How to prepare for emergencies

• ✺Being prepared reduces panic and confusion during an actual emergency, when clear thinking is hardest.
• ✺Having supplies and a plan ready can make the difference in comfort and safety during power outages, evacuations, or other disruptions.
• ✺Quick access to important documents and contacts speeds up recovery and support after a disaster.

1. 1Identify the hazards most relevant to your area.
2. 2Gather basic supplies: water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, and medications.
3. 3Create a family communication plan with an out-of-area contact and meeting spot.
4. 4Make copies (physical and digital) of key documents like ID, insurance, and medical information.
5. 5Store your kit and documents somewhere accessible in an emergency.
6. 6Review and refresh your kit and plan periodically, especially expired supplies.

Emergency kit

A collection of basic supplies (water, food, first aid, light) prepared in advance for emergencies.

Go-bag

A portable bag with essential supplies and documents ready for quick evacuation.

Out-of-area contact

A person outside your immediate area who household members can check in with if local communication is disrupted.

• ✗Waiting until a storm or emergency is imminent to gather supplies.
• ✗Storing only digital copies of important documents without any physical backup (or vice versa).
• ✗Forgetting to check expiration dates on stored food, water, and medications in a kit.
• ✗Not having a communication plan, leading to confusion if household members are separated during an emergency.

• !Recommended supply quantities (like how much water per person) are detailed on official sites like Ready.gov and may vary based on household size and specific needs.
• !Local emergency management agencies often provide guidance specific to risks in your exact area.
• !People with specific medical needs, pets, or infants should tailor their kit accordingly (extra medication, pet food, formula, etc.).

• Build a basic kit with water, food, light, first aid, and medications.
• Create a family communication plan with a meeting place and out-of-area contact.
• Keep physical and digital copies of important documents accessible.
• Tailor your preparedness to the specific risks common in your area.

Totally optional. Nobody's grading you.

1. 1.Start a basic emergency kit this week with water, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.
2. 2.Make copies of your key documents and store them somewhere accessible.

Related lessons:

• Basic first aid
• How to use a fire extinguisher
• How to organize bills and appointments

• Build a Kit
  Ready.gov (FEMA)(opens in a new tab)
• Make a Plan
  Ready.gov (FEMA)(opens in a new tab)