Emergency preparedness is about giving your family a foundation of resilience. You don't need to prepare for every possible catastrophe — just build the core capabilities that serve you across any emergency. Start with a 72-hour kit, then expand outward.
72-Hour Emergency Kit
The foundation of emergency preparedness. A portable kit with enough food, water, and supplies to sustain your family for 72 hours — whether you shelter in place or evacuate.
Build Your Kit →Non-Food Storage
Beyond food and water, your household needs medical supplies, hygiene items, and other non-food essentials to function through an extended emergency.
Non-Food Guide →First Aid Kits
A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any emergency. Build personal, household, and vehicle kits that scale with your household's needs.
First Aid Kits →First Aid Training
Equipment only helps if you know how to use it. Learn the skills — CPR, Heimlich, bleeding control, and more — that can save a life before paramedics arrive.
Training Guide →Where to Start
Don't let the scope of emergency preparedness overwhelm you. Progress through these milestones in order:
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Assemble a Level I 72-Hour Kit
Get the basics — food, water, shelter, and light — in a bag that every family member can grab in under two minutes. -
Build a Basic First Aid Kit
Stock a Level 1 personal kit for each family member, and a Level 1–2 household kit. Take a basic first aid course. -
Stock 6–12 Months of Non-Food Supplies
Isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, feminine hygiene, toilet paper, sewing basics, and light sources. These are easy to overlook but immediately critical in any extended disruption. -
Learn CPR and First Aid
Register for a CPR/AED course through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. This single investment can save a life in your own home. -
Upgrade to a Level II 72-Hour Kit
Add shelter, communications, and comfort items that turn a survival kit into a full evacuation kit.
Quick Reference: What Every Household Needs
| Category | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Water | 1 gallon per person per day × 3 days minimum |
| Food | 3-day supply of ready-to-eat or quick-prep foods |
| First Aid | Stocked household first aid kit |
| Light | Flashlight + extra batteries (or hand-crank/solar) |
| Communications | Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio |
| Documents | Copies of IDs, insurance cards, medical records in a waterproof bag |
| Cash | At least $100 in small bills (ATMs and cards may not work) |
| Medications | 7-day supply of all prescription medications |
| Tools | Multi-tool or wrench/pliers to shut off utilities |