Complete Guide to Emergency Preparedness

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Emergency Preparedness Guide

 

 

The Complete Guide

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Survival & Emergency Preparedness

 

Developing an emergency preparedness plan is a responsibility that every individual should take very seriously. While government operations and community emergency management systems will be working to develop emergency response plans for entire regions and communities, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have taken the necessary steps to help ensure the safety and survival of you and your loved ones.

 

This emergency preparedness guide has been developed to help you prepare for a wide variety of emergency situations. Whether you’re worried about a natural disaster, civil unrest, economic downturn, terrorist threats, chemical or nuclear attacks, a pandemic, wild fires, or an electrical blackout from a solar flare, EMP attack or power grid failure, knowing what to do in the event of an emergency is an important part of being able to survive the disaster.

 

An emergency can happen at any time, and the best way to increase your chance of survival is to have an emergency preparedness plan in place, including sufficient water, food, and other essentials to get you through the most difficult days following an emergency.

 

 

Emergency Preparedness Basics

 

How you prepare for an emergency will depend in large part on the type of emergency or disaster that you want to be able to survive. Of course, many emergencies will require similar preparations, but keep in mind, this is just an emergency preparedness guide. You can add to these emergency preparedness supply lists in order to meet your own specific needs. For example, if you have several teenagers, chances are you’re going to want to increase the food rations in your emergency preparedness plan. Similarly, if you live in a hot, dry climate, you might need to increase your water storage.

 

Other factors that can affect your emergency preparedness preparations include family members with special needs, such as those who require medical equipment or medications, as well as the elderly and very young. We’ve compiled emergency supply lists for a variety of scenarios, including sheltering in place, bugging out, or emergency supplies for in your car. You can also add special supplies to help you meet your needs during specific emergency situations.

 

 

What You’ll Need in an Emergency    

Emergency Supplies

             Emergency Preparedness

 

The following list will help you begin preparing for any type of emergency. Remember, being prepared can often mean the difference between surviving an emergency … or not. Start your emergency preparedness plans today.    

 

Food – nonperishable foods (minimum 3-day supply)

Water – one gallon, per person, per day (minimum 3-day supply)

Safety Supplies – first aid kit, emergency blanket, whistle

Tools – basic tool kit, shovel, saw, supplies for clean-up

Communication – NOAA Weather Radio – battery or hand crank

Fire – Heat & Cooking – matches, lighter, camp stove

Personal Care – toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, baby wipes

Health – medical equipment, prescription medicine (min. 7-day supply)

Skills – first aid, outdoor cooking, fire starting, signaling

Light – flashlights with extra batteries (one for every family member)

Sanitation – garbage bags, toilet paper, moist towelettes

Extras – extra keys for & house, cash, maps of the area

Documents – insurance cards, immunization records, disaster plan

Comfort Items – cards, books, puzzles

Miscellaneous – wrench to turn off utilities, manual can opener

 

This list is meant to help get you thinking about your emergency preparedness needs. Additionally, every individual and family is unique, so it’s important to personalize your disaster supplies to meet your specific needs.

 

Once you have gathered your basic emergency supplies, you can continue adding to them, extending your 3-day water and food supplies for a longer period of time. Ideally, you should have a 10 to 14-day supply; however, many people plan for an even longer period of self-sufficiency.

 

Organize your supplies in easy to grab containers; preferably, waterproof tubs. Make sure they are clearly labeled so you can find what you need quickly. You never know when you’ll need to leave in a hurry, and having your supplies organized and ready to go, can save you valuable time in an emergency.

 

At least once every 6 months, go through your supplies and replace any food or medications that have reached their expiration date. Test batteries, and make sure that everything is functional; you certainly don’t want to wait for a disaster to find out that your flashlight doesn’t work.

 

See our comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Lists:

 

Emergency Supply List – For Home

Bug Out Bag (BOB) – Supply List

Emergency Supply List – For Vehicle

EDC List – Everyday Carry Kit

 

 

Make a Family Disaster Plan

 

An important part of your family disaster plan is knowing what types of emergencies you need to plan for, and the best way to respond. For example, if you live in an area where earthquakes, floods, hurricanes or other natural disasters are a potential risk, then understanding early warning signs, and where to take shelter is important.

