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Emergency Preparedness Checklist by Disaster Type

Specific checklists for 10 disaster scenarios with before, during, and after action steps. Reviewed by emergency management professionals and updated for 2026.

By Sarah Mitchell, Emergency Management Specialist | Updated February 2026 | 25 min read

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Reference

Universal Preparedness

The 72-Hour Emergency Kit: Master Checklist

This core kit applies to every disaster scenario. Assemble these supplies before building any disaster-specific additions. FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security recommend every household maintain at least a 72-hour supply of essentials.

Water & Food

Critical
  • Water: 1 gallon per person per day, 3-day minimum
  • Water purification tablets or portable filter
  • Non-perishable food: 3-day supply per person
  • Manual can opener
  • Eating utensils, plates, cups (disposable)
  • Baby formula and food (if applicable)
  • Pet food and extra water for animals

First Aid & Medical

Critical
  • First aid kit (adhesive bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic)
  • Prescription medications: 7-day supply minimum
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • Thermometer
  • Scissors, tweezers, latex gloves
  • Eyeglasses or contact lens supplies
  • Copies of prescriptions and medical records

Light, Communication & Power

High Priority
  • NOAA Weather Radio (battery or hand-crank)
  • LED flashlights: one per family member
  • Extra batteries (AA, AAA, C, D)
  • Portable phone charger / power bank
  • Car charger for cell phone
  • Whistle (to signal for help)

Documents & Cash

High Priority
  • Cash in small bills and coins
  • Copies of IDs, insurance policies, bank records
  • Birth certificates and passports
  • Written family communication plan
  • Emergency contact list (printed)
  • Local area maps (paper copies)
  • Spare house and car keys

Shelter & Warmth

Standard
  • Emergency mylar blankets (one per person)
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket per person
  • Complete change of clothing per person
  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes
  • Rain gear
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape

Sanitation & Tools

Standard
  • Moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, soap
  • Toilet paper and garbage bags with ties
  • Multi-tool or utility knife
  • Wrench and pliers (to shut off utilities)
  • Fire extinguisher (small ABC type)
  • N95 dust masks
  • Work gloves
  • Matches in waterproof container
Maintenance reminder: Review your kit every six months. Replace expired food, water, and medications. Test batteries and flashlights. Update clothing sizes and seasonal items. Our detailed emergency kit guide walks through storage and maintenance schedules.
Keep This List Accessible

Emergency Contact Numbers

Print this list and keep copies in your emergency kit, your vehicle, and your wallet. Program these numbers into every family member's phone.

Immediate Emergency

911

Police, Fire, Medical Emergencies

FEMA Helpline

1-800-621-3362

Disaster assistance and registration

American Red Cross

1-800-733-2767

Shelter, relief, family reunification

Poison Control

1-800-222-1222

Poisoning emergencies, chemical exposure

National Suicide Prevention

988

Mental health crisis support, 24/7

National Weather Service

weather.gov

Severe weather alerts and forecasts

CDC Information Line

1-800-232-4636

Disease outbreaks, health advisories

Nat'l Domestic Violence

1-800-799-7233

Safety planning during emergencies

Tip: Write your personal emergency contacts below these numbers: out-of-state family contact, your doctor, your insurance agent, your children's school, and your workplace. An out-of-area contact is often reachable when local lines are overloaded.

Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes bring sustained winds over 74 mph, storm surge, inland flooding, and tornadoes. Preparation often begins days in advance, giving families critical time to act.

Before: Preparation (Hurricane Season June-November)

  • Know your evacuation zone and routes (check with your county emergency management office)
  • Install or pre-cut plywood for window protection; consider impact-resistant shutters
  • Trim trees and shrubs around your property to reduce projectile risks
  • Clear rain gutters and downspouts
  • Stock 7 days of water (1 gallon per person per day) since power outages can last weeks
  • Fill vehicles with fuel when a watch is issued
  • Charge all devices and portable battery banks fully
  • Fill bathtubs and large containers with water for sanitation
  • Secure outdoor furniture, grills, trash cans, and decorations
  • Photograph your property and belongings for insurance documentation
  • Purchase a portable generator and learn safe operation (never run indoors)
  • Refill prescriptions and gather a 14-day medication supply

