Emergency Budget Calculator
Calculate the cost of emergency preparedness and create a prioritized shopping plan that fits your budget.
Plan Your Preparedness Budget
The Real Cost of Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness doesn't have to break the bank. While you can spend thousands on elaborate setups, basic preparedness for most families costs $200-500 and can be built gradually over a few months. The key is prioritizing purchases and starting with the essentials.
Typical Cost Ranges
| Preparedness Level | Family of 4 Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (72-hour) | $200-400 | Water, food, first aid, flashlights, radio |
| Standard (7-day) | $400-800 | Above + more supplies, better gear, documents |
| Extended (14-day) | $600-1,200 | Above + cooking supplies, sanitation, fuel |
| Comprehensive (30-day) | $1,500-3,000 | Above + generator, long-term food, tools |
Priority Order for Purchases
Not all emergency supplies are equally important. Here's how to prioritize your spending:
Priority 1: Life Safety (Buy First)
- Water storage ($15-50) - You can survive weeks without food, only days without water
- First aid kit ($25-75) - Treat injuries when help isn't available
- Flashlights + batteries ($15-40) - Essential for safety in darkness
- Medications (varies) - Build your prescription buffer
Priority 2: Basic Needs (Buy Second)
- Non-perishable food ($50-150 for 72-hour supply) - Canned goods, crackers, peanut butter
- Emergency radio ($25-50) - Battery/crank for emergency broadcasts
- Sanitation supplies ($20-40) - Toilet paper, bags, hygiene items
- Manual can opener ($5-15) - Often forgotten but essential
Priority 3: Comfort & Capability (Buy Third)
- Camp stove + fuel ($30-80) - Hot meals improve morale
- Sleeping bags/blankets ($30-100) - Warmth without power
- Power bank ($20-50) - Keep phone charged for communication
- Important documents (minimal cost) - Copies in waterproof container
Priority 4: Extended Capability (Buy When Budget Allows)
- Generator or power station ($400-2,000) - Backup power for extended outages
- Water filtration ($25-300) - Process additional water if needed
- Extended food storage ($200-500) - Freeze-dried meals, bulk staples
- Tools ($50-150) - Basic tool kit for repairs
Cost Breakdown by Category
Water Storage
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water containers (7-gallon) | $10-15 each | Need 2-3 per person for 72 hours |
| WaterBOB bathtub liner | $30-40 | 100 gallons, use with warning |
| 55-gallon drum | $50-80 | Long-term storage, needs pump |
| Water filter (gravity) | $75-300 | Filters thousands of gallons |
| Purification tablets | $10-15 | Backup method |
Food Storage
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canned goods (case of 12) | $15-25 | Build gradually each shopping trip |
| Emergency ration bars | $8-15 each | 3,600 calories, 5-year shelf life |
| Freeze-dried bucket (30 days) | $150-300 | 25-year shelf life |
| Rice/beans (bulk, 25 lbs each) | $25-40 | Store in mylar with O2 absorbers |
| Peanut butter (case) | $20-30 | High calorie, good shelf life |
Power and Lighting
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LED flashlight | $15-40 | Get 1-2 quality lights |
| Headlamp | $20-50 | Hands-free lighting |
| Lantern (battery) | $15-40 | Area lighting |
| Batteries (bulk pack) | $15-30 | Stock AA and AAA |
| Power bank (20,000mAh) | $30-60 | Multiple phone charges |
| Solar charger | $30-100 | Renewable charging |
| Power station (500Wh) | $300-600 | Run small appliances |
| Portable generator (3,500W) | $400-800 | Significant power capability |
Budget-Friendly Strategies
Start Free or Nearly Free
- Save 2-liter bottles: Clean and fill with tap water—free water storage
- Rotate pantry: Buy a little extra each trip and rotate stock
- Repurpose containers: Old backpack = go-bag, plastic bins = storage
- Download resources: FEMA guides, local emergency plans are free
Shop Sales and Second-Hand
- End-of-season sales: Camp gear on clearance after summer
- Holiday sales: Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day for electronics
- Thrift stores: Sleeping bags, backpacks, tools
- Garage sales: Camping equipment often available cheap
DIY When Appropriate
- First aid kit: Build from individual components for less
- Emergency binder: Print and laminate your own documents
- Food storage: Repackage bulk foods yourself
- Avoid: DIY on safety equipment like generators or water filters
Smart Substitutions
- Power station vs. generator: Cheaper, quieter, no fuel storage for smaller needs
- Canned food vs. freeze-dried: Much cheaper for shorter durations
- Basic first aid vs. premium: Contents matter more than branding
- USB batteries vs. generator: For phone/light only, much cheaper
Building Your Supply Over Time
Month-by-Month $50 Plan
Month 1: Water storage containers, water treatment tablets ($45)
Month 2: First aid kit, flashlight, batteries ($50)
Month 3: Emergency radio, power bank ($45)
Month 4: Non-perishable food (build to 3-day supply) ($50)
Month 5: More food, camp stove, fuel ($50)
Month 6: Sanitation supplies, manual can opener, document copies ($40)
After 6 months ($280 total): Complete 72-hour kit for family of 4
Months 7-12: Extend food/water to 7 days, add sleeping bags, expand first aid, solar charger
After 12 months ($580 total): Complete 7-day preparedness
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does emergency preparedness cost?
Basic 72-hour preparedness for a family of 4 costs $200-500. A 2-week supply runs $500-1,200. Comprehensive preparedness including generator and extended supplies can cost $2,000-5,000+. However, you don't need to buy everything at once—$50/month for 6-12 months builds excellent preparedness.
What should I buy first for emergency preparedness?
Start with water storage (most critical—you can only survive days without it), then a first aid kit, flashlights and batteries, non-perishable food, and a battery/crank emergency radio. These cover immediate life-safety needs and cost under $150 total for a family.
Is a generator worth the cost for emergencies?
Consider a generator if you have medical equipment requiring power, live in areas with frequent/extended outages, have a well pump, or want to preserve freezer contents. Portable generators cost $400-2,000. For smaller needs, a power station ($200-600) is quieter, requires no fuel storage, and needs less maintenance.
How can I prepare on a tight budget?
Start free: fill cleaned 2-liter bottles with water, download free FEMA guides. Buy extra canned goods each grocery trip. Build a first aid kit from dollar store supplies. Look for end-of-season camping sales. Focus on essentials (water, food, light, first aid) before nice-to-haves. $25/month builds solid preparedness over a year.
Where should I buy emergency supplies?
Best prices often come from: Amazon (convenience, variety), Costco/Sam's Club (bulk food, batteries), Walmart (basic supplies), camping stores (quality gear), and dollar stores (some basics). Compare prices—emergency-branded items often cost more than equivalent regular products.