Family Emergency Preparedness Checklist

A practical starter checklist for households. Adapt for medical needs, pets, climate, and local hazards. Based on themes in Ready.gov kit and plan guidance—not a substitute for official instructions during an emergency.

Download printable Markdown· Print this page

1. Food and water

• ☐ Water stored (~1 gallon per person per day planning baseline; verify current Ready.gov water guidance)
• ☐ Extra water for pets
• ☐ 3+ days shelf-stable food; manual can opener
• ☐ Special diet / infant needs addressed

2. First aid and health

• ☐ First-aid kit stocked
• ☐ Prescription medications listed and rotated
• ☐ Glasses/contacts backups if needed
• ☐ Medical device power plan documented

3. Communication

• ☐ Local alert subscriptions enabled
• ☐ Out-of-area contact chosen
• ☐ Family meeting places agreed (near home + outside neighborhood)
• ☐ Battery/crank radio; whistle
• ☐ Charged power bank + cables

4. Power and lighting

• ☐ Flashlights/headlamps + spare batteries
• ☐ Know breaker panel / gas shutoff if applicable (only if trained/safe)
• ☐ Optional: small UPS/power station sized to real needs

5. Important documents

• ☐ IDs, insurance, medical info copies in waterproof pouch
• ☐ Secure digital copies
• ☐ Small cash in small bills

6. Household evacuation planning

• ☐ Go bags packed for each person who can carry one
• ☐ Pet carriers, leashes, pet records
• ☐ Evacuation routes practiced
• ☐ Lodging / shelter options identified
• ☐ Vehicle kit basics (water, blanket, light, charger)

Maintain

• ☐ Calendar reminder every 6 months to rotate food, water, batteries, meds, clothing sizes

Sources to review: Ready.gov Build a Kit,Ready.gov Make a Plan,Ready.gov Water.