During: Safety Actions

  • Evacuate immediately if ordered by authorities; do not delay
  • If sheltering in place, stay in an interior room away from windows
  • Keep your NOAA Weather Radio on for updates
  • Do not go outside during the eye of the storm; winds will return suddenly
  • Stay away from floodwaters: six inches of moving water can knock you down
  • Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings; avoid opening doors to preserve food
  • If power fails, unplug major appliances to prevent surge damage when power returns
  • Never use candles during a hurricane; use battery-powered lights only

After: Recovery Steps

  • Wait for official "all clear" before going outside or returning home
  • Avoid downed power lines and flooded roads
  • Document all damage with photos and video before cleanup
  • Contact your insurance company promptly to begin claims
  • Discard food that has been exposed to floodwater or was above 40 degrees F for over 2 hours
  • Boil tap water or use bottled water until authorities confirm water safety
  • Watch for mold growth in flood-damaged areas and begin drying within 24-48 hours
  • Register for FEMA disaster assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362

Hurricane-Specific Supplies

  • Plywood or storm shutters
  • Portable generator with fuel
  • Extra tarps for roof damage
  • Pool shock or bleach for water purification
  • Mosquito repellent (standing water breeds mosquitoes)
  • Chainsaw or handsaw for debris
  • Waterproof storage containers

Tornado Preparedness

Tornadoes strike with little warning, producing winds that can exceed 300 mph. The window between a tornado warning and impact can be as short as 13 minutes on average.

Before: Year-Round Preparation

  • Identify a safe room: basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows
  • Practice tornado drills with your family twice a year, especially in spring
  • Install a NOAA Weather Radio with battery backup and tone alert
  • Know the difference between a tornado watch (conditions favorable) and tornado warning (tornado spotted or detected)
  • Learn tornado warning signs: dark greenish sky, large hail, loud continuous roar, visible funnel cloud
  • Secure a helmet for each family member to wear in your safe room (head injuries are a leading cause of tornado fatalities)
  • Keep sturdy shoes near your bed for nighttime tornadoes
  • Anchor heavy objects such as bookcases and water heaters to walls

During: Immediate Actions (You May Have Seconds)

  • Move to your safe room immediately when a warning is issued
  • Put on helmets and sturdy shoes
  • Cover yourself with a heavy blanket, mattress, or sleeping bag to protect from debris
  • Get under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on
  • If in a mobile home, leave immediately and go to a sturdy building or designated shelter
  • If caught outdoors with no shelter: lie flat in a ditch or low area, cover your head, and stay away from trees and cars
  • If driving, do not try to outrun a tornado; pull over, keep your seatbelt on, duck below the windows, and cover your head
  • Never shelter under a highway overpass (wind accelerates through the opening)

After: Post-Tornado Safety

  • Stay in your shelter until you are certain the storm has passed
  • Watch for fallen power lines and broken gas lines; report them immediately
  • Do not enter heavily damaged buildings; they may collapse
  • Wear long pants, long sleeves, and boots for debris cleanup
  • Use flashlights only (not candles or matches) until you confirm no gas leaks
  • Take photos of all damage before beginning cleanup for insurance
  • Help injured neighbors if you can safely do so; apply basic first aid techniques
  • Check on elderly and disabled neighbors who may be unable to call for help

Tornado-Specific Supplies

  • Bicycle or construction helmets for each person
  • Sturdy shoes stored near beds
  • Heavy blankets or mattress for shelter room
  • Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio
  • Leather work gloves for debris handling

Earthquake Preparedness

Earthquakes happen without warning. The shaking may last only 10 to 30 seconds for moderate quakes, but strong earthquakes can shake for minutes. Aftershocks can continue for weeks.

