READY5 FAMILY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST

This detailed checklist is designed to be copied into a Word document for offline planning, printing, or distribution. You can add your own notes and customize it to fit your family's size, location, and needs.

Emergency Essentials

1. WATER STORAGE CALCULATOR

  • Minimum water needed: 1 gallon per person per day
  • 3-Day Supply for 1 person = 3 gallons
  • 7-Day Supply for 4 people = 28 gallons

Your Household Goal: ___ people × ___ days = ___ gallons total

Extra: Don’t forget water for pets (estimate 0.25 to 1 gallon per pet per day depending on size).

2. CALORIE NEEDS FOR FOOD STORAGE

  • Minimum: 1,200–2,000 calories per person per day

Your Goal: ___ people × ___ days × ___ calories = __________ total calories

Choose high-calorie, shelf-stable foods: rice, beans, pasta, canned meats, trail mix, peanut butter, protein bars.

3. CRITICAL DOCUMENTS

Store in a waterproof, fire-resistant pouch or folder.

  • Photo ID copies for all family members
  • Birth certificates & passports
  • Medical records, prescriptions
  • Insurance (health, auto, home)
  • Home deed or rental agreement
  • Emergency contacts (printed + USB)
  • Photos of family & pