It doesn’t take thousands of dollars or multiple days to do it.  In fact, in one day, you can gather the items necessary to ride a storm and the impact it can leave for many days after.  If finances become a challenge, consider purchasing only a few of these items at a time during the off-season months.

• 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)
• 3-day supply of non-perishable food
• At least one change of clothes
• First-aid kit
• Battery-powered portable radio
• Flashlight, with extra batteries
• Extra battery packs for mobile devices
• Credit card AND cash
• Prescription and non-prescription medication
• Sleeping bag, blanket and/or pillow
• Emergency contact list (on paper)
• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members

FEMA has created a printable list, or you can use this story to come up with your own.