Emergency preparedness: important supplies and disaster planning

Major natural disasters may be on the rise, but so are community efforts to combat them. Following the 2025 wildfires in California, reports surfaced of people ushering older neighbors to safety. Gym owners made plans for evacuees to use their facilities to shower and charge their phones. Others worked on finding unhoused populations a place to stay — keeping them away from the flames and worsening air quality.

These are all examples of emergency preparedness: the plans and procedures needed to respond to and recover from unexpected events. But these playbooks change from place to place. That’s why it’s important to understand local threats and when they might happen. Here’s what to know about potential emergencies and how to help prepare for them.

In this article:

What is emergency preparedness?

Emergency preparedness means being ready for natural disasters and other emergencies. It may involve staying informed, gathering the necessary supplies and creating a plan. Important preparations may include:

• Creating emergency kits with food, water and first aid supplies
• Figuring out how to communicate with friends and family in case of getting separated
• Mapping out an evacuation route
• Understanding local threats and receiving alerts or warnings

These steps can help people prepare for some unexpected events that may come their way.

Common emergencies and natural disasters

Some disasters are specific to certain locations. Others can happen anywhere. Understanding the risks a community is likely to face is an important part of emergency planning. Things to look out for might include:

• Avalanches
• Blizzards
• Earthquakes
• Extreme heat events
• Floods
• Hurricanes
• Landslides
• Pandemics
• Power outages
• Thunderstorms, lightning and hail
• Tornadoes
• Tsunamis
• Volcanoes
• Wildfires

Creating a disaster preparedness plan

The more people plan ahead, the more prepared they’ll be for when a disaster really does strike. Of course, it’s not always possible to anticipate certain events. But there are things people can do to help reduce their risks.

Emergency supply checklist

Emergencies may make supplies more difficult to access. That’s why it doesn’t hurt to collect certain items in preparation for certain events. Some supplies can become critical for people forced to shelter in place. They can also be stored in an easy-to-carry container and used in the event of an evacuation. Some things to consider may include:

Cash, credit cards, driver’s license, ID and wallet. Backup funds when cash is limited or unavailable make it easier to purchase important items and pay for services. It is also important to keep forms of identification on hand.

Gas. Keeping the gas tank full is an important way to prepare for evacuations and power outages. A full tank also helps prevent the fuel line from freezing.

Hand sanitizer and soap. Sanitizers and soaps can be used for personal sanitation during times of crisis. They can also help clean and disinfect surfaces.

First aid kit. First aid kits allow people to store supplies like bandages, gauze, wipes, ointments and pain relievers in one place. Some provide things like cold compresses and compress dressing pads for more serious injuries. It’s important to keep an eye on expiration dates and replace items that may be out of date.

Flashlights or head lights. Flashlights provide a source of light during power outages or in dark environments. They may help people with visibility in darkness or be used to help get the attention of others. Make sure to check and change the batteries regularly.

Food. Canned and packaged food usually have long shelf lives, making them good options for disaster planning. They also offer a wide variety of options, including beans, fruits, nuts, soups and vegetables. Some of these items can be eaten as is and without being cooked (people should pack a can opener alongside these items, too).

FEMA also has a list of pantry staples that can be stored indefinitely in proper containers and conditions. It contains things like dry pasta, instant coffee, white rice and powdered milk in nitrogen-packed cans. Of course, not all necessities last forever. It’s still important to pack food for family members with special diets, nursing mothers and pets — even if these items may eventually expire.

Multi-purpose tools. These tools can help people perform different tasks, from opening cans to making repairs and more. These items can help people as they navigate unexpected situations.

N95 or surgical masks. Smoke from wildfires can make the air unsafe to breathe even indoors. Certain types of face masks can also help protect against air-borne viruses and diseases.

Physical map. A map can help people find their way around when GPS devices or smartphones aren’t working. They can help people identify safe routes, locate important services and find shelter.

Prescription medications. About half of all Americans rely on prescription medications. Listing, organizing and protecting prescriptions ahead of time can help during an emergency. People should make sure they have refilled any eligible prescriptions ahead of predicted disasters if possible.

Water. FEMA recommends keeping a three-day supply of water on hand — a gallon per person per day.

It is recommended that people swap out stored water every six months and keep it in a cool, shaded place. Water disinfection tablets are also available to help protect against certain water-borne diseases caused by microorganism.

Whistles. Voices can only carry so far. Whistles provide people with louder signals for help. This can be especially helpful when someone is lost, injured or unable to move.

Key takeaways

Understanding the basics of emergency preparedness can provide some much-needed relief when disaster hits. More importantly, it can help save lives. And not all preparations have to be as drastic as the disasters they serve.

Downloading an app to get alerts on weather events and emergencies hardly takes any time, but its impact can be huge. Getting certified in first aid is pretty simple, too. It can even be done online and from the comfort of home.

Of course, disasters aren’t guaranteed. And living in fear of something happening isn’t exactly a helpful path forward. But knowing how to respond when one hits is very beneficial.