Preparedness Beginner? Start with the Big Three

The principle of preparedness is simple: set aside a stash of food, water, and other essentials you can count on in the event of an emergency.

In fact, that’s just plain ol’ common sense!

The practice of preparedness, however, is not quite as simple. Preparing for the unexpected—whether that be long-term power loss, sparse shelves at the store, or another global viral outbreak—requires reflection, future planning, a little shopping, and a lot of checklists.

Here’s the thing: months’ worth of preparations cannot be secured and set aside overnight. (Even if it could, you’d be in such a flustered rush that you’d surely forget a thing or two!)

So, forget about that—for now, at least. Instead, focus on taking small, realistic steps over time.

While having enough supplies to last months, even years, without life’s luxuries is the ultimate goal, you’ve got to start somewhere. Keep reading for tips on how to begin your preparedness journey stress-free: by getting ready for the big three!

The Big Three: What Is It?

According to preparedness experts and government agencies alike, the first milestone to readiness is knocking out the big three. In other words, having enough food, water, and other essentials to make it through an emergency lasting three days.

In most cases, three days is a short span of time. But during a disaster, seconds feel like minutes, and hours drag on for days.

A lot can go wrong in three days:

• The average adult will succumb to dehydration without access to clean drinking water.
  
• Extreme temperatures and elements can lead to heat-related or cold-related illnesses, which often leave lasting damage.
  
• Those with life-threatening medical conditions—such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma—could be at risk, especially if medication and management supplies are running out.
  
• While the average adult can carry on for weeks without food, starvation will gradually weaken both physical and mental capabilities.
  
• Personal and mass communication devices—like radio, television, phones, and internet access—will stop working without power.

Though a jarring and frightening reality, there is a bright side: all of this can be prevented through proper preparedness! 

Yes, even a small, basic kit with nothing but the bare necessities is a step above having nothing at all.

That’s how important it is to just start somewhere—anywhere! This small step on the path to preparedness will make the difference between survival and struggle.

Refer to the Pillars of Preparedness

The thought alone of getting ready for dire circumstances can be an overwhelming one.

How do I know what I’ll need in an emergency? How much food and water should I stow away? Where do I keep all my supplies? How often do these items need to be replaced?

And, of course: where do I start?This is precisely why the pillars of preparedness exist.

Together, these components represent the most urgent needs that must be met during an emergency event:

• Food
  
• Water
  
• Power
  
• Heat
  
• Medical

Consider these categories when selecting essentials for the survival stash, especially as a beginner with a blossoming supply.

During readiness efforts, it’s not uncommon to get caught in the weeds—fixating on minor details, losing sight of the big picture, and wanting to give up because it seems that there’s just too much to do.

When the process of making preparations becomes too much to bear, be sure to step back, take a breather, and get back to the basics: the pillars of preparedness.

Refer to the pillars of preparedness and regain focus on what matters most in an emergency. This foundation will keep you grounded as you plan for the future!

Asking the Right Questions

You can’t start preparing a stockpile if you don’t have an idea of what supplies you’ll need in a survival situation.

Keeping the pillars of preparedness in mind, run through your daily routine. Think about all the items that you, and your family, use every day. Then, evaluate and separate these items based on their necessity.

For example: You might use a hair dryer every morning. While convenient and nice to have, it’s not something you really need during a disaster. However, the blanket that keeps you warm each night would make an excellent addition to your emergency supply.

Sorting out the wants and conveniences from the needs and essentials is an easy starting point on your road to readiness. All you need is paper and a pencil—and it can be accomplished on the couch!

Consider the following questions to help you narrow down your needs for the big three:

Food

• Is there enough food in the pantry to feed the whole family for three days?
  
• How much of the food in the pantry is shelf-stable or suitable for long-term storage?
  
• Are fresh ingredients required to prepare the food in your pantry? (If so, remember that refrigerated and frozen foods will spoil if the power is out for more than a couple of hours.)
  
• What meal combinations can be made without using fresh ingredients?
  
• Is there enough cookware, dishes, and utensils to support emergency survival?
  
• Are there any dietary restrictions or special dietary needs in the family?
  
• Is there a formula-fed infant in the family? Is there enough formula to last three days?
  
• What about pets? Is there enough food to feed the four-legged family members in a short-term emergency?

Water

• If access to water is cut off, is there enough drinking water stored for the whole family? (It is recommended to store at least one gallon of water per person per day.)
  
• If relying on store-bought plastic water bottles or jugs, when were they purchased?
• What are the expiration dates?
  
• If you have an emergency water supply, when was the last time the water was replaced? (It is recommended to replace the water every six months.)
  
• If there is access to water but it is contaminated or otherwise unsafe to use, do you have the supplies to treat it?
  
• If the power is out or gas lines are damaged, do you have another way to boil water for cooking and purification?
  
• In addition to having enough water for drinking, do you have enough water for cooking, cleaning, and self-care?

Power

• What appliances, medical devices, tools, and other electronics are considered necessary in your family?
  
• Does anyone in the family rely on digital apps or tools, such as glucose monitoring?
  
• Do you have a way to use essential electronics if the power is out for more than a couple of hours?
  
• Do you have a backup generator? Is it fueled by gasoline or solar power?
  
• If your generator is powered by gasoline, do you have enough fuel in storage to keep it running for three days?
  
• Without access to power, do you have enough flashlights, candles, and other light sources?
  
• Do you have a dependable way to keep your phone charged? How do you plan to communicate with others in an emergency without power?
  
