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.
Emergency 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.
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