Make A Plan

An emergency plan provides a framework to keep your family safe during a crisis.

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.

Basic Kit SuppliesAdditional Kit Supplies

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
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