Emergency Preparedness: The 72-Hour Kit, Family Emergency Plan and Essential Safety Checklist (2026)

- November 01, 2026

Emergency preparedness is not about panic-buying supplies or stockpiling unnecessary items. It is about knowing what to do, having essential supplies available and being able to respond quickly when normal services are disrupted.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, earthquakes, winter storms, extreme heat and prolonged power outages can disrupt everyday life across the United States. Depending on the emergency, you may need to shelter at home, evacuate quickly or manage without electricity, clean water, transportation and other essential services.

The best time to prepare is before an emergency happens.

Following the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) preparedness framework, every household should focus on three priorities:

Get informed: Understand the hazards that could affect your area and know where to receive official emergency warnings.
Make a plan: Establish family communication arrangements, meeting places, evacuation routes and shelter plans.
Build a kit: Store essential food, water, medication, first aid and emergency equipment.

A practical starting point is to prepare for at least 72 hours (three days) without normal services. However, a three-day emergency kit is a starting benchmark, not a guarantee that services will be restored within that period. FEMA and public-health guidance encourage households to consider their individual needs and longer disruptions.

For official guidance, visit Ready.gov, FEMA's national public preparedness website.

1. Understand the Emergency Risks in Your Area

Emergency preparedness should be based on where you live, work and travel. The United States has considerable geographic and climatic diversity, so the hazards facing a household in Florida may be very different from those affecting a household in California, Texas, New York or the Midwest.

Consider the following major U.S. emergency risks.

Hurricanes and Coastal Storms

Atlantic and Gulf Coast communities may face hurricanes, storm surge, extreme rainfall, flooding, destructive winds and prolonged power outages.

Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms

Tornadoes, damaging winds, hail and lightning can occur across multiple regions of the United States. Severe weather can develop quickly, leaving little time to respond.

Wildfires

Wildfires can threaten homes, transportation routes, air quality and water infrastructure. Residents in wildfire-prone communities should prepare evacuation arrangements and monitor official evacuation warnings.

Flooding

Floods can affect coastal areas, river communities, urban neighbourhoods and locations far from major waterways. Heavy rainfall, flash flooding and storm surge can make roads and buildings unsafe.

Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Heavy snow, ice storms, freezing rain and extreme cold can interrupt electricity, transportation, heating and access to essential services.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes can cause structural damage, fires, infrastructure failures and disruptions to water, electricity and telecommunications.

Extreme Heat

Heat waves can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly among older adults, infants, outdoor workers and individuals with underlying health vulnerabilities.

Also consider local risks such as landslides, drought, hazardous-material incidents and extended infrastructure failures.

Important: Do not rely on general regional assumptions. Check local hazard information, evacuation zones and emergency-management recommendations for your specific county, city and state.

Useful resource: FEMA Flood Maps and your local emergency-management office.

2. Create a Family Emergency Plan

Every household should have a written emergency plan. Having food, water and emergency supplies is not enough if family members do not know where to go or how to communicate when separated.

Establish Two or More Meeting Places

Neighbourhood meeting place: A safe location close to home where everyone can meet if they are separated during an incident.
Out-of-neighbourhood meeting place: A location outside the immediate area if the neighbourhood becomes inaccessible.
Out-of-area contact: A trusted relative or friend who can relay information between family members.

Everyone should know the locations, addresses and contact details. Keep printed copies of this information.

Prepare a Family Communication Plan

Maintain an updated list of phone numbers and emergency contacts.
Identify an out-of-area contact who can help family members reconnect.
Agree on a check-in procedure using text messages when voice networks are congested.
Teach children how to contact emergency services and identify trusted adults.
Include workplace, school, daycare and other frequently visited locations in the plan.
Keep important contact information on paper in case phones lose power.

Do not rely exclusively on mobile phones or internet access. Telecommunications networks may become congested or unavailable during major disasters.

Make Arrangements for Vulnerable Household Members

Emergency planning should reflect the needs of everyone in the household, including:

Infants and young children.
Older adults.
Individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations.
People who depend on prescription medicines or medical equipment.
Individuals with special dietary or healthcare requirements.
Pets and service animals.

Identify transportation, caregiving and backup power arrangements where required. People who depend on oxygen concentrators, dialysis equipment or other electricity-dependent medical devices should consult their healthcare providers and utility companies about emergency backup arrangements.

Plan for Pets

Include pets in your evacuation arrangements. Prepare suitable carriers, food, water, medication, vaccination records and identification.

Check in advance which emergency shelters, hotels and temporary accommodation facilities accept pets. Not every public shelter accepts household pets, although service animals are treated differently under applicable accessibility rules.

