Preparedness for Every Household

A one-page conversation guide for members, neighbors and families. Adjust supplies and plans for local hazards, household needs and official instructions.

1. Know how you will learn what happened

  • Sign up for alerts from your local emergency management agency and the National Weather Service.
  • Enable emergency alerts on household phones.
  • Plan for power, internet or mobile-service failure.
  • Know which faith-community messages are official.

2. Make a household contact plan

  • Name an out-of-area contact.
  • Choose two meeting places: one nearby and one outside the neighborhood.
  • Write important numbers on paper.
  • Decide who checks on children, older adults, neighbors and pets.

3. Prepare to stay or leave

  • Know local evacuation routes and shelter locations.
  • Keep essential medication, mobility and communication items ready.
  • Plan transportation before roads or transit are disrupted.
  • Include service animals and household pets.

4. Build a practical supply kit

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, per Ready.gov), at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food, and a safe way to meet dietary needs.
  • Flashlights, batteries, radio and charging options.
  • First-aid supplies, masks and sanitation items.
  • Copies of essential documents and a small amount of cash.

5. Plan for individual needs

  • Medication, refrigeration and powered-equipment backup.
  • Accessible transportation and communication.
  • Language, sensory, cognitive and caregiving needs.
  • Religious practices, clothing, diet and sacred items.

6. Help without self-deploying

  • Follow official road closures and evacuation orders.
  • Volunteer through an organization with assignments and supervision.
  • Donate through verified requests.
  • Do not enter floodwater, damaged buildings or restricted areas.

Your household decisions

Local alert sources
Out-of-area contact
Meeting places
People and animals we will check