Common Questions
Emergency Preparedness FAQ
Answers to the most common household preparedness questions — organized by topic. Calm, practical, and direct.
Beginner Preparedness
Start with water — store at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days. Then food for 3–7 days, then light and power basics, then a family communication plan. See our Start Here page for the full 5-step framework.
You can build meaningful preparedness for $50–150 to start, using items you already own and targeted purchases. Water storage and a few flashlights are the cheapest first steps. See our preparedness on a budget guide.
Power outages, severe storms, wildfires, and flooding affect millions of households every year. Most preparedness improves your situation during very common, modest disruptions — not just rare catastrophic events.
Basic preparedness — water, food, light, and a communication plan — can be accomplished in a weekend. More comprehensive preparedness builds over weeks or months at a sustainable pace.
Trying to do everything at once and becoming overwhelmed. Start with water and build from there. Something always beats nothing.
That's a personal choice. Preparedness is increasingly mainstream and most people respond positively. Connecting with neighbors on preparedness can build useful community resilience.
No — renters can do virtually everything homeowners can in terms of emergency preparedness. Go-bags, food storage, water storage, and communication plans are completely portable. See our apartment preparedness guide.
Emergency preparedness focuses on realistic, common emergencies like outages, storms, and evacuations. 'Prepping' as a culture often includes more extreme scenarios. This site is focused on practical, common-emergency preparedness.
Emergency Kits
A 72-hour kit is a collection of supplies to sustain your household for 3 days without depending on stores, utilities, or emergency services. It's the recommended baseline from FEMA and Ready.gov.
A 72-hour kit refers to the supplies (food, water, first aid, etc.). A bug-out bag is a portable version of those supplies packed into a backpack for mobility. See our 72-hour kit guide.
Each adult should have their own go-bag. Older children can carry a smaller version. Younger children's needs go into a parent's bag. Separate bags distribute weight and maintain individual capability if separated.
At minimum twice a year. Check food and medication expiration dates, test batteries, charge power banks, and update documents. Many people tie this to daylight saving time changes.
Water. Dehydration sets in faster than hunger and can be life-threatening within 24–48 hours in some conditions.
DIY kits are almost always better and cheaper. Pre-made kits often include items you don't need and miss items specific to your household. See our pre-made vs. DIY comparison.
Near your primary exit, accessible without moving other items, and off the floor in flood-prone areas. You should be able to grab it in 60 seconds without thinking.
Water
FEMA recommends at least 1 gallon per person per day as a minimum. A gallon and a half per person per day is a more comfortable target that accounts for cooking and hygiene.
Tap water stored in sealed food-grade containers is generally good for 6–12 months before rotating. Commercial bottled water in sealed containers lasts much longer. Always follow your local utility's guidance.
It depends on the emergency. During a boil water notice, tap water must be boiled before drinking. Always follow guidance from your local utility provider and health department.
A boil water notice means your tap water may be unsafe to drink without treatment. Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute before drinking. Follow local guidance for when the notice is lifted.
For a go-bag, a Sawyer Squeeze or similar squeeze filter is excellent — lightweight, effective, and long-lasting. For home use, a gravity filter provides larger volume. See our water filter guide.
Yes — chlorine dioxide tablets are effective against bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. They're a lightweight backup option. Taste isn't great but the water is safe. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Food-grade containers only — HDPE plastic marked with #2, or food-safe glass. Do not use milk jugs (they harbor bacteria) or any non-food-grade container. See our container guide.
Filters remove bacteria and protozoa (like Giardia) through physical filtration. Purifiers (UV, chemical, some hollow fiber filters) also remove or kill viruses. For most US backcountry water sources, a filter is sufficient. For international travel or sewage-contaminated sources, you may need purification.
Food
Start with 3 days, aim for 2 weeks as a baseline, and consider 3 months if you want a meaningful buffer against supply disruptions. Begin with food your household already eats.
Canned goods (soups, beans, tuna), nut butters, crackers, rice, oats, and shelf-stable snacks. Prioritize food your household will actually eat and that requires minimal preparation.
Use FIFO (First In, First Out): put new items in the back, use oldest items from the front. Check and eat stored food regularly so it's always within its freshness window. See our rotation guide.