 

Turn Off Utilities

 

Know when and how to turn off the electricity, gas, and water to your home. Make sure you have the tools you need, such as a wrench or pliers. You might also want to draw a diagram with instructions so every member of your family knows when and how to turn the utilities off.

 

Safe Spots

 

Find the safest spot in your home for every type of disaster you might encounter in your area. Where you seek safety can vary depending on the type of emergency. For example, during a tornado, the safest place in your home will be an interior room on the lowest level of your home, preferably, one without windows; however, during an earthquake, you should get under a sturdy desk or table, remember, “drop, cover, and hold on.”

Know your risks, make a plan, and ensure that every member of your family knows exactly what to do when faced with an emergency. When disaster strikes, there’s no time to panic, everyone should immediately jump into action; but fast action takes planning as well as practice.

 

Designate Meeting Places

 

Designate multiple meeting spots. Depending on the emergency, where you should meet can vary. You should have a designated meeting place in your neighborhood as well as meeting places just outside of your neighborhood as well as outside your city or town.

 

Know Your Escape Routes

 

Identify the best escape routes out of your home. Go through each room and identify at least two ways to get out. Make sure every member of your family can identify these escape routes.

 

Fire

 

Make sure everyone in your family knows where the fire extinguishers are kept, and how to use them.

 

Practice

 

One of the best ways to make sure that you are ready for an emergency is to practice for a variety of situations. Periodically, review your Family Disaster Plan, and run practice drills. This is an excellent way to help kids understand the importance of following the family disaster plan, but it can also provide them with a level of comfort. When young kids see the adults around them preparing for catastrophic emergencies, it can be quite frightening; however, when you show your family that you are prepared, and that you have a plan in place, everyone will feel like they’ll be able to survive just about any type of disaster.

 

Family Communication Plan

 

When a disaster hits, chances are, you and your loved ones won’t all be in the same place. It’s important to have a plan for how you will all connect with each other during an emergency.

 

  • Emergency Contact Cards – Start by making emergency contact cards for every member of your family. FEMA has a handy family contact card you can print here. Make sure everyone knows to keep this contact card with them at all times.
  • Choose an Emergency Contact Person – If possible, choose someone who doesn’t live in the same area, they might be easier to contact during an emergency. Memorize this contact number if you can. Make sure every member of your family knows how to call or text your emergency contact person. Your emergency contact person will be the one that each family member should call or text to let them know where they are, and that they are safe. Your emergency contact will also be able to relay important information, if necessary.
  • Make a list of emergency numbers. Store these in your phone as well as post them near the phone in your home. Include numbers for the fire department, police or sheriff’s office, poison control center, and the nearest hospital.
  • Make sure that every member of your family knows how to turn on a cell phone as well as how to text or make a phone call. Don’t assume young kids know this, have them demonstrate that they can do it on their own.

 

Preparing for a disaster means knowing your risks as well as how to handle the situation if a disaster actually strikes. With the right provisions and training, you’ll be in a better position to help ensure that you and your family survive during these difficult times.

 

In addition to making an emergency preparedness plan, it’s important to get the training you need to keep your family safe. The Red Cross offers Preparedness Health & Safety Classes, including classes for CPR, AED, and First Aid. This training could be very helpful during a disaster.

 

 

Survival Means Being Prepared for All Types of Disasters

 

Most people don’t give enough thought to how they will get food and shelter during an emergency. In many cases, you’ll be able to stay in your own home; however, that’s not always possible. Sometimes, you’ll need to evacuate to an emergency shelter in your community; other times, you might need to leave your home and community to get away from danger. In some situations, you might find yourself bugging out, either in your vehicle or on foot; it’s important to make sure that you are prepared for any scenario.

 

If you’re able to stay at home, your emergency preparedness supplies will be close at hand; however, do you have your supplies organized in a way that will let you quickly grab what you need if you have to go to a shelter? Maybe you need to leave your home and head to a location you’ve prepared ahead of time for emergency survival. Are there supplies you need to take with you? Can you quickly grab what you need and be on the road within an hour or less? What if you’re stuck in your car or at work when disaster strikes? Do you have emergency supplies in these locations?

A bug out bag is a simple back pack or duffel bag that you can take with you if you have to leave quickly. You should have some survival supplies in your car as well as at work. Additionally, EDC (Every Day Carry) items are survival basics that you can carry in a pocket or small pack. You never know when or where a disaster might strike, but being prepared is definitely an excellent way to make sure that you can significantly improve your chances of surviving.

