The One Year Urban Survival Plan - Month 6

“The greatest risk in life is to wait for and depend upon others for your own security.” – Denis Waitley

This month, you'll focus more on making your home a safe place to ride out a disaster. You'll add some clothes to your bug out bag, start rotating your emergency food, gather tools and supplies for repairing your home, and learn about fire safety.

BUG OUT BAG

This month, you'll be adding some extra clothes to your 72-hour kit, along with some items to help keep you warm and dry.

I recommend changing out the clothes in the spring and the fall. In the spring, you want to pack lightweight clothes such as shorts and T-shirts, which will be more comfortable in hot weather. And in the fall, you want to pack heavier clothes such as pants and long-sleeved shirts, which will be more comfortable in cold weather.

Bug Out Clothes

Here's what clothes to pack:

Bandana – These have lots of different uses.
Belt – These also have many uses, but they're mainly to keep your pants up.
Coat or Jacket – For wintertime.
Hiking boots – Very important if you end up hiking through the wilderness. Keep them near your bug out bag.
Knee braces – These are crucial if you have bad knees.
Leather gloves – Great to have if you find yourself pushing through brush or handling anything hot or sharp.
Shirts – Pack 2 short or long-sleeved shirts so you'll have a total of 3 (including what you're wearing).
Shorts or Pants – Pack 2 extra pairs so you'll have a total of 3.
Socks and Underwear – Pack several extra pairs of socks and underwear.

And here are some things to keep you dry and warm:

Bivvy – A Mylar sleeping bag to help retain body heat.
Ground cloth – Great to have if the ground is wet.
Mylar blanket – Combine this with the bivvy to stay even warmer.
Poncho – You'll definitely want this if it starts raining.
Rain fly – You can construct a small shelter using a rain fly.
Tent – This is optional. Tents can be kind of heavy, so you might want to break it up into several pieces and put each piece in a different person's bag.

Food and Water

Food Expiration Dates and Rotation

When I first started prepping, I had no plan. I just went to the grocery store, bought a bunch of food, put it in my closet, and forgot about it.

A couple years later, I was going to move to a new city, so I decided to use up some of my survival food first. I was surprised to learn that most of it had expired. I had wasted hundreds of dollars on food because I was lazy. Don’t be like me.

If you followed my instructions back in Month 4, then you should have labels on all of your food. If not, all you need is some masking tape and a marker. Simply write the name of the food and the date when you stored it on a piece of tape and stick it on the jar, bag, or bucket.

Food Expiration Dates

Oftentimes, the expiration dates you see on packaged foods are months earlier than they need to be. This is because food companies don't want to get sued by someone who ate food that went bad before the expiration date. By putting an early date on their food, they cover their butts.

However, that isn't the case with all packaged food. Sometimes the date is pretty accurate, so you're going to have to use your best judgment to decide whether something is safe to eat. Here are some guidelines that will help.

Foods That Last Past The Expiration Date

Back in Month 1, I shared a list of long-lasting foods. Well, here it is again. These are foods that can last years and even decades if you store them properly:

Canned food
Cornstarch
Dried beans
Honey
Oats
Pasta
Potato flakes
Salt
Sugar
Vinegar
Wheat berries
White rice
More examples

Checking To See If Food Is Expired

However, you should never assume that a food is safe to eat, no matter what. Always inspect food before eating it or using it in a recipe. Here are some ways to tell if your emergency food has gone bad:

Check the Package – If a can is rusty, bulging, or dented, it's usually a sign of spoilage. If a box or bag has tiny holes in it, it's usually a sign of insect infestation. And if a container is leaking, then the contents have been exposed to air and bacteria and it's unsafe to eat.
Smell the Food – If a food has spoiled, it will usually have a strange or bad smell. Toss it.
Look for Mold – If you see a layer of fuzz or slime on your food, no matter the color, it's probably mold and you should throw it out.
Look for Foam or Bubbles – A layer of foam or bubbles on the surface of canned food is a sign of spoilage. Get rid of it.
Listen for Pressure Release – If you open a can and it makes a hissing sound or pops open very easily, it's a sign that the food has deteriorated. Toss it.
Look for Signs of Insects – Even if you don't see any insects, they might still be in there. Check for tiny holes or tears in the package, and look for tiny black specs or pellets, which could be insect droppings.

Key Point to Remember: If in doubt, throw it out!

Tip: An easy way to keep pests out of your food is with bay leaves. Insects hate the smell of bay leaves, so if you put one inside each food container, they'll probably stay away.