Official resource: Ready.gov Family Emergency Plan.

3. Build a 72-Hour Emergency Supply Kit

A household emergency kit should contain enough supplies to help your family survive and manage basic needs when normal services are interrupted.

Prepare two levels of supplies:

Home emergency kit: A larger reserve of food, drinking water, medicine and essential equipment.
Portable evacuation kit: A smaller collection of essential supplies that can be carried when leaving your home.

A. Drinking Water

Water is the most important emergency supply.

The CDC recommends storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. This is intended to cover drinking and basic needs such as food preparation and hygiene.

Store at least 3 gallons per person for a basic three-day supply.
Consider a two-week supply where practical.
Store additional water for pregnant individuals, people who are sick, pets and households in hot climates.
Use clean, food-grade containers or commercially bottled water.
Protect water supplies from contamination and extreme storage conditions.
Follow official instructions for replacing stored water and checking bottled-water dates.

Keep additional water for pets and any specific household medical or care needs.

Do not assume that water from rivers, lakes, floodwater or unidentified sources is safe to drink. Follow local health-department instructions if a boil-water advisory or other water-use restriction is issued.

Official resource: CDC: How to Create an Emergency Water Supply.

B. Non-Perishable Food

Store food that requires little preparation, has a long shelf life and can be eaten safely without refrigeration.

Canned vegetables, beans, fish and meat.
Ready-to-eat meals.
Peanut butter and other shelf-stable protein foods.
Crackers, cereal bars and energy snacks.
Nuts and dried fruit.
Powdered milk and shelf-stable beverages.
Food for infants and young children.
Food for individuals with allergies or special dietary requirements.
Manual can opener and basic utensils.

Choose foods that household members already eat. Check expiry dates and packaging integrity regularly.

C. First Aid and Medication

Prepare a first aid kit and an appropriate reserve of essential personal medicines.

Adhesive bandages and sterile gauze.
Antiseptic wipes and wound-cleaning supplies.
Medical tape and disposable gloves.
Scissors and tweezers.
Digital thermometer.
Personal protective equipment appropriate for the household.
Prescription medicines and a current medication list.
Copies of prescriptions and relevant medical records.
Essential medical supplies and backup batteries, where applicable.

Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider how to obtain an appropriate emergency medication supply and how to store temperature-sensitive medicines.

Do not alter prescribed medication doses or substitute treatments simply because normal healthcare services are disrupted.

D. Lighting and Power

LED flashlights or headlamps.
Spare batteries in commonly used sizes.
Battery-powered lanterns.
Fully charged power banks.
Charging cables and adapters.
Portable backup batteries for essential devices.
Battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio.
Backup batteries for hearing aids and medical devices, where needed.

A portable generator may be appropriate for certain households, particularly those with critical power-dependent medical equipment. However, it must be operated safely outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents, and according to the manufacturer's instructions.

E. Communication Equipment

Mobile phone and charging equipment.
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
NOAA Weather Radio-capable receiver, where appropriate.
Printed emergency contact list.
Paper maps of your local area.
Pen and notebook.

NOAA Weather Radio provides continuous weather information and official alerts from the National Weather Service. It offers an additional source of information if mobile networks and internet services are disrupted.

Official resource: NOAA Weather Radio.

F. Important Documents and Cash

Keep copies of important documents in a waterproof, portable pouch.

Driver's licence and state identification.
Passports and other identification documents.
Birth certificates and essential family records.
Health insurance information and medical records.
Homeowners or renters insurance policies.
Vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Property ownership or rental documents.
Emergency contact information.

Maintain secure digital backups of important documents. Protect sensitive financial and identity information using secure storage and encryption.

Keep some cash in small denominations because electronic payment systems, ATMs and banking networks may be unavailable during extended disruptions.

G. Hygiene, Clothing and Personal Protection

Spare weather-appropriate clothing.
Comfortable, sturdy shoes.
Raincoat and waterproof outerwear.
Blanket or sleeping bag.
Basic toiletries and soap.
Hand sanitiser and disinfecting wipes.
Toilet paper and personal hygiene products.
Moist towelettes and garbage bags.
Work gloves and protective footwear.
Dust masks or respirators appropriate to the hazard.
Whistle for attracting attention.

4. Prepare a Portable Emergency Evacuation Bag

A go bag is a compact emergency bag designed to be carried when you need to leave your home quickly.

It should contain essential supplies without becoming so heavy that it is difficult to carry.

