Make A Plan
An emergency plan provides a framework to keep your family safe during a crisis.
- Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Planning
Emergencies and disasters can strike anywhere, sometimes without warning. Make sure you and your family are prepared for whatever may come your way.
Key Questions to Consider
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- Do I have an emergency kit? If so, does it need to be updated?
- What is my evacuation route if I need to evacuate? Where would I go if I need to evacuate?
- What is my family/household’s communication plan?
- Who should be listed as an emergency contact?
Special Planning Considerations
More details and resources are available at ready.gov/plan
Build a Kit
It could take several days for help to arrive if power is lost, businesses close and fallen trees block roads during a disaster. Therefore, it is important to have a three-day supply of necessary items for each member of your household.
The list below should be used as a starting point. All materials should be kept in a waterproof container, if possible. For more information, visit ready.gov/kit.
Food and Water Supplies
- Nonperishable food – at least a three-day supply
- Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
- Manual can opener for food
- Paper products for eating (cups, plates, utensils)
Hygiene and Personal Supplies
- COVID-19 supplies – face-covering/mask, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, disinfectant spray
- Tissues
- Toilet Paper
- Garbage bags
- Soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, feminine supplies, and other personal hygiene items
Medical Supplies
- Medications for at least one week
- Extra contact lenses or glasses
- First-aid kit
- Sunscreen and insect repellant
Tools and Safety Items
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio/NOAA Weather Radio
- Batteries
- Flashlight
- Whistle (to signal for help if needed)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter, backup battery, or solar charger
Once you have the essentials, it's a good idea to add these additional items to your kit. For more information, visit ready.gov/kit.
Hygiene and Personal Supplies
- Extra changes of clothing and sturdy shoes for each person in your household
- Rain gear and towels
- Blankets or sleeping bags
Tools and Safety Items
- Fire extinguisher
- Lighter or matches in a waterproof container
- Emergency reference material such as a first-aid book or information from ready.gov
Documentation and Paperwork
- A written list of each household member’s allergies and medications (for prescriptions, include prescribing doctor’s name and contact information)
- Contact information for primary care and specialty doctors
- Medical and vaccination records
- Identification documentation – driver’s license and passports, birth certificates, social security cards, marriage certificates, etc.
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance
- Proof of residence (deed or lease)
- Recent photo of each of your household members
Financial Supplies
- Cash or traveler’s checks and change
- Bank account records
Comfort Supplies
- Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for kids
- Paper and pencil
Communication Information
- Phone number and email addresses for household members
- Extended family/friends phone numbers and other out-of-town contacts
- Phone numbers for emergency services, utility service providers, insurance companies, etc.
Page Last Updated: March 16, 2022