better than being stuck somewhere with nothing.

Where you should keep your bug-out bags?

A bug-out bag is useless if you can’t access it easily in an emergency. While it might make more sense aesthetically to store your bags in the basement or in the back of a closet, you shouldn’t place your bags in a place that makes them difficult to access when you need them.

Personally, I like to keep my bug-out bags on the top shelf of my front closet. This means that they’re within arm’s reach if I need to grab them and go. I also keep a bag in each car with basic essentials, such as first aid supplies, extra socks, water bottles, hats, gloves, and snacks.

What should you put inside each bag?

What you put inside your bug-out bags is entirely up to you.

Most preppers aim to have at least the following:

A change of clothes

Water

Food

Medication

First aid supplies

Radio

Flashlight

Cash

You can get much more detailed and expansive than this, though. You could include a weapon, ammo, a multi-tool, diapers, wipes, formula, your epi-pen, water purification tablets, and more.

Make sure that you pack enough items to keep you safe, warm, dry, and fed. While you can survive on less food and water than you’re used to having access to, you don’t want your body to go into shock. Pack more food than you think you’ll need.

When you’re deciding what to put in your bag, always ask yourself:

What will I need to survive for 3 days?

What items can I not live without?

Can I carry my bug-out bag?

Can I carry my bag and someone else’s bag?

Is the bag too heavy to carry comfortably?

What items will I need to keep my children safe?

5 Essentials for Bug-Out Bags

1. Maps
Always have at least one local map in your bag. If you get lost or stranded, this ensures that you're going to be able to find your way around. Remember that in an emergency, you aren't necessarily going to have all the perks that you're used to. This means that your cell phone GPS could be rendered useless because of a storm or your phone's battery could be dead. Have a map.

2. Bandana
This is one of the most versatile things to have in your bag. You can shred a bandana to use for starting a fire or use it to cover your mouth during a viral outbreak. If you're trekking through a storm, you can even use it to cover your face.

3. Tweezers
While these should be included in any first aid kit, they should especially be present in your bug-out bag. Never be without a good pair of tweezers. If your kids are prone to splinters or you anticipate using these a lot, pick up two pairs.

4. Socks
During the winter, socks are an even more important part of your bag. You can use them on your feet, of course, but they can double as gloves or towels in a pinch. Keep at least a couple of warm pairs in your bag.

5. Shovel
Finally, always include a small shovel in your bag. If you prefer a larger one, just keep it in the trunk of your car. Having a small shovel means you'll be able to shovel through snow, but even if you aren't caught in a storm, it will help with setting up a shelter.

Should your kids have their own bug-out bags?

While a lot of survival sites list everything you need to include in a great bug out bag, there doesn't seem to be a lot of coverage on packing for kids. A child's bug out bag is no less important than an adult's, but the type of things you're going to be packing are drastically different. Even the way that you pack a child's bag is going to be different. After all, most kids aren't going to be able to carry their own bag, let alone carry it for long periods of time. When you choose a bag for your child, you'll either need to pick a small enough backpack that he can carry it himself or pick something that you can carry along with your own gear.

So what do you need to put in your child's bag?

1. A comfort item
If you're in a bug out situation, whether it be a hurricane, tornado, or economic collapse, your child is going to be scared. Keep something in the bag that your child can get some comfort from. This could be a blanket, a small doll, or something else that your child feels special.

2. Extra clothes that they like
A lot of parents include an outfit in their child's bag, but fail to pick an outfit that the child likes. Give your kid a little comfort in a tough situation. You should still pick warm, practical clothing, but picking a Lego sweatshirt over a plain blue one can really mean a world of difference to your child.

3. Familiar snacks
You need snacks for your child in his bug out bag. Make sure that you include food that he actually likes to eat. It's all well and good to choose beef jerky or dried bananas, but if your kid hates them, he's not going to eat. If you're bugging out, your child is going to feel insecure and nervous. Something familiar like granola bars or Cheerios can bring some comfort.

4. Extra water
Include water in both your child's bag and yours. Kids get thirsty - a lot. And you know what thirsty kids do? Whine about it until they get water. Pack more water than you think you need. Obviously, you won't be able to carry an infinite amount of water, but you need to have plenty especially if your child still drinks formula.

What are some creative things you can put in your bags?

1. Tampons

Obvious, right? Women get their periods, don't forget your tampons. Haha, we all get it. The truth is, though, that tampons can serve as much more than just emergency period protection. In fact, you can use tampons for a temporary water filter or even to stop a nosebleed. Make sure that you have at least a few in your bug out bag.

2. Q-Tips

Don't leave home without them. While you're probably used to using Q-Tips for things like paint projects, they can be useful in a variety of situations. One important use for Q-Tips would be applying antiseptic to wounds, for example.