Suggested U.S. evacuation bag checklist:

Drinking water and ready-to-eat food.
Essential medication and prescriptions.
Basic first aid supplies.
Flashlight and spare batteries.
Mobile phone charger and power bank.
Battery-powered emergency radio, if practical.
Printed emergency contacts.
Identification and copies of important documents.
Cash in small denominations.
Spare clothing and comfortable shoes.
Weather-appropriate outerwear.
Basic hygiene supplies.
Whistle and protective equipment.
Supplies for children, older adults and pets, as necessary.

Keep your go bag somewhere accessible and make sure every household member knows its location.

Do not delay evacuation because you are collecting belongings. Your safety and following official evacuation instructions take priority.

5. Prepare Your Home and Vehicle

Home Emergency Preparation

Install working smoke alarms inside and outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home.
Test smoke alarms monthly and replace units according to their service life and manufacturer instructions.
Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms.
Keep a suitable fire extinguisher and understand its proper use.
Identify at least two exits from each room where possible.
Secure heavy furniture and objects that could fall during an earthquake.
Know how to shut off electricity, water and gas if instructed and safe to do so.
Keep gutters and drains clear where appropriate.
Protect important documents and emergency supplies from potential floodwater.
Trim vegetation and follow local wildfire mitigation recommendations if you live in a fire-prone area.

Official resource: U.S. Fire Administration: Home Fire Escape Plans.

Vehicle Emergency Kit

A vehicle emergency kit is particularly useful for households that travel long distances or live in areas affected by winter weather and severe storms.

Drinking water and non-perishable snacks.
First aid kit.
Flashlight and spare batteries.
Mobile phone charger.
Jumper cables or a portable jump starter.
Spare tyre and tyre-changing equipment.
Reflective warning triangles or roadside emergency equipment.
Basic tools.
Paper map of the local area.
Warm clothing and blankets during winter.
Ice scraper, snow shovel and traction material where appropriate.
Emergency contact information.

Keep your vehicle maintained and ensure you have sufficient fuel or battery charge before travelling in hazardous weather.

6. Know How to Receive U.S. Emergency Warnings

Receiving accurate information quickly can make the difference between a safe evacuation and becoming trapped in a dangerous situation.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

Wireless Emergency Alerts are short emergency messages delivered to compatible mobile phones in affected geographic areas.

They can include warnings about imminent threats, severe weather, AMBER Alerts and other qualifying emergencies.

Important points:

Compatible phones can receive WEA messages without registration.
Alerts are delivered through participating wireless carriers.
Check that emergency alert settings are enabled on your phone.
Follow the instructions included in the warning.

Official resource: National Weather Service: Wireless Emergency Alerts.

NOAA Weather Radio

NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts official weather warnings, watches, forecasts and other emergency information around the clock.

A receiver with a battery backup or hand-crank charging capability can provide another information source during power outages.

State and Local Emergency Alerts

Many state and local governments operate emergency notification systems that provide information about evacuations, severe weather, road closures and other local hazards.

Check your city, county and state emergency-management websites. Some systems require residents to register for text, phone or email notifications.

Emergency Alert System (EAS)

The Emergency Alert System distributes emergency information through participating radio and television broadcasters and other communications providers.

Do not depend on one communication channel. Use multiple official information sources whenever possible.

7. What to Do During Different Types of U.S. Emergencies

Hurricanes and Coastal Storms

Monitor National Hurricane Center forecasts and local emergency announcements.
Know whether your home is in an official hurricane evacuation zone.
Identify evacuation routes and alternative destinations.
Secure outdoor objects before severe weather arrives, if it is safe.
Move important documents and emergency supplies to protected locations.
Follow mandatory evacuation instructions promptly.
Stay away from coastal flooding, storm surge and floodwater.
Avoid downed power lines and damaged infrastructure.

Do not assume that remaining indoors is safe during every hurricane. Follow official evacuation and shelter instructions for your location.

Official resource: Ready.gov: Hurricanes.

Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms

Monitor local National Weather Service warnings.
Identify a storm shelter or safe interior room on the lowest practical floor.
Stay away from windows and exterior walls.
Protect your head and neck.
Use a sturdy building rather than a vehicle or mobile home as your shelter whenever possible.
Keep a weather radio and emergency supplies nearby.

Understand the difference between a tornado watch and warning. A watch indicates conditions are favourable for tornado development; a warning means a tornado has been reported or indicated by radar and immediate protective action is necessary.

Official resource: Ready.gov: Tornadoes.

