Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Emergencies can happen quickly. A strong preparedness plan helps you protect your household, respond with confidence, and recover faster after severe weather, power outages, evacuations, or other disasters. Use this checklist to review your current readiness and identify gaps before an emergency happens.

Household Emergency Plan

Create a simple plan that everyone in your household understands.

  • Identify the most likely hazards where you live, work, and travel

  • Choose a safe shelter location inside your home

  • Choose a meeting place near your home in case you are separated

  • Choose a meeting place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home

  • Make sure every household member knows how to contact one another

  • Choose an out-of-area emergency contact

  • Write down important phone numbers in case cell phones are lost or dead

  • Plan for children, older adults, people with disabilities, and anyone with medical needs

  • Include pets in your emergency plan

  • Review and practice the plan at least twice a year

Emergency Alerts and Communication

Make sure you can receive warnings even if one system fails.

  • Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone

  • Sign up for local emergency alerts from your city, county, or state

  • Install at least one trusted weather app

  • Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio

  • Follow local emergency management, National Weather Service offices, and local news sources

  • Keep portable chargers or power banks charged

  • Store backup charging cables in your emergency kit

  • Write down key contacts on paper

  • Create a household group text for emergencies

  • Know how you will communicate if cell service is overloaded or unavailable

Emergency Supplies

Build a kit that can support your household for several days without normal services.

Water

  • One gallon of water per person per day

  • At least a three-day supply for each person

  • Extra water for pets

  • Water purification tablets or a water filter

  • Collapsible water containers or jugs

  • Stored water for hygiene and cleaning

Food

  • At least a three-day supply of shelf-stable food

  • Manual can opener

  • Ready-to-eat meals

  • Protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and canned goods

  • Baby food or formula if needed

  • Pet food

  • Disposable plates, cups, and utensils

  • Trash bags and paper towels

Lighting and Power

  • Flashlights

  • Extra batteries

  • Headlamps

  • Battery-powered lanterns

  • Portable phone chargers

  • Solar charger if available

  • Extension cords for safe generator use

  • Battery-powered fans for hot weather

  • Extra charging cables

First Aid and Health

  • First-aid kit

  • Prescription medications

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers

  • Allergy medication

  • Antacids or stomach medication

  • Bandages, gauze, and medical tape

  • Antiseptic wipes

  • Tweezers and scissors

  • Thermometer

  • Disposable gloves

  • Copies of prescriptions

  • Backup eyeglasses or contact lenses

  • Medical devices and backup power if needed

Hygiene and Sanitation

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Soap

  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste

  • Toilet paper

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Wet wipes

  • Towels

  • Disinfecting wipes

  • Trash bags

  • Plastic bags for waste

  • Diapers and baby wipes if needed

  • Portable toilet supplies if appropriate

Clothing and Comfort

  • Change of clothes for each person

  • Sturdy shoes

  • Work gloves

  • Rain gear

  • Warm layers

  • Blankets or sleeping bags

  • Hats, gloves, and socks

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Comfort items for children

  • Books, games, or activities

Important Documents

Keep copies of critical documents in a waterproof container and backed up digitally.

  • Driver’s licenses or state IDs

  • Passports

  • Birth certificates

  • Social Security cards

  • Insurance policies

  • Homeowners or renters insurance documents

  • Flood insurance documents

  • Auto insurance documents

  • Health insurance cards

  • Medication lists

  • Medical records

  • Pet vaccination records

  • Property deed, lease, or mortgage documents

  • Vehicle titles or registration

  • Bank account information

  • Emergency contact list

  • Photos or videos of your home and belongings

  • Receipts for major purchases

  • Copies of wills, powers of attorney, or legal documents if applicable

Home Preparedness

Prepare your home before severe weather or disaster conditions develop.

  • Know how to shut off water, gas, and electricity

  • Test smoke alarms

  • Test carbon monoxide detectors

  • Replace alarm batteries as needed

  • Secure heavy furniture and large appliances

  • Trim weak or overhanging tree branches

  • Clean gutters and downspouts

  • Clear storm drains if safe and allowed

  • Inspect roof, siding, windows, and doors

  • Repair leaks or structural issues

  • Store outdoor furniture, grills, decorations, and trash cans before storms

  • Check sump pumps and consider a battery backup

  • Keep fire extinguishers accessible

  • Make sure everyone knows where emergency supplies are stored

Evacuation Preparedness

Be ready to leave quickly if staying home becomes unsafe.