It's convenient and has a long shelf life, but it's expensive and requires water to prepare. For most households, starting with canned goods is more practical. See our honest comparison.
Plenty of shelf-stable options exist for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, diabetic, and other diets. See our special diets guide.
A refrigerator stays safe for 4 hours with the door closed. A full freezer for 48 hours; half-full for 24 hours. When in doubt, throw it out. Consult FDA FoodSafety.gov for specific guidance. (Verify with current FDA guidance.)
With the right equipment, yes — outdoors. Propane camp stoves, charcoal grills, and wood fires all work but must never be used indoors due to carbon monoxide risk. See our backup cooking guide.
Power
Start with flashlights with good batteries, a charged power bank, and a weather radio. Then add shelf-stable food and water. See our full power outage preparation guide.
A refrigerator keeps food safe for 4 hours with the door closed. Open it as little as possible. A full freezer is safe for 48 hours; half-full for 24 hours. Verify with FoodSafety.gov.
It depends on how often you lose power and for how long. Generators are most valuable for extended (multi-day) outages or for households with critical medical equipment. Always operate generators outdoors — carbon monoxide is deadly.
Outdoors only, at least 20 feet from doors and windows. Never inside a garage, even with the door open. Carbon monoxide from generators kills people every year. Install CO detectors and test them regularly. Verify current guidelines with your local fire department or CPSC.gov.
Phones, laptops, CPAP machines, fans, LED lights, and some small appliances. They can't run high-draw appliances like refrigerators for extended periods. Capacity varies widely — check watt-hours and your device's power requirements.
A portable power bank (10,000+ mAh) is the simplest solution. Keep it charged as part of regular kit maintenance. A car charger is a secondary option if your vehicle is available.
A NOAA weather radio receives emergency alerts and weather broadcasts independently of the internet and cell networks. During major outages when cell towers fail, it may be your only connection to official information. Most households benefit from having one. See our emergency radio guide.
Portable solar panels can recharge power banks and some devices during sunny conditions. They're a useful supplement but shouldn't be your only backup power plan. See our solar charger guide.
Communication
The most important step: designate an out-of-area contact everyone can call or text. Local calls often fail when long-distance works. Know two meeting points. See our family communication plan guide.
Text messages use brief data bursts and queue when networks are congested. Voice calls require a sustained connection. During major events when networks are overloaded, texts often go through when calls don't.
Sign up for your county's local emergency alert system (typically a text/email service). Also ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on your phone. NOAA weather radio covers all official weather alerts. See our alert signup guide.
For most households, no — a NOAA weather radio and a solid family communication plan cover the essential bases. Ham radio is most valuable for people with specific off-grid communication needs. See our honest assessment.
Family member phone numbers, your out-of-area contact name and phone number, doctor and pharmacy contact, insurance information, and your two meeting points. See our contact card guide.
First Aid
Bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, pain reliever, antihistamine, nitrile gloves, tweezers, blister treatment, and any prescription medications your household uses. See our first aid kit checklist.
Yes — strongly recommended. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association both offer basic first aid and CPR courses. Basic training makes your kit significantly more useful.
Talk to your doctor in advance. Many insurers allow early refills for people in disaster-prone areas. Aim for a 3–7 day buffer supply rotated regularly. Store medications per their specific requirements. Consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
This requires specific planning that depends on your equipment's power requirements. Talk to your equipment provider about backup power options. Some medical equipment providers can connect you with emergency planning resources. Consult your healthcare provider and equipment supplier.
Including comfort items, familiar foods, and activities for children significantly helps with stress management during emergencies. See our mental health and emergencies guide.
Evacuation
Follow official evacuation orders. For voluntary evacuation zones, the earlier you leave, the safer and easier your evacuation will be. Don't wait for mandatory orders if conditions are deteriorating. See our decision framework.
Your go-bag, medications, pets and their supplies, phone and charger, wallet, and keys. Take additional items only if you can do so in under a minute. See our evacuation checklist.
Evacuation zones are pre-mapped areas prioritized for evacuation order. Zone A areas are typically evacuated first, then B and C. Find your zone on your local emergency management website.