Flooding and Flash Floods

Monitor weather forecasts and official flood warnings.
Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your location.
Follow evacuation orders promptly.
Never walk or drive through floodwater.
Avoid bridges and roads covered by water.
Stay away from electrical equipment and fallen power lines.
Do not return to flooded properties until authorities declare them safe.

Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown. Floodwater can hide damaged roads, debris, open drainage systems and powerful currents.

Official resource: Ready.gov: Floods.

Wildfires

Monitor local fire warnings and evacuation notifications.
Prepare your go bag and important documents.
Identify multiple evacuation routes.
Leave immediately when authorities issue an evacuation order.
Keep vehicles ready for evacuation where practical.
Follow public-health advice regarding wildfire smoke exposure.
Keep windows and doors closed when smoke conditions require it.
Use appropriate air filtration indoors if available.

Wildfires can spread rapidly and change direction. Do not wait until fire or smoke is visibly close to your home before responding to an evacuation warning.

Official resource: Ready.gov: Wildfires.

Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Keep warm clothing, blankets and emergency food available.
Prepare for possible power and heating outages.
Keep mobile phones and backup batteries charged.
Avoid unnecessary travel during severe winter conditions.
Keep generators outside and away from openings.
Protect household plumbing against freezing where appropriate.
Check on older adults and individuals who may be vulnerable to cold.

Be especially cautious about carbon monoxide when using alternative heating and power sources.

Official resource: Ready.gov: Winter Weather.

Earthquakes

During an earthquake, the recommended protective action in most situations is Drop, Cover and Hold On.

Drop: Get down onto your hands and knees before the shaking knocks you over.
Cover: Protect your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk if available.
Hold On: Remain under cover until the shaking stops.
If there is no shelter nearby, protect your head and neck with your arms.
Stay indoors if you are already inside and avoid rushing outside during the shaking.
After the shaking stops, watch for structural damage, broken glass and other hazards.

Official resource: CDC: Earthquake Safety.

Extreme Heat

Monitor local heat advisories.
Stay hydrated and reduce strenuous outdoor activity.
Use air conditioning or seek an official cooling centre where necessary.
Check on older adults, infants and vulnerable neighbours.
Never leave children, dependent individuals or pets unattended in a parked vehicle.
Seek immediate medical assistance for suspected heatstroke.

Official resource: Ready.gov: Extreme Heat.

8. Power Outages: Food Safety and Carbon Monoxide Prevention

Extended power outages can cause more than inconvenience. They can affect heating, cooling, refrigeration, water systems, communications and essential medical equipment.

Food Safety During a Power Outage

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.

According to CDC guidance:

An unopened refrigerator generally keeps food safe for approximately four hours.
A full freezer can maintain safe temperatures for approximately 48 hours.
A half-full freezer can maintain safe temperatures for approximately 24 hours.

Use appliance thermometers where possible. A refrigerator should remain at or below 40°F (4°C), and a freezer should remain at or below 0°F (-18°C).

Do not taste questionable food to determine whether it is safe. When in doubt, throw it out.

Official resource: CDC: Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can cause serious illness or death.

During power outages, never operate gasoline, propane or charcoal-burning generators, grills or similar equipment inside a home, garage, carport or other enclosed space.

Operate portable generators outdoors at least 20 feet from your home.
Keep generator exhaust directed away from doors, windows and vents.
Install working battery-backed carbon monoxide alarms.
Never use an oven or stove to heat your home.
Do not run a vehicle inside an enclosed garage.

Official resource: CDC: Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

9. What to Do After a Disaster

The end of an immediate emergency does not necessarily mean that your home or neighbourhood is safe.

Return home only when authorities have confirmed that it is safe.
Avoid damaged buildings and unstable structures.
Stay away from fallen power lines.
Do not use electrical equipment that has been exposed to water until it has been assessed by a qualified professional.
Avoid direct contact with floodwater and contaminated debris.
Follow local instructions regarding drinking water and sanitation.
Discard food that has been exposed to unsafe temperatures or contamination.
Use appropriate protective equipment during cleanup.
Photograph property damage for insurance documentation when safe.
Contact your insurer and relevant local assistance agencies.
Check on vulnerable family members and neighbours.

Disasters may also have psychological effects. Stress, anxiety, disrupted sleep and emotional distress can continue after immediate physical dangers have passed. Seek appropriate professional and community support when necessary.

10. Review and Maintain Your Emergency Supplies

An emergency kit is only useful when its contents are available, functional and appropriate for your household.

Review your emergency supplies periodically.

