2.14 Staged buying: build your kit in stages

2 min read

You don't have to buy it all today. Move forward in stages: each one leaves you better prepared than the last. A good habit is to add a few extra items on each trip to the grocery store until the stage is complete.

Staged buying: build your kit in stages
Stage	Goal	What to buy
Stage 0: no spending	Organize what you already have	Printed family plan; cell phone alerts turned on and sign-up with your city or county alert system; locate the electrical switch and water valve; gather flashlights, blankets, first-aid kit, and medications in one place; photograph documents; save ICE contacts; wash and fill food-grade containers you already have.
Stage 1: basics (first purchase)	3 days at home for everyone	Water for 3 days (3 gal / 11.4 L per person, plus water for pets based on their weight); ready-to-eat food for 3 days; one headlamp per person and batteries; 1–2 power banks; NOAA radio with SAME; manual can opener; basic first-aid kit; trash bags; CO detector; extra pet food for 3 days.
Stage 2: two weeks	Hold out 14 days at home	Complete 14 gal (53 L) of water per person, plus water for pets; complete the pantry from section 2.3; medication reserve; bleach; wipes, toilet paper; emergency toilet; fire extinguisher; tape and plastic sheeting; cash; pet food for 14 days.
Stage 3: evacuate	Leave in minutes	A comfortable backpack per person and its contents (section 2.6); carriers and pet kit; documents in a waterproof bag and encrypted USB drive; car kit; office kit.
Stage 4: extreme weather and long outage	Heat and cold without the power grid	Battery power station and solar panel; rechargeable fans; sleeping bags; thermal clothing; cooler; bathtub liner bag; collapsible water jugs.
Stage 5: extras	More self-sufficiency	Water filter; FRS radios; camp stove for outdoor use; additional tourniquet; extra tools; second first-aid kit for the car.