Most public emergency shelters don't accept pets. Know this in advance and have a plan: a pet-friendly hotel, a friend or family member outside the affected area, or a pet-specific emergency shelter. See our evacuating with pets guide.
Know your public transit emergency protocols and your local jurisdiction's transportation assistance programs for carless residents. Some areas operate evacuation buses for residents without vehicles. Contact your local emergency management office in advance.
Identify two routes out of your neighborhood and two destinations (family, hotel, shelter). Drive the routes in advance. Know which roads are likely to flood or congest. See our evacuation planning guide.
Shelter in Place
Shelter in place means staying where you are and taking protective action rather than evacuating. The specific actions depend on the type of emergency — weather event, chemical incident, or security situation.
It varies significantly. Weather-related shelter orders may last hours. Chemical incident orders may last a few hours. Active security situations are typically resolved within hours. Extended shelter orders (days to weeks) are less common but do occur during some disasters.
At minimum: 2 weeks of food and water, medications, a battery radio for information, and sanitation supplies if water access is disrupted. See our shelter in place checklist.
Close all windows and doors, turn off your HVAC system, and follow instructions from emergency management. Plastic sheeting and duct tape can be used to seal vents if instructed. Follow official guidance from your local emergency management for your specific situation. Verify with FEMA and local emergency management.
Gear
A weather radio. It provides emergency information when all other options fail — no internet or cell service required.
No. The most important preparedness investments are stored water, food, a flashlight with batteries, a power bank, a weather radio, and a family communication plan. The first four cost under $100 total.
Tactical-looking gear draws unnecessary attention during evacuations and isn't functionally better than civilian alternatives for most household emergencies. A plain hiking pack and civilian gear is more practical.
Most emergency gear is best bought new — especially first aid supplies and water filters. Exceptions: well-maintained camping gear (sleeping bags, packs) can be safely purchased used.
Family Planning
Involve them appropriately for their age. Younger children should know their home address and a parent's phone number. Older children can participate in family planning. See our guide on talking to kids.
Plan specifically for their needs: medications, mobility assistance, heat and cold vulnerability, and any medical equipment. Ensure they know the family communication plan. Check on them during emergencies. See our senior preparedness guide.
This depends significantly on the disability. General principles: ensure their needs are in the family emergency plan, include any required equipment and supplies, identify who will assist during evacuation, and contact your local emergency management for special needs registry options.
A plan for how family members will find each other if separated during an emergency — including school pickup protocols, meeting points, and how to contact the out-of-area contact. See our reunification planning guide.
Pets
Keep their vaccinations current (required by most shelters), have a carrier or leash accessible, store 3–7 days of food and water, and plan your shelter and evacuation options. See our pet emergency checklist.
Research pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation routes in advance. Identify a friend or family member outside your area who can take your pets. Know the location of your county's pet-friendly emergency shelter if one exists.
Vaccination records (rabies in particular is often required), microchip information, a photo of you with your pet, and your veterinarian's contact information.
Most general emergency shelters do not accept pets. Some communities have separate pet-friendly shelters or co-located pet facilities. Research your specific community's arrangements in advance.
Vehicles
Jumper cables or a portable jump starter, a tire repair kit, reflective triangles, a flashlight, water, snacks, a basic first aid kit, and a phone charger. See our vehicle kit checklist.
During high-risk seasons (fire season, storm season), keep your tank at least half full. During an emergency, don't wait to fill up — gas stations run out during major events.
Gasoline degrades over time and poses fire and storage hazards. If you want to store fuel at home, use approved fuel containers, add a fuel stabilizer, and rotate it every 3–6 months. Follow fire department safety guidance on quantities and storage location. Verify with your local fire department.
Checklists
Our free checklist pack includes 12 printable checklists. Download it on our checklists page.
Print it and work through it item by item, checking off each item as you acquire or confirm it. Then store the checklist with your kit. Review and recheck twice a year.
The 72-hour kit checklist is the right starting point for most households. It covers water, food, light, first aid, communication, and documents in one organized list.
Note on answers flagged with Verify: Some answers involve guidance that varies by location, changes over time, or requires professional consultation. We flag these to prompt you to verify with the most current official sources — your local utility, emergency management agency, healthcare provider, or relevant government agency.