Before: Structural and Supply Readiness

  • Secure heavy furniture (bookcases, dressers, TVs) to wall studs with straps or brackets
  • Anchor your water heater to the wall to prevent toppling and gas leaks
  • Install latches on kitchen cabinets to prevent items from falling
  • Identify safe spots in each room: under sturdy desks or tables, away from windows and heavy objects
  • Know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity at main valves and breakers
  • Keep a wrench and flashlight near your gas meter at all times
  • Store breakable items on low shelves and use non-slip shelf liner
  • Consider earthquake insurance if you live in a seismic zone
  • Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On with every household member
  • Prepare an earthquake-specific go bag near your bed

During: Drop, Cover, and Hold On

  • DROP to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked down
  • COVER your head and neck under a sturdy desk or table
  • HOLD ON to your shelter and be prepared to move with it
  • Stay indoors until the shaking stops; most injuries happen when people try to run outside
  • If in bed, stay there. Cover your head with a pillow and hold on
  • If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and trees
  • If driving, pull over to a clear area, stop, and set the parking brake. Stay in the vehicle
  • If near a coastline, move to higher ground immediately after shaking stops (tsunami risk)

After: Assess, Secure, Recover

  • Expect aftershocks and drop, cover, and hold on each time
  • Check yourself and others for injuries; provide first aid
  • If you smell gas, open a window, leave the building, and call 911 from outside
  • Turn off the gas supply at the meter if you suspect a leak (only a professional should turn it back on)
  • Check for structural damage; evacuate if the building appears unsafe
  • Do not use elevators
  • If trapped, tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Do not shout (you may inhale dust)
  • Use your phone for texts rather than calls to keep networks from being overwhelmed
  • Check chimneys and foundations for cracks before using fireplaces

Earthquake-Specific Supplies

  • Wrench for gas shutoff valve
  • Heavy-duty gloves for broken glass and debris
  • Pry bar or crowbar
  • Furniture straps and wall anchors
  • Sturdy shoes kept under the bed
  • Fire extinguisher (earthquakes cause gas fires)

Flood Preparedness

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. Flash floods can develop in minutes. Just six inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock an adult off their feet, and two feet can float most vehicles.

Before: Flood Risk Reduction

  • Know your flood risk: check FEMA flood maps at msc.fema.gov for your property
  • Purchase flood insurance (standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage)
  • Elevate your furnace, water heater, and electrical panel above potential flood levels
  • Install check valves in plumbing to prevent floodwater from backing up into drains
  • Seal basement walls with waterproofing compound
  • Keep insurance documents and valuables in a waterproof, fire-safe container
  • Build or purchase sandbags for your property (store sand and empty bags)
  • Plan how to move furniture and valuables to upper floors quickly
  • Know your evacuation routes, including alternate paths that avoid low-lying roads

During: Flood Safety Rules

  • Move to higher ground immediately if flooding is possible; do not wait for orders
  • Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters ("Turn Around, Don't Drown")
  • Six inches of water can knock you down; twelve inches can carry away a small car
  • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water
  • If trapped in a building, go to the highest level but do not climb into a closed attic (you may become trapped by rising water)
  • Disconnect electrical equipment if safe to do so and turn off utilities at main switches
  • Avoid contact with floodwater; it may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and debris
  • If your vehicle stalls in rising water, abandon it immediately and move to higher ground

After: Flood Recovery

  • Return home only when authorities confirm it is safe
  • Document all damage with photos and written descriptions before cleanup
  • Avoid floodwater; it may be electrically charged by downed lines or contaminated
  • Pump out flooded basements gradually (one-third per day) to avoid structural damage
  • Discard any food, medicine, or cosmetics that contacted floodwater
  • Clean and disinfect everything that got wet; mold can develop within 24-48 hours
  • Have your septic system professionally inspected before use
  • Watch for weakened roads, bridges, and structures

Flood-Specific Supplies

  • Sandbags and plastic sheeting
  • Sump pump (battery-powered backup)
  • Rubber boots and waterproof waders
  • Water-resistant storage bins for valuables
  • Disinfectant and bleach for cleanup
  • Mold remediation supplies

Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfires can spread at 14 miles per hour and jump across roads, rivers, and firebreaks. Evacuation may happen with minimal notice. Preparation and a ready-to-go plan are your best protection.

