Emergency Checklist and Planning Guide

Emergency checklists and emergency planning can be difficult to create and implement. The majority of people don’t have the time or knowledge how to create an emergency checklist. In fact, FEMA conducted a national survey in 2021 on disaster preparedness. Most respondents had awareness of how to prepare for a disaster. However, even fewer respondents were confident that can prepare for a disaster. Our emergency bags and kits make it easier for you to be prepared.

What is an emergency checklist?

Emergency checklists were created to give an individual or an organization a plan for various emergency situations such as natural disasters, lockdowns, and foreign threats. Most emergency checklists include an inventory of necessary items such as food, water, medical kit. They also include actions you should take and where you should go in the event of an emergency. 

Why creating an emergency checklist is important.

You may be wondering if you need an emergency checklist. Our answer is; it never hurts to be prepared. Being prepared for an emergency situation can help keep the stress and uncertainty to a minimum. Think of your checklist as a guide to follow when everything is going wrong. Creating a plan can also build teamwork and communication with your family. Instead of worrying about what you should or shouldn’t do, you can focus on what matters most, keeping you and your family safe. Most emergency management agencies and experts recommend having an emergency checklist. 

How to create an emergency checklist.

We have created an emergency checklist guide for you by using recommendations from FEMA, American Red Cross, and emergency management specialists. We recommend placing this checklist in an easy-to-find spot and putting one in each room. Take the basic guide below and add relevant and important information.

NAME YOUR PLAN

We recommend naming your plan ex. Smith Emergency Plan and date it. 

STAY IN PLACE

If evacuating is not an option you need to have a plan to stay in place. Such as supplies, food, water, safety items, and communication. 

ESCAPE ROUTES

It’s a good idea to have your escape routes planned out. Give yourself enough options in case one of the routes isn’t available. 

COMMUNICATION

Write down emergency contacts including name, phone, and address. It’s a good idea to have more than one contact and keep them updated on your status.

MEDICATIONS

If you take prescription medication be sure to write them down and if you can add them to your 72-hour emergency kit.

FOOD & WATER

At a minimum FEMA and American Red Cross recommends having 72 hours worth of non-perishable food and water per person. Our emergency kits are designed to meet these requirements. Don’t forget about your pets' needs as well. We offer personal, family, and pet emergency kits that are built using FEMA and American Red Cross recommendations.

HOME UTILITY SAFETY

In the event, you have additional time to react to an emergency situation it is advisable to know where to shut off your utilities such as water and gas. 

PET INFORMATION

Write down your pet information such as name, breed, color, and registered chip# if it has one.

INSURANCE INFORMATION

Write down any necessary contact info and policy number for your homeowner's insurance or any other insurance that may be important. 

We also recommend documenting important or valuable items throughout the house via photos or videos.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Make note of where your important documents are and if they are readily available. If they are not readily available but in a secure location be sure to notate them on your checklist.

MONEY

Similar to your important documents we recommend knowing where easily accessible money is. Cash, credit cards, debit cards all need to be accounted for and it may make sense to have a few in your emergency kit. 

For a more in-depth checklist, you can check out FEMA’s Checklist. If you prefer simple then check out the American Red Cross Checklist.

Conclusion