April 15^th is a day that looms large for taxpayers in the U.S.  As we lined up at the post office to mail in our last-minute returns, many of us passed the time dreaming of how we’ll use our refund checks. Using your tax refund to boost your emergency preparedness is an investment in peace of mind, and one you’ll always be glad you made.

We always encourage people to take time to check their emergency supplies and review emergency plans. Just like many people check their smoke detector batteries on their birthdays, April 15^th is a good reminder day because it never slips by unnoticed! Besides the easy-to-remember date, a long winter has passed and it’s the perfect time to replace or upgrade supplies.

Check the Basics

If you want to start with the basics, take a look at FEMA’s Recommended Supplies List
.  This can help you put together a basic emergency kit and get you thinking about the kinds of things you need, such as food, water, a first aid kit, matches, candles, batteries and prescription medicine.  If you already have the basics under control, now is a great time to perform some general maintenance.  Replace any batteries, prescription medicine and first aid supplies that may have expired. Take some time to review new emergency gadgets that have come out in the last year and make a list of what you’d like to add to your own plan.

When it comes to an emergency food supply, we’ve got options for everyone. Our easy-to-use calculators will help you choose the perfect emergency food supply for you and your family.  And with 72-hour emergency kits starting at just $39.95, ReadyWise Kits can fit within any family budget.

Qualify for a New Deduction?

Did you add a child to the family this year?  Use that extra tax deduction to add to your emergency food supply.  ReadyWise offers freeze-dried milk, fruits vegetables and meats that kids love. If they’re old enough to safely handle hot water, they can even learn to make their own quick meals.

Vacation Meal Planning

Lots of people use tax refunds for vacations, so if you’re planning to use your refund for that long overdue hiking, fishing, camping, RV or hunting vacation in the great outdoors, we’ve got you covered there as well. Check out our easy-to-carry meals, survival kits, water filtration and purification systems, and fire starters that you’ll enjoy on your well-deserved escape. Even if you’re taking a road trip or are hopping on a plane, our dehydrated meals make healthy quick snacks and will help you avoid those fast-food landmines!

This year, make your family’s safety a sure thing by using that tax refund to prepare for some of those other uncertainties that life throws at us!