Disaster Preparedness Checklist

Most people think about disaster preparedness after the disaster hits. By then, the shelves are empty and the generators are sold out. This checklist covers everything you need to handle the most common emergencies in the U.S., from hurricanes and tornadoes to extended power outages and supply chain disruptions. Work through it one section at a time. You do not need to buy everything at once.

Water (Top Priority)

FEMA recommends one gallon per person per day for at least three days. That is the bare minimum. A two-week supply is the real target. You also need a way to purify water in case your stored supply runs out.

• Store 1 gallon of water per person per day (14-day supply recommended)
• Water purification tablets or drops
• Portable water filter (like the Sawyer Squeeze or LifeStraw)
• Collapsible water containers for transport
• Water preserver concentrate (extends shelf life to 5 years)

Food

Focus on shelf-stable, calorie-dense food that requires minimal preparation. If the power is out, you will not have a microwave or electric stove. Plan for at least three days, but two weeks is the real goal.

• Freeze-dried emergency food supply (25-year shelf life)
• Canned goods (soups, beans, vegetables, meats)
• Peanut butter and crackers
• Protein bars and granola bars
• Dried fruit, nuts, and trail mix
• Manual can opener (do not rely on electric)
• Camp stove or portable butane burner
• Extra fuel canisters for camp stove
• Disposable plates, cups, and utensils

Power and Light

Extended power outages are the most common emergency in the U.S. Over 80% of major disasters involve power loss that lasts 24 hours or more. Having backup power and lighting is not optional.

• Portable power station or solar generator
• Solar panels (100W minimum for recharging)
• Flashlights (at least two, with extra batteries)
• Headlamps (hands-free lighting is critical)
• Battery-powered or solar lanterns
• Extra batteries (AA, AAA, D, CR123A)
• Portable gas generator (for extended outages)
• Extension cord rated for generator use
• Fuel storage (gasoline stabilizer for long-term storage)

First Aid and Medical

In a disaster, emergency rooms overflow and response times skyrocket. Having a well-stocked first aid kit and basic medical supplies lets you handle injuries until professional help arrives.

• Comprehensive first aid kit
• Prescription medications (30-day supply minimum)
• Over-the-counter meds (pain relief, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal)
• Tourniquet (CAT or SOFTT-W)
• Israeli bandage or pressure dressing
• QuikClot or hemostatic gauze
• Nitrile gloves (multiple pairs)
• Thermometer
• Tweezers and medical scissors
• First aid reference guide

Communication

Cell towers fail in disasters. You need backup ways to receive emergency alerts and communicate with family.

• NOAA weather radio (hand-crank or battery-powered)
• Portable phone charger or power bank
• Two-way radios (FRS/GMRS)
• Written list of emergency contacts
• Family communication plan (meeting points, out-of-state contact)
• Whistle for signaling

Important Documents

If you need to evacuate quickly, having your key documents ready to grab saves critical time. Keep physical copies in a waterproof bag and digital copies on a USB drive or cloud storage.

• IDs (driver's license, passport) - copies
• Insurance policies (home, auto, health, life)
• Bank account and credit card information
• Medical records and prescription list
• Property deeds and vehicle titles
• Birth certificates and Social Security cards (copies)
• Waterproof document bag or container
• USB drive with digital copies of all documents
• Cash in small bills ($200 to $500 minimum)

Shelter and Warmth

• Emergency Mylar blankets (one per person)
• Sleeping bags rated for your region's cold temps
• Tarp or emergency shelter
• Duct tape and plastic sheeting (for sealing windows)
• Warm clothing layers for each family member
• Work gloves
• Rain gear

Sanitation and Hygiene

• Toilet bags with absorbent gel (for when plumbing fails)
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• Trash bags (heavy duty)
• Bleach (unscented, for water purification and sanitation)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap
• Diapers and wipes (if applicable)

Tools and Safety

• Multi-tool or survival knife
• Fire extinguisher
• Wrench or pliers (to shut off gas/water)
• Crowbar or pry bar
• N95 masks (for smoke, dust, or airborne hazards)
• Paracord (50 feet minimum)
• Zip ties (assorted sizes)
• Local maps (do not rely on GPS)
• Compass

Special Needs

Every household is different. Add items based on your specific situation.

• Baby formula, bottles, and diapers
• Pet food, water, and medications (2-week supply)
• Mobility aids or medical equipment
• Spare glasses or contact lenses
• Games, books, or activities (morale matters)
• Comfort items for children

How to Use This Checklist

Do not try to buy everything in one trip. Pick one section per week and build your supplies gradually. Store everything in a designated spot that every family member knows about. Review and rotate perishable items every six months. Run through your plan with your household at least once a year. Preparedness is not a purchase. It is a habit.