3. Vodka

Head to your local liquor store and pick up a few mini travel bottles of vodka. Even if you don't drink vodka (but let's face it - during an apocalypse you might want to), you'll be able to use it as a pain-numbing agent or to sterilize wounds.

Pantry

Your home’s pantry is the primary staple of your prepping.

Your pantry is where you’ll stock up on food and supplies that you can use during an emergency situation where you hunker down.

While building a pantry might seem challenging if you’re struggling financially, it can be done even on a budget. You do not need to have an entire year’s worth of food stored up in your basement. You should, however, set a reasonable goal for yourself and your family when it comes to your food storage. This might mean that you want to have a week’s worth of food at home. It could mean you want a month’s. Sit down and consider how much your family eats, what types of emergencies you’re likely to encounter, and how much you should try to stock up on.

What foods to store

One of your first questions is probably, “What types of food should I store?”

You might think that it’s a great idea to run down to your sporting goods store and stock up on camping meals and MREs. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While there’s nothing wrong with having camp food on hand, it’s not ideal for your family. If you don’t normally eat these types of foods when the weather is good, why would you want to eat them during a storm?

Focus on storing foods that your family already eats, knows how to prepare, and enjoys. While not all of your favorite foods will be storable, many have a lengthy shelf life and can be added to your pantry easily.

Things like beef jerky, noodles, spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables, canned fruits, dehydrated fruits, freeze dried vegetables, sauces, flour, beans, and even nuts can easily be stored in your pantry. If you want to stock up on items that won’t necessarily store well on the shelf, you can consider investing in a deep freezer to store things like bread and meats in.

Note: check garage sales, thrift shops, and Craigslist for freezers before you invest in a new one.

What else can you store in your pantry?

Some foods and ingredients to consider are:

Breakfast cereal

Oatmeal

Canned tuna

Canned chicken

Dark chocolate

Green tea

Rice

Rolled oats

Granola

Honey

Baking soda

Peanut butter

Boxed milk (Boxed soy milk or almond milk can be stored for several months.)

Crackers

What foods to avoid

When it comes to building your survival pantry, try to be cautious when you’re choosing the foods that you’re placing in your pantry. Make sure that you’re asking yourself the following questions when building up your food storage:

1)       Is this food something my family eats on a regular basis?

2)       If my family hasn’t had this before, why not?

3)       Do I know how to prepare this food without electricity?

4)      Is this food something that all of my family members can enjoy?

5)       Does this have a lengthy shelf life?

One of the easiest mistakes to make is simply buying something that you think has a long shelf life. While that’s certainly important, so is the way that your food tastes. Remember that during an emergency or crisis, you’re going to be stressed. You’re going to feel overwhelmed. There will be moments when you don’t think you can take it another second.

During these times, having something familiar and tasty to eat is important. Try to pick foods that are simple and easy to prepare. Make sure that your family enjoys the foods that you eat. Try to avoid foods that taste bland, that require heat to prepare, that are difficult to cook, or that your kids simply won’t try.

You should also make sure that the foods you’re storing aren’t going to cause your family tummy aches or problems. When you buy something new for your pantry, try to buy two of the item. Put one item on your shelves and prepare the other item for dinner that night. Let your family try the food firsthand. What do they think? Is it something they’d eat again? Is it something that sits well with them?

Unfortunately, many “prepper foods” can cause constipation and tummy problems, especially if you aren’t used to eating them. By trying food out ahead of time, you’ll get a better idea of what foods you should avoid stocking up on in your pantry.

Personally, one of my biggest problems has been raisins. I don’t know why, but I always see raisins on sale. The coupon clipper in me just has to pick up the raisins. After all, they store great in the pantry and are a quick, easy-to-eat snack.

The problem?

My kids hate raisins.

My husband will eat them, but doesn’t very often.

And me?

I haven’t had a raisin since I was a teenager.

During our last power outage, the raisins didn’t get eaten. In fact, they were one of the last things sitting in the back of the prepper cupboard.

I’m proud to say, though, that I’ve learned my lesson. From now on, we’ll be storing foods that are fun to eat. It’s not any harder to store a can of nuts than it is to store an MRE. Pick things you like. During a crisis, you’ll be eating foods that you’re already comfortable with and that are familiar to you, which can bring about a certain level of emotional comfort.

How to start building a pantry

Once you’ve decided to start working on a pantry, you’ll want to make a few more decisions before you’re actually ready to start shopping.

1)       How much food do you plan to store?

2)       Where will you store the food?

3)       How much time do you have to acquire the food?

If you only plan to store a week or two’s worth of food, you won’t have much trouble getting started. Your food will take up some space, but not a lot, and you can easily acquire enough food to store in one or two shopping trips.

