Family emergency preparedness

{{whyLabel}}: Knowing what to prepare for prevents wasting resources on unlikely scenarios.

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• Check local government risk maps for floods, wildfires, or earthquakes.
• Evaluate the likelihood of prolonged power outages or extreme weather.
• Prioritize your plan based on these high-probability events.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A written list of the 3 most likely emergencies is created.

{{whyLabel}}: Communication networks often fail during disasters, making pre-arranged locations vital.

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• Pick one spot right outside your home (e.g., a specific neighbor's tree).
• Pick one spot in your neighborhood (e.g., a library or park).
• Pick one spot outside your immediate town in case of regional evacuation.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All three locations are documented with exact addresses.

{{whyLabel}}: Digital devices may run out of battery or be lost during an evacuation.

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• List out-of-state contacts (easier to reach during local network congestion).
• Include work, school, and vet numbers.
• Print and laminate one card for every family member's bag.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Every family member has a physical card in their wallet or backpack.

{{whyLabel}}: Chaos is reduced when everyone knows their specific responsibility.

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• Assign one person to grab the pet carrier and another to grab the Go-Bags.
• Designate a 'tech lead' to grab chargers and power banks.
• Ensure kids have a simple job, like checking their own 'Comfort Kit'.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A role chart is posted on the refrigerator.

{{whyLabel}}: Dehydration is the most immediate threat in many disaster scenarios.

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• Calculate for at least 3 days (14 days is the 2025 gold standard).
• Use BPA-free food-grade plastic containers.
• Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Total required gallons are stored and dated.

{{whyLabel}}: Gas and electricity may be unavailable for cooking.

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• Focus on calorie-dense items: nut butters, canned meats, and dried fruits.
• Ensure you have a manual can opener.
• Choose foods your family (especially kids) already enjoy to reduce stress.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A dedicated 'Emergency Food' bin is filled and sealed.

{{whyLabel}}: Standard kits often lack items for significant injuries.

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• Include tourniquets, hemostatic gauze, and pressure bandages.
• Add a 14-day supply of all family prescription medications.
• Include basic OTC meds: Ibuprofen, antihistamines, and anti-diarrheals.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Kit is organized in a waterproof bag with an inventory list.

{{whyLabel}}: Information is vital for knowing when it is safe to return or move.

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• Select a model that receives NOAA Weather Radio alerts.
• Ensure it has a USB charging port for phones and an integrated flashlight.
• Test the hand-crank and solar charging functions immediately.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Radio is fully charged and placed in the main Go-Bag.

{{whyLabel}}: Poor hygiene leads to disease outbreaks in disaster zones.

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• Pack heavy-duty trash bags and plastic ties for waste.
• Include wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and menstrual products.
• Add a small bottle of unscented bleach for water disinfection (8 drops per gallon).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Hygiene kit is sealed in a gallon-sized freezer bag.

{{whyLabel}}: Psychological resilience is as important as physical survival for children.

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• Include a favorite small toy or stuffed animal.
• Add a notebook, crayons, and a deck of cards.
• Include a family photo to provide a sense of security.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Each child has a personalized backpack ready to go.

{{whyLabel}}: Pets are often denied entry to shelters if they lack supplies or records.

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• Pack 7 days of dry food in airtight containers.
• Include a spare leash, collar with ID tags, and a collapsible bowl.
• Add a copy of vaccination records and a photo of you with your pet (for proof of ownership).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Pet kit is stored next to the family Go-Bags.

{{whyLabel}}: Pets frequently bolt during loud noises or evacuations.

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• Log into your microchip provider's website to ensure your phone number is current.
• Ensure physical tags are legible and include a secondary 'out-of-area' contact.
• Keep a current photo of your pet on your phone and printed.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Microchip info is verified and tags are attached to collars.

{{whyLabel}}: Preventing gas leaks or water damage can save your home after an event.

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• Locate the main gas valve, water intake, and electrical breaker box.
• Attach a dedicated wrench near the gas meter if required.
• Label every switch in the breaker box clearly.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All adults know how to shut off utilities in under 2 minutes.

{{whyLabel}}: Physical documents are easily destroyed by fire or water.

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• Scan passports, deeds, insurance policies, and birth certificates.
• Store them on a password-protected USB drive and a secure cloud service.
• Keep the physical originals in a fireproof, waterproof safe.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Encrypted digital copies are accessible remotely.

{{whyLabel}}: Muscle memory replaces panic during a real emergency.

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• Set a timer for 2 minutes.
• Have everyone grab their Go-Bags and pets and meet at the first designated spot.
• Debrief afterward: What was forgotten? What slowed people down?

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The family successfully exits the home within the time limit.

{{whyLabel}}: Expired food or dead batteries render your preparation useless.

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• Set a recurring calendar alert for every 3 or 6 months.
• Check expiration dates on food, water, and medications.
• Test flashlights and recharge power banks.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A recurring reminder is set in all adult family phones.