Every plan needs a sound foundation to build upon. Plans also need a goal and a way to measure  progress. A preparedness plan is no different and, when asked, I will always recommend a well thought out plan before anything unusual is purchased.  You may be surprised at how many people have invested in a lifetime’s supply of one or two items when they have less than a couple week’s worth of food & water stored in their home or have no way to heat their home if their main heat failed.

This post has taken a while to write. It’s always a challenge for me to put my thoughts into written word and this article needed to have a visual aid to be sure that the idea would be translated properly. I asked a few people involved to help come up with a way to visually explain our system. The result is shown below as a circular chart.

There are 3 levels in the chart:

Level 1 is the center of the pie and the foundation of the plan. EVERYTHING needed for your household to function, without help,  for 1-3 weeks should be in your home. Some of the most essential of these preps should be ready to leave with you if necessary. Completing Level One is an admirable achievement and this level of preparedness would be more than adequate for anyone to weather thru the most common emergencies.

Level 2 is the next “ring” in the circle chart and, IMO, shouldn’t be started until Level 1 is completed. It represents the 1-12 Month portion of a preparedness plan. This level should not only build upon Level One’s supply list but would probably include plans to improvise methods and/or learning to do something without the help of others.

Level 3, the final level, is the limitless area shown outside of the Level Two blue ring. It’s the goal of many to have over a year’s worth of preps or be self-sustained enough to replenish your needs independently. For some it means advanced training or acquiring equipment to generate an income or trade for other goods. For others it may mean farming or raising livestock.

The pieces of the pie are broadly labeled and represent the main necessities required to maintain a relatively normal life if things go badly. Water and Food are obviously the major concerns and should be the first things taken care of at every level. After those are:

• Power/Fuel/Heat: Short-term items include spare batteries, generator, kerosene heater, gasoline to get to work, etc. Longer term includes wood heat, solar/wind/hydro power or learning to live w/o electricity altogether.
• Health & Medical: Hygiene supplies, vitamins, prescription items  and first aid would be Level one and Level two types of items. Level three could mean a fitness program, nursing school or possible medical procedures to take care of chronic health conditions.
• Security: Short term may include a year’s worth of rent in savings, scanner radio, CCW permit or getting a dog. Long term goals may mean a paid off mortgage, moving to another area or building a group of like-minded friends.
• Income: Level one plans may mean eliminating wasteful spending or selling off unused items to build an emergency fund. Long term goals may mean starting a business or learning a skill that can be used as barter.
• Misc. Equipment and Consumables: This would include everything outside of the above categories. Shelter maintenance, communication equipment, clothing, cleaning supplies, transportation, tools, etc.

The nice thing about the pie chart is that it can be adapted as necessary and will literally give you a well-rounded plan no matter what level of readiness you are trying to achieve.

Justus