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Emergency Readiness Essentials: Complete Preparedness Checklist

Quick Summary​

This comprehensive checklist covers the six essential categories every emergency readiness plan should address: health/first aid, water, food, shelter, fire, and recovery/travel. Whether you're preparing for a power outage, natural disaster, or extended camping trip, these fundamentals will keep you and your family safe.

Why This Matters​

When emergencies strike, having the right supplies and knowledge can mean the difference between discomfort and danger. The 2021 Texas freeze left millions without power for days. Hurricane Katrina stranded thousands without basic necessities. Even a simple car breakdown on a remote highway can become serious without proper preparation.

This checklist is based on field-tested priorities used by professionals in extreme situations, adapted for civilian emergency scenarios. It covers both immediate needs (first 72 hours) and extended situations (up to two weeks).

The Six Essential Categories​

Every readiness plan should address these fundamental human needs in order of priority:

  1. Health & First Aid - Treat injuries and prevent illness
  2. Water - Procurement, purification, and storage
  3. Food - Procurement, preparation, and preservation
  4. Shelter & Warmth - Protection from elements
  5. Fire Starting - Heat, light, cooking, signaling
  6. Recovery & Travel - Getting help or getting out

Health & First Aid Essentials​

Immediate Care Supplies​

  • Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
  • Gauze pads and medical tape
  • Antiseptic wipes or solution
  • Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
  • Anti-diarrheal medication
  • Antihistamines for allergic reactions
  • Thermometer
  • Disposable gloves
  • Emergency blanket (mylar)

Personal Medications​

  • 30-day supply of prescription medications
  • Insulin and diabetes supplies if needed
  • Inhalers for asthma
  • EpiPens for severe allergies
  • Reading glasses or contact supplies

Disease Prevention​

  • Hand sanitizer (alcohol-based)
  • Face masks
  • Water purification tablets
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen

Water: Procurement & Purification​

Storage (Minimum 1 gallon per person per day)​

  • 3-day supply: 3 gallons per person (12 gallons for family of 4)
  • 2-week supply: 14 gallons per person (56 gallons for family of 4)
  • Use food-grade containers, rotate every 6 months

Procurement Methods​

  • Rainwater collection (tarps, containers)
  • Natural sources (streams, lakes, springs)
  • Condensation collection
  • Melting snow or ice

Purification Options​

  • Boiling: 1 minute at sea level, 3 minutes above 6,500 feet
  • Water purification tablets: Follow package directions
  • Portable filters: Remove bacteria and parasites
  • UV sterilizers: Kill viruses and bacteria

Carrying Solutions​

  • Portable water containers
  • Collapsible water bottles
  • Water backpacks or bladders
  • Purification straws for travel

Food: Procurement & Preparation​

Storage Essentials​

  • Non-perishable foods: 3-day minimum, 2-week ideal
  • Canned goods with manual can opener
  • Dried fruits, nuts, and energy bars
  • Instant oatmeal, rice, and pasta
  • Peanut butter and crackers
  • Powdered milk and electrolyte drinks

Procurement Methods​

  • Foraging (know local laws and plant identification)
  • Fishing (basic tackle and knowledge)
  • Hunting/trapping (where legal and appropriate)
  • Emergency food sources (cattails, acorns, wild berries)

Preparation & Cooking​

  • Portable camping stove with fuel
  • Lightweight cookware and utensils
  • Can opener (manual)
  • Sharp knife for food prep
  • Aluminum foil for cooking and storage
  • Cooler with ice packs (short-term)

Shelter & Warmth​

Immediate Shelter​

  • Emergency shelter (space blanket, bivy)
  • Sleeping bags rated for local climate
  • Insulating pads or mats
  • Tarps for ground cover and weather protection

Extended Shelter​

  • Knowledge of natural shelter construction
  • Basic tools (hatchet, saw, shovel)
  • Rope and cordage
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Duct tape for repairs

Warmth & Comfort​

  • Extra clothing layers
  • Warm hats and gloves
  • Wool socks and blankets
  • Hand/foot warmers (chemical)
  • Emergency heat sources

Fire Starting​

Multiple Fire Starting Methods​

  • Waterproof matches in sealed container
  • Butane lighters (2-3 minimum)
  • Fire steel or magnesium fire starter
  • Tinder materials (dryer lint, petroleum jelly cotton balls)
  • Dry kindling and fuel wood

Fire Safety​

  • Shovel for fire control
  • Water or sand for extinguishing
  • Knowledge of fire safety rules
  • Clear area preparation

Recovery & Travel​

Communication​

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Whistle for signaling
  • Mirror for visual signals
  • Cell phone with portable charger
  • Emergency contact list

Navigation & Travel​

  • Local area maps (paper)
  • Compass
  • GPS device with extra batteries
  • Cash in small bills
  • Important documents in waterproof container

Transportation​

  • Vehicle emergency kit
  • Spare tire, jack, and tools
  • Jumper cables
  • Emergency fuel supply
  • Basic mechanical knowledge

Inspection & Maintenance Schedule​

Monthly Checks​

  • Rotate perishable food items
  • Test battery-powered equipment
  • Check expiration dates on medications
  • Verify water storage containers

Seasonal Reviews​

  • Update clothing for weather changes
  • Replace expired items
  • Practice skills with family members
  • Review and update emergency plans

Annual Overhaul​

  • Complete inventory of all supplies
  • Replace or upgrade outdated equipment
  • Update emergency contact information
  • Reassess family needs and circumstances

Common Mistakes to Avoid​

  • Mistake: Focusing only on food and water

  • Why it's wrong: Exposure kills faster than hunger or thirst

  • Instead: Prioritize shelter and warmth, especially in cold climates

  • Mistake: Buying everything at once and forgetting about it

  • Why it's wrong: Supplies expire, equipment fails, needs change

  • Instead: Regular maintenance schedule and gradual improvements

  • Mistake: Not practicing with equipment

  • Why it's wrong: Emergencies aren't the time to learn new skills

  • Instead: Regular family practice sessions and skill-building

Getting Started: Phase Your Approach​

Phase 1: 72-Hour Kit (Week 1)​

Focus on basic supplies for short-term emergencies that fit in a backpack.

Phase 2: Home Base (Month 1)​

Build supplies for sheltering in place for up to two weeks.

Phase 3: Skills Development (Ongoing)​

Learn and practice the skills to use your equipment effectively.

Phase 4: Advanced Planning (Month 3+)​

Consider specific scenarios relevant to your area (hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.).

When to Seek Help​

Call 911 immediately if:

  • Someone has serious injuries
  • You're trapped and cannot self-rescue
  • You have immediate life-threatening emergencies

Contact authorities when:

  • You're overdue at your destination

  • Weather or conditions make travel dangerous

  • You're running low on critical supplies

  • Start here: Basic Emergency Planning

  • Next level: Water Purification Methods

  • Advanced: Shelter Construction Techniques

Budget Option: DIY Assembly​

Total Cost: ~$150-200

  • Assemble your own kit using this checklist
  • Shop sales and buy gradually
  • Good for: Getting started without big upfront cost

Best Value: Ready America 4-Person Kit ⭐​

Price: ~$89.95

  • Covers basic needs for family of 4 for 72 hours
  • Add your own food and personal items
  • Good for: Quick start, then customize

Premium Option: Sustain Supply Premium Kit​

Price: ~$299.95

  • Higher quality components
  • 2-week supply planning
  • Good for: Comprehensive long-term preparedness
Source

Adapted from Field Manual FM-3-05.70

Last updated: January 18, 2026