{"id":9006,"date":"2024-08-12T09:08:21","date_gmt":"2024-08-12T16:08:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.gov.bc.ca\/emergencymanagement\/?p=9006"},"modified":"2024-08-12T11:01:10","modified_gmt":"2024-08-12T18:01:10","slug":"budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.gov.bc.ca\/emergencymanagement\/budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Get prepared for emergencies on a budget"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Emergencies can happen at any time, and it is important to be prepared. Planning ahead and being ready for an emergency is a worthwhile investment, and when done over time, can fit into most budgets. Dollar stores, garage sales, thrift stores and online marketplaces are great places to find items for your\u00a0emergency kit<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0grab-and-go bags<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some ideas to help you get prepared on a budget:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start with the basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Emergency plan<\/strong>: Making a home emergency plan is an important step to preparedness and it’s completely free! Get started with our fill-in-the-blanks plan (PDF)<\/a> or interactive Emergency Ready Planner<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Food and water<\/strong>: Use a plastic bin or a duffel bag to keep all your emergency supplies in one place. Start with food and water, then work on adding other items over time as your budget allows. Dollar stores often carry a variety of non-perishable food items. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the flyers and promotions at grocery stores and other retailers for sales on flats of water, canned and other non-perishable foods.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Look around your home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Phone chargers<\/strong>: Before you go shopping, look around your home for extra phone chargers and cords. You might be surprised by what\u2019s lying around.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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First aid kit<\/strong>: Try building a first aid kit using extra items you may already have like bandages, sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes or soap, tweezers and scissors. Check out this list<\/a> from the Canadian Red Cross to help you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Canadian Red Cross has a variety of first aid kits<\/a> that range in price available to purchase online.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Other small \u2014 but necessary items<\/strong>: For many items, visit your local dollar or thrift store to stock up. You\u2019ll likely be able to find garbage bags, foil blankets, rain ponchos, tarps, zap straps, tissue paper, rope, utility knives, whistles, can openers, wipes and work gloves.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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