Storage and Scaling Up Your emergency Kit

Open pantry filled with jars, canned goods, and spices in a kitchen.

Storage and Scaling Up Your emergency Kit

Storage Locations

Best places:

  • Basement or lowest floor (earthquake-safe)

  • Interior closet (protected from storms)

  • Under beds (accessible, space-efficient)

  • Hall closet (central location)

  • Garage (if climate-controlled and secure)

Not ideal:

  • Attic (hard to access, temperature extremes)

  • Outdoor shed (not accessible if exterior damage)

  • Single location (consider distributed storage)

Organization tips:

  • Use clear plastic bins (see contents)

  • Label everything clearly

  • Group by category

  • Keep inventory list on outside of bin

  • Store heavy items on bottom shelves

Start Small and Build

Building Your Kit on a Budget

Week 1: Water

  • Add 2-3 gallons of water to grocery cart

  • Cost: $5-10

Week 2: Canned Goods

  • Buy extra canned proteins, beans, soups

  • Cost: $15-20

Week 3: Dry Goods

  • Pasta, rice, crackers, peanut butter

  • Cost: $10-15

Week 4: Hygiene

  • Extra TP, soap, hand sanitizer

  • Cost: $10-15

Week 5: First Aid

  • Bandages, pain relievers, antibiotic ointment

  • Cost: $20-30

Week 6: Light and Power

  • Flashlights and batteries

  • Cost: $15-25

Continue adding one category at a time until complete.

Free or Low-Cost Strategies

Save money by:

  • Using containers you have (cleaned juice bottles for water)

  • Shopping sales and using coupons

  • Buying store brands

  • Purchasing in bulk

  • Asking for emergency supplies as gifts

  • Trading skills with neighbors (you help them, they help you)

  • Checking dollar stores for basics

  • Using camping gear you already own

Scaling Up: Beyond 3 Days

If you want to prepare for longer:

7 days (recommended):

  • Double everything (especially water and food)

  • Add more hygiene supplies

  • Consider backup heat source (winter)

  • More entertainment options

2 weeks:

  • Focus on comfort items

  • Add cooking capability (camp stove, fuel)

  • Consider long-term water storage

  • More variety in food

1 month+:

  • Bulk food storage (rice, beans, flour)

  • Water filtration system

  • Serious consideration of backup power

  • Garden planning

  • Skills development (food preservation, first aid)

Start with 3 days. Master that. Then expand gradually.

Building Your 3 Day Home Emergency Kit