Rotating Food

In Month 1, I said, “Eat what you store; store what you eat.” This is an old prepper adage, and it's definitely worth remembering. If you forget to rotate through your emergency food, you'll end up wasting a lot of it—not to mention the money you spent on it.

Rotating through food is fairly simple. Just take food from the front and put new food in the back. Grocery stores do this all the time. The oldest items are in the front and the new stuff is in the back (which is why I always take from the back of the cooler when buying milk).

This strategy is also referred to as “First in, first out.” This means the first food you buy should be the first food you eat. And as long as you have everything labeled with dates, you can easily keep your food in the right order.

There are some things you can purchase to make it easier. If you have a spare bedroom or at least an extra wall you can use, get some sturdy shelves. I have a room with six of these 5-tier storage shelves.

If you don't have enough room for storage shelves, there are other things you can get such as can organizers. This one can hold up to 84 cans or jars. Just take from the front and put the new ones in the back.

Key Point to Remember: First in, first out.

Should You Keep An Inventory?

Many preppers insist that you have an inventory. Personally, I don't think it's necessary. Once you have three months worth of food, just keep rotating through it and replacing anything that you use. Write down all the foods and ingredients you use during the week, then replace them next time you go shopping. If you do this, you'll continually have three months of food on hand.

However, if you want to keep an inventory, you're welcome to do that. An inventory that includes expiration dates for all the foods is an easy way to make sure you use anything that's about to expire. However, you have to make sure you update the inventory every single time you add something to your stockpile.

There are a lot of food inventory templates out there, like the ones listed here, but most of them are more complicated than necessary. You don't need to include the brand, the store you bought it from, or the date you purchased it (the expiration date and the date when you sealed it up are more important). And strangely, most food inventory templates don't include one of the most important things: calories.

If you're going to make an inventory, just use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. In the left-hand column, list the foods in alphabetical order. Across the top, create columns for: number of containers you have (whether it's a can, jar, bag, or box), number of containers you still need, the number of calories in each container, the expiration date, and the sealed date.

For each item, you'll enter the expiration date or the sealed date (not both). If it's a can or something that doesn't need to be repackaged, enter the expiration date. If it's something you've sealed in a Mylar bag or mason jar such as rice or flour, enter the sealed date (just be sure to seal it up shortly after buying it). Then, as long as you know the food's shelf life, you can calculate the expiration date using the sealed date.

More Info On Food Storage:

Food and Water Checklist for Month 6

Decide how you're going to organize and rotate your food.
Purchase any necessary shelves and racks to organize your food.
Create an inventory with a spreadsheet (optional).
Store at least 2 days of water.
Try some new off-grid recipes.
Choose one recipe and get enough ingredients to make it 8 times.
Stockpile 8 days worth of breakfasts.
Stockpile 8 days worth of lunches.

SKILLS AND SUPPLIES

Home Repair

During and after a major disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake, there are certain tools and supplies you need to have. For example, you need plastic sheeting after a hurricane to cover any windows that have broken, and you need a gas shutoff wrench after an earthquake in case of a gas leak, which could lead to an explosion.

This month, we're going to go over all the tools and supplies you should consider acquiring. You don't have to get all of these tools and supplies. It depends on your situation.

