5 Budget-Friendly Ways You Can Be Disaster Ready!

An overlooked part of disaster preparedness is that people with limited financial resources may need a more equitable approach. In the Bay Area, where earthquakes, wildfires, power shutoffs, and floods present real threats, those experiencing poverty tend to face higher risks and fewer recovery options. However, you can still be prepared, even on a limited budget.

Here are five budget-friendly steps you can take to prepare for a disaster, regardless of your income.

1. Start with Knowledge, Not Gear
   Preparedness starts with knowledge, not a shopping list. It can be split into two categories: understanding risks and signing up for alerts.

   Know your risks. In the Bay Area, that includes earthquakes, wildfires (especially in the East and North Bay), flooding (particularly in low-lying areas of the East and South Bay), and power outages.

   Sign up for alerts. Bay Area counties offer emergency notifications through text, email, or phone. These systems notify you about earthquakes, wildfires, evacuations, power shutoffs, and more.

   • AlertSF, AC Alert, or county-specific services.
   • MyShake app for early earthquake warnings.
   • PG&E alerts for power outage/shut off events.

   Pro tip: These alerts could be the difference between danger and safety. They’re free—and they work.

2. Build a Budget-Friendly Go Bag – One Item at a Time
   You don’t need to spend $100 on an emergency kit in a single night. In fact, some of the best kits are assembled gradually, over time, using what you already have.

   Even $5 a month can help build a basic kit over time.

   Essentials to gather (low-cost or free options):

   Item

   Tip

   Water (1 gal/person/day for 3 days)

   Fill & rotate clean soda bottles or milk jugs

   Non-perishable food

   Canned goods, granola, nut butter, bulk rice, etc.

   Flashlight

   Dollar store or solar-powered garden light

   Batteries

   Keep track of what you have; swap with neighbors

   First aid

   Start small: bandages, antiseptic, aspirin

   Copies of documents

   Store in Ziploc bags and/or upload to Google Drive

   Blanket, socks, warm layer

   Thrift store or shelter extras

   Manual can opener

   Dollar store or ask neighbors for a spare

   Whistle, mask, gloves

   Basic PPE can be found in community org kits

   Pro Tip: Local food banks or nonprofits sometimes give out free emergency kits or host preparedness fairs.

3. Make a Simple Plan with Your Household
   Disasters are chaotic. A simple plan can create clarity. Having a plan is more important than having a perfect kit.

   Here’s what your plan should include:

   • Agree on a meeting place outside the home and in your neighborhood.
   • Choose an out-of-area contact everyone can call/text if separated.
   • Practice texting “I’m OK” to loved ones—it uses less bandwidth than a call.
   • For families with kids: put a copy of contact info in backpacks.

4. Connect With Your Community—Because Survival Is Collective
   Preparedness isn’t just individual; it’s communal. The more we show up for each other, the stronger we all become.

   Ways to build resilience together:

   • Join or start a neighborhood pod
   • Check in on seniors, neighbors with disabilities, or families with young kids
   • Take free preparedness training from Listos California or Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs
   • Organize a prep night with neighbors or church groups

   You are never alone. Mutual aid is disaster response.

5. Prepare for What’s Most Likely, Not What’s Scary
   You don’t need to prepare for every “doomsday” scenario, just the ones most likely to impact your neighborhood.

   • Earthquakes – Bolt heavy furniture; learn how to turn off your gas.
   • Wildfire smoke – Keep N95 masks from COVID days; use towels to seal windows.
   • Power outages – Store shelf-stable food; keep flashlights and batteries ready.

Final Note: Resilience Isn’t a Luxury

Disaster preparedness for people experiencing poverty must be community-led, resourceful, and inclusive. You don’t need to buy your way into safety — you build it. We all can do this through planning, sharing, and connecting with one another, regardless of income.