Prepping on a Budget: 3 Free Resources to Build a Solid Emergency Plan Today

You’ve probably seen headlines about possible changes to FEMA’s funding. We’re not here to debate policy. No matter what the budget looks like, you are your own first responder in the first hours (and sometimes days) of an emergency.

Good news: you can build a strong plan for free. Below are three zero-cost resources—what they are, why they matter, and exactly how to use each in minutes.

1) Ready.gov — The National “What to Do” Playbook

What it is: FEMA’s public preparedness site. It’s one of the most comprehensive, free libraries on emergency readiness.

Why it’s great

  • Covers before/during/after steps for nearly every major scenario: hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, winter storms, extreme heat/cold, plus cyber incidents and chemical spills.

  • Has specialized guidance for older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, pet owners, and more.

  • Lets you sign up for alerts about weather, chemical spills, evacuation orders, and other local hazards.

10-minute win

  1. Open Ready.gov and pick your top two threats (e.g., wildfire + earthquake).

  2. Download or save the checklists.

  3. Add your family’s evacuation map and meeting point to your notes app (or print it).

2) ReadyPlan App — Your Pocket Planner (Free to Download)

What it is: The app we built at Mad Gear so your plans live where you’ll actually use them—on your phone.

Free features

  • Templates for common scenarios you can customize.

  • Built-in sections for inventory lists, go-bags, vehicle checklists, notes, and references.

  • Offline mode so your plan works when cell/Wi-Fi doesn’t.

  • Knowledge checks and achievements to make learning stick.

Premium (optional)

  • AI planning that can auto-generate an inventory list based on your family size, location, and local threats.

  • Groups to collaborate and share plans with family or friends.

  • Unlimited plans for all your scenarios.

10-minute win

  1. Download ReadyPlan and choose a starter template.

  2. Add your household details (names, meds, special needs).

  3. Build one minimal go-bag list and mark anything you already own.

3) Your Local Emergency Management Office — Hyper-Local Intel

What it is: Your county/city emergency management office. Most people never check it—and miss crucial, location-specific info.

Why it’s great

  • Hazard maps & guidance tied to your area (flood zones, wildfire risk, earthquake faults, dam inundation).

  • Nuclear facility info (e.g., potassium iodide distribution) if applicable.

  • Evacuation routes, shelter locations, and where to access essential services during a disaster.

  • Many offices offer classes, community trainings, and sometimes free supplies before/after events.

Find it fast: Search “[your city/county] emergency management office”.

10-minute win

  1. Bookmark your office’s alerts page and evac routes.

  2. Save the non-emergency phone line and key locations (shelters, pharmacies that stay open).

  3. Add this info to your ReadyPlan notes.

Put It Together: Your $0 Starter Plan (30 Minutes)

  1. Pick 2 threats from Ready.gov and save the checklists.

  2. Create one plan in ReadyPlan (home evacuation + meet-up point).

  3. Collect basics you already own: flashlight, batteries, manual can opener, first-aid kit, copies of IDs/insurance.

  4. Write down three emergency contacts on paper (don’t rely entirely on your phone).

  5. Bookmark your local office page and sign up for alerts.

Pro tip: Schedule a recurring 15-minute calendar reminder every 3–6 months to review and update your plan.

Why This Works (Even If FEMA’s Budget Changes)

  • Ready.gov gives you the “what to do.”

  • ReadyPlan turns that into “your plan.”

  • Local offices tell you “what matters here.”

Together, you get national best practices, a personalized tool you can carry anywhere, and local specifics you can’t get elsewhere—all for free.

Your Turn

Which resource are you trying first—Ready.gov, ReadyPlan, or your local office site? If this helped, subscribe for more practical preparedness. And if you want AI to build your first inventory list in seconds, grab the ReadyPlan app and try the premium features with the free trial. Stay safe out there!

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