Check food and water supplies.
Replace expired or damaged items.
Check prescription medication expiry dates and storage requirements.
Recharge power banks and backup batteries.
Test flashlights, emergency radios and other equipment.
Update insurance, medical and emergency contact information.
Review evacuation routes and local alert systems.
Replace clothing and supplies that no longer meet household needs.
Check children's, older adults' and pets' requirements.

Conduct a household emergency exercise at least once or twice a year. Practise evacuation routes, identify meeting points and make sure everyone understands the emergency communication plan.

11. Official U.S. Emergency Preparedness Resources

The following government agencies and official resources provide detailed, location-relevant information.

FEMA Ready.gov: Emergency preparedness, planning and supply kits.
FEMA: Federal disaster information and assistance.
National Weather Service: Official weather forecasts, watches and warnings.
National Hurricane Center: Hurricane forecasts and storm information.
NOAA Weather Radio: Weather and emergency broadcasts.
CDC: Public-health and disaster safety guidance.
USGS: Earthquake monitoring and information.
U.S. Fire Administration: Fire prevention and household safety.

U.S. Emergency Number: 911

Call 911 for immediate police, fire or ambulance assistance.

When calling, be prepared to provide your location, phone number, the nature of the emergency and relevant details. Follow the call-taker's instructions.

Text-to-911 availability varies by location. A voice call is generally preferable when possible; use text-to-911 only where the local service supports it.

Official resource: National 911 Program: Calling 911.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

What should be in a 72-hour emergency kit?

A basic kit should include drinking water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, essential medication, a flashlight, batteries, a radio, phone charging equipment, sanitation supplies, important documents and cash. Add items based on the needs of children, older adults, people with disabilities and pets.

How much water should I store per person?

The CDC recommends at least one gallon per person per day for three days. This means a minimum of three gallons per person for a basic 72-hour supply. Consider storing more, with a two-week supply as a longer-term preparedness goal where practical.

Is a 72-hour kit enough?

It is a practical starting point, not a guarantee that three days of supplies will be sufficient. Major disasters can disrupt water, electricity, transportation and healthcare services for longer periods. Households should consider additional reserves based on local risks and individual requirements.

What is the difference between a survival kit and a go bag?

An emergency or survival kit usually refers to supplies maintained at home for use during a disaster. A go bag is a portable collection of essential items designed for evacuation. Ideally, households should have both.

Do I need a NOAA Weather Radio?

A NOAA Weather Radio is a useful additional source of official weather alerts, particularly in areas vulnerable to severe storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and other hazards. It can remain useful when mobile networks or internet services are disrupted, provided the device has a working power source and reception.

What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

A tornado watch means conditions are favourable for tornado development. A tornado warning means a tornado has been reported or indicated by radar and protective action should be taken immediately.

Should I keep cash in my emergency kit?

Yes. Some cash in small denominations can be useful when ATMs, electronic payment systems or banking services are unavailable.

Should I evacuate when authorities issue an evacuation order?

Yes. Follow official evacuation instructions promptly. Use designated routes, take essential supplies and do not delay to collect valuables or attempt to protect property.

Conclusion: Preparedness Is Protection, Not Panic

Emergencies cannot always be prevented, but preparation can reduce risks and help families respond more effectively.

Effective emergency preparedness involves more than buying a survival kit. It requires understanding local hazards, creating a family emergency plan, maintaining essential supplies and knowing how to receive and respond to official warnings.

Start with the basics: drinking water, food, medication, first aid, lighting, communication equipment and important documents. Then adapt your preparations to the risks where you live, whether that means hurricanes in the Southeast, tornadoes across vulnerable regions, wildfires in the West, winter storms in the North or earthquakes along active fault zones.

Make sure every household member understands the plan. Review the supplies regularly and practise the actions you may need to take.

The best time to prepare for an emergency is before it happens.

References and Further Reading

FEMA Ready.gov: Build a Kit.
FEMA Ready.gov: Make a Plan.
FEMA Ready.gov: Alerts and Warnings.
CDC: How to Create an Emergency Water Supply.
National Weather Service: Wireless Emergency Alerts.
CDC: Power Outage Safety.
U.S. Fire Administration: Home Fire Escape Plans.
CDC: Earthquake Safety.
National 911 Program: Calling 911.
FoodSafety.gov: Food Safety in a Disaster or Emergency.
Medical Emergencies 101: Guide to Life-Threatening Conditions, Early Warning Signs, First Aid, and When to Call for Help

Disclaimer: This article provides general emergency preparedness information for U.S. households. It does not replace instructions from FEMA, state and local emergency-management authorities, emergency services or public-health agencies. Always follow official evacuation orders, weather warnings and hazard-specific safety instructions.