If you’re looking for a checklist, you’ll find many, many of them online. FEMA offers up a 26-item list; the American Red Cross has a 36-item list, and different commercial companies (selling tools, pre-made kits, insurance, dried food) have their own lists, some of which extend to hundreds of items.
Different lists serve different purposes
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Over the years we have created or used different lists for different purposes. For example,
* At an introductory neighborhood meeting, you may wish to distribute a simple, one-page list with items that apply to everyone and that won’t appear too intimidating.
* In a community where people have had some training, a more comprehensive list would be a good idea. (We wrote earlier about the “door-hanger list” that we created for our community.) Naturally, adding items appropriate for the geography would make sense: rain gear, for example, or cold-weather gear.
* In a senior community, a list might focus on items that apply to older people: 14-day supply of medicines (and how to get your doctor to give you extras), extra eyeglasses, batteries for hearing aids, etc.
* A community with pets needs a completely different set of reminders. (You can get a copy of our Emergency Pet Supplies Kit here.)
* A quick reminder card, useful for teaching, might have only a half-dozen items or a specific, focused list of supplies (for example, what you need in your first aid kit).
Our Emergency Supplies List
The Emergency Plan Guide has prepared its own comprehensive list. We have found that breaking it into three sections makes it easier for people to focus on. The three sections are:
17 basic items for a 3-day emergency
11 more categories for managing an extended, 14-day emergency
10 essentials to take if you must evacuate
What’s important is to get your list, and then take the time to see what’s missing from it based on your family’s needs. Add those items to the list, and start assembling!
Like many families, you may need to prepare not only for the three situations listed above, but you may also want to put together specialty kits to carry in your cars, for students away from home, or for the office.
Get started now!
There is no time to assemble emergency supplies after the earthquake, after the storm has hit, after the fire has forced you out of your home. Action item: Download the Emergency Supplies Checklist and get started.
Virginia
Your Emergency Plan Guide Team
P.S. I am not called the “Queen of Lists” for nothing! Stick around Emergency Plan Guide and you will discover a number of them. Lists help me think, and keep me on track. I hope you’ll find them useful, too!
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