Emergency preparedness can seem overwhelming if you are just starting to put your storehouse in order. However, if you take it in smaller chunks, it is much easier to not only wrap your brain around, but also it is easier financially. Let's face it, all at once it can be quite expensive to put together. But a little at a time makes it a feasible goal.

Over the years, I have gathered several different resources to help me get my own emergency preparedness put together. I have shared some of these in the past and I thought it might be nice to share another one I have over four weeks. I have chosen to break things down by quarter so that these articles aren't so long and so it isn't so overwhelming all at once.

Here is the plan for the 4th quarter:

October

Bulk Food Storage: Stock up on bulk items, such as rice, oats, dry milk, dry beans, and other long term storage items.

Emergency Supplies: Put some money aside each month to be used for emergencies only. Find a safe place to keep it. Make sure you have some small bills and coins, in case the power is off and there is still a gallon of milk on the shelf to buy, IF you have the exact amount (or close) to pay.

November

Week 1: Ingredients for baking holiday treats: cocoa, coconut, chocolate chips, nuts, etc. (Nuts stay good for a long time if frozen.)

Week 2: Iodized salt. It seasons, preserves, and can be used to clean your teeth if necessary.

Week 3: Cooking oil. Get a good quality oil such as canola, olive, or peanut oil for healthier choices.

Week 4: Sweeteners: honey, corn syrup, molasses, maple syrup, etc.

Emergency Supplies: Put some money aside this month to be used for emergencies only. Find a safe place to keep it.

December

Week 1: Emergency Supply Candles and matches. Put them where you can easily locate them in the dark.

Week 2: Stocking stuffers.

Week 3: Merry Christmas! You are giving yourself a great gift--security in being prepared for emergencies.

Week 4: Hope you saved a little for those after Christmas sales. There are lots of bargains to be found this time of year.

Emergency Supplies: Put some money aside this month to be used for emergencies only. Find a safe place to keep it.