Emergency preparedness kit

{{whyLabel}}: Understanding whether you are more likely to face floods, wildfires, or blizzards dictates specific gear needs.

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• Check local government hazard maps for flood zones or fault lines.
• Identify the most common cause of power outages in your area (e.g., ice storms vs. grid instability).
• Note specific evacuation routes provided by local authorities.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a written list of the top 3 likely emergency scenarios for your home.

{{whyLabel}}: A kit for a single person differs vastly from one for a family of four with pets.

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• Count all humans and pets in the household.
• Note specific medical needs (e.g., insulin, CPAP machines).
• Calculate total water needs: 1 gallon (3.8L) per person/pet per day.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a list of total quantities needed for a 72-hour survival window.

{{whyLabel}}: In a crisis, you cannot waste time searching for supplies; they must be accessible and protected.

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• Choose a cool, dry, and dark area to prevent food and battery degradation.
• Ensure the spot is easily accessible even in total darkness.
• Avoid areas prone to flooding (like low basement corners).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A specific shelf or closet is cleared and ready for the kit.

{{whyLabel}}: Clean water is the most critical survival asset for hydration and basic hygiene.

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• Use BPA-free food-grade plastic containers or commercially bottled water.
• Store at least 3 gallons (approx. 12 liters) per person for a 3-day supply.
• Check expiration dates if using pre-bottled water.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The total calculated volume of water is physically present in the storage location.

{{whyLabel}}: If your stored water runs out or becomes contaminated, you need a way to make local water safe.

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• Buy Chlorine Dioxide tablets (more effective against Cryptosporidium than iodine).
• Ensure the package is sealed and check the 4-5 year shelf life.
• Keep instructions with the tablets.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: One pack of purification tablets (treating at least 20-50 liters) is in the kit.

{{whyLabel}}: Mechanical filtration removes bacteria and protozoa instantly without the chemical taste of tablets.

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• Select a hollow-fiber membrane filter (e.g., straw-style or squeeze-style).
• Verify it filters down to 0.1 microns to catch E. coli and Salmonella.
• Practice assembling it once to ensure all gaskets are tight.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A functional portable water filter is added to the kit.

{{whyLabel}}: Stressful situations increase caloric needs; food provides energy and morale.

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• Select canned meats, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
• Include high-energy snacks like peanut butter, protein bars, and trail mix.
• Avoid very salty foods that increase thirst.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: 6,000 calories per person (2,000/day) are stored.

{{whyLabel}}: Most survival food is canned; an electric opener won't work during a power outage.

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• Choose a heavy-duty stainless steel manual opener.
• Avoid flimsy versions that might snap on thick cans.
• Test it on one can to ensure the blade is sharp.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A manual opener is placed inside the food storage bin.

{{whyLabel}}: Standard kits often lack items for serious injuries like deep cuts or heavy bleeding.

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• Include trauma shears, sterile gauze pads, and medical tape.
• Add a tourniquet (and learn how to use it safely).
• Include antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A fully stocked medical bag is placed in the kit.

{{whyLabel}}: Pharmacies may close or lose power during a disaster, making refills impossible.

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• Talk to your doctor about a "disaster stash" of essential meds.
• Rotate these every 6 months to ensure they don't expire.
• Keep them in their original labeled containers.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: One week of all critical medications is stored in a waterproof container.

{{whyLabel}}: If the sewage system fails, you need a way to manage human waste to prevent illness.

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• Buy 4-mil or thicker contractor bags.
• These can also be used as emergency ponchos or to seal broken windows.
• Include plenty of heavy-duty zip ties or duct tape.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A roll of at least 10 heavy-duty bags is in the kit.

{{whyLabel}}: Conserving water for drinking means you cannot use it for bathing.

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• Pack large body wipes and alcohol-based hand sanitizer (min 60% alcohol).
• Include a small bottle of biodegradable soap.
• Add a pack of multi-purpose disinfectant wipes for surfaces.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Hygiene supplies for 3 days are packed.

{{whyLabel}}: Headlamps provide hands-free light, which is essential for cooking, repairs, or navigating in the dark.

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• Choose LEDs with at least 100 lumens of brightness.
• Look for models with a "red light" mode to preserve night vision.
• Test the headbands for comfort.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: One functional headlamp per person is in the kit.

{{whyLabel}}: Batteries lose charge over time; fresh spares ensure your lights and radios keep working.

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• Match battery types (AA, AAA, D) to your specific devices.
• Store them in their original packaging to prevent short-circuiting.
• Check for a 10-year shelf life guarantee.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Two full sets of replacement batteries for every device are stored.

{{whyLabel}}: During grid failures, cellular networks often crash; radio is the most reliable way to get official updates.

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• Ensure it receives AM/FM and all 7 NOAA weather channels.
• Choose a model with multiple power sources (solar, crank, battery).
• Test the reception inside your home to find the best signal spot.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A tested weather radio is placed in the kit.

{{whyLabel}}: Keeping a phone charged allows for emergency calls and access to offline maps.

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• Use a power bank with at least 20,000mAh capacity.
• Ensure you have the correct charging cables (USB-C, Lightning) for all devices.
• Opt for a model with a rugged, water-resistant exterior.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A 100% charged power bank and cables are packed.

{{whyLabel}}: For longer outages, a LiFePO4 power station can run small appliances or medical devices.

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• Look for a capacity of 250Wh to 500Wh for basic needs.
• Ensure it has an AC outlet (Pure Sine Wave) for sensitive electronics.
• LiFePO4 chemistry is preferred for its 10+ year lifespan and safety.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A power station is charged and stored near the kit.

{{whyLabel}}: These are the "universal fixers" for emergency repairs or opening packages.

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• Choose a multi-tool with pliers, a knife blade, and a screwdriver.
• Include a full roll of high-quality silver duct tape.
• Wrap some tape around a pencil to save space if needed.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Both items are in the tool section of the kit.

{{whyLabel}}: If the power is out, credit card machines and ATMs will not work.

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• Use small denominations ($1, $5, $10) as change may be unavailable.
• Store the cash in a waterproof, inconspicuous container.
• Do not tell people outside the household where it is kept.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Cash is hidden within the emergency kit.

{{whyLabel}}: You may need to prove identity or insurance coverage immediately after a disaster.

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• Photocopy IDs, passports, insurance policies, and property deeds.
• Include a list of emergency contact phone numbers (don't rely on phone memory).
• Place all papers in a heavy-duty Ziploc or dry bag.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A sealed folder of critical documents is in the kit.

{{whyLabel}}: Kits fail when food expires, batteries leak, or water tastes like plastic.

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• Set a recurring digital calendar alert for "Emergency Kit Review."
• Plan to rotate food/water and check battery levels every 6 months.
• Check for any updated medical prescriptions needed.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A recurring reminder is active on your primary calendar.