Emergency Preparedness Checklist

A comprehensive household readiness plan covering water, food, first aid, communications, and evacuation for power outages, natural disasters, and civil emergencies.

home, health, productivity

by Morris

Water Storage

Store at least 1 gallon per person per day for a minimum of 14 days (28 gallons for 2 people).

  • Calculate your household water target (1 gal/person/day x 14 days)
  • Purchase food-grade 5-gallon water jugs (aim for 6-8 jugs per 2-person household)
  • Fill containers and store in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight
  • Stock at least 50 water purification tablets (Aquatabs or Potable Aqua iodine tablets)
  • Purchase a gravity-fed water filter (LifeStraw Mission 5L or Sawyer Squeeze 32oz)
  • Identify and locate the main water shutoff valve for your home
  • Store a large collapsible water container (WaterBOB 100-gallon bathtub liner)

Food Supply

Build a 2-week supply of non-perishable food requiring minimal preparation and covering 2,000-2,500 calories per adult per day.

  • Calculate caloric target: 2,000-2,500 calories/adult/day x 14 days = 28,000-35,000 calories per person
  • Stock 14-day supply of calorie-dense staples: white rice (10 lbs), dried lentils (5 lbs), oats (5 lbs), peanut butter (4x 16oz jars)
  • Add 24 cans of protein: tuna, salmon, chicken, beans, chickpeas (mix varieties)
  • Purchase a manual can opener and keep it in the food kit
  • Stock comfort and morale foods: instant coffee, tea, hard candy, chocolate bars, shelf-stable crackers
  • Set up a rotation log: spreadsheet or paper list of all stored items with expiration dates
  • Store a propane camp stove (Coleman 2-burner) with 4 extra 1-lb propane canisters
  • Include no-cook meals for the first 72 hours in case cooking is unsafe or impossible

First Aid Kit

Build a comprehensive kit beyond the standard drugstore version - stocked for trauma, wound care, and illness management over 14 days without professional medical access.

  • Purchase a base kit (Adventure Medical Kits Weekender or similar) and expand it
  • Stock wound care supplies: 20x gauze pads (4x4 and 2x2), 2x Israeli bandages, 2x tourniquets (CAT or SOFTT-W), 1 roll medical tape
  • Add blister and burn supplies: moleskin padding, 2nd Skin gel sheets, silver sulfadiazine cream, non-stick Telfa pads
  • Stock OTC medications: ibuprofen (200 tabs), acetaminophen (200 tabs), diphenhydramine (50 tabs), loperamide (24 tabs), antacid (Tums, 150 tabs)
  • Include tools: medical-grade scissors (trauma shears), tweezers, digital thermometer, CPR face shield, N95 masks (10 pack), nitrile gloves (20 pairs)
  • Add eye wash saline (500ml bottle) and sterile eye pads (5 pack)
  • Take a hands-on first aid and CPR/AED course (Red Cross or Stop the Bleed certified)

Medications and Medical Needs

Secure a 90-day supply of prescription medications and plan for special medical equipment that may require power or refrigeration.

  • Request 90-day prescription refills from your doctor and confirm insurance coverage
  • Photograph or photocopy all prescription labels and store copies in your documents kit
  • Plan refrigeration for temperature-sensitive medications (insulin, certain biologics)
  • Document all household members' blood types, allergies, and chronic conditions on one laminated card
  • Stock a 7-day supply of contact lenses or an updated pair of backup glasses
  • Plan for medical equipment requiring power: CPAP machines, nebulizers, electric wheelchairs

Documents Kit

Compile physical and encrypted digital copies of all critical documents in a waterproof, grab-and-go format.

  • Gather and photocopy all personal identification documents: passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, driver's licenses
  • Copy insurance policies: health, home/renters, auto, and life insurance - include policy numbers and emergency claim phone numbers
  • Document financial accounts: bank account numbers (last 4 digits only on paper copies), brokerage, mortgage/lease contact
  • Create an encrypted digital backup on a USB drive: scan all documents as PDFs, encrypt with VeraCrypt or store in a Bitwarden vault
  • Add copies of property records: deed or lease agreement, vehicle titles, recent utility bills (proof of address)
  • Store a copy of recent tax returns (last 2 years) for proof of income and identity

Communication Plan

Establish a household communication strategy that does not depend on internet access or functional cell networks.

  • Designate one out-of-area contact (in another state or region) as the family communication hub
  • Establish 2 household meeting points: one near home (neighbor's driveway, corner park) and one further away (school, library, community center)
  • Download offline maps of your region on Google Maps or Maps.me before a crisis
  • Purchase a hand-crank or solar emergency weather radio (Midland ER310 or Kaito KA500)
  • Obtain FRS/GMRS walkie-talkies (BaoFeng BF-888S or Motorola T600) for local communication within 1-2 miles
  • Write the out-of-area contact number, meeting points, and evacuation route on a laminated card stored in every family member's wallet or go-bag

Power and Lighting

Maintain the ability to power critical devices, provide lighting, and operate safely without grid electricity for at least 72 hours.