 

 

Survival also Means Being Physically Ready for a Disaster

 

An important part of survival often relies on having the physical strength and stamina to handle an emergency situation. When a disaster strikes, are you physically prepared to take on the workload that will be necessary?

If you’ve never camped out, built a fire, and cooked your meals in the outdoors, you might be surprised at the work that’s involved. Living without power, walking for miles each day, or simply trying to survive under difficult circumstances can all be physically taxing. While not everyone is going to begin a rigorous workout program to get into their best physical condition, it’s a good idea to at least think about whether you’re physically capable of handling an emergency situation.

If you’re going to need help, it’s important to make plans for assistance. Of course, if you could benefit from losing a few pounds, or hitting the gym a little more often, now is the perfect time to think about how you can physically prepare yourself for handling an emergency.

 

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Emergency Supply List – For Home

This list is a great starting point for your emergency preparations. You can personalize your supplies by adding items that meet your own requirements for personal care or comfort. Don’t forget to update your emergency supplies as your needs change. Keep in mind, the right gear can not only make your life much easier during a disaster, it could also save your life.

 

 

Basic Emergency Supplies

 

  • Water, 1 gallon per person per day (minimum 3 days), for drinking and sanitation
  • Food, non-perishable (minimum 3-day supply for each person)
  • Manual can opener (if you have canned foods in your emergency food supplies)
  • Mess kit, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, paper towels
  • Portable Stove with extra fuel tablets
  • Lighter (2)
  • Waterproof matches/fire starter
  • Fire tinder
  • Cell phone with crank powered charger
  • Two-way radios
  • Emergency and family contact information
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio (extra batteries)
  • NOAA weather alert radio with tone alert (extra batteries)
  • Mini LED lantern
  • Flashlight (extra batteries)
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency first aid reference book
  • Disposable medical grade gloves
  • Compression bandage
  • Instant cold pack
  • N95 face mask, to help filter contaminated air, 1 for each person
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • plastic sheeting/duct tape, to seal doors and windows when you shelter-in-place
  • Paracord/rope
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Whistle, to signal for help
  • Maps of the area
  • Sunglasses
  • Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing in cold climates
  • Rain poncho
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person, consider additional bedding in cold climates
  • Emergency Mylar survival blanket
  • Cash (small bills), quarters, gold and/or silver

 

 

Personal Hygiene & Care

 

  • Toothbrush & toothpaste, dental floss
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Wash cloth/towel
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Toilet paper
  • Extra glasses/contact lenses – contact lens case & solutions
  • Prescription medications (minimum 7-day supply)

 

 

Miscellaneous Items

 

  • Household chlorine bleach, medicine dropper – when chlorine bleach is diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, it can be used as a disinfectant; Or in an emergency, you can use 16 drops of regular household chlorine bleach to treat one gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, birth certificates, identification, passports, proof of address, medical records, list of medications you’re currently taking, property records, and bank account records. Store these documents in a portable waterproof container.
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Multi-function tool, such as a Leatherman
  • Swiss Army knife or other survival knife
  • Rain gear
  • Work gloves
  • Hat
  • LED Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Emergency candles
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Pepper spray (personal protection from animals and marauders)
  • Wet wipes/hand sanitizer
  • Lifestraw
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Duct tape
  • Zip ties
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Razor blade
  • Safety pins
  • Paper clips
  • Rubber bands
  • Paper towels
  • Large trash bags
  • Glow sticks
  • Small notebook & pencil
  • Tactical pen
  • Puzzles, books, small games, cards
  • Bandana
  • Aluminum foil/Ziploc bags
  • Binoculars

 

 

Special Needs – Young children, the Elderly, and Pets

 

  • Walker/cane
  • Syringes
  • Medical equipment and special care needs for the elderly
  • Dentures and denture care supplies
  • Hearing aids, (extra batteries)
  • Diapers, diaper wipes, diaper cream
  • Infant formula, bottles
  • Baby food
  • Pet food (minimum 3 days)
  • Water for pets (minimum 3 days – usually 1 gallon per day per pet)
  • Food and water bowls for pets
  • Collar, harness, leash, muzzle, carrier
  • Pet ID and vaccination records

 

 

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Bug Out Bag (BOB) – Supply List  

 

Bug out Bag

Bug Out Bag

A bug out bag is a portable emergency preparedness supply kit designed to provide the items you’ll need to survive the first 72 hours following a disaster. Your bug out bag should be stocked and ready to go at a moment’s notice. The bug out bag is for those times when you need to evacuate and can’t take all of your home emergency supplies with you. This is not a one size fits all supply list, rather a list of the basics to help get you started. Customize your bug out bag to meet your own potential risks and emergency preparedness needs.

