In the year 2025, it’s the unfortunate reality that many of us will be impacted by an emergency or natural disaster at least once in our lifetime. Based on what we’ve heard from experts who are well-versed in handling everything from earthquakes to floods, being prepared for the unthinkable can make a big difference.
Given our extensive research on the topic, we know that many of the preparation tools suggested by the pros can wade into the realm of expensive, which made us wonder: what are the affordable items out there that cost less than $50, but still have big lifesaving potential?
One of the experts that we spoke to for more insight was Mandy Gardner, planning and preparedness manager with IEM, a company that works with some of the largest organizations around the world to improve disaster preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation and long-term recovery.
“Disasters can strike unexpectedly, but the good news is that you can prepare for many types of emergencies with a basic approach called all-hazards preparedness,” Gardner said, a term that means being ready for a wide range of threats without having to plan for every possible risk.
Gardner reminds us that much of emergency preparation begins at home and expands through community involvement.
