When the lights go out, you’ll know what to do.
Plain steps for power outages, storms, fires and floods, checked against Ready.gov, the CDC, the Red Cross, FEMA and NOAA.
Move your mouse to look around the shelf.Touch and drag to look around the shelf.
Start this week
Three small jobs that cover the basics for most emergencies. Do them in this order.
Store water
Keep one gallon per person per day, for several days. That covers drinking and basic washing.
How to make water safe to drinkAgree on a plan
Pick a place to meet if you get separated, and one person everyone will call or text.
Create a family emergency planKeep a light where you can find it
Put a flashlight and spare batteries in the same spot every time, so you can reach them in the dark. Skip candles. They are a fire risk.
The 10 items for a basic kit
If it happens tonight
The first steps for six common emergencies. Open one to see what to do.
Power outageKeep the cold in and the fumes out.
- Keep the fridge and freezer shut. A closed fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours.
- Run a generator only outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages.
- Use flashlights or battery lanterns, not candles.
EarthquakeDrop, cover, and hold on.
- Drop to your hands and knees.
- Cover your head and neck. Get under a sturdy table if one is close.
- Hold on until the shaking stops. If you are inside, stay inside.
Home fireGet out, stay out, call 911.
- Leave right away. Call 911 once you are outside.
- Know two ways out of every room.
- Practice until everyone can get out in under 2 minutes.
FloodTurn around, don’t drown.
- Never walk, swim or drive through flood water.
- Six inches of moving water can knock you down. One foot of moving water can sweep your car away.
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Boil water noticeBoil it for a full minute, then let it cool.
- Bring clear water to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
- Above 6,500 feet, boil it for 3 minutes.
- Boiling does not remove chemicals. Follow what local officials tell you.
Evacuation orderGo when officials say go.
- Take your go-bag, your medicines and copies of important papers.
- Follow the routes officials give. Shortcuts may be blocked.
Browse the shelves
Every guide sits on one of six shelves. Pick the one that fits what you need today.
What to pack for home, the car and a grab-and-go bag.
Who does what, where you meet, and how you stay in touch.
Get ready for the events most likely where you live.
Store it, treat it, and cook it when the power is off.
First aid, fire and the outdoor basics, step by step.
What to look for before you buy, and what you can skip.
Where our numbers come from
Safety steps on this site follow Ready.gov, the CDC, the American Red Cross, FEMA and NOAA. Each guide lists the pages it used at the bottom. If we can’t check a number, we leave it out.
Survivalogist is general information, not medical or professional training. In an emergency, call 911.