Getting ready for winter flooding or other disasters doesn’t have to be a budget-breaker. Try these suggestions for getting ready, without going broke.

Create your own list for a kit. You may not need everything included in the kits available for sale, and there may be additional items you need based on your personal situation. For example, if you have pets, you may need special items.

Don’t forget to have supplies in your car and at work.

Look around your home first for items you can add to your kit. You may be surprised how many items you already have that just need to be pulled together.

Budget emergency preparedness items as a normal expense. Even $20 a month can go a long way to helping you be ready.

Buy one preparedness item each time you go to the grocery store.

Save by shopping sales. Use coupons and shop at stores with camping supplies and used goods.

Test your emergency preparedness kit every six months. Replace and cycle through only those items that have a shelf life, such as water, food and batteries.

You may want to test the radio and flashlight at the same time to make sure they are in working order. Use Daylight Savings dates, Nov. 6 this year, as your preparedness test reminder dates.

Store water in safe containers. You don’t have to buy more expensive bottled water, but make sure any containers you use for water storage are safe and disinfected.

Request preparedness items as gifts. Better than a gift you’ll never use, your friends and family members can give you gifts that could save your life. Don’t forget to protect them with preparedness gifts, too.

Think ahead. You are more likely to save money if you can take your time with focused and strategic shopping. It’s when everyone is at the store right before a storm hits that you might buy things in urgency. Use a list to avoid duplicating items when you are stressed or panicked.

Consider giving up one family night out to fund your family emergency preparedness kit.

For example, taking a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80. Just one night of sacrifice could fund a family emergency preparedness kit.