Tools for Disaster Preparedness

Axe – Useful for splitting firewood or chopping wood to make repairs.
Caulking Gun – Essential for sealing cracks and gaps in windows, doors, and other structures to prevent air leaks. This is very important when trying to keep the inside of your home cooler or warmer than the outside.
Chalk Line – This is for making long, straight lines on surfaces before cutting. It's important for building projects, which could be important in long-term crises.
Crow Bar / Pry Bar – Used for prying apart materials and demolition. Pry bars are lighter than crow bars and more suited for tasks like removing nails.
Demolition Tool – Combines functions like prying, hammering, and cutting, specifically designed for demolition tasks. Choose based on the versatility and weight you can handle.
Drill (Power or Hand Drill) – Power drills are great for drilling holes and driving screws, but if there's no power, it'll be great to have a hand drill.
Gas/Water Shutoff Tool – This is critical for turning off utilities to prevent fires or flooding after a disaster. Make sure it fits your local utility systems' valves.
Hammer – It's pretty obvious what this is used for. Be sure to get a claw hammer so you can also remove nails.
Knife – A good quality knife with a full tang can be used for all sorts of tasks. It's one of the first survival tools you should buy.
Ladder – There are countless reasons you might need a ladder. When deciding what type to get, keep in mind that extension ladders usually go higher than regular ladders and they're also cheaper.
Machete – This is useful for clearing vegetation when walking through dense woods and thickets.
Measuring Tape – A must-have for any repair or construction project. Get some heavy-duty self-retracting measuring tape.
Multi-Tool – By definition, there are multiple things you can do with this. It's something you should keep on your person most of the time.
Pipe Cutter – For cutting pipes when doing plumbing work, HVAC repairs, metalworking, automotive repairs, etc.
Pipe Wrench – This is for gripping and turning pipes or fittings.
Pliers (Needle-Nose and Vise Grips) – Needle-nose pliers are good for precision work and reaching into small spaces, while vise grips are adjustable and locking, allowing you to hold things firmly.
Rubber Mallet – Ideal for gently tapping materials into place without damaging them. Useful in auto body work, furniture construction, tapping tent pegs into the ground, etc.
Saws (Crosscut, Hack Saw, Folding Saw) – Crosscut saws are for cutting wood and trees, hack saws are for cutting metal, and folding saws are portable and useful for various outdoor tasks like collecting kindling and smaller pieces of firewood.
Screwdriver – Be sure to get a multi-bit, ratcheting screwdriver, which will be useful for all sorts of tasks.
Shovels (Pointed and Flat) – This is another one that's pretty obvious. Pointed shovels are better for digging and excavation, and flat shovels are better for lifting and moving heavy materials.
Sledgehammer – Great for demolition or driving stakes.
Staple Gun – Used for fastening materials such as attaching fabric or insulation.
Utility Knife – Handles a variety of cutting jobs. Be sure it has a retractable blade.
Wire Cutter / Crimper – The best tool for cutting and stripping electrical wires.
Wrenches (Adjustable, Allen) – An adjustable wrench can fit any bolt size, while an Allen wrench set is for hexagonal bolt heads commonly found in furniture.

Supplies for Disaster Preparedness

Caulk – Essential for sealing cracks, joints, and seams to prevent water, air, and insects from entering.
Contractor Bags – These heavy-duty bags are great for cleaning up debris and waste as they're very difficult to tear.
Duct Tape – This stuff is popular for a reason. It's great for quick repairs, sealing leaks, and temporarily securing materials. There are literally dozens of uses for duct tape.
Electrical Tape – Essential for repairing electrical wiring, which could be crucial after a disaster.
Insulation – This stuff can be used to quickly patch holes or fix damaged walls, keeping hot or cold air out.
Lumber – You may need this for structural repairs, constructing shelters, or reinforcing existing structures.
Nails (Various Sizes) – A basic necessity for all sorts of repair and construction projects.
Nuts and Bolts (Various Sizes) – Like nails, these have all sorts of uses, from construction projects to repairing machinery.
Paracord – Very popular among preppers because it's light yet extremely strong. You can use it as cordage securing tarps, building shelters, and countless other things.
Plastic Sheeting – Great for temporary repairs on windows or roofs, and as a moisture barrier. You could also use it to collect rainwater or make a solar still.
PVC Pipes – This is mainly for plumbing repairs, but you can also use it to build frames for shelters or greenhouses.
PVC Primer and Cement – These are necessary for properly installing or repairing PVC pipes. The primer cleans and softens the PVC, preparing it for the cement, which acts as an adhesive, creating a watertight seal between two pipes.
Roof Cement – This is great for temporary cracks and leaks in the roof.
Roof Seal Repair Tape – This comes in many sizes and will create a waterproof and airtight until you can get your roof properly fixed.
Rope – While you could use paracord, rope is better for tasks like bundling heavy debris.
Sandbags – Essential for flood control. If you live in a flood zone, you should definitely keep a stockpile of sandbags to protect your home.
Screws (Various Sizes) – Like nails, these are a basic necessity. While you could use nails for everything, screws provide a much stronger hold.
Sealant – Sealants such as Flex Spray is great for leaks or cracks in hard-to-reach places, and it's perfect for waterproofing areas where normal caulk or tape can’t reach.
Staples – For fastening materials like insulation, plastic sheeting, roofing felt, etc.
Tarp – Provides immediate protection for broken windows or damaged roofs, and it can be used as a quick privacy screen or for building an emergency shelter.
Weatherstripping – This is used to seal gaps around doors and windows, which is very important when you're trying to keep your home cool or warm without an air conditioner or heater.
Wire – Handy for making temporary repairs and securing materials.
Wood (Boards and Plywood) – Boards are important for general repairs and construction, while plywood is useful for boarding up windows and doors before a storm or covering damaged areas.

