Preparing on a Budget

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Many people are worried about affording food and heat. Being told to build an emergency kit can feel like one more thing you can’t afford. This article is for you. You can start preparing without spending anything, and the best first steps are free.

Start with what you have

Begin with what is already in your home. Gather torches, blankets, spare batteries, tins and packets, and bottles. Put everything in one box or bag, so you know what you have. Put dates on the food.

You don’t need a perfect kit, expensive gear or everything at once. A half-full box is enough to start.

The free steps

These cost nothing:

  • Make a household plan, and agree your meeting points.
  • Save the key numbers in your phone, and write them on paper.
  • Find your stopcock, gas valve and main electricity switch.
  • Check whether you can join the Priority Services Register.
  • Charge your power bank and keep it charged.
  • Fill bottles and pans from the tap when you know the water may be cut off.
  • Learn first aid. The British Red Cross offers free workshops and a free app, and the British Heart Foundation has a free online CPR course that takes about fifteen minutes.
  • Get to know your neighbours.
  • Learn something that saves money, such as mending, simple cooking or batch cooking.

Build slowly

The government suggests adding a few items each time you shop, to spread the cost.

  • Buy one or two extra items on each shop, rather than a whole kit at once.
  • Watch for special offers on things you will use.
  • Start with water and food that needs no cooking. Choose foods you normally eat.
  • Buy things you will use, and use them before the dates, then replace them. Nothing is wasted that way.
  • Don’t spend money on gear you don’t know how to use.

If you can’t afford any of it

Some people are already living through an emergency, with nothing left over at the end of the week. If that is you, the advice to build up supplies slowly may not help, and that is not your fault. The free steps are still worth doing.

Your council, Citizens Advice and local charities can help with food, heating and bills. Some councils and community groups run warm spaces in winter. Ask what is available near you.

Where to start

  • Put everything useful you already have into one box
  • Do three of the free steps this week
  • Add one or two items to your next shop
  • Ask your council what help is available if you need it

Useful resources

Don’t take our word for it. Read the originals, and decide what works for you.

Sources

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