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If you're like most people, you're probably aware of current trends toward preparedness and self-sufficiency. Even though you've probably got little interest  in going totally off-grid and leading a completely self-reliant lifestyle, you may like some of the aspects of this trend enough to carefully consider implementing some of them yourself — an in some cases, it makes perfect sense to do so because even if disaster never strikes, there are certain preparedness strategies that will flat out save the average homeowner a significant amount of money over time. Following are just three ways you can help save money on utility costs and ensure the comfort and safety of yourself and other household residents if your area should be hit with a natural disaster that disrupts services.

Install Solar Panels

Solar power has moved substantially beyond its roots as an experimental alternative energy form firmly into the mainstream arena as a way to heat and cool homes, provide light sources, and provide power to household appliances such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ranges, toaster ovens, and coffee pots. Because they're out of the developmental stage, modern solar panels are also less expensive than their counterparts of the past. If you live in an area that receives plenty of sun, you may find that solar panels are all you need to fuel your household's energy needs. 

As an added benefit, you may be able to take advantage of the federal government's Solar Power Purchase Agreement program, which will allow you to have the panels installed free of charge as long as you agree to purchase the power the panels generate, often at a lower price than your current average electric bill. 

Install a Rain Catchment System 

Rainwater catchment systems are another excellent way to use a natural resource to provide a necessary household substance at little or no cost to the homeowner. Most rainwater catchments systems harvest rainwater from the roof, which makes more sense than merely catching it as it falls from the sky because roofs provide a large surface area that catches far more water. Along with providing you with a free source of water, it minimizes stormwater runoff, therefore preventing soil erosion on your property. It's also better for watering landscaping plants and vegetable and herb crops because it doesn't contain chlorine or fluoride. Rainwater can be used for any purpose that you would normally use tap water for. 

However, although rainwater is usually safe to drink, cook with, and bathe in, you may want to take the added precaution of boiling and/or filtering it before doing so. This is particularly recommended if you're using runoff from a roof — keep in mind that anything that's on the roof as well as in your immediate atmosphere ends up in the water. If you live in an area that experiences a great deal of precipitation, you may want to consider adding a standalone rain barrel for water you intend on using for personal purposes.

Install a Water Well 

Water wells provide another way to generate water for household use, and it's often enough so that homeowners don't need to depend on municipal water supplies at all, especially when combined with rainwater catchment systems. Your local water well drilling contractor will be able to provide you with the information necessary to make a decision on whether or not having a well installed is a viable option for you and help you site your well so that it provides safe, clean water for you and your family to use. Most households with private wells use the water in the same ways they'd use water from a municipal source. Modern wells are generally equipped with built-in filtration systems that remove bacteria and other contaminants from the water.