Emergency Preparedness Checklist
A comprehensive printable checklist covering water, food, power, medical supplies, important documents, household readiness, 72-hour kits, and storm preparation.
Emergency Preparedness Checklist
Use this comprehensive checklist to prepare your household for outages, storms, disruptions, and other emergency situations. Check off items as you complete them.
Water
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Store enough drinking water (1 gallon per person per day) | ||
| Fill water storage containers | ||
| Set aside extra water for cooking | ||
| Plan water for hygiene and sanitation | ||
| Have backup water filtration or purification | ||
| Store water in food-grade containers | ||
| Keep water away from sunlight and heat |
Food
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Store shelf-stable food (3-7 day supply) | ||
| Include non-perishable canned goods | ||
| Set aside easy-to-prepare meals | ||
| Check pantry staples and rotation dates | ||
| Keep manual can opener available | ||
| Plan for special dietary needs | ||
| Stock pet food and pet water |
Power, Heat & Lighting
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flashlights checked and accessible | ||
| Extra batteries available (various sizes) | ||
| Power station or generator ready | ||
| Fuel stored safely (if applicable) | ||
| Generator tested if applicable | ||
| Backup heat plan in place | ||
| Portable power station charged | ||
| Phones and battery banks charged |
Medical & Hygiene
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First aid kit checked and stocked | ||
| Prescription medications stocked (extra supply) | ||
| Basic pain relievers and supplies available | ||
| Soap, sanitizer, and hygiene items stored | ||
| Toilet paper and sanitation supplies stocked | ||
| Sanitizing wipes available | ||
| Toothbrush and toothpaste available |
Documents & Communication
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Important IDs copied or secured (passports, licenses, birth certificates) | ||
| Insurance information accessible | ||
| Emergency contacts written down | ||
| Medical records and prescription lists copied | ||
| Bank account information documented | ||
| Property records documented | ||
| Chargers and backup cables ready | ||
| Battery radio or backup communication device available | ||
| USB drive with digital document scans |
Household Readiness
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal clothing and blankets ready | ||
| Basic tools stored accessibly | ||
| Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife available | ||
| Cash on hand in small bills | ||
| Household emergency plan reviewed with family | ||
| Evacuation route planned and reviewed | ||
| Out-of-area emergency contact established | ||
| Vehicles fueled or charged | ||
| Loose outdoor items secured |
72-Hour Kit Specific Items
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Change of clothes (sturdy, weather-appropriate) | ||
| Warm blanket or sleeping bag | ||
| Sturdy shoes | ||
| Rain gear or jacket | ||
| Emergency blankets | ||
| Whistle for signaling | ||
| Duct tape and repair supplies | ||
| Matches or lighter (waterproof) |
Storm-Specific Preparation
| Task | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weather alerts checked and monitored | ||
| Fill bathtub with water | ||
| Bring in or secure outdoor furniture | ||
| Trim dead branches near house | ||
| Refrigerator set to 37°F, freezer to 0°F | ||
| Fill freezer with ice or water bottles | ||
| Understand watch vs. warning differences | ||
| Final devices fully charged before storm | ||
| Final water supply topped up | ||
| Final fuel levels checked |
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important items for basic emergency preparedness?
The foundational emergency preparedness items are water (at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days), a 72-hour food supply, a first aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, a battery or hand-crank radio, copies of important documents, a basic tool kit, and a written family emergency plan including meeting points and out-of-area contacts.
How much water should I store for emergency preparedness?
FEMA recommends storing at least 1 gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation, with a minimum 3-day supply. For greater preparedness, aim for 2 weeks or more. Store water in food-grade containers away from sunlight and heat. Rotate stored water every 6–12 months.
What should be in a 72-hour emergency kit?
A complete 72-hour kit includes water (at least 1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, medications, important document copies, a whistle, a multi-tool, emergency blankets, and cash in small bills.
Why is a 72-hour kit specifically 72 hours?
Emergency management agencies recommend preparing for at least 72 hours (3 days) because that is typically how long it takes for government and relief organizations to mobilize and reach affected areas after a major disaster. Having your own supplies for this window reduces strain on emergency resources.
How do I prepare for a severe storm at home?
Before a storm: charge all devices and power banks, fill the bathtub with water, bring in or secure outdoor furniture and objects, trim dead branches near the house, check your emergency kit and generator, stock up on food and medications for 3–7 days, review your evacuation route, and fill your vehicle with gas. During a watch or warning, stay informed via weather radio.
What is the difference between a storm watch and a storm warning?
A weather watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, stay alert, monitor conditions, and review your plan. A warning means severe weather is imminent or already occurring, take protective action immediately. The distinction matters: a tornado watch means be ready, a tornado warning means go to shelter right now.
How often should I review my emergency preparedness checklist?
Review your preparedness checklist and supplies at least twice a year. A helpful habit is checking it when you change clocks for daylight saving time each spring and fall. Update expired food and medications, test battery-powered devices, and review your family emergency plan to make sure everyone knows the current plan.
What documents should I include in my emergency preparedness kit?
Keep copies of identification (passports, driver's licenses, birth certificates), insurance policies, medical records and prescription lists, bank account information, property records, and emergency contact lists. Store originals in a fireproof safe and include sealed copies in your emergency kit. A USB drive with digital scans is a useful backup.