For families who want to store enough food to last for more than a month or two, prepping will take a bit more planning. Remember: it’s not impossible, even if you have a small house. You’ll just need to get a bit creative.

When my family lived in a large, 2-story townhome, prepping was pretty easy for me. I cleared out two kitchen cupboards and filled them with my stockpile. The upstairs linen closet also became a place for food storage. The closet in the guest room? Perfect for stocking up on water and first aid supplies.

Downsizing to a 2-bedroom apartment took a little getting used to, but didn’t take the prepper out of me. Instead of storing most of the food in the kitchen, the front closet became the perfect place to store food. Water bottles were tucked neatly beneath the bathroom sinks and a large plastic tub in my bedroom closet turned into the perfect hiding spot for supplies.

While you might have to get a bit creative with the way that you store your supplies, remember to think positively. Coming up with excuses might make you feel like you’re off the hook, but you’ll pay the price the next time your family faces an oncoming storm and isn’t ready.

Have you uttered any of these phrases recently?

“We just don’t have enough space for a food storage.”

“We can’t afford to build a pantry.”

“We don’t have the time to build a food storage.”

“A prepper pantry isn’t important.”

“We’ll just use our regular groceries during a power outage.”

If you’re guilty of spouting off one of these excuses, don’t worry: you aren’t alone. You should, however, make a conscious effort to stop coming up with reasons to put off starting your pantry. In actuality, creating your pantry is a fairly straightforward and simple process: figure out what foods your family needs to eat and either can or buy them.

How much food do you plan to store?

Once you decide how much food you want to store, make a list of what your family eats. The simplest way to do this is to track how much each member of your family eats for an entire day. There are certainly preppers who plan for 1,200 calorie days during emergencies, but this can be really tricky to implement if your family members are used to eating 2,000 calories each day. While your body can live off fewer calories, you aren’t going to want to and may struggle emotionally and physically to cut those calories almost in half.

Once you know how much food your family members eat in a day, simply multiply this by the number of days you want to store food for. That should give you a rough estimate of how much food you need to store. Of course, there will always be days when someone is sick and has a lower appetite or when a child is going through a growth spurt and wants to eat more. For a more accurate count, you can list your eating habits for a few days or even a week, but a full day should give you a reasonable guide for beginning.

While most emergency guides advise you to store enough food to last your family for three days, you should consider whether it would be prudent to stock up on more food. Remember that you aren’t just preparing for a power outage or storm. You’re also preparing for what comes after a storm. If you lose power in your community, the food in your local grocery stores is going to go bad. This means that they’re going to need to replace their stock. If there was a storm and the trucks couldn’t come in, this means that you could experience temporary food shortages in your local stores. Make sure that you plan for this and have enough food on hand to keep your family fed and comfortable.

Where will you store the food?

As I mentioned before, I’ve lived in large homes and small ones. No matter what size your home is, you can start stocking up on food. You may not be able to have a one-year food storage in an apartment, but you can absolutely make sure that your family is prepped and ready to go for hurricanes, floods, and blizzards.

Here are just a few places you can store your emergency food:

Basement

Under your bed in a box

Under your child’s bed

In your guest room closet

In your linen closet

In an extra kitchen cupboard

In a dresser drawer

In under-cabinet drawers (you’ll need to build these yourself)

In a wardrobe or dresser purchased specifically for storing food

In a footlocker

In baskets placed on top of tall furniture

On a bookcase purchased for food storage

Getting creative might take a bit of time, but you’ll be surprised at just how much usable space you really have in your home. Even if your kitchen is full, consider cleaning out a cabinet and decluttering some space to use for food.

You don’t have to store all of your food in one place, but you should make sure that your food is in sealed, airtight containers with an oxygen absorber. Date all of your pantry items. Also make sure that you check your food supplies at least once a month to make sure that each of your items is still in good condition. You don’t want to be caught in a blizzard only to find that the boxes of cereal you stored in the closet were dinner for a family of mice.

A word to the wise: remember to be cautious when storing food in a shed or garage. If you live in an area with high levels of heat, this is typically a bad idea since it’s going to cause your food to go bad quicker.

How much time do you have to acquire the food?

The more time that you have to get your food storage ready, the easier your life is going to be. Having a lot of time means you’ll be able to use coupons, shop the sales, and basically make sure that you aren’t spending a ton of money to prep. If you’re expecting a hurricane, like, tomorrow, you’re obviously going to be a bit more pressed for time and not have the luxury of waiting until things go on sale.

More tips

If you’re on a limited income or a tight budget, you can still start stocking up without spending a lot of money. Don’t buy into the notion that prepping is something only wealthy families can do. No matter where you are financially, you can get started simply. You just have to be a bit more careful with your planning.

