Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- Create a preparedness binder -- Assess your lighting -- Calculate your water needs -- Look at long-term water needs -- Calculate your food needs -- Design a food storage program -- Store food for the long term -- Build a first-aid kit -- Build a basic tool kit -- Stock up on batteries -- Prepare your car -- Prepare your home -- Review your financial preparedness -- Protect your electronics -- Prepare your kids -- Prepare your pets -- Keep communication open -- Take care of your head, hands, and feet -- Shop for the best buys -- Buy in bulk -- Grow a little garden -- Learn to preserve food -- Cooking in a crisis -- Plan a day of emergency meals -- Ensure food safety -- Deal with garbage -- Keep pests at bay -- Connect with your community -- Plan for entertainment and celebration, too -- Dealing with sanitation -- Dealing with personal hygiene -- Dealing with laundry -- Think about protection and security -- Create a safe room -- Keeping warm -- Keeping cool -- Make an evacuation plan -- Survival hacks -- The prepared bookcase -- Ready, set, practice! -- Afterword: what if it lasts longer? -- Resources -- Recommended reading.