Again, you don't have to go out and buy all of these tools and supplies. Look around your home and neighborhood, think about what types of damage is most likely or would be most urgent to fix after a disaster, then get what you need for those things.

Safety Equipment

Dust Mask – This is very important during woodworking and especially important after a disaster when dust and particulate matter has been stirred up.
Ear Protection – Important when using power tools, but they could also be good to have when trying to sleep during something like a hurricane (as long as someone is awake and keeping watch).
Fire Escape Ladder – If your home has two or more stories or you live in an apartment building, this could save your life.
Hard Hat – Necessary when you're on a construction site, but it's also worth wearing if you're inside a house or structure that has been seriously damaged.
Knee Pad – Great to have during any construction or repair projects that require you to be on your knees, especially if you're older than most.
Reflective Tape – This could keep you safe if you're working outdoors near a road at night. It'll ensure drivers spot you.
Respiratory Mask – Unlike a dust mask, this can also keep out gas and smoke.
Safety Glasses – Protects your eyes from flying debris and chemical splashes, which could be common after a disaster that seriously damages structures. Also important to have when working with power tools.
Work Boots – Ordinary shoes won't protect your feet from sharp objects, heavy falling items, and hazardous materials, which you could encounter after a major disaster.
Work Gloves – Extremely important for protecting your hands from cuts, burns, and exposure to harmful chemicals during cleanup, salvage, and reconstruction.

Prepare Your Home for Disaster

If a hurricane or any kind of bad weather is headed your way, you should do the following things to prepare your home:

Secure Loose Outdoor Items

Remember to secure or bring inside any outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, bird feeders, children's toys, and other things that could blow away in strong winds.

Check the Roof and Gutters

Check your roof for any damaged or loose shingles and repair them to prevent rainwater from leaking into your home. Make sure the gutters and downspouts are clear to prevent rainwater from overflowing.

Also check for any overhanging branches that could break off and damage your home during a storm. Cut them down or hire someone to do it.

Check and Maintain Sump Pumps

If you have a basement, make your sump pump is working correctly and get a battery backup for when the power goes out.

Prepare for Floods

Floods are becoming more and more common in the Eastern U.S. and many other places around the world. If you live in or anywhere near a flood zone, here are a couple things to do:

Stack sandbags around your home to help keep water away.
If possible, get critical utilities such as electrical panels, sockets, and appliances off the floor.

Reinforce Your Doors

If your doors aren't properly secured, they could blow open during a tornado or hurricane. Here are a few things you can do to make them stronger:

Upgrade Hinges and Screws – Replace the screws in your door hinges with longer, stronger screws that go deeper into the door frame and wall studs.
Install Deadbolts – Add heavy-duty deadbolts if you don’t already have them. The bolt should extend deep into the door frame.
Use a Security Bar – Place a security bar against the inside of the door to further strengthen it against high winds.

Reinforce Your Windows

This is very important if a hurricane is on the way. There are several ways to protect your windows. Here are your options:

Storm Shutters – Commercial storm shutters can be rolled down or closed when a storm approaches. Options include accordion, roll-down, or Bahama-style shutters.
Plywood Covers – Cut plywood to fit your windows and secure them with screws or bolts before a storm. Make sure the plywood is at least 5/8-inch thick and extends beyond the window frame. If you have a brick house, you'll need a masonry bit and either concrete screws or sleeve anchors.
Impact-Resistant Windows – Consider upgrading to hurricane windows designed to withstand debris and high winds. They're more expensive, but you won't need shutters or plywood, and the added insulation could lower your power bill.
Window Film – If you can't do any of the other things, at least get some shatter-resistant safety film for your windows. It won’t stop them from breaking, but it will hold the glass shards together.

Repairing Your Home After a Disaster

If your home is seriously damaged during a storm, you'll probably need to hire someone to fix things like electrical wiring, gas or water pipes, damaged walls and roofs, etc. But there are a few things you should learn to do yourself—things that will at least keep out the wind and rain until you can hire some professionals.

