Prepare in a Weekend: How to Easily Get Your Family Emergency Ready in Just 48 Hours

If an emergency happened tomorrow, would your family be ready?

This question can feel stressful and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to. Getting prepared doesn't mean you have to head down the doom and gloom path. You don't need a bunker in your backyard or a basement stocked full of firearms. Being prepared simply means taking concrete steps to ensure your family has what it needs during a short-term emergency.

The good news is, you can get ready for a 72-hour emergency in just one weekend.

Yes, you heard that right. You can knock out the essentials in only 48 hours.

Today, I’m breaking down what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task: preparing for your foundational emergency, the 72-hour event.

When I was in the military, planning was part of my everyday life. The planning process we used was structured and practical. It began with clearly defining an end state or goal, then breaking it down into manageable parts so we didn't feel overwhelmed. I love bringing that same approach to prepping.

If you've ever thought, "I want to get ready, but I'm completely overwhelmed and don't know where to start," then this post is for you.

Let’s tackle it step by step and make it super simple.

Our goal here is being ready for a three-day emergency, which is the basic recommendation from most emergency response organizations like FEMA and the Red Cross.

Let's dive into six practical categories of preparedness, and I'll show you exactly what to do this weekend.The Power of Planning

Your Six-Step Weekend Plan

First things first, let me reassure you—getting prepared doesn't have to be complicated. As a former military officer, I've spent plenty of time planning missions. The military excels at planning because they break everything down into manageable tasks.

The key? Clearly defining your "end state."

For our weekend prep, that end state is simple: being ready for 72 hours without outside help.

The next step is breaking down what you need to do to get to that end state.

I've organized this plan around six categories or "lines of effort": water, food, household supplies, medical supplies, financial preparedness, and communication.

Let's jump in and start prepping!

Saturday Morning: Water First

The simplest place to start is water. You need at least one gallon of water per person, per day, for drinking and hygiene. To be safe, plan on three gallons per person for your three-day supply.

So, if your family includes you, your spouse, and two kids, you'll need about 36 gallons.

Don't overcomplicate it.

Head to your local grocery store or wholesale club and grab cases of bottled water. Cases are easy to store and easy to move around.

If you prefer, gallon jugs work great too. Just find a spot in your garage, basement, or closet to stack and store them neatly.

Saturday Afternoon: Food Your Family Actually Eats

Next, let’s talk food. Don't get caught up in fancy emergency meal planning. Keep it simple and practical.

Think shelf-stable items your family already loves and eats regularly.

This includes peanut butter and jelly, granola bars, trail mix, crackers, ramen noodles, canned soups, and easy-to-prepare meals that only require hot water.

The key is to stock foods you’ll actually use, that require minimal prep, and that can sustain your family comfortably for 72 hours.

Again, you're not planning for gourmet cooking here. You're making sure your family is comfortable, calm, and fed until normal conditions resume or help arrives.

Saturday Evening: Household Supplies

After water and food, gather essential household supplies. Focus on basics that can keep your family comfortable and clean.

This includes toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies.

Don't forget to add plastic sheeting, tarps, and duct tape in case of weather-related damage to your home.

Also, be sure to grab a manual can opener if your normal opener is electric. There’s nothing worse than realizing you stocked canned foods but can't open them.

Finally, while you’re shopping, fill your grill’s propane tank. If the power goes out, you'll still be able to cook food and boil water. After this productive Saturday, you’ve already surpassed what most people have accomplished in emergency preparedness.

Sunday Morning: Medical Basics

On Sunday, turn your focus to medical supplies. Pull together what you already have: band-aids, gauze, medical tape, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and basic medications. Think about supplies for minor injuries like cuts, scrapes, and bruises.

Stock up on over-the-counter medications, allergy pills, pain relievers, cold packs, and basic first-aid supplies. If you're feeling stuck, purchasing a basic family first aid kit is a quick solution, although you may find you'll want to supplement it later.

Sunday Afternoon: Financial Prep

Now it’s time to ensure your finances are ready. Go to your bank's ATM and withdraw some cash in small denominations. Small bills like fives, tens, and twenties are best because, in an emergency, cash may be the only way to purchase supplies or essentials.

While you’re thinking finances, gather critical financial documents. Ensure you have a recent bank statement, insurance policy information, and contact numbers for your financial institutions and insurance providers. Put this information in an easily accessible folder or binder.

Sunday Evening: Communication Essentials

The last step is communication. Write down all important phone numbers and keep them on paper, because you may not have access to your phone in an emergency.

Include numbers for family members, doctors, emergency responders, local hospitals, police, and even local animal shelters if you have pets.

Make sure everyone in your household has a copy, particularly children who may need it if separated from you.

Finally, order an emergency radio from a reliable retailer like Amazon. This radio ensures you receive critical updates and news during power outages.

Congratulations, You’re Prepared!

By Sunday night, you’ve covered all the basics. You have water, food, household supplies, medical essentials, financial preparations, and communication plans in place. That's all it takes to confidently navigate a 72-hour emergency.

If you’ve completed these steps, give yourself a huge pat on the back. You've done something incredibly valuable for your family’s safety and comfort, and you're now better prepared than 90% of people out there.

Remember, preparedness doesn't have to be scary or overwhelming. By simply setting aside a single weekend to get organized, you’re providing your family with security and peace of mind. Preparedness is about confidence, practical planning, and feeling empowered—not scared.

I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell me what part of emergency preparedness feels most challenging for you. I’m here to help you on this prepping journey.

Thanks so much for being here. Let's stay prepared, not scared!