Emergency Preparedness Hub
Get your family ready before disaster strikes. Plans, kits, contacts, and step-by-step guides — all free, no signup.
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Essential Guides
Emergency Kit Checklist
Everything you need in a go-bag and home supply kit, organized by priority.
Hurricane Preparedness
Pre-season planning, supply lists, evacuation routes, and post-storm recovery steps.
Wildfire Safety
Defensible space, evacuation checklists, air quality tips, and insurance guidance.
Home Fire Safety
Smoke detector placement, escape plans, extinguisher types, and prevention tips.
Earthquake Preparedness
Drop-cover-hold, securing heavy furniture, shutoff valve locations, and aftershock planning.
Emergency Contacts by State
Local emergency management offices, utility hotlines, and disaster relief numbers for every state.
Recommended Products
Midland ER310
Hand crank, solar, NOAA alerts. Reliable power-out communication when you need it most.
LifeStraw Family
Gravity-fed, no power needed, filters up to 18,000 liters of contaminated water.
My Medic MyFAK
Comprehensive, organized, quality components. Built for real emergencies, not just bandaids.
Nest Protect
Split-spectrum sensor detects both fast and slow-burning fires. Voice alerts tell you what and where.
Checklist Quick Reference
- Water — one gallon per person per day, minimum 3-day supply
- Food — non-perishable, 3-day supply per person, plus a manual can opener
- First aid kit — bandages, antiseptic, medications, and personal prescriptions
- Flashlight & extra batteries — one per family member, tested regularly
- Emergency radio — battery-powered or hand-crank with NOAA weather channels
- Copies of important documents — IDs, insurance, medical records in a waterproof bag
- Cash — small bills; ATMs and card readers may be down
- Phone charger — portable battery bank, fully charged
- Whistle — to signal for help if trapped
- Family emergency plan — meeting points, out-of-area contact, evacuation routes
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be in a basic emergency kit?
A basic emergency kit should include: water (one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days), non-perishable food (3-day supply), a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, whistle, dust masks, plastic sheeting, duct tape, moist towelettes, garbage bags, a wrench or pliers, manual can opener, local maps, and cell phone chargers. Tailor the kit for your family's specific needs — infant supplies, pet food, medications, and copies of important documents.
How often should I update my emergency plan?
Review and update your emergency plan at least once a year. A good time is at the start of hurricane season (June 1) or during National Preparedness Month (September). Also update it whenever your family has a major change: new baby, new home, new medical needs, kids changing schools, or elderly parents moving in. Check expiration dates on food, water, and medications every six months.
What documents should I keep in my emergency kit?
Keep copies of: government-issued IDs, birth certificates, Social Security cards, passports, insurance policies (home, auto, health, life), medical records and prescriptions, bank account information, property deeds or lease agreements, and a list of emergency contacts. Store them in a waterproof container or bag, and keep digital copies in a secure cloud service.
How do I prepare my kids for emergencies without scaring them?
Use age-appropriate language and frame preparedness as something your family does together to stay safe — like wearing seatbelts. Practice drills as games, let kids help pack their own go-bag, teach them to memorize your phone number and address, and answer their questions honestly without graphic details. The goal is confidence, not fear.