Preparedness by resource
Emergency Preparedness Resources by Need
Plan around the supplies, skills, and backup systems your household depends on most.
Quick answer
Start with essentials like water, food, communication, medical needs, light, and sanitation.
Choose a resource guide
Choose the household need you want to plan around first.
Keep building
Related preparedness guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important emergency preparedness supplies?
Water, shelf-stable food, light, first aid, medications, hygiene supplies, communication tools, important documents, and backup power are the best place to start.
What emergency preparedness resources should I start with?
Start with water, food, medical needs, communication, power, sanitation, and a simple household plan. Build from there based on your dwelling type and local risks.
How much water and food should I keep on hand?
Begin with a 3-day supply for everyone in your household, then build toward 7 to 10 days if your space and budget allow. Include pets and medical needs.
Do I need emergency supplies if I live in an apartment or city?
Yes. City and apartment households may still face outages, water disruptions, supply delays, elevator issues, unsafe travel, or communication problems. Keep supplies compact and realistic.
Which emergencies are most common to prepare for?
Power outages, severe weather, water issues, heat, cold, supply delays, illness, and communication disruptions are common starting points for many households.
How do I build emergency preparedness without spending a lot of money?
Use what you already have, add one item at a time during normal shopping, store documents digitally and offline, and prioritize basics before specialty gear.
What is the most overlooked part of emergency preparedness?
Many households overlook communication, sanitation, medications, documents, and how they will make decisions if power, internet, or transportation is unavailable.
How often should I update emergency supplies?
Review supplies at least twice a year. Replace expired food, water, batteries, and medications, and update plans when household members, pets, jobs, schools, or medical needs change.