Disasters rarely send a warning. Whether it's a hurricane, earthquake, wildfire, or a days-long power outage, the difference between a scary inconvenience and a genuine crisis often comes down to preparation done weeks in advance.
Here's what emergency management experts and organizations like FEMA and the American Red Cross actually recommend for building a kit, storing supplies, sheltering safely, staying in touch with loved ones, and handling injuries until help arrives.
FEMA and Ready.gov recommend storing at least one gallon of water per person per day, enough for a minimum of three days, for drinking and basic sanitation.
A basic emergency kit should include non-perishable food, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, cash, copies of important documents, and any personal medications.
Storing your emergency kit near an exit rather than in an attic or closet makes it far more likely you can grab it quickly when seconds count.
Clear, labeled storage containers or a labeled backpack with multiple compartments make it much faster to find specific items during a stressful emergency.
Shelf-stable foods that need no refrigeration or cooking — canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, nuts, dried fruit, and jerky — are ideal for emergency stockpiles.
Rotating stored food using the 'first in, first out' method helps prevent supplies from expiring unnoticed.
Freeze-dried meals can have a shelf life of 25-30 years when properly packaged, making them a popular long-term emergency food option.
Pet owners should keep at least a few days' supply of pet food, water, and any needed medication as part of household emergency planning.
Identifying an interior room with no windows as a safe zone is a standard recommendation for riding out tornado warnings at home.
The American Red Cross recommends having a battery-powered or hand-crank radio on hand, since it can receive emergency broadcasts even when cell networks and power are down.
A corded landline phone can continue to work during a power outage because many landline systems are powered separately from the local electrical grid, unlike most cordless phones.
Designating a meeting spot in advance, such as a specific intersection or a relative's home, helps family members reconnect if phone networks are overloaded or down.
A basic first aid kit should include bandages of various sizes, gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, scissors, tweezers, disposable gloves, a thermometer, and pain relievers.
The American Red Cross recommends cooling a burn under cool (not ice-cold) running water for about 10 minutes before covering it with a clean, dry bandage.
For a suspected broken bone, immobilizing the area with a splint before moving the person helps prevent further injury.
Signs of shock include pale, cool, or clammy skin and rapid breathing; keeping the person warm and elevating their legs (if no spinal or leg injury is suspected) is a standard first-aid response while awaiting help.
Knowing hands-only CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival, according to the American Heart Association.
Households with infants should stock extra diapers, formula, and baby food, since these items can be hard to find during widespread emergencies.
People with ongoing prescriptions should ask their doctor or pharmacist about building a short backup supply of essential medication in case pharmacies are inaccessible.
Portable battery banks and battery- or crank-powered lanterns are practical, low-cost tools for staying safe and connected during extended power outages.
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