How to Fix a Damaged Door

If you have a door that won't lock or close due to damage, here's what you can do:

Assess the Damage – See if the problem is the door itself, the frame, or the lock. If the door has warped or the frame has shifted, it might not be possible to align the door.
Adjust the Hinges – If the door isn’t hanging correctly, tighten any loose screws on the hinges. If screws won't hold because the wood is stripped, replace them with larger screws that can grip the wood better.
Realign the Door – If the door is sticking or not meeting the frame correctly, you might need to plane down high spots or pad the hinges to change the angle at which the door hangs.
Fix the Lock – If the lock isn’t working, try spraying it with some WD-40. If the lock is damaged, you may need to replace it. For temporary security, install a portable lock that can be used from the inside.

Here are some more ideas on how to secure a door without a lock.

How to Fix a Broken Window

If a window is broken, you'll need to cover it until it can be properly replaced. Here's what to do:

Clear the Area – Carefully remove any shards of glass from the windowpane and sweep up any glass on the floor.
Cover the Cracks – For parts of the window that are still there, cover the cracks with tape. This will keep the glass together and stop it from getting worse.
Cover the Window – Use a tarp, thick plastic sheeting, or even heavy-duty trash bags. Make sure it will cover the entire opening. If you have cardboard, put that up before you add the plastic cover.
Secure the Covering – Attach the plastic or tarp to the window frame using duct tape. Make sure the cover is tight and secure to prevent wind and rain from getting in. If possible, hang up a covering on both the inside and outside.

Here are some more details on how to cover a broken window.

How to Fix a Leaky Roof

If you notice water spots or signs of a leak in your roof after a storm, here's what to do:

Safety First – Before attempting this, make sure it's safe to access the roof. Don't get on the roof if it's still wet and slippery.
Find the Leak – If the leak is obvious, you shouldn't have much trouble finding it while on the roof. Look for any missing shingles, damaged flashing, or holes.
Clear Debris – Remove any debris such as branches, leaves, and other materials that could be blocking water flow and causing pooling.
Patching – For holes or cracks, you can use roofing tar, roof cement, or roof repair tape. Apply the adhesive to the hole or crack. Place a piece of plywood or a shingle over it for extra coverage.
Use a Tarp or Plastic Sheeting – Cover the affected area and secure it by nailing down the edges into sturdy parts of the roof, making sure to drive the roofing nails into the rafters. Weigh down the edges with boards to stop wind from lifting the tarp. Also, make sure the tarp extends over the ridge of the roof to prevent water from running underneath it.
Seal Around Vents and Chimneys – If there are any leaks around vents or chimneys, use roofing tar or cement to seal any gaps.

Here's more information on how to temporarily patch a roof leak.

Isolating Damaged Utilities

If there's damage to gas lines or electrical wiring, turn off the main switches or valves to prevent accidents like fires or gas leaks. You may need a gas shutoff tool for this.

If there's damage to pipes, gas lines, or electrical wiring, turn off the main switches or valves to prevent accidents like fires or gas leaks. You may need a gas/water shut-off tool. If you had to turn off the gas, don't turn it back on until a professional can inspect the gas lines.

More Info on Home Repair

Home Safety

There's more to home safety than preparing for floods or hurricanes. You should inspect your entire home to make sure it's as safe as possible. Here are a few things to check:

Ensure House Numbers Are Visible – Make sure your house numbers are clearly visible from the street, both during the day and at night. This helps emergency responders find you.
Check the Plumbing for Leaks – Inspect pipes under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances for any signs of leakage. Look for moisture, puddles, or water stains on ceilings and walls which could indicate hidden leaks.
Inspect HVAC System – Make sure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is working efficiently. Replace filters and schedule regular maintenance to keep it in good condition.
Check for Environmental Hazards – Test for radon, check for asbestos in older homes, and look for signs of mold or mildew, especially in damp areas like basements and bathrooms.

Fire Safety

Fire is one of the most dangerous potential hazards. If a fire breaks out, you'll only have minutes or perhaps even seconds to get out before the smoke knocks you unconscious. Here are some things you should do to prevent and prepare for a fire:

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Make sure you have plenty of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and that they're all working. Change the batteries on a regular basis.
Inspect Electrical Systems – Look for any exposed wires or frayed cords and make sure all outlets and switches are working properly. Be sure electrical equipment is plugged into a surge protector.
Look for Fire Hazards – Keep flammable materials away from stoves and heaters, and make sure all appliances are in good working order. And unplug your toaster when you're not using it. Also be sure flammable liquids—such as gasoline—are stored away from the house (a shed in the backyard is better than your garage).
Make Sure Escape Routes Are Easy To Access – Test all your windows to make sure they open and close easily. Also keep clutter away from exits so that boxes, furniture, etc. aren't slowing down someone trying to escape. If your home has a second or third story, purchase a fire escape ladder.