Before: Defensible Space and Go-Bag

  • Create defensible space: clear vegetation 30 feet from structures (Zone 1)
  • Reduce fuel density 30-100 feet from structures (Zone 2): space trees, remove dead plants
  • Keep gutters, eaves, and roof free of leaves and debris
  • Use fire-resistant building materials for roofing, siding, and decks when possible
  • Screen vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh to prevent ember entry
  • Prepare a wildfire go-bag for each family member that you can grab in under 5 minutes
  • Know two evacuation routes from your neighborhood
  • Pre-plan where you will take large animals and livestock
  • Store important documents, irreplaceable photos, and medications in a single grab-and-go container
  • Sign up for local emergency alerts (Reverse 911, community warning systems)

During: Evacuation and Survival

  • Evacuate immediately when ordered; early evacuation saves lives and reduces road congestion
  • Wear long pants, long sleeves, heavy shoes, and a cotton or wool shirt (synthetic fabrics melt)
  • Carry N95 or P100 respirator masks for smoke protection
  • Close all windows and doors (but leave them unlocked for firefighters)
  • Move flammable furniture away from windows and toward the center of rooms
  • Shut off gas at the meter and turn off propane tanks
  • Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible through smoke
  • If trapped, call 911. Go to a body of water, a cleared area, or the lowest point away from the fire
  • If caught in a vehicle, park in an area with minimal vegetation, close all windows, lie below the windows, and cover yourself with a jacket or blanket

After: Returning Home

  • Return only when fire officials declare it safe
  • Wet down hot spots and smoldering areas around your property for 24-48 hours
  • Check the roof and attic for hidden embers; fires can rekindle hours later
  • Avoid damaged or fallen power lines
  • Wear P100 masks during cleanup; fire debris contains hazardous materials
  • Do not allow children or pets to play in ash and debris
  • Document damage thoroughly for insurance purposes
  • Watch for flash floods in burned areas (fire removes vegetation that absorbs rain)

Wildfire-Specific Supplies

  • N95 or P100 respirator masks (stock 20+)
  • Goggles for smoke and ash
  • Fire-resistant safe for documents
  • Garden hose with spray nozzle
  • Ladder for roof access
  • Wool or cotton blankets (not synthetic)
  • Portable air purifier with HEPA filter

Winter Storm Preparedness

Winter storms can bring heavy snow, ice, freezing rain, dangerous wind chills, and extended power outages. Hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning are the leading causes of winter storm deaths.

Before: Winterize Your Home and Vehicle

  • Insulate pipes near exterior walls and in crawl spaces to prevent freezing
  • Service your heating system before cold weather season begins
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home (with battery backup)
  • Stock firewood or fuel for alternative heating; learn safe space heater use
  • Keep 7 days of food and water that require no cooking or refrigeration
  • Store extra blankets, warm clothing, and sleeping bags
  • Prepare a winter vehicle emergency kit: blankets, sand/kitty litter, flashlight, snacks, water, shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full throughout winter
  • Know where your water shutoff valve is in case pipes burst
  • Stock medications for at least two weeks (roads may be impassable)

During: Stay Warm, Stay Safe

  • Stay indoors and limit outdoor exposure
  • Dress in layers: inner wicking layer, insulation layer, outer windproof layer
  • Watch for signs of frostbite (numbness, white or gray skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, drowsiness)
  • Keep at least one room warm if heating fails; seal doors and windows with towels
  • Never use a gas stove, oven, charcoal grill, or generator for indoor heating (carbon monoxide risk)
  • Drip faucets slightly to prevent pipe freezing; open cabinet doors under sinks
  • If you must drive, travel during daylight, tell someone your route and expected arrival time
  • If stranded in a vehicle, stay in the car, run the engine for 10 minutes per hour with a window cracked, and tie a bright cloth to the antenna

After: Thaw and Recovery

  • Check pipes for damage; thaw frozen pipes slowly with a hair dryer (never an open flame)
  • Remove snow from your roof if accumulation exceeds your roof's load capacity
  • Clear fire hydrants, furnace vents, and dryer exhaust of snow
  • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow; take frequent breaks. Cold weather increases heart attack risk
  • Check on elderly, disabled, and isolated neighbors
  • Restock your emergency supplies after any items were used

Winter Storm-Specific Supplies

  • Carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup
  • Extra firewood or kerosene (stored safely outdoors)
  • Hand and toe warmers
  • Ice melt or rock salt for walkways
  • Snow shovel and roof rake
  • Insulated water bottle (prevents freezing)
  • Pipe insulation and heat tape

Extended Power Outage Preparedness

Extended outages lasting days or weeks can follow any major disaster. Without electricity, refrigeration fails, medical devices stop, communication drops, and heating and cooling cease. The average American experiences 7 hours of power outage per year, but major events can knock power out for weeks.