Get $5 or $10 cash back each time you go grocery shopping with your debit card. You can either use this money for an emergency cash supply or take the money to buy prepper gear at the end of the month.

When something is on sale at your grocery store, buy one or two extras. Put these in your prepper pantry. A great example is the time my prepper-conscious parents found macaroni and cheese on sale for 11 cents a box. I’m pretty sure that was all we ate for the next four years.

Head to The Dollar Tree with $10 and pick out items for your pantry or bug-out bag. You can get canned goods, boxed foods, water bottles, pens, notebooks, first aid supplies, vitamins, razors, and toothbrushes. This store also offers seasonal items, which means that during the winter you’ll also be able to buy cheap hand warmers. You may even find gloves or hats.

Check out Target’s $1 bins for their mini planters. You can get a package of seeds, a small pot, and dirt to get you started for just a buck. While this isn’t going to feed your family for a long time, it’s a great way to start growing your own herbs and vegetables to enjoy during an emergency.

Visit your grocery store right after major holidays. Food items will holiday packaging will be on sale. Shopping right after Thanksgiving is a great time to buy canned cranberries and pumpkin bread mix pretty inexpensively.

Clip coupons. No, it’s not necessarily a lot of fun, but clipping coupons can save you a lot of money. Websites like The Krazy Coupon, Money Saving Mom, and Hip2Save all have regular deals and coupons so you don’t even have to stress out about finding coupons to use.

When you can’t afford to spend a lot, go back to basics. Shop for ingredients like flour and baking soda or opt for plain foods like rice and beans. When you buy boxed mixes or manufactured camping food, you’re going to spend more than when you keep things simple.

Shop for what’s on sale, not for what you want. While you might have an idea of the types of foods you want to prep, focus on cheap foods when you’re on a budget. If you wanted to stock up on canned fruit this week, but beans are on sale for 50% off, buy the beans.

Can your own foods whenever possible. Canning is very simple and is a wonderful way to start your pantry stockpile. Sometimes buying a bag of apples and canning them yourself is less costly than buying commercial applesauce or canned apples. If you have a garden, canning is essentially a free way you can save the food you’ve grown.

Practice cooking with the pantry foods that you buy. Try to learn several recipes that are easy to make. The more different ways you can prepare the same ingredients, the more likely your family is to enjoy the foods you’re cooking. Eating the same meal day after day, no matter how good it is, gets old.

Gardening

Why garden?

Instead of simply stockpiling food that can go bad and lose its flavor, gardening offers a reasonable, inexpensive alternative. Not only does gardening mean you’ll have fresh food during power outages and economic disasters, but it also provides you with a set of tangible skills. Learning to garden means that you’re learning how to grow something from nothing. You’re learning what it takes to grow food to give your family.

Because gardening is a learned skill, it’s important to start honing your horticulture skills long before you need them. Every new gardener makes mistakes. The time to have problems growing food is now, before disaster strikes. Don’t let your family be hungry because you failed to learn how to properly grow vegetables and failed when it counted most.

In addition to the physical benefits of gardening, working with your hands has many emotional and psychological benefits, as well. Gardening offers a wonderful way to clear your thoughts and to focus mentally on one thing. If you’re constantly stressed, worried, or anxious, it’s possible that gardening can offer you the relief and the stress reducer that you need.

Benefits of growing your own food

Perhaps the biggest benefit of growing your own food is simply that you have a guaranteed way to get basic ingredients for your cooking and meals during times of difficulty. Whether you’re planning to prep for an economic collapse or simply a personal disaster, being able to easily and quickly acquire food is essential.

Another benefit of growing your own food is that you’ll know exactly what pesticides or chemicals your food has been exposed to. You can grow cheap, organic food that you’ll know is safe for your family to eat. There’s no worrying involved.

Perhaps one of the coolest aspects of growing your food at home is that you’re going to save money. You won’t have to pay grocery store prices for foods that you can easily grow yourself at home. Especially if your family prefers organic vegetables, food isn’t cheap. Growing at home will save you quite a bit.

Note: you’ll want to be cautious if you do suspect that you’ll have major storms in your area, especially if these storms occur during growing season. You may want to consider utilizing container gardens. Container gardens are simply small containers that hold your soil and plants. You can use plastic tubs, large pots, or even small Rubbermaid containers. Container gardening is great if you want to grow things during the winter or you want to make sure that your plants survive harsh winds and weather.

Storing food you’ve grown

While growing your own vegetables and fruits is fantastic, keep in mind that you will need a way to store your food. If you have a large yard and plant a sizable garden, you probably aren’t going to eat your entire harvest before it goes bad. Because of this, start thinking about how you’d like to store your food.