Fire Extinguisher

I almost put this in the list of safety equipment, but I decided it's so important that it needs its own section. After a major disaster, fires could become much more common, especially if there isn't running water. Plus, the fire department might be overwhelmed and unable to help everyone.

That's why it's critical that you have your own fire extinguisher and know how to use it. There are five main types of fire extinguishers: class A, class B, class C, class D, and class K. Each is designed for a different type of fire.

Fortunately, you don't need to get all of them. There are also multipurpose fire extinguishers which can handle any type of fire you're likely to encounter.

Be sure to keep it in a location that is easy to reach. If you have a two-story house, keep one on each floor. Also, make sure you know how to use it ahead of time.

Fireproof Safe

I also nearly put fireproof safe under the list of supplies, but I don't want you to think this one is optional. Everyone needs one of these.

It isn't just for protecting valuables like cash, jewelry, and survival gear. You also want to use it to protect important documents that you may need after a disaster.

Fire Drill

The only way to make sure that everyone in your family is ready for a house fire is to practice. Here's what to do:

1. Create a Fire Escape Plan

Identify Exits – Make sure everyone knows at least two ways to exit each room.
Designate a Meeting Spot – Choose a safe location outside, like a specific tree, where everyone will gather after evacuating.
Plan for Special Needs – Consider young children, elderly family members, and pets, and assign someone to help them during the drill.

2. Explain the Plan

Walk Through the Escape Routes – Show everyone the planned exits from each room and how to safely reach the meeting spot.
Discuss Emergency Procedures:
- Stay Low – Emphasize the importance of staying low to the ground to avoid smoke.
- Use a Wet Towel – Explain how to cover your mouth and nose with a damp towel or cloth to help filter out smoke.
- Feel Doors for Heat – Teach everyone to feel doors with the back of their hand before opening them. If the door is hot, use another exit.

3. Conduct the Drill

Sound the Alarm – Use your home’s smoke detector or simulate an alarm to start the drill.
Evacuate – Have everyone practice staying low to the ground and using a wet towel as they move to the nearest exit.
Time the Drill – Aim to get everyone out within 2-3 minutes.

4. Regroup and Review

Headcount – Make sure everyone reached the meeting spot safely.
Identify Issues – Discuss any challenges faced during the drill, such as blocked exits, difficulty staying low, or confusion.
Plan Improvements – Make adjustments to the fire escape plan as needed.

5. Practice Regularly

Frequency – Conduct fire drills at least twice a year. For families with young children, you might want to practice quarterly.

More Info on Home Safety:

Insurance

This month, you also need to check your insurance coverage. This includes automobile, homeowner’s or renter’s, and life insurance. Many people don’t have adequate coverage.

Think about what would happen if you had a fire. Would your insurance cover the replacement of everything you lost as well as rebuilding? If you rent, you may not have thought much about insurance since you don’t own the home, but it's still important.

While the owner of the home will have insurance on the house, they aren’t going to replace your things. Make sure you have renter’s insurance so you can replace furniture, electronics, and other items in your home if needed.

If you don’t have life insurance, you need to investigate sources for it as soon as possible. What would happen to your family if one of the breadwinners were to pass away? For most people, this would cause major hardship without insurance.

You’ll have end-of-life costs as well as the loss of income from a member of your family. Even for children, it’s important to have a small policy to cover end-of-life costs. No one wants to think about losing someone they love, but it’s important to consider it as you prepare to be self-reliant.

Another area of concern is disability. If one of the breadwinners in your family were to become permanently disabled, could you handle the loss of income? Counting on the government for disability payments isn’t the answer.

Make sure you have long-term disability insurance that will supply you with at least a portion of the lost income in an emergency.

Skills and Supplies Checklist for Month 6

Gather any necessary tools for your home.
Gather any repair supplies you may need.
Be sure to get safety equipment as well.
Prepare your home for disaster.
Reinforce your doors and windows.
Learn and practice temporary home repairs.
Inspect your home to be sure it's safe.
Make sure your home doesn't have any fire hazards.
Create and practice a fire escape plan with your family.
Get a fire extinguisher and learn to use it.
Get a fireproof safe and put valuables and important documents inside.
Make sure you have renter's insurance, homeowners insurance, and life insurance.
Set aside $40 cash.

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