Before: Power Resilience Planning

  • Invest in a portable generator and learn its safe operation (never run indoors, in garages, or near windows)
  • Store generator fuel safely; know your fuel type and consumption rate
  • Purchase a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for critical medical equipment
  • Stock battery-powered or hand-crank alternatives: radio, flashlights, lanterns, phone charger
  • Freeze water bottles and gel packs to help keep your freezer cold during outages
  • Keep a full supply of batteries in the correct sizes
  • Learn which items in your refrigerator and freezer are safe at what temperatures
  • If you rely on electrically powered medical equipment, register with your utility company's life-support program
  • Consider a solar-powered phone charger as a long-term backup
  • Keep a corded landline phone (cordless phones fail without power)

During: Preserving Food, Safety, and Comfort

  • Report the outage to your utility company
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A full freezer holds temperature about 48 hours; a half-full freezer about 24 hours
  • Use perishable food first, then frozen, then shelf-stable supplies
  • Discard any food that has been above 40 degrees F for more than 2 hours
  • Turn off or disconnect appliances and electronics to prevent damage from power surges when electricity returns
  • Leave one light switch on so you know when power returns
  • Use flashlights and battery-powered lanterns instead of candles to reduce fire risk
  • Run generators at least 20 feet from any building, with exhaust pointed away from doors and windows
  • Conserve phone battery: reduce screen brightness, close apps, limit calls

After: Power Restoration

  • Turn on appliances one at a time to prevent overloading circuits
  • Check food safety: use a thermometer to verify freezer and refrigerator temperatures
  • Restock your supply of batteries, fuel, and any used items
  • Reset clocks, programmable thermostats, and security systems
  • Inspect your home for damage that may have occurred during the outage

Power Outage-Specific Supplies

  • Portable generator with sufficient fuel
  • Heavy-duty extension cords (outdoor rated)
  • Battery-powered or propane camping stove
  • Solar phone charger
  • Appliance thermometer for refrigerator/freezer
  • LED lanterns (multiple)
  • Board games and books for entertainment

Pandemic Preparedness

Pandemics unfold over weeks and months, not hours. Unlike sudden disasters, they allow time for gradual preparation but require sustained self-sufficiency as supply chains, healthcare systems, and workplaces face disruption.

Before: Long-Term Self-Sufficiency Planning

  • Stock 30 days of non-perishable food per household member
  • Store 30 days of water or have a reliable water purification system
  • Maintain a 90-day supply of all prescription medications (talk to your doctor about emergency refills)
  • Stock personal protective equipment: N95/KN95 masks, disposable gloves, face shields
  • Stockpile cleaning and disinfection supplies: bleach, isopropyl alcohol, disinfectant spray
  • Have a thermometer and pulse oximeter for home health monitoring
  • Arrange for remote work capability: laptop, internet access, VPN
  • Identify how your children will continue schooling remotely
  • Establish a network of trusted neighbors for mutual support
  • Prepare to care for a sick family member at home: designate an isolation room, stock electrolyte solution

During: Infection Control and Daily Life

  • Follow guidance from the CDC and local health authorities
  • Practice frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
  • Wear recommended protective equipment in public spaces
  • Maintain physical distance from those outside your household
  • Disinfect high-touch surfaces daily: doorknobs, light switches, counters, phones
  • Monitor household members for symptoms; isolate anyone who is ill in a separate room
  • Use contactless delivery for groceries and essentials when possible
  • Stay informed through official sources; avoid unverified claims on social media
  • Maintain mental health: keep routines, exercise, stay connected virtually with friends and family
  • Get vaccinated when vaccines become available and are recommended by public health officials

