Emergency Preparedness Checklist: 16 Items
A general household preparedness checklist for contacts, supplies, documents, and communication planning.
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📞 Contacts & plan
🧰 Essential supplies
📄 Documents & practical items
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Understand local hazards before buying supplies
A practical emergency plan begins with the risks most likely where you live, not a generic shopping basket. Learn your official warning channels and likely shelter or evacuation instructions for different hazards.
Create a household communication plan
Choose an emergency contact, a meeting point and a backup method if mobile networks fail. Make arrangements for people who may be at school, work or require assistance when an incident begins.
Know the safest exit and shelter choices
Check building exits and local evacuation routes while they are accessible. Depending on the hazard, official advice may favor staying indoors rather than leaving; do not treat every incident as identical.
Gather sensible supplies
Build an emergency kit suited to household needs, weather and expected service interruptions. Keep lighting, communication, water, food and necessary personal items accessible without overloading one bag.
Include children, pets and access needs
Plan for medication, mobility equipment, infants, caregivers and pets where relevant. Make sure all household members can understand their role using language and instructions suitable for them.
Keep information safe and current
Secure essential documents and contacts, with a way to reach them offline when necessary. Avoid sharing sensitive identity files more widely than needed during drills or real incidents.
Practice the plan and revise it
Review roles and meeting points periodically, and discuss what to do if routes or contacts are unavailable. Update the plan when the family, building or local guidance changes.
A related checklist is available in the Send Listy library.
See also: Emergency Supply Kit Checklist
Frequently asked questions
What is the first step in emergency planning?
Identify local hazards and official sources for warnings and instructions.
Do all emergencies require evacuation?
No. Follow the hazard-specific instructions of local authorities.
What should the family communication plan include?
Contacts, meeting locations and backup communication methods.
How do I include children in a plan?
Explain age-appropriate actions and practice calmly without causing unnecessary fear.
Is an emergency kit a substitute for planning?
No. Supplies and communication arrangements serve different purposes.
When should I revise the plan?
After major household changes and periodically according to local advice.
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