If you have a deep freezer, you can simply freeze most of your vegetables. Freezing your vegetables means that you don’t have to do much besides place them in plastic baggies inside your freezer. Unfortunately, the downside to this is that your vegetables will be good for only a few months. After that, the risk of freezer burn ruining your veggies is going to go up.

The other, more popular alternative to freezing your vegetables is to can them. Canning is a simple process that takes time, but that anyone can do at home. Consider doing a YouTube search for “how to can carrots” or “how to can apples” for some ideas on simple recipes you can try at home. For the best experience, you’ll need a canner and a few other supplies, so this does require a small investment on your part. 

Parenting

For parents, the thought of prepping with kids can seem overwhelming and frustrating.

We worry about our kids frequently, so it’s natural to wonder if we’re going to be able to keep our little ones safe and secure during a storm or disaster.

Just remember this: you’re prepping now so that your kids will be safe. You can’t possibly plan for every factor that will come into play during an emergency, but you can prepare to the best of your ability. That’s all any parent can really do.

When you do make preparations for emergencies and storms, don’t just let it be a hobby that you work on alone. Instead, try to get your kids involved. Remember that they’re going to be grownups one day, too. The more that you teach your kids now, the better off they’re going to be when it’s time for them to move away.

Involving your kids in your prepping offers several benefits:

It empowers your kids. Prepping shows your kids that they can take control during an emergency.

It bonds them to you. Prepping is a wonderful way to spend time together as a family and to learn more about each other.

It teaches them. Prepping provides your kids with real skills and powerful knowledge that they’ll be able to use for years to come.

It helps them help others. If something happens when you aren’t around, having a kid who helps you prep means that your child is going to know what’s up. He’s going to be able to take control of a situation and help the people around him even when you aren’t there.

How to talk with your kids about emergencies

Bringing up the topic of disasters can be tricky. If you have sensitive children or kids who have already been through disasters, the idea of bringing up hurricanes or tornados might seem cruel. After all, why worry your kids about something that you can’t control? Why talk with them about something that could damage your house? Why bring up the idea of a horrifying storm if there’s no guarantee that it’s even going to happen?

First off, just relax. Remember that knowledge is one of the most useful gifts you can give your child. The more that your child knows about different disasters, the better off he’s going to be. The more prepared he’s going to be. Not talking about disasters doesn’t make them not happen. In fact, the only thing that avoiding the topic of storms and emergencies does is handicap your child. Ignorance renders your child unable to care for himself or others during an emergency.

Do yourself and your children a favor: talk with them.

There are plenty of ways to bring up storms and disasters with your kids, but here are just a few ideas:

Watch the weather channel with them. Sound too boring? Just watch for a few minutes and talk with your kids about how weather is different in each place and how it changes from day to day.

Ask your kids if they remember a time when they were in a storm. Talk with them about that day. What do they remember most? (You might be surprised! Maybe your kids don’t remember be scared. Maybe they remember that you built forts in the living room.)

Visit a children’s museum that has a science area with a wind room or pretend tornado.

Explore a science museum together. Spend extra time in the weather section.

Tell your kids why you’re buying extra bandages, batteries, or food. Explain that you want to have them on hand in case the power goes out.

Draw pictures of storms together.

Talk about the weather in different movies you see.

Take a first aid class with your kids. Talk about different ways you can use first aid during real-life storms and emergencies.

If there is a storm in your near future, explain to your kids what’s going to happen so that they aren’t caught off guard or shocked when the power flickers. Let your little ones know that there is going to be a flood. Explain what they should do if the windows leak or water starts seeping into your living room. Remember that your kids need to know what to expect AND what to do when something bad happens.

Keeping your kids calm

The next important step is to help your kids stay calm during an emergency. Whether your child is five or 15, it’s possible that he might feel scared when something unusual happens. Of course, you may also have that child who thinks storms are the coolest thing ever and who wants to sit with his face glued to the window the entire time. You never know.

If your child does appear to be unnerved or anxious, make sure that you spend some time helping him calm down. Explain that everything is going to be okay. Remind your child that you’re there to protect him. Let your little one know that even if something breaks, you’ll make sure he’s fine. Tell your child that the reason you prepared ahead of time is so that your family can stay safe now, during the storm.

Here are a few other things you can do to help your kids relax during an emergency:

Listen to soft, relaxing, or familiar music on your iPod or cell phone. While you shouldn’t run the battery down completely, there’s nothing wrong with helping your little one relax.

Wrap your child in a blanket so that he’s warm and cozy.

Cuddle with your little one on the couch.

Let your child sleep in your bedroom during the storm.

Give your child a small toy or book that you set aside just for the storm. Toys from The Dollar tree are great for this.

Draw pictures with your child

Read a book together.

Sing songs together.

