As severe weather events and natural disasters become more frequent, being prepared is more crucial than ever. With the right kit and planning, individuals and families can stay safe, self-sufficient and resilient in challenging times. 

Having a comprehensive emergency plan and a well-stocked kit can help you through power outages, evacuations, and unexpected disasters. Here’s a guide to creating effective emergency plans and the essentials for your kits.

Emergency plan: Evacuation checklist

When you evacuate, you need quick access to essential documents, identification, and other important items. To reduce your load, scan important papers and store them digitally on a secure, encrypted device.

1. Keys (house, car, safe)
2. Identification (Social Security cards, driver’s license, state ID)
3. Insurance policies (auto, home, health, life)
4. Medical information (prescriptions, doctor contact, health records)
5. Financial records (bank account numbers, credit cards, cash)
6. Legal documents (wills, power of attorney, advance directives)
7. Titles and deeds (vehicle, property, real estate)
8. Household inventory (for insurance purposes)
9. Digital backup (flash drive or cloud storage for critical files)
10. Emergency contacts (hard copies of family and friend phone numbers)
11. Important photos (physical or digital backup)
12. Vital personal records (marriage certificates, birth certificates, diplomas)

Emergency plan: Home emergency supply kit

A well-prepared home kit ensures you have essential supplies for at least three days. This kit should be stored in waterproof containers and reviewed annually for freshness.

1. Water (1 gallon per person per day)
2. Non-perishable food (canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit)
3. Cooking supplies (can opener, pots, camp stove with fuel)
4. Sanitation supplies (toilet paper, trash bags, cleaning wipes)
5. Personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products)
6. Baby needs (formula, diapers, wipes)
7. Clothing and footwear (appropriate for the season)
8. Warm bedding (blankets or sleeping bags)
9. First aid kit (adhesive bandages, antiseptics, basic medical supplies)
10. Prescription medications (3-day supply minimum)
11. Communication devices (battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries)
12. Utility tools (wrench, pliers, duct tape, whistle)

Emergency plan: Training & drills

Practicing emergency procedures helps reduce anxiety and boosts readiness. Schedule annual family meetings to review and practice your emergency plan.

1. Family floor plan (exit routes, utility shutoffs)
2. Reunion locations (one close by, one further away)
3. Out-of-town contact (someone everyone can call for updates)
4. Emergency drills (fire, earthquake, evacuation simulations)
5. First aid/CPR training (for all family members, renew certifications)
6. Fire extinguisher training (how to use safely)
7. Pet plan (arrange supplies and an exit strategy for pets)
8. Utility shutoff knowledge (gas, electricity, water)
9. Secure furniture & hazards (earthquake-proof heavy items)
10. Community Alerts (sign up for local emergency alerts)
11. Create "Go Bags" (personalized bags for quick evacuation)
12. Revisit & update plan (check and update supplies and contacts)

Emergency plan: Vehicle emergency supply kit

In case you get stranded while on the road, keeping a vehicle emergency kit helps you stay safe and comfortable until help arrives.

1. Water and food (bottled water, energy bars, dried snacks)
2. First aid kit (antiseptics, bandages, medications)
3. Flashlight with batteries (or hand-crank)
4. Weather gear (rain poncho, space blanket, gloves)
5. Basic tools (multi-tool, small shovel, booster cables)
6. Navigation aids (maps, compass)
7. Emergency signaling (whistle, reflective triangles)
8. Comfort items (toilet paper, hand sanitizer, lip balm)
9. Tire traction aid (kitty litter, sand)
10. Fire extinguisher (compact and accessible)
11. Cash and coins (for emergency purchases)
12. Entertainment items (deck of cards, book)

Why prepare?

Preparedness has measurable benefits – it can reduce the stress and confusion that accompany emergencies and save lives. While community responders work hard to reach those in need, you might have to be self-sufficient for at least three days. By preparing, you empower yourself, your family, and your community to respond effectively when disaster strikes.

For more evacuation information and safety tips visit SDGE’s Wildfire Safety page.