Write down the essentials.
Choose a contact, a meeting place, and somewhere to go if home is unsafe. Include transport and individual needs.
START HERE
A useful first step.
Then the next.
Build around the home, people, and budget you actually have. Start with a short plan and the supplies already in your cupboards.
Where should you begin?
Start with a household check.
Gather your existing supplies and choose one gap to address.
Open the 72-hour checklistThree things to do first.
Gather before you shop.
Put useful supplies together. Check batteries, cables, food dates, and what everyone needs each day.
Build a reserve you can maintain.
Three days is a starting milestone. The Red Cross recommends three days of supplies for evacuation and two weeks of food and water at home.
Sources: American Red Cross: emergency supplies ↗ · American Red Cross: power outage planning ↗
A simple water starting point.
Store at least one gallon per person per day for three days. For two people, that is six gallons. Add water for pets and individual needs; build toward two weeks where possible.
Sources: CDC: emergency water supply ↗
01
Locate
Find the supplies you would actually reach for.
02
Try
Check lights, batteries and matching cables.
03
Choose
Address one useful gap before buying more.
Give each item a job.
- See: choose a light for the task.
- Stay reachable: match backup power to your device.
- Cover daily needs: set aside food, water, and personal supplies.
Choose your next guide.
Explore Water and Food
Stay connected. Be ready to leave.
Prepare for health and temperature needs.
Sources & editorial notes
- American Red Cross: emergency supplies ↗
- American Red Cross: power outage planning ↗
- CDC: emergency water supply ↗
Sources checked September 9, 2026. Prepared by Survivor Ready, an independent resource created by Chris McGuire. AI assists drafting and illustrative imagery. This page has not received independent expert review. Follow local emergency instructions and individual professional advice.
Your next useful step
ORGANIZE
Start with what you have
Gather useful supplies and agree on contacts and a destination.
FILLFill the essentials
Review each category and address the needs still missing.
UPGRADEUpgrade when useful
Compare equipment only after you know the job it needs to do.
A way to set priorities, not a readiness score. Essential needs can require purchases or professional help.
Put your plan into practice.
Try a calm household check, or learn a practical outdoor skill before you need it. Explore practical skills →