Play dress-up.

Get out a deck of cards and play something together.

Maintain your daily routine as much as possible so your child has a sense of normalcy.

Finally, remember that sometimes, no matter what you do, your child is just going to be scared. That’s okay. Avoid becoming frustrated or impatient with your child. Remember that this may be the first time that your child has ever experienced anything like this before. Even something as simple as losing power for awhile can be devastating and scary to a child. Your child is just that: a child. Instead of yelling at your little one or becoming irritated that he’s crying, try to focus on making him as comfortable as possible and just getting through each moment together.

Giving your kids responsibilities

Another part of prepping is teaching your kids that they are capable and able of helping you out. There’s no reason that your kids can’t be part of the team when it comes to organizing the pantry, shopping for supplies, working in the garden, or learning first aid. Don’t be afraid to give your child responsibilities. While you certainly shouldn’t overload your kids, you can offer them reasonable responsibilities and chores. Let your kids help you as you prep. Remember: they’re going to be on their own someday. It’s important for them to learn these skills now while they still live at home.

If you want to really help your child learn about responsibility, consider giving your child a special emergency task. If your family needs to evacuate, for example, it could be your teenage son’s job to grab the bug-out bags. You could have your pre-teen daughter be responsible for getting your family’s important documents and paperwork. Your elementary aged child could be the one who gets the family pet ready to go. Make sure that you talk with your kids ahead of time, of course, to make sure the task is something that they’re comfortable with.

Pack extra clothes

Kids are messy.

As a parent, you probably know this better than most.

When you’re prepping with kids, always plan to have extra clothes on hand. This is especially important for your bug-out bags. While most guides recommend that you have at least one change of clothes, consider how many outfits your toddler goes through on a daily basis when you’re deciding what to pack.

In addition to clothes, always pack extra zippered freezer bags. If your child becomes sick, throws up on an outfit, has an accident in an outfit, or simply dirties her clothes, you’ll be able to safely and neatly store the soiled outfit until you’re able to wash it.

Shout wipes also make a great addition to any bug-out bag. I’ve used this countless times when my kids spill things on their clothes and I just need a quick clean. You can pick up individually-wrapped Shout wipes at any store. They’re typically available with the laundry detergent, but you may also be able to find them in the travel section.

Include extra formula

If your child drinks formula, make sure that you pack more than you think you’ll need. Remember that even after an emergency, stores could be out of regularly stocked items for awhile. If you suspect that you won’t be able to access clean water for making your child’s bottle, consider using premixed formula. You can get this in the baby section at any store.

For nursing moms, make sure that you include anything you’ll need to breastfeed, including a hand pump, nipple shields, and nursing pads if necessary. Even if you exclusively breastfeed, it’s not a bad idea to include formula just in case. Remember that when your body is stressed or anxious, it could be difficult to produce enough breast milk. I’m not suggesting that you don’t nurse your baby. It’s one of the best things you can give your child. I’m simply recommending that you plan ahead in case something happens where you aren’t able to nurse.

Plan for your kids to be sick

Kids get sick at the most inconvenient times.

Unfortunately, this means that during an evacuation or crisis, your kids could be sick.

What types of things do you need to have on hand in case your child becomes ill and you aren’t able to get to an urgent care center or pharmacy?

What health issues does your child have that may become a factor during a crisis?

Are you ready to take care of a sick child if you have to evacuate your home?

Your bug-out bags should include things that your child might need during an illness. This includes vapor rub, prescription medications, ice packs, a thermometer, a battery-operated nebulizer, and any over-the-counter medications your little one typically relies on when he becomes ill.

Remain patient

Finally, make sure that you always keep your cool with your kids. Even if you feel like you’ve done a great job preparing them, they could feel scared or nervous when something bad actually happens. Crying, yelling, hiding, and even whining are all normal reactions from a child. While you may feel frustrated or think that your child is acting “like a baby,” remember to take a deep breath and stay calm. Things like thunder, lightning, and even tornado sirens can all be incredibly overwhelming. Try to put yourself in your child’s shoes and help them understand that everything is going to be just fine.

Sanity hacks

One of the most important things you can think about before an emergency is your sanity.

While prepping for food and water is important, so is making sure that you don’t go crazy trying to survive. Here are just a few ways you can save your sanity even while you prep.

Pack lavender essential oil to use on bug bites. Place a few drops of the oil on each bite to prevent itching.

Place lavender oil on your wrists or the bottom of your feet if you have trouble sleeping during an emergency situation.

Use cinnamon or peppermint oil to keep ants away from your pantry.

Soak a t-shirt with some teabags. Put the t-shirt on to reduce the pain of a sunburn.

Use teabags for diaper rash. Simply place a dry teabag in your child’s diaper and switch it out with each diaper change until the rash is gone.

