Do you really know what to expect when the grid goes down? Preparation is important to not only keep yourself safe but your family as well. There's no such thing as being too prepared. So before that floor caves in and those walls come down, this is what you need to do to prepare for an unexpected collapse:

Get your food and water supplies in order
For some it may mean stocking up on pantry items and bottled water, whereas for others it may been purchasing additional freeze dried food and fillable water containers. Regardless of your situation, get your food and water supplies in order sooner rather than later.

Have at least two ways to filter water
Consider a Berkey or other system such as a LifeStraw Family as well as personal devices such as the Sawyer Mini or personal Lifestraw. Pool shock is an excellent option but only if you know how to use it safely.

Establish a cash fund, preferably in small bills
If the grid goes down, banks credit cards, and ATMs will no longer work. If there is a major economic collapse, banks and our government may ration access to our own funds. Think it won’t happen? Look at recent events in Venezuela and think again.

Ensure you have both the means and fuel that will allow you to cook outdoors and without power for an extended period
Build or buy a rocket stove, build or buy a solar oven, and learn how to use same. Extra tanks of propane are a good idea just be sure to check with local authorities who may have limits as to how much can be legally stored on your property.

Gather extra first aid and medical supplies
Think about sick room supplies as well as basic first aid supplies. In addition, get at least one good book on dealing with medical emergencies when help is not on the way.

Study alternatives to prescription drugs
There are a lot of choices when it comes to alternative medicine. Start a medicinal herb garden and learn to effectively use essential oils to resolve common medical issues.

Bolster Home Security to Discourage the Bad Guys
Examine your locks and the foliage surrounding your home. Is your lighting bright enough to spot and possible take target on intruders?

Prepare yourself psychologically to defend your turf
There are many ways to defend yourself and your property. Some involve firearms and some do not. Whatever you do, have a good chat with yourself to determine what you are willing to do (or not) and why. This is an important aspect of personal defense; do not ignore it.

Keep your vehicle in good operating condition and keep the gas tank topped off at all times
Hopefully you will not need to evacuate but if you do, you want to be ready. Don’t forget to periodically check your battery and tires, including the spare.

Stock up on basic hygiene supplies
Whether you are experiencing a short or long term disruptive event, you are going to want to maintain proper hygiene. Wash your hands as often as you can, and make copious use of alcohol based hand sanitizers. This is one area where you do not want to scrimp.

Know how to deal with waste if there is no running water or traditional sewers are no longer functional
There is a whole lot more to dealing with waste than having 48 rolls of toilet paper. If the sewer system is no longer functional you are going to need buckets, bags, odor control, and some way to dispose of waste.

Establish where you will go and how you will get there if forced to evacuate
Although being able to shelter in place is always the best option, if your home is destroyed or the environment dangerous, you need to be prepared to leave and leave quickly. Identify in advance both where you will go and the routes you will take to get there.

Is there anything else you can think to include on this list? Let us know below! Remember, there is no such thing as preparing too much. When the collapse takes place it's better to know what steps to take next rather than panic. For more information on what to do in the event of a collapse, check out Backdoor Survival!

Featured Image via Flickr