Crisis Preparedness for Beginners, Part 2: Build Water, Food, Light in 30 Days

In Part 1 you learned the basics. Now let's systematically build up to 2 weeks.

The 30-Day Build Program

Weeks 1-2: Extend Water to 2 Weeks

Need: 2 liters per person per day (1 liter drinking + 1 liter cooking/hygiene)

For a family of 4: 56 liters

Shopping:

• 4 x 6-liter pack mineral water = 24 liters (Week 1)
• 4 x 6-liter pack mineral water = 24 liters (Week 2)
• 1 x 10-liter canister for mobile water

Storage: Cool, dark, away from cleaning products.

Week 3: Build Food Supply

Principle: Only buy what your family actually eats.

Basic shopping list for 4 people / 14 days:

Product	Amount	Shelf Life
Hard wheat pasta	3 kg	3 years
Long grain rice	3 kg	5 years
Lentils/chickpeas	2 kg	5 years
Canned goods (tomatoes, beans)	20 cans	2-5 years
Oil	2 liters	2 years
Sugar/Salt	1 kg each	Indefinite
Granola bars	50 pieces	1 year
Tea/Coffee	As needed	2-3 years

Week 4: Complete Light and Communication

Light:

• Headlamp for each person (hands free)
• 10x AA batteries backup
• 2x LED camping lantern
• 20 tea lights as backup

Communication:

• DAB+/FM radio with crank generator or battery operation
• 10x AA/AAA alkaline batteries (store separately)
• Emergency contacts on paper (not just digital)

The Rotation System: Prevent Spoilage

FIFO Principle (First In, First Out):

1. New purchases go to the back of the shelf
2. Older products move to the front
3. Use 1 can monthly and replace

Inventory List: Keep a simple table with product, quantity, expiry date. Check quarterly.

After 30 Days

After one month you have:

• 56 liters water (2 weeks for 4 people)
• 14-day food supply
• Light for 100+ hours
• Communication without power and mobile network

Total cost: €150-250 for a family of four — equivalent to a weekend trip.

Next Steps

• Take a first aid course (Red Cross, 1 day)
• Create an evacuation plan for your home
• Pack an emergency backpack for evacuation