How Much Emergency Preparedness Is Enough?

By Randy Salars·Last Updated: January 15, 2025

This is the question that keeps thoughtful people stuck. The answer isn't “more.” The answer is: enough to cover the realistic scenarios, and then stop.

The Three Tiers Framework

Think of preparedness as three tiers, not an endless escalation:

Tier 1

72 Hours (The Foundation)

This is the minimum everyone should have. FEMA recommends this. Red Cross recommends this. It covers 90% of real emergencies.

✓ 3 days of water (1 gallon/person/day)
✓ 3 days of non-perishable food
✓ Battery bank + phone charger
✓ LED flashlight/headlamp
✓ Emergency contact plan
✓ Copies of important documents
✓ 3+ days of medication

Cost: ~$50 | Time: ~2 hours | Impact: MASSIVE

Tier 2

7-14 Days (The Cushion)

This handles extended outages, severe weather events, and supply chain disruptions. Most prepared households stop here — and that's perfectly fine.

✓ 7-14 days of water + purification method
✓ Extended food supply with variety
✓ Portable power station or generator
✓ Cash ($200-500 in small bills)
✓ Complete go-bag per person
✓ First aid kit + training
✓ Neighborhood mutual aid connections

Cost: ~$200-500 | Time: ~30 days (30 min/day) | Impact: HIGH

Tier 3

30+ Days (Enthusiast Level)

This is for people in rural areas, extreme weather zones, or anyone who enjoys preparedness as a practice. It's optional. You don't need this to be prepared.

✓ Long-term food storage
✓ Rainwater collection or well access
✓ Solar/wind power capability
✓ HAM radio communication
✓ Medical training beyond first aid
✓ Community coordination role

Cost: $1,000+ | Time: Ongoing hobby | Impact: MARGINAL for most people

The Diminishing Returns Curve

Preparedness follows a steep curve of diminishing returns:

First $50 → 80%

Next $200 → 15%

Next $1,000+ → 5%

The first 20% of effort covers 80% of risk. That's where most households should focus.

Signs You're “Enough”

✓You could survive 72 hours without power, water service, or running to the store

✓Your family knows where to meet and who to call if phones are down

✓Your important documents are backed up digitally

✓You have enough medication to last a week

✓You feel calm — not anxious — when you think about emergencies

If you can check all five, you're done. Maintain it. Don't escalate unless your situation changes.

Get to “Enough” in 30 Days

The Emergency Preparedness Essentials guide is designed to get you to Tier 2 in 30 days — with a clear endpoint. No endless escalation.

See the Complete Plan — $29→

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