Single Famiy Home

Short-Term

Essential Supplies

Water: Store at least a gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days.
Food: Non-perishable items like canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruits. Aim for a three-day supply.
First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.
Flashlights and Batteries: Multiple flashlights and extra batteries.
Battery-Powered Radio: For emergency alerts and news updates.
Essential Medications: A supply of any prescription medications you or your family needs.
Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and other essentials.
Important Documents: Copies of identification, insurance policies, birth certificates, and other vital documents.
Cash: Some cash for emergencies, as ATMs and card readers might not work.

Plan and Prepare

Create an Emergency Plan: Identify situations with highest likelihood and determine how you will contact family and friends in case of a disaster.
Identify Safe Rooms: Choose a safe room in your home for each type of disaster (ex., basement for tornadoes, upstairs for floods).
Escape Routes: Have evacuation routes from each room of your home documented and practiced [download template here]
Garage Door: If you have a powered garage door, learn how to open it both from the inside and out in the event of a power outage.
Practice Your Plan: Regularly review and practice your disaster plan with your family.

Additional Considerations

Emergency Contacts: A list of emergency contacts, including family, friends, and neighbors. [download template here]
Tools: Basic tools like a wrench, pliers, and a can opener can be incredibly useful.
Blankets: For warmth in case of power outages or unexpected cold weather.
Emergency Supplies for Pets: Food, water, medications, and supplies for your pets.
Fire Blanket or Extinguisher: To combat small fires.
Emergency Lighting: Consider battery-powered lanterns or LED lights.
Sanitation Supplies: Disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and garbage bags.
Physical maps: Keep physical maps on-hand in the event your GPS does not work. You can request free maps from state tourism sites - see the full list of state sites here.

Long-Term

For those well-versed in disaster preparedness, the following considerations extend beyond basic supply stockpiling. A focus on resilience, redundancy, and advanced planning is essential for navigating prolonged disruptions.

Structural & Safety Upgrades

Reinforce Entry Points: Install solid-core or metal doors, deadbolts, and security strike plates to deter break-ins.
Storm Shutters or Plywood Pre-Cuts: Protect windows from hurricanes, tornadoes, or civil unrest.
Fireproofing: Use fire-resistant materials for roofs (e.g., metal, clay tiles) and keep gutters clear of debris.
Earthquake Preparedness (if applicable): Secure heavy furniture, water heaters, and gas lines with straps.
Hidden Storage: False walls, floor compartments for valuables/supplies.

Infrastructure Hardening

Energy Independence: Invest in solar power systems with battery backup for sustained electricity. Consider portable generators with quiet operation for sensitive electronics.
Water Security: Explore rainwater harvesting systems, water filtration and purification equipment, and underground cisterns.
Communication: Establish a robust communication network including satellite phones, HAM radios, and shortwave receivers.

Supply Chain Optimization

Food Storage: Rotate long-term food storage, ensuring variety and nutritional balance. Consider dehydrating or canning produce for extended shelf life.
Medical Stockpile: Expand first aid capabilities with advanced medical supplies, including suture kits and antibiotics.
Equipment Maintenance: Regularly service and maintain power tools, generators, and water purification systems.

Security and Defense

Home Security: Enhance home security with surveillance systems, impact-resistant windows, and robust entry points.
Personal Protection: Consider self-defense training and equipment for personal safety.
Community Preparedness: Participate in neighborhood watch programs and disaster response training.

Financial Resilience

Emergency Funds: Maintain substantial emergency funds in accessible formats (cash, prepaid cards).
Insurance Review: Regularly assess insurance coverage for various disaster scenarios.
Alternative Income Sources: Explore potential income-generating activities for post-disaster recovery.

Psychological Preparedness

Stress Management: Incorporate stress management techniques into your routine.
Community Building: Foster strong community ties for mutual support.
Mental Health Resources: Have access to mental health professionals or support groups.

Single Family Home Resilience

Short-Term

Long-Term

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