Summer Sales Offer Good Deals for Disaster Plan

Save on Food & Survival Supplies During Savings and Clearance Events

Jul 4, 2009
Mary King

Tornadoes Can Strike Most Anywhere in the U.S. - blondieb38

U.S. residents are urged take advantage of national holiday sales events. Prepare for the worst with snacks, grills, and disaster supplies sold at cheap summer prices.

Mountains of bagged charcoal, pallets of bottled water, and grills of every size all have one thing in common – besides Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day, that is. Party and picnic items for summer fun and celebrations are on sale in many stores throughout the nation. These items and many others are also on the list of recommended disaster preparation supplies.

When a hurricane threatens the U.S. coastal states, grocery and department store shelves empty quickly of needed materials and food. Persons who live where tornados are likely to strike keep supplies in storm shelters, and even people in flood-prone areas keep disaster kits safely sealed in waterproof plastic. Residents of northern states prepare well in advance for ice and snow storms. Almost everyone needs to keep supplies stocked for emergencies of one kind or another, whether in preparation for a natural disaster or the threat of terrorism.

Summer Sale Items Also Recommended for Disaster Survival Plans

Disaster preparations depend on the region in which one resides and the type of disaster likely to occur. However, there are basic supplies on sale now that everyone can use for survival no matter what the location or incident.

First Aid Kit. Buy one ready-made or make your own. Find sales all summer on bandages, ointments, headache medicine, and pain relievers, just to name a few necessary medical supplies.
Bottled Water. The extreme heat across the U.S. has caused many people to keep at least one or two cases of bottled water on hand. Many stores offer weekly sales, so stock up while prices are low and supplies are plentiful.
Camping Gear. Lanterns, coolers, cooking supplies, inflatable beds, and even tents are continually advertised throughout the summer. Shop during summer sales and clearance events to buy disaster supplies. An inflatable bed is a real back-saver compared to a gym floor in a storm shelter.
Charcoal Grill. Hurricane survivors know how valuable a charcoal grill can be for cooking and heating water after the storm has passed. Grills are sold practically everywhere during the summer months. It's easy to find great prices around Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day. Look for sale prices on charcoal and lighter fluid, too.
Canned Foods, Snack Foods, and Non-Perishable Food Items. Some foods last for months in the pantry. Keep track of freshness dates and replenish supplies as needed. Before summer holiday events, check out sales on snack items, soft drinks, and other popular foods that are quickly grabbed off the grocery shelves the moment a weather disaster is forecast.
Batteries and a Radio. Electronics and batteries are on sale throughout the summer. A simple battery-operated radio is a valuable item when the power goes out.

Disaster Survival Items to Make Life Safer and Easier

There are some items that naturally make life easier. After a disaster strikes, the smallest convenience is suddenly a welcome luxury. The following items are in large supply during warm weather months. Many will be on sale and on clearance so stock up while prices are low.

Disposable Dinnerware. While this may seem like a luxury, disposable utensils and plates are best to use during a disaster to prevent illness. In many situations, regular items cannot be properly washed due to contaminated water supplies.
Insect Repellent. Preventing bug bites means preventing itching, scratching, and possible infection.
Garden Tools. Invest in one or two garden tools, even if it's only a yard rake (not a leaf rake). Yard rakes have sturdy prongs and come in handy for cleaning up small pieces of debris after a storm. Grab one while the sales on gardening supplies are in full swing. Pick up a sturdy pair of gardening gloves, too.
Brooms and Cleaning Supplies. Green cleaners are safest for the environment and are the best choices for storm cleanup. Stock up on bleach, rubber gloves, mops, and brooms.

In spite of warnings urging residents to make preparations and get supplies before storm season begins, a lot of individuals wait until the last minute to prepare for the worst. Some disaster survival items are absolute necessities, such as first aid supplies and water. Other items make living under stressful conditions more tolerable. Take advantage of plentiful supplies and low prices during summer sale events this Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. At the same time, make a disaster supply plan that's affordable.