• How will you remain connected to information sources in order to hear current news, weather changes, and emergency updates?
  
• Do you have enough extra batteries for any battery-operated essentials you might need during a three-day disaster?

Heat

• What is the climate like in your area? Are low temperatures a factor to consider for emergency planning?
  
• Would the need for a heat source change depending on the month in which a disaster hit?
  
• Which rooms in your residence retain the most heat?
  
• Do you have enough blankets, socks, sweaters, and other warm clothing you can layer over the course of three days?
  
• Without access to gas or power, do you have alternate heat sources for both food preparation and warmth?
  
• Do you have enough supplies to start fires for three days?

Medical

• Do any family members take prescribed medications? If so, do they have enough to last three days, just in case the pharmacy closes?
  
• Which over-the-counter medications are commonly used in your family? Are any of them running low or close to expiration?
  
• Do you have a first aid kit?
  
• Can you administer basic first aid?
  
• Do you have a small supply of soaps, washcloths, towels, and dressings to clean and manage wounds?
  
• If pets are part of your pack, do they require any medications or special care?

These are just some of the questions to ask when beginning to build a supply. Ideally they’ll inspire additional considerations and help you make the best preparedness decisions based on your unique circumstances!

Creating a Checklist

After asking and answering the questions connected to each pillar of preparedness, you’ll have a well-rounded, well-informed idea of everything you’ll need for those first three days.

You can then use that information to create a checklist. See how easy that was?

It’s about to get even easier, too. Here is a sample checklist for the big three that you can use as a template, then tailor to your needs:

Food

• Non-perishable foods sufficient for three days.
  • Knock it out in an instant with this food kit, specifically made for the big three.
    
• Shelf-stable substitutes for fresh foods, like instant milk, egg powder, and freeze-dried meat.
  
• Protein or ration bars.
  
  • These ones taste like shortbread cookies!
    
• Shelf-stable snacks, such as freeze-dried fruit, trail mix, and cereal.
  Infant formula, if applicable.
• Pet food, if applicable.
  
• A can opener.
  
• A portable cooking stove.
  
• Small, space-saving pots and pans.
  
• A basic mess kit for each family member.
  
• Dish soap and a sponge or scrubber.

Water

• Three gallons of water stored for each person in the family.
  
  • This water bank can be kept in a bathtub and holds enough water to sustain a family of six for more than ten days!
    
  • One of these collapsible water containers holds more than enough water for one person during a three-day disaster.
    
• Water filtration products.
  
  • This pitcher filters water as it fills up.
    
  • Reusable water bottles like this one can transform virtually any freshwater source into drinking water!
    
• Water treatment solution.
  
  • These germicidal tablets and this two-part treatment make contaminated water consumable.
    
• Some plastic water bottles, water jugs, or emergency drinking water pouches. (Just in case you need a quick solution for an unexpected evacuation.)

Power

• A solar-powered charging station.
  
• A small, solar-powered generator. (This is more essential for some families than others, like those who need to run a CPAP machine.)
  
• Alternate light sources, like flashlights and candles.
  
• A hand-crank radio.
  
• Extra batteries.

Heat

• Waterproof matches.
  
• A rechargeable lighter.
  
• Fire-starting products.
  
  • These fire-starting granules make it easier to start fires.
    
  • Fire sticks and fire ropes are affordable fire-starting solutions, too!
    
• Canned heat.
  
• Hand warmers.
  
• A portable heater. (A must-have for those in colder climates.)
  
  • This unit is a heater and stove all in one! Plus, it includes canned heat to power it.
    
• Emergency blankets.
  
• Emergency sleeping bags.
  
  • This one can also be used as an emergency shelter in a pinch.
    
• Weatherproof ponchos.
  
• A couple changes of clothes, particularly options that can be layered for warmth.

Medical

• Prescription medications.
  
• Over-the-counter medications, such as antacids and pain killers.
  
• Contact lenses or glasses, if applicable.
  
• Medical devices, if applicable.
  
• A basic first aid kit.
  
  • This one goes beyond the basic with over one hundred pieces of medical supplies!
    
• Soap.
  
• Rags, washcloths, and towels.
  
• Everyday hygiene products and toiletries.
  
  • This includes toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrushes, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and other everyday essentials.
    
• Diapers and wipes for infants and toddlers, if applicable.
  
• Disinfectant wipes or another cleaning solution.
  
• Garbage bags.

Miscellaneous

Though not one of the pillars of preparedness, here are a couple of miscellaneous items that could also come in handy during a disaster:

• Tools like a wrench, pair of pliers, shovel, knife, and axe.
  
• Various cords and ropes.
  
• Flares, a whistle, and other signals.
  
• Radiation poisoning protection.
  
• Advanced medical care supplies.
  
• A compass and paper maps of your area.
  
• Reference materials about relevant preparedness topics, such as first aid, foraging, and local wildlife.
  
• Paper and writing utensils.
  
• Games, activities, and books for children.
  
• Important documents.
  
• Extra cash.

A comprehensive checklist is where the magic happens! It lays out each of your needs, allowing you to quickly take note of what you already have and where you fall short.

Now you’re not so overwhelmed, are you? Your checklist will be your guide, helping you prepare gradually over time. First, focus on the big three. Then, start working on a week-long supply, a month-long supply—soon enough, you’ll be prepped and ready for an emergency lasting six months, nine months, even a year!

Keep checking back here, The Essentials Blog, each week for expert education, tips, and resources to make your shift to self-reliance as smooth as possible.