After: Transition and Rebuilding

  • Continue following public health guidance through the recovery period
  • Replenish food, water, and medication stockpiles
  • Address mental health needs; seek support for anxiety, grief, or burnout
  • Update your family emergency plan based on lessons learned
  • Document what worked and what did not for future reference
  • Support local businesses and community recovery efforts

Pandemic-Specific Supplies

  • N95/KN95 masks (box of 50+)
  • Disposable gloves
  • Digital thermometer and pulse oximeter
  • Disinfectant spray and wipes
  • Hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol)
  • Electrolyte drink mix
  • Isolation room supplies (separate trash bags, towels)
  • Shelf-stable comfort foods for morale

Chemical Spill / Hazmat Preparedness

Chemical emergencies can result from industrial accidents, transportation incidents, or intentional releases. Toxic fumes, fires, and explosions can all follow a chemical release. Your response depends on whether authorities direct you to evacuate or shelter in place.

Before: Know Your Local Risks

  • Identify industrial facilities, chemical plants, and major transportation routes (rail, highway) near your home
  • Learn about chemicals manufactured, stored, or transported through your area via your Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
  • Understand the difference between "evacuate" and "shelter in place" orders
  • Prepare a shelter-in-place kit: plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors (pre-cut sheeting to fit windows and doors)
  • Stock N95 masks and consider full-face respirators with chemical cartridges for at-risk areas
  • Know how to seal a room: tape plastic over windows, doors, and vents
  • Practice sealing one room quickly; you should be able to do it in under 10 minutes
  • Add Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) to every family member's phone contacts

During: Protect Yourself from Exposure

  • If told to evacuate: Move immediately upwind and uphill from the source. Close car windows and vents
  • If told to shelter in place: Go inside immediately. Close and lock all windows and doors
  • Turn off all HVAC systems, fans, and anything that pulls in outside air
  • Seal the room with plastic sheeting and duct tape over doors, windows, and vents
  • Cover your mouth and nose with wet towels if you do not have a mask
  • Listen to emergency broadcasts for instructions on when it is safe to exit
  • If you are exposed to a chemical: remove contaminated clothing, rinse your skin with large amounts of clean water for 15-20 minutes, and seek medical attention
  • Do not eat or drink anything that may have been contaminated

After: Decontamination and Follow-Up

  • Wait for official "all clear" before unsealing rooms or going outside
  • Open windows and ventilate your home once the threat has passed
  • If you were exposed, follow decontamination instructions from hazmat teams
  • Seek medical evaluation even if you feel fine; some chemical exposures have delayed effects
  • Discard exposed food, water, and medications
  • Follow public health guidance on cleaning your property
  • Report lingering symptoms or suspicious residues to your local health department

Chemical Spill-Specific Supplies

  • Pre-cut plastic sheeting for each window and door
  • Duct tape (multiple rolls)
  • N95 or chemical cartridge respirators
  • Safety goggles
  • Rubber gloves and boots
  • Towels for wet-seal breathing protection
  • Scissors (for cutting plastic sheeting quickly)

Active Threat Preparedness

Active threat situations, including active shooter incidents, require immediate action. The Department of Homeland Security teaches the Run-Hide-Fight protocol. Awareness of your surroundings and quick decision-making are your greatest assets.

Before: Situational Awareness Training

  • When entering any building, identify two exits immediately
  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in crowded public spaces
  • Know your workplace or school's emergency action plan and practice it
  • Attend active threat training if offered by your employer, school, or community
  • Learn basic first aid and tourniquet application (hemorrhage control saves lives)
  • Keep your phone charged and on silent when in public spaces
  • Trust your instincts: if something feels wrong, move away and report it

During: Run, Hide, Fight

  • RUN: If a safe escape path exists, take it. Leave belongings behind. Help others evacuate if possible. Keep hands visible when you reach law enforcement
  • HIDE: If you cannot evacuate, find a room that locks. Barricade the door with heavy furniture. Turn off lights and silence your phone completely. Hide behind large, solid objects
  • Stay out of the threat's line of sight
  • Spread out in the room if you are in a group (do not huddle together)
  • FIGHT: As an absolute last resort, commit to action with whatever is available. Throw objects, yell, and act aggressively. There is strength in numbers if others fight alongside you
  • Call 911 when it is safe. Provide your location, number of threats, description of threats, and number of victims
  • When law enforcement arrives, remain calm, follow their commands, keep your hands visible, and do not make sudden movements

