List of Must Haves

[MissNemo]

I'm a divorced woman and live alone. Hearing and reading how bad our economy is going to get, I was wanting to know if anyone can point me or just help me out with a list of things I should have on hand.
Like if a disaster happened or some kind of emergency where I couldn't get to a store for a couple of weeks.
Sorry to say, I'm just now beginning to learn to be frugal- something I should have should have been doing a long time ago.
Thank you to anyone who can be of help.

[snshijuptr]

First I wouldn't expect the economy to seriously crash any time soon. The US is not going to be plunged in anarchy. If you are talking about a general disaster, I would check your local city/county/state emergency guidelines. For instance in California, you can get information here:

CalEMA - Planning, Protection and Preparedness - Family

Try searching for your city/county/state and preparedness. Find a government website. This is really a local thing. If you want an easy emergency kit check out:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/search/search.aspx/emergency/?sstr=emergency&dim=1&nty=1&

My husband and I have a small one from here.

Outside of a general emergency, you should try to have 3-6 months of expenses in an easy to access account for personal emergencies.

[disneysteve]

Like if a disaster happened or some kind of emergency where I couldn't get to a store for a couple of weeks.

What could realistically happen that would prevent you from going out for a couple of weeks? A few days maybe, but not more than that. Keep some bottled water and canned food on hand just in case. Otherwise, I agree with a 6-month emergency fund. Also, I believe you should keep some cash on hand in small bills (twenties or smaller). How much really depends on your circumstances but certainly a couple of hundred is a good start.

Most important is what you said about learning to be frugal. Live below your means. Pay off any debt you have. Build your emergency fund and save for your future.

[wincrasher]

Being prepared is always a good idea.

Generally an emergency kit consists of: 2 or 3 gallons of water, some canned foods, a small propane stove, a flashlight, a portable radio, lantern, some rope or line, bug spray, a tarp, matches or lighter, a hatchet, small tool kit, a blanket and some batteries. Think of it as what would I take for a camping trip?

Also it's good to have $250 to $500 in the house so you have some cash.

[LuxLiving]

Many call this a Bullets & Butter Economy scenario (meaning food & ammo). And a good girl scout is always prepared!!! Good thinking on your part.


Here's how I would think - Shelter, Food and Water and PROTECTION.

Shelter - A stable housing situation is needed. Think warmth/cooling technology & out of the elements. A way to protect yourself. Either arming yourself & knowing how to pull it off, or living in a secure situation. Some take this all the way to a water source nearby and forage-able food stuffs in the 'hood. A way to cook & keep warm are essential to my way of looking at it!

Food - Canned goods that can be heated easily for one dish meals. Tuna, chili, stews, mix-veggies, etc. A way to cook them & clean up afterwards. This may mean paper products such as disposable plates for some or all the way to a water well for others. Think about how long you are preparing for and plan and do accordingly. Make a plan and work the plan. There are lots of food storage websites out there. Think gardening & fruit trees if you want to take your plan out that far.

Water - You need drinking water and food-clean up water. Plus includes taking care of toiletry needs. ie, how does a bear go in the woods? You may need a bucket & cat litter or a shovel & TP. Plenty of preparedness websites out there. Worst case scenario you may want to go searching for Y2K type info.

Candles/oil lamps or flashlights & batteries, etc. The government also has lots more preparedness websites up now. Look into those.

I think you are smart to be considering these scenarios. Wood heat or solar energy, water well or nearby water sourcing, garden spot, seeds & practice at growing your own food, self-protection accouterments & how-to skills are all good things to have in a girls back pocket. Kung-fu or shooting range, anyone?? Like anything else, one can scare oneself to death and go overboard in the preps. Try to stay calm and think through your skill set and just what scenarios you want to plan for and then act & prepare accordingly.

[MissNemo]

Thank you for all of your answers. I have a lot of studying to do.
LuxLiving, your reply was especially helpful as you read my mind...LOL
Thank you. You're all so kind!

[Staceyy]

You might want to check out this website: MrsSurvival: Women helping women survive in the real world.

[jIM_Ohio]

canned food, water, matches (or propane stove with propane supply) and ability to HEAT water (in some emergencies you might get a water boil advisory). Sleeping bags and flashlights. If you have a medical device, a power generator might help (for example if you need dialysis, having a generator to run the dialysis is important).

If you went on a 2 night camping trip, what would you need? For an emergency you need similar things.

3 month emergency fund and debts paid down also help.