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 2nd quarter:

April

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.

May

ACTIVITY: Plant a garden even if it is among your flowers.

Week 1: Garden Seeds. Radishes grow fast and are full of vitamins.

Week 2: Dry soups and crackers. You can restore cracker crispness by placing them in the microwave. A dehydrator or oven will work for this as well.

Week 3: Gelatin and pudding mixes.

Week 4: Flour-white flour will store longer than whole grain flour.

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

June

ACTIVITY: Emergency Supplies--replace flashlight batteries, check smoke detectors, practice your fire escape routes.

Week 1: Cheese. Buy in large blocks, cut into smaller blocks and freeze.

Week 2: Paper towels, aluminum foil, sandwich bags, etc.

Week 3: Emergency Supplies--More first aid products: gauze patches, swabs, cotton balls, tape, etc.

Week 4: Condiments--mustard, catsup, mayonnaise, relish, pickles, etc.

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