After: Immediate Aftermath

  • Follow law enforcement instructions completely; the scene is not secure until they declare it so
  • Provide information to investigators when asked; your observations can be critical
  • Contact your family as soon as safely possible
  • Apply pressure to any wounds you or others have sustained; use a tourniquet on limbs if bleeding is severe
  • Seek counseling and mental health support; trauma reactions are normal and treatable
  • Participate in after-action reviews if offered; they improve community response

Active Threat Awareness Items

  • Personal tourniquet (CAT or SOFTT-W)
  • Compact first aid kit with hemostatic gauze
  • Door barricade device for offices/classrooms
  • Personal alarm
  • Charged phone with ICE contacts set
Common Questions

Emergency Preparedness FAQ

How much water should I store per person for emergency preparedness?

Store a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. For a family of four, that means 12 gallons at minimum. FEMA recommends extending this to a two-week supply if possible, which would be 56 gallons for four people. Remember to include water for pets and account for hot climates, nursing mothers, or ill family members, which may require additional water.

What is the most important thing to do first when preparing for a disaster?

The single most important first step is creating a family communication plan. Decide how your household will contact each other if separated, designate two meeting places (one near your home and one outside your neighborhood), and choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. Once your communication plan is set, build a 72-hour emergency kit with water, food, flashlight, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of important documents.

How often should I update my emergency preparedness kit?

Review and update your emergency kit every six months. Check expiration dates on food, water, medications, and batteries. Replace expired items immediately. Update seasonal clothing, refresh stored water, verify that flashlights and radios work, and ensure copies of important documents are current. Many families tie this review to daylight saving time changes in March and November as a simple reminder.

Do I need different emergency supplies for different types of disasters?

Yes. While a core 72-hour kit covers basics for any disaster, specific threats require additional items. Hurricanes call for plywood and extra water due to extended outages. Earthquakes require a wrench to shut off gas lines and heavy gloves for debris. Wildfires need N95 masks and go-bags for fast evacuation. A pandemic requires a 30-day supply of food, medications, and sanitation items. This guide covers specific supplies for ten different disaster types.

Where can I find official emergency preparedness resources from the government?

The primary federal resource is Ready.gov, maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA. You can also contact FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov after a declared disaster. The American Red Cross at redcross.org provides shelter locators and preparedness guides. Your state and county emergency management agencies publish hazard-specific plans for your area.

Learn More

Additional Resources

Continue building your emergency readiness with these guides and official resources.

Detailed Emergency Kit Guide

Step-by-step instructions for building and maintaining your family emergency supply kit.

Read guide

Family Emergency Plan Template

Create a communication plan, choose meeting points, and assign family roles.

Start planning

First Aid Training

Learn CPR, wound care, and basic life support techniques for emergencies.

View training

All-Hazards Approach

Understand the unified planning strategy used by FEMA and emergency managers.

Learn more

Emergency Alert Systems

How to receive and interpret Wireless Emergency Alerts, EAS, and NOAA warnings.

View guide

CERT Training Programs

Community Emergency Response Team training prepares citizens to assist during disasters.

Find training

Official Government Resources

  • Ready.gov - Department of Homeland Security's national preparedness campaign
  • FEMA.gov - Federal Emergency Management Agency programs, grants, and disaster assistance
  • American Red Cross - Preparedness resources, shelter locators, and training courses

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell is an emergency management specialist with over 15 years of experience in disaster preparedness planning, community resilience programs, and FEMA coordination. She holds a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designation and has served as a lead planner for county-level emergency operations.

Keep These Checklists Accessible

Print this page and store copies in your emergency kit, vehicle glove box, and workplace. Share it with neighbors, coworkers, and family members. Preparedness starts with having a plan you can actually find when you need it.