Back up your personal files and important data on a flash drive. Store this in a plastic bag with your other emergency supplies.

Keep a pair of warm winter socks, a pair of gloves, and a hat inside your winter boots. If you have to leave your house in a rush, you won’t waste time looking for mittens.

Soak a cotton ball in peppermint oil. Place these cotton balls around your house if you suspect that you have a mice problem.

Buy a fire extinguisher now. If you have a small fire, you’ll be able to quickly put it out. Make sure that you check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and that you learn how to use it before you need to do so.

Invest in waterproof matches. While these might seem far too expensive, they’re going to be gold if you need to start a fire after getting soaked in the rain. Another option would be to make your own waterproof matches by dipping the ends of matches in hot wax. When the wax melts, it will form a protective covering over the matches. To use your match, simply scrape off the wax and light as usual.

Learn where to shut off your home’s water supply ahead of time. Again, this is going to save you precious time in an emergency.

Take time to relax. If you find that you’re becoming so stressed that you can’t think straight, try to take a few minutes to relax. Even if you can’t escape a crowded room or get some “alone” time, just take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and remind yourself that everything is going to be fine.

If there are any major obstacles to your prepping or any problems you foresee happening during an emergency, make sure that you take the time to try to address these issues now. If, for example, your kids always leave toys on the stairs and you’re worried that the power is going to go out, consider placing a basket at the bottom of the stairs so that your kids can throw their toys in it. This will save you from tripping over the toys in the dark, but it’s also a really easy fix to the problem.

Hurricanes

As with any type of natural disaster, there’s only so much you can do to prepare.

You’d better believe that that preparation is absolutely, essential, though.

Even if you can’t prevent damage to your home, roof, or vehicles, you can take as many steps possible to ensure that you escape the storm in one piece and as sane as possible.

Living on the East coast was my family’s first experience with hurricanes. While we lived a few hours from the beach, we still experienced strong winds, flooding, power outages, and heavy rainfall.

It was a lot of things, but it wasn’t fun.

After one particular hurricane, we lost power for days. Our surrounding neighbors lost power for a week. Some lost it for 10 days.

A storm that lasted only a few hours in our area left us with damage that would take weeks to repair. It affected us in ways we hadn’t expected. And even those of us who got our power back right away were surrounded by people who hadn’t.

Not only did this mean that many grocery stores and restaurants simply weren’t open, it also meant that health care workers were tired, exhausted, and overwhelmed with their own personal situations. It means that local teachers were struggling. It meant basically every person we came into contact with was having the worst week of their life.

Preparing ahead of time for what comes after the storm is just as important as preparing for the storm.

Before you experience a hurricane, one of the most important things you can do is to clean up your yard. If you have toys, a trampoline, or bicycles in your yard, you need to secure them to something or put them in your garage until after the storm. The reason for this is simple: anything loose in your yard can become a projectile.

Remember that part of preparing for a hurricane means not only keeping yourself safe, but your neighbors, as well.

If you have a large trashcan that sits on your curb, this should also be tied to your home or placed safely in your garage. While it’s not fun to think about a stinky, smelly trashcan in your garage, it’s better than the alternative of having it disappear during the storm.

This is also a good time to make sure that your family has plenty of water, any necessary medications, and snacks to last you throughout the storm and in the days after. Remember that transportation could be delayed. If you’re expecting that your grocery store is going to be stocked, you could be mistaken.

Before your area is hit, make sure that you unplug important electronic devices in case you lose power. This includes your television and computers. Even if you have a surge protector, it’s possible that your electronics could be damaged when the power comes back on. Play it safe.

During the storm, make sure that you stay away from windows. If you’re dealing with a hurricane for a long time, trying to keep your kids in an interior, windowless room may be impossible. Focus on keeping family members away from windows that may shatter or break.

When you do go outside after the storm, make sure that you wear shoes. Watch out for broken glass, tree limbs, and standing water. Unfortunately, many items will break or become damaged during the storm, so you’re going to want to watch your footing for awhile.

Floods

Heavy rains have you worried?

Flooding is something that can happen anywhere. Whether you live in a tiny mountain town or in the middle of Kansas, flooding is something to be cautious about.

If you suspect that you may encounter flooding in your area, there are a few things you can do ahead of time to ensure your family’s safety.

First off, call your insurance company to make sure that you actually have coverage should your home flood during an emergency. Keep in mind that you can’t call while it’s raining. You actually need to have coverage prior to the storm. After you deal with a flood, contact your insurance company again to file a claim if you need to. They’ll be able to let you know what supporting documentation you need to provide.

