Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Disaster Supplies Kit

  • Store 1 gallon of water per person per day in sealed containers (replace every 6 months)
  • Non-perishable food and manual can opener
  • Extra clothing, rain gear, blankets, and sturdy shoes
  • First aid kit, medications, and prescription glasses
  • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
  • Cash, credit cards, car keys, and family physician contact info
  • Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members

Emergency Planning

  • Identify safe spots in your home for different disaster types
  • Create floor plans with two escape routes per room
  • Teach family members to shut off utilities at main switches
  • Post emergency numbers near phones
  • Practice evacuation drills twice yearly
  • Designate out-of-state and local contact persons
  • Establish two reunion locations (near home and outside neighborhood)

Fire Safety

  • Plan two escape routes per room
  • Practice fire drills twice yearly
  • Install smoke detectors on every level (test monthly)
  • Keep a whistle in each bedroom
  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets
  • Purchase and learn to use a fire extinguisher

Communication Plan

  • Establish a meeting point outside the home
  • Designate an out-of-area contact
  • Ensure all family members know how to use a phone in emergencies
  • Create emergency contact cards
  • Maintain copies of important documents in waterproof containers
  • Store duplicates in a safe deposit box or with a trusted friend

Special Considerations

  • Include medical devices, extra medications, and emergency contact information for seniors or disabled individuals
  • Prepare pet food, leashes, and a carrier for pets
  • Coordinate with employers for emergency protocols and childcare arrangements

Local Hazard Awareness

  • Research community-specific risks (floods, wildfires, etc.)
  • Participate in local preparedness initiatives like PrepareAthon! Day
  • Access FEMA’s free guides at www.fema.gov for customizable checklists and planning tools

Resource Management

  • Maintain a 3-week food supply in non-perishable containers
  • Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day in 5-gallon containers
  • Keep fuel reserves for generators and vehicles
  • Maintain cash reserves for power outages
  • Include medications, tools, and emergency candles in kits

Health & Hygiene

  • Keep first aid kits accessible with medical supplies
  • Practice handwashing and use portable toilets to avoid contamination
  • Stock water purification tablets and filters for emergency water sources

Backup Power & Equipment

  • Maintain generator with spare oil and regular testing
  • Store extra fuel in secure containers
  • Practice generator maintenance and usage

Natural Disaster Preparedness

  • Elevate electrical systems and appliances
  • Install check valves on drain pipes and sewer lines
  • Use sandbags for water diversion and basement protection
  • Store emergency supplies in waterproof containers
  • Create a family communication plan
  • Identify high ground evacuation routes
  • Secure loose items outdoors
  • Maintain a 3-day emergency supply kit
  • Purchase flood insurance

  • Keep important documents in waterproof containers

  • Secure heavy furniture to walls

  • Install flexible gas lines and latches on cabinet doors
  • Keep emergency kits in multiple accessible locations
  • Practice ‘Drop, Cover, Hold On’ drills
  • Identify safe spots in each room
  • Reinforce foundations in seismic zones
  • Prepare a 7-day supply of water (1 gallon per person)
  • Store cash and medications in waterproof containers

  • Create an emergency contact list

  • Clear 30 feet of flammable materials from homes

  • Use fire-resistant roofing materials and ember-resistant vents
  • Maintain a 100-foot defensible space
  • Keep fire extinguishers on each floor
  • Prepare a 2-week emergency supply kit
  • Create a family evacuation plan
  • Keep vehicles fueled and ready
  • Install smoke detectors with battery backups

Evacuation Planning

  • Conduct post-disaster reviews to identify improvements
  • Assign specific roles (generator maintenance, first aid, communication coordination)
  • Establish family hierarchy with clear responsibilities
  • Create detailed emergency plan with evacuation routes, shelter locations, and contingency plans for pets/livestock
  • Conduct post-disaster reviews to identify improvements

Communication Systems

  • Use battery-powered radios for updates
  • Develop communication protocols with family members and neighbors
  • Implement neighbor check-in protocols for vulnerable individuals
  • Prepare go-bags with essential documents in waterproof containers

Health & Hygiene

  • Keep first aid kits accessible with medical supplies
  • Practice handwashing and use portable toilets to avoid contamination
  • Stock water purification tablets and filters for emergency water sources

Backup Power & Equipment

  • Maintain generator with spare oil and regular testing
  • Store extra fuel in secure containers
  • Practice generator maintenance and usage
[KNOWLEDGE CONNECTIONS]
CLOSEST CONNECTIONS