From power outages to storms, one of the best ways to get ready for the unexpected is through gathering and storing emergency supplies.
At its heart, prepping is just about being prepared. It’s not just for hardcore survivalists either -stockpiling basic supplies is something Americans have done for generations. It is only within the last 75 years with the expansion of cities and a focus on freshness that we have stopped “putting up” food to see us through the lean times. 
What You Need to Get Started in Prepping
The best ways to start prepping is concentrating on the essentials you will need immediately. In the prepping community, there is a well-known concept known as the Rule of Three. The Rule of Three states you can survive three minutes without air, three days without water, three hours without adequate shelter and three weeks without food. People new to prepping can use the Rule of Three to help them prepare.
- Three minutes without air. Fire is one of the most common disasters you may face and must be dealt with immediately. Most fatalities in a fire are not because of the flames, but due to smoke. Make sure you frequently check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These are your first early warning signals. For added protection, you can have a respirator mask for each member of your family. Store the mask with a glow stick in a baggy in your bedrooms.
- Three hours without adequate shelter. Prepare for when the power goes out, the heat shuts down, and your stove won’t work. Store enough candles, batteries, and flashlights to make sure you have access to enough lighting during an emergency. Having a backup generator or alternative heating sources such as propane heaters or wood stoves can also be useful.
- Three days without water. Water is crucial to our survival. According to FEMA, ever home should store one gallon of clean water per person per day. FEMA suggests people store enough water to last 14 days, but aiming for a 30-day supply is often the norm in the prepping community. Besides storing water, you should have multiple ways to purify water including water filters or a way to boil it.
- Three weeks without food. The government suggests storing a two-week food supply, but maintaining a 30-day supply is a better idea. While you can opt for long-term survival food like MREs or freeze-dried meals, it is best to start with inexpensive canned and shelf-stable items your family already eats. Just be sure to use and replace items before they expire. Focus on collecting products which are easy to prepare, calorie-packed, and low in salt.
Even if you’re not preparing for an apocalypse, it doesn’t hurt to have some emergency supplies at your disposal. When it comes to storing these items efficiently, call Closet & Storage Concepts of New England. We specialize in storage and cabinetry units for all areas of your home from the garage to the attic. Serving the greater Boston-metro area.
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