We just lost power.....

[michjeeper]

Well we just lost power a few hours ago and it just came back on! This is a good thing though... it made me realize how unprepared I really am! I ran to the store, grabbed ice, batteries, a few flashlights, and a bunch of freeze dried food, water, yeah I know what a newbie! I was thinking the same thing when I did my panic shopping. But now im sure my family will have atleast a week of emergency supplies. It's a start on a small budget!

Next on the list, Costco emergency food kit, 9mm pistol and safe(I have young kids). Any other budget friendly suggestions?

[claymore]

Have you got stored water? Remember to stock up on canned goods when they are on sale (eat them cold out of the can). Get yourself a small battery powered radio. Powdered milk and chocolate syrup, cookies etc. for the kids and you're ready! Maybe when your lights went off it was actually the Governor telling you we've got to frack for gas!

[goatlady]

You really might want to consider some of those head flashlights - with young kids many times you need 2 hands to take care of them so who holds that flashlight?? Those ones on headbands are really handy and good light aimed right at where you are looking. Got a way to cook something/heat water for hand and face washing? Extra water to flush with? Maybe start saving and filling 2 liter pop bottles with water. Have a deep freeze? Figure out how to keep as cold as possible for as long as possible or have a way to cook and save as much freezer food as you can. If you really are in Michigan, winter snows can take out power for a week or more I would imagine. The 2009 Ice storm here left us without power for about 2 weeks.

[michjeeper]

Thanks for the suggestions! The little things like chocolate syrup, head lamps, and water to flush with will be great to keep everyone happy!