Emergency Preparedness: The 72-Hour Kit, Family Emergency Plan and Essential Safety Checklist (2026)
Emergency preparedness is not about panic-buying supplies or stockpiling unnecessary items. It is about knowing what to do, having essential supplies available and being able to respond quickly when normal services are disrupted. Hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, earthquakes, winter storms, extreme heat and prolonged power outages can disrupt everyday life across the United States. Depending on the emergency, you may need to shelter at home, evacuate quickly or manage without electricity, clean water, transportation and other essential services. The best time to prepare is before an emergency happens. Following the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) preparedness framework, every household should focus on three priorities: Get informed: Understand the hazards that could affect your area and know where to receive official emergency warnings. Make a plan: Establish family communication arrangements, meeting places, evacuation routes and shelter plans. Bui...