 

Supply List:

 

  • Non-perishable food (3 days)
  • Energy bars
  • Water bottles, emergency water pouches and/or a Lifestraw
  • Portable Stove with fuel tablets
  • Metal cooking pot w/scrubber
  • Mess kit
  • Waterproof matches/fire starter/lighter
  • Fire tinder
  • Emergency candle
  • Small travel size bottle of dish soap w/cloth
  • Small first aid kit
  • Compression bandage
  • Instant cold pack
  • Disposable medical grade gloves
  • Tweezers
  • Cell phone with extra battery or crank powered charger
  • Maps of the area
  • Compass
  • Whistle
  • Signal mirror
  • Change of clothes, extra socks
  • Weather appropriate outerwear
  • Rain poncho
  • Bandana
  • Hat
  • Personal hygiene items, e.g. toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush
  • Toilet paper
  • Prescription medications
  • LED Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Mini LED lantern
  • Work gloves
  • N95 face mask
  • Emergency radio, battery or crank operated (extra batteries)
  • Insect repellant
  • Sunscreen
  • Wet wipes/hand sanitizer
  • Flashlight w/batteries
  • Glow sticks
  • Sewing kit
  • Aluminum foil/Ziploc bags
  • Cash, bills & change – ATMs might not be available following a disaster
  • Identification, driver’s license, passport, birth certificate
  • Swiss Army knife
  • Multi-tool, such as a Leatherman
  • Paracord/rope
  • Duct tape
  • Razor blade
  • Safety pins
  • Paper clips
  • Rubber bands
  • Small notebook
  • Tactical pen
  • Zip ties
  • Plastic trash bag
  • Wire, for making animal traps or binding items
  • Emergency fishing kit
  • Plastic tarps, can be used to sleep on or to make an emergency shelter
  • Sleeping bag and/or wool blanket
  • Tent
  • Emergency Mylar thermal blanket
  • Hatchet
  • Pepper spray (personal protection from animals and marauders)
  • Compact binoculars

 

 

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Emergency Supply List – For Vehicle

 

Keep your emergency supplies in a sturdy, waterproof tub.

 

 

 

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EDC List – Everyday Carry Kit

 

Your EDC or everyday carry kit should be small and compact. A small pack provides a convenient way to carry your EDC supplies. This kit is an emergency survival kit that you can keep with you at all times. If you’re out shopping, taking in a ballgame, or at the movies, you won’t have access to your home supplies, bug out bag or vehicle emergency kit. Your EDC gives you the very basics that will help you survive in a disaster. Remember, the idea is to keep it limited, so you’re not tempted to leave it at home or in your car.

 

Basics for EDC:

 

  • Water bottle, emergency water pouches and/or a Lifestraw
  • Energy bar
  • 2 sticks of gum
  • Cell phone & charger or extra battery
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • Cash (small bills and coins)
  • Small compass
  • Swiss Army knife and/or Leatherman
  • Emergency fishing kit
  • Whistle
  • Waterproof matches/fire starter/lighter
  • Fire tinder
  • Emergency candle
  • Rain poncho
  • Small roll of duct tape (wrap duct tape around a small piece of cardboard)
  • 2 zip ties
  • N95 face mask
  • Aluminum foil (fold a 24” square of foil into a small square)
  • Ziploc bag
  • Safety pins
  • Paper clips
  • Rubber bands
  • Tactical pen
  • Sheet of paper or small notebook
  • Assorted bandages
  • OTC pain reliever
  • Alcohol swabs
  • 4 Q-tips
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Tweezers
  • Emergency Mylar blanket
  • Compact flashlight
  • Paracord/rope
  • Razor blade

 

Download your Free Emergency Preparedness Lists

Emergency Supply List – For Home  PDF Button

Bug Out Bag (BOB) – Supply List  PDF Button

Emergency Supply List – For Vehicle  PDF Button

EDC List – Everyday Carry Kit  PDF Button

 

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