Emergency Planning and Preparation

Planning is the foundation of all crisis survival. Emergencies rarely follow a script, but with the right preparation, you reduce panic, make faster decisions, and protect what matters most—your life and the lives of others.

This section provides clear, simple, and adaptable steps to help individuals, families, and community groups plan ahead for a wide range of disaster scenarios.

Core Preparedness Priorities

1. Build an Emergency Kit

Prepare a 3–7 day supply for each person in your household. Include:

  • Water – 1 gallon per person per day
  • Nonperishable food – ready-to-eat meals, energy bars, manual can opener
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • First aid kit – include prescription meds, inhalers, EpiPens
  • Multi-tool or knife
  • N95 masks for smoke, dust, and pathogens
  • Personal hygiene items – soap, toothbrush, hand sanitizer, feminine products
  • Copies of important documents – IDs, insurance, medical records, emergency contacts
  • Cash in small denominations (ATMs may be offline)
  • Chargers – solar or battery-powered options for phones and radios

Pack kits for:

  • Home
  • Car
  • Work or school

2. Develop a Communication Plan

  • Designate a family meeting point if separated.
  • Assign an out-of-area contact for coordination if local phones fail.
  • Use text messaging or social media to reduce load on cellular networks.

3. Know Your Exits and Routes

  • Identify two evacuation routes from your home, neighborhood, and city.
  • Learn local shelter locations and alternate roadways.
  • Practice drills at least twice a year with all household members.

4. Plan for Pets and Livestock

  • Pack food, water, carriers, leashes, and medical records.
  • Pre-identify pet-friendly shelters or boarding options.
  • Never leave animals behind during evacuation if it can be avoided.

5. Shutoff Points for Utilities

Label and learn how to turn off:

  • Gas (only shut off if instructed or you smell gas)
  • Water
  • Electricity

Post instructions near valves or breakers and store shutoff tools nearby.

6. Secure Critical Training

  • First Aid & CPR Certification – American Red Cross, American Heart Association
  • CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training – search and rescue, triage
  • Fire extinguisher use and home fire prevention
  • Stop the Bleed program – trauma intervention basics

Use battery-powered radios with NOAA channels in case power or cell towers fail