Emergency preparedness 101
What is Emergency Preparedness?
Emergency preparedness means having the tools, knowledge, and plans in place to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home in the face of unexpected events. These could include natural disasters, blackouts, severe weather, pandemics, or personal emergencies like house fires.
Being prepared means:
Having supplies that will last at least 72 hours
Knowing where to go and who to call
Understanding the risks in your region
Making a plan in advance, not during the crisis
Types of Emergencies to Plan For
Natural Disasters: wildfires, floods, earthquakes, snowstorms
Power or Utility Outages: blackouts, water shutoffs, heat/fuel supply disruptions
Evacuation Events: chemical spills, gas leaks, structural threats
Personal Emergencies: medical crises, mobility issues, home fires
The Five Core Categories of Preparedness
Water – 4L per person, per day (for drinking, cooking, and hygiene)
Food – Non-perishable food for at least 3 days
First Aid – Basic supplies and medications
Power & Light – Flashlights, batteries, chargers
Communication & Safety – Copies of ID, emergency contacts, local alerts
5 Small Steps You Can Take Today
Download our 72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist
Store 4L of water per person in your home
Make a list of your family’s medications and key medical needs
Sign up for your local emergency alert system
Talk to your household: “What would we do if the power went out for 3 days?”
What’s Next?
Start slow, stay consistent. You don’t need to do everything at once — just one action each week will make you more ready than most.
ReadyPack makes it simple. We’re here to guide you with clear resources, checklists, and practical kits.