  • Purchase a 20,000+ mAh portable power bank (Anker 737 or Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC) and keep it charged above 80%
  • Invest in a solar charging panel (BigBlue 28W or Jackery SolarSaga 60W) to recharge power banks during extended outages
  • Stock 30+ AA and AAA batteries and 6 lithium AA batteries for critical devices
  • Keep 3 flashlights with fresh batteries: one per adult household member plus a spare
  • Store 20 long-burning emergency candles (Coghlan's 36-hour survival candles) with waterproof matches and lighters
  • Research portable generators: consider inverter generator (Honda EU2200i) if budget allows; plan for fuel storage (5 gallons of stabilized gasoline)
  • Purchase 4 battery-powered LED lanterns (AmazonBasics LED Lantern or Black Diamond Apollo) for area lighting

Evacuation Bag (Go-Bag / 72-Hour Kit)

Prepare a ready-to-grab bag for each adult containing 72 hours of survival essentials. The bag should be grabbed without thinking when you have 5 minutes to leave.

  • Select a durable backpack (45-65L for adults, 20-30L for children): Osprey Farpoint 55 or Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault Pack
  • Pack 72-hour food supply for the bag: 6,000-7,500 calories of no-cook items per adult
  • Include a 3-liter hydration reservoir (Platypus or Camelbak) or 3x 1-liter Nalgene bottles, plus purification tablets
  • Pack clothing: 2 changes of moisture-wicking underwear and socks, 1 insulating mid-layer (fleece), 1 waterproof shell jacket, 1 warm hat and gloves
  • Add shelter and sleep: emergency bivy sack (SOL Escape Lite), 550 paracord (50 feet), and a compact tarp (Aqua Quest Defender 10x10)
  • Include essential tools: multi-tool (Leatherman Wave+), fixed-blade knife, duct tape (30 feet wrapped around a pencil), fire-starting kit (Bic lighter, ferrocerium rod, waterproof matches)
  • Add hygiene basics: hand sanitizer (8oz), N95 masks (5), toilet paper (travel roll), trowel for cat holes, biodegradable soap (Dr. Bronner's travel size), toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Store the go-bag near the front door or in a closet accessible without entering main living areas

Home Safety

Audit structural and fire safety systems, and reduce hazards that worsen during earthquakes, storms, and power failures.

  • Install smoke detectors in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home (including basement)
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector on each level and outside sleeping areas (Kidde 7COC3 or First Alert CO710)
  • Place a 5-lb ABC fire extinguisher in the kitchen and a second one in the garage or utility room
  • Test all smoke and CO detectors monthly using the test button; replace batteries annually
  • Locate and label the main electrical panel breakers; identify the main breaker and know how to shut off power to the whole house
  • Secure tall furniture (bookshelves, water heaters, refrigerators) to wall studs with anti-tip straps
  • Locate and practice operating the natural gas shutoff valve; store a gas shutoff wrench near the meter

Financial Emergency Buffer

Build financial resilience that does not depend on electronic payment systems, bank access, or functioning ATMs.

  • Keep $200-$500 cash at home in small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) in a fireproof safe or hidden location
  • Establish a 3-6 month emergency fund in a high-yield savings account (Marcus, Ally, or similar)
  • Know your credit card cash advance limits and PIN numbers; these work even when online banking is inaccessible
  • Photograph all credit cards, debit cards, and loyalty cards (front and back); store images in your encrypted digital backup
  • Review your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy: confirm coverage for flood, earthquake, and additional living expenses (ALE)

Special Needs Planning

Account for household members and pets with requirements that standard emergency plans overlook - infants, elderly, disabled, and animals.

  • Build a pet emergency kit: 14-day food supply per pet, collapsible water bowls, vaccination records, microchip ID, photo of you with each pet, leash/carrier, and 1 week of any pet medications
  • For infants: stock 3-week supply of formula (if formula-fed), diapers, wipes, infant acetaminophen, and a manual breast pump if breastfeeding
  • For elderly household members: document mobility limitations, create a written plan for evacuation assistance, and identify neighbors who can help
  • Plan for individuals requiring refrigerated medications (insulin, some biologics): acquire a FRIO insulin cooling wallet and identify the nearest facility with backup power
  • Identify and brief 2 neighbors or nearby friends who can check on vulnerable household members if you are not home during an emergency

Practicing and Maintaining the Plan

An emergency plan is only effective if it is regularly practiced, updated, and stocked with non-expired supplies.

  • Schedule a biannual supply rotation audit (every April and October): check expiration dates on food, water, medications, and batteries
  • Conduct a fire evacuation drill with all household members twice per year
  • Walk the full evacuation route by car and on foot at least once per year
  • Review and update the communication plan annually: confirm the out-of-area contact is still reachable and willing, verify all phone numbers, and update meeting points if you have moved
  • Test all battery-powered devices during the biannual audit: radios, flashlights, walkie-talkies, smoke detectors
  • Take a refresher first aid course every 2 years and re-certify CPR every 2 years (AHA or Red Cross standards)
  • Update your preparedness plan after any major life change: new baby, new medical condition, relocation, change in household members, or a nearby disaster event
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