  • Know your evacuation zone if you live near the coast, rivers, wildfire areas, or flood-prone locations

  • Identify at least two evacuation routes

  • Decide where you would go: family, friends, hotel, shelter, or another safe location

  • Keep your vehicle fueled or charged when severe weather is forecast

  • Keep a go-bag packed or easy to assemble

  • Include medications, documents, chargers, clothing, cash, and personal items

  • Plan for pets before evacuation orders are issued

  • Know which shelters or hotels accept pets

  • Leave early when instructed by officials

  • Never drive through flooded roads

  • Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive

Shelter-in-Place Preparedness

Some emergencies require staying indoors rather than evacuating.

  • Identify the safest room in your home for severe weather

  • Choose an interior room away from windows for tornadoes or high winds

  • Choose an upper level if flooding is possible, but avoid becoming trapped in an attic without an exit

  • Keep emergency supplies close to your shelter area

  • Keep shoes, helmets, flashlights, and a weather radio nearby during tornado threats

  • Close windows and doors during poor air quality or wildfire smoke

  • Use air filtration if available

  • Stay indoors during lightning, extreme cold, extreme heat, or hazardous outdoor conditions

  • Follow official instructions until the danger has passed

Power Outage Preparedness

Plan for outages before they happen.

  • Keep flashlights and batteries in easy-to-find locations

  • Keep phones and power banks charged when severe weather is forecast

  • Have backup lighting that does not rely on candles

  • Keep refrigerators and freezers closed during outages

  • Use generators outdoors only and far from windows, doors, garages, and vents

  • Install carbon monoxide detectors

  • Have backup power for medical devices if needed

  • Store shelf-stable food that does not require cooking

  • Keep extra blankets for cold-weather outages

  • Have battery-powered fans for hot-weather outages

  • Know where you could go for heat, cooling, charging, or medical support during a long outage

Vehicle Emergency Kit

Keep basic emergency supplies in your vehicle.

  • Bottled water

  • Snacks or protein bars

  • First-aid kit

  • Flashlight

  • Extra batteries

  • Phone charger

  • Jumper cables

  • Tire inflator or sealant

  • Basic tools

  • Reflective triangles or flares

  • Blanket

  • Gloves

  • Rain poncho

  • Ice scraper in winter climates

  • Small shovel in winter climates

  • Traction material such as sand or cat litter

  • Paper map

  • Emergency contact information

  • Copies of insurance and registration

Pet Preparedness

Pets need their own emergency supplies and plan.

  • Several days of pet food

  • Water for each pet

  • Food and water bowls

  • Leash, harness, or carrier

  • Waste bags or litter supplies

  • Medications

  • Vaccination records

  • Recent photos of pets

  • ID tags and microchip information

  • Comfort item or toy

  • List of pet-friendly hotels, shelters, or boarding options

  • Plan for who can care for your pet if you are away from home

Medical and Accessibility Needs

Plan ahead for anyone who may need extra support.

  • Keep a list of medical conditions, medications, allergies, and doctors

  • Store extra medication when possible

  • Have backup power for medical equipment

  • Keep mobility aids accessible

  • Plan transportation for anyone who cannot evacuate independently

  • Include hearing, vision, mobility, cognitive, or communication needs in the emergency plan

  • Keep copies of care instructions

  • Identify nearby family, friends, neighbors, or caregivers who can assist

  • Register with local emergency assistance programs if available

Insurance and Property Documentation

Prepare financially and legally before damage happens.

  • Review homeowners or renters insurance

  • Review flood insurance separately if applicable

  • Review wind, hail, hurricane, wildfire, or earthquake coverage if relevant

  • Understand deductibles and exclusions

  • Take photos and videos of each room

  • Document major belongings, appliances, electronics, furniture, and valuables

  • Save receipts for major purchases

  • Store insurance contact information in your phone and emergency documents

  • Know how to start a claim

  • Do not wait until a storm is approaching to review coverage

Financial Preparedness

Disasters can disrupt access to banks, cards, and income.

