You don't have enough food, you don't have a wood stove, you have no secondary water source…that's it. You and your family are doomed.

You feel a panicked urgency because you've learned just enough to know that you are NOT prepared. You know that there are all sorts of supplies that you need, but if you're like most of us, you're on a budget. Very few of us can afford to buy everything we need all at once.

Here's a guide

Stop panicking. Take a deep breath. You can devote yourself to getting prepared without breaking the bank.

So if you have to split up your purchases, how do you prioritize your supplies? How can you create a sensible supply quickly before an impending crisis occurs?

The recommendations in this guide for new preppers will help speed you through the preparedness process. Wherever possible, use items that you already have. Consider this a checklist of what you need and fulfill it as you can. In each category there will be a range of options, including some freebies whenever possible, as well as reading material on the subject.