Talk with your kids about flooding. Let them know what to do if the house starts to flood. Make sure that each child has a good, sturdy pair of shoes to wear and that they know to stay away from the water. Consider keeping a pair of tennis shoes in a basket in the hallway by your child’s bedroom. This way, there will be no running around at the last second trying to find shoes to wear.

Make sure that you move furniture away from flooded areas. If possible, move important items to a higher floor. If you only have a single story home, do what you can to keep important items away from the water. If you have important documents or flash drives in your home, make sure that you store these securely in waterproof containers prior to rainfall.

One of the most important things you need to know during a flood is to stay inside. You might think that the water doesn’t look deep or that you’ll be fine, but the truth is that many people are swept away by currents. Do NOT go outside during a flood unless you absolutely have to for some reason. Stay indoors with your family and focus on keeping everyone dry and safe.

After a flood, make sure that you throw away any food that was exposed to floodwaters, as it could be contaminated. When in doubt, toss it out. It’s far better to throw away some food and know that your family is safe than to risk feeding your kids contaminated and bacteria-covered foods.

Blizzards

During a blizzard or even just a cold winter storm, your main focus is typically going to be keeping your family warm.

If you lose power, it’s going to get cold.

It’s going to get really cold.

Make sure that you check on your kids throughout the night or simply have them sleep in your bedroom during a winter power outage. While I know having a bunch of kids in your bedroom isn’t always fun and doesn’t always result in the best rest, it’s important to make sure that your little ones are as warm as possible. Load up on blankets and create “nests” on your bedroom floor for your kids. They’ll love it and you’ll be able to sleep knowing that they’re safe.

If possible, consider how you’ll generate heat to your home. Some families choose to invest in space heaters or generators to handle cold winter storms. Others have a fireplace. No matter what type of dwelling you live in, make sure that you know how you’ll keep your family warm. Keep in mind that if you live in an apartment, you may not have to worry about heat as much because the apartments around yours will hold some heat, at least for awhile. You should, however, still know what you’ll do to heat your home if your place does get chilly.

One way that you can reduce the amount of cold air in your home is to seal off your windows. Use large plastic tarps or heavy shower curtains and duct tape these around your windows. While this won’t completely seal your home from cool air, it will minimize the amount of cold bursts that creep into your home. You can also do this with blankets.

Of course, you’ll also want to make sure that you have enough food and water on hand. With a blizzard, make sure that you also have candles, matches, and lighters available, as well. Oil lamps offer a small source of heat while providing light to your home. Camp stoves are also helpful during a winter storm. Of course, keep the threat of carbon monoxide at the back of your mind when using alternative sources of heat. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector if you do not already have one.

Power outages

If you live in an area that has a lot of power outages, you realize that it doesn’t take a storm to cause a rift in your daily plans.

Power outages, when they aren’t accompanied by a storm, are usually pretty annoying.

After all, when the sun is shining but the power is out, you can’t cook on your electric stovetop. You can’t surf the Internet. You can’t read on your Kindle. You can’t play games endlessly on your cell phone.

In other words, power outages are boring.

Before a power outage happens, make sure that you have easy-to-make snacks available at your home and plenty of fun, non-electric activities.

This could include:

Board games

Card games

Books

Drawing supplies

Craft supplies

Portable DVD player with extra battery

Journals

You could also play hide-and-seek, sort through those boxes in your garage, clean the living room up, work on a sewing project, or even chat with your neighbors. If you don’t have kids, a power outage is a great chance just to relax and take a nap.

You should also:

Get a battery-operated fan in case it gets hot.

Have premixed baby formula available.

Buy wet wipes to deal with spills or sticky hands.

Have a car charger for your cell phone.

Get a battery-operated radio so you can get local updates.

Contact your power company to let them know that your electricity is out.

Have a glass of wine. You deserve it!

The biggest thing to remember with a power outage, though, is to stay calm and have fun.

Sometimes taking a little break from technology really is nice.

Sometimes it’s frustrating.

But no matter how you feel about the situation, it’s important to avoid freaking out and getting upset. Remember that when you have kids, they’re going to be looking to you for advice and insight. They’re going to respond in similar ways to you. If you laugh it off and view the power outage as a way to have a good time, chances are that your kids will, too.

About the author

Penelope Hoyt is an urban survivalist and city prepper. She has written 37 books designed to help moms, dads, and caregivers become prepared for natural disasters and financial emergencies. In addition to her work on prepping, Hoyt has written several books designed to help moms and dads alike develop their homemaking skills, including how to create freezer meals and how to prep their homes for holiday guests and parties.

Hoyt runs The Nerdy Survivalist blog, which addresses many issues that urban survivalists face, such as how to start a pantry when you live in an apartment or how to create a bug-out bag that's going to work.

Contact her through her blog, The Nerdy Survivalist, or sign up to receive email updates here.