Disaster Preparedness Checklist

A multi-hazard readiness checklist covering planning, supplies, home prep, evacuation, insurance and recovery.

Published June 21, 2026

Build Your Emergency Plan

Identify the hazards most likely to affect your area
Sign up for local warnings and emergency alerts
Set indoor and out-of-neighborhood meeting points
Choose an out-of-area contact for everyone to check in with
Plan how to care for children, seniors and pets
Practice and review the plan with the family twice a year

Stock Emergency Supplies

Store one gallon of water per person per day for three days
Keep a three-day supply of non-perishable food and a can opener
Pack a first aid kit and prescription medications
Add flashlights, a battery or hand-crank radio and spare batteries
Include phone chargers, a power bank and emergency cash
Add sanitation supplies, masks, gloves and sturdy shoes

Protect Your Home

Know where to shut off water, gas and electricity
Secure heavy furniture, water heaters and shelving to walls
Clear gutters, drains and brush from around the home
Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and keep extinguishers handy
Store fuel, generators and chemicals safely
Never run a generator indoors or in a garage — carbon monoxide is deadly
Trim trees and remove limbs that could fall on the house

Prepare to Evacuate

Map at least two evacuation routes from your area
Keep a go-bag packed for each family member
Keep vehicles fueled and ready, or know transit options
Plan transport and supplies for those who need assistance
Identify pet-friendly shelters and lodging in advance

Secure Insurance and Documents

Review home, renter, flood and auto insurance coverage
Photograph or video your belongings for claims
Copy IDs, deeds, policies and medical records
Store copies in a waterproof container and the cloud
Keep emergency contacts and account numbers together

Take the Right Steps After a Disaster

Wait for the official all-clear before returning home
Check for gas leaks, downed power lines and structural damage
Avoid floodwater and turn off utilities if you suspect damage
Document damage with photos before cleanup or repairs
Contact your insurer and apply for assistance if eligible
Restock and refresh your kit once the emergency passes

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A disaster preparedness checklist helps your household get ready for a wide range of hazards — floods, wildfires, storms, earthquakes and extended power outages. It covers your emergency plan, three-day supplies, home protection, evacuation logistics, insurance and documents, and the first steps to take after a disaster.

No single disaster is exactly like another, but the core preparations overlap. A solid plan, a stocked kit and protected paperwork serve you no matter which hazard arrives.

Use this list to find and close the gaps in your readiness. Start with the plan and kit, then work through home prep and recovery steps so nothing is left until the last minute.

Built for families, this checklist is printable and downloadable as a PDF. Keep one copy with your supplies and review it twice a year so your plan stays current.

FAQ

What hazards should a disaster plan cover?

Plan for the hazards most likely in your area — floods, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, severe winter weather and power outages. The same plan and kit cover most events, so prepare broadly rather than for a single disaster.

How much food and water should I keep on hand?

Keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person per day for three days, following Ready.gov and FEMA guidance. Store a two-week supply at home when space allows.

Should I shelter in place or evacuate?

Follow official instructions. Some events, like chemical releases or certain storms, call for sheltering in place, while floods and wildfires usually require evacuation. Plan and practice both responses ahead of time.

Why is insurance part of disaster preparedness?

Knowing your coverage before a disaster speeds recovery. Standard policies often exclude floods and earthquakes, so review limits, photograph your belongings, and store policy details with your emergency documents.

Is this disaster preparedness checklist printable?

Yes. Print it or download the PDF, keep a copy with your kit, and check off each task as your household prepares for any hazard.