  • Keep some emergency cash in small bills

  • Keep credit or debit cards accessible

  • Store bank and insurance contact information

  • Set aside emergency savings if possible

  • Know how you would pay for fuel, lodging, food, or temporary repairs

  • Keep digital and paper copies of financial documents

  • Review automatic payments and critical bills after a disaster

  • Watch for scams after emergencies

Hazard-Specific Additions

Hurricane or Tropical Storm

  • Know your evacuation zone

  • Protect windows if needed

  • Secure outdoor items

  • Prepare for power outages

  • Fill vehicle fuel tank or charge EV

  • Review flood and wind coverage

  • Evacuate early if ordered

Tornado

  • Identify your safest shelter location

  • Keep shoes and helmets near shelter area

  • Have a weather radio

  • Move immediately during a Tornado Warning

  • Stay away from windows

  • Do not shelter in a mobile home or vehicle if a sturdy structure is available

Flooding

  • Know whether your home or routes are flood-prone

  • Move valuables to higher levels

  • Consider flood insurance

  • Keep drains and gutters clear

  • Never drive through floodwater

  • Evacuate before routes are blocked

Winter Storm

  • Protect pipes

  • Stock food, water, and medications

  • Prepare backup heat safely

  • Keep blankets and warm clothing available

  • Avoid unnecessary travel

  • Prepare a winter vehicle kit

Extreme Heat

  • Check air conditioning

  • Know where cooling centers are located

  • Drink water regularly

  • Avoid outdoor work during peak heat

  • Check on vulnerable people

  • Watch for heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Wildfire

  • Create defensible space

  • Clear leaves, dead vegetation, and flammable materials

  • Prepare a go-bag

  • Know multiple evacuation routes

  • Monitor air quality

  • Leave immediately if ordered

Monthly Readiness Check

Complete these quick checks once a month.

  • Test smoke alarms

  • Test carbon monoxide detectors

  • Check flashlight batteries

  • Charge power banks

  • Review emergency food and water

  • Check expiration dates

  • Refill medications if needed

  • Update contact lists

  • Review weather alerts and apps

  • Make sure supplies are easy to find

Seasonal Readiness Check

Review your preparedness before each major hazard season.

Spring

  • Prepare for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes

  • Clean gutters and drainage areas

  • Review flood risk

  • Trim weak branches

  • Check weather radio and alert settings

Summer

  • Prepare for hurricanes, heat, wildfire smoke, and power outages

  • Review evacuation plans

  • Check cooling options

  • Store extra water

  • Prepare for outdoor safety risks

Fall

  • Review winter supplies

  • Service heating systems

  • Prepare vehicle for cold weather

  • Clear leaves from gutters

  • Review insurance documents

Winter

  • Protect pipes

  • Stock winter storm supplies

  • Prepare for ice and snow

  • Check backup heat safety

  • Keep vehicle emergency supplies ready

After an Emergency

Use caution after the immediate danger passes.

  • Check yourself and others for injuries

  • Avoid downed power lines

  • Avoid floodwater

  • Do not enter damaged buildings until safe

  • Watch for gas leaks, fire hazards, and structural damage

  • Take photos and videos before cleanup

  • Contact insurance as soon as possible

  • Save receipts for emergency expenses

  • Follow local guidance for drinking water safety

  • Check on neighbors if it is safe

  • Restock supplies after the event

Final Preparedness Review

Use these questions to identify your biggest gaps:

  • Do I know the top hazards where I live?

  • Can I receive emergency alerts at night?

  • Do I have enough water, food, and medication for several days?

  • Do I know where to shelter during severe weather?

  • Do I know when and where I would evacuate?

  • Are my important documents protected?

  • Have I reviewed my insurance coverage?

  • Can I handle a power outage safely?

  • Are pets and medical needs included in the plan?

  • Does everyone in the household understand what to do?

Preparedness does not have to be complicated. The goal is to make key decisions before the emergency, gather practical supplies, and reduce the number of things you have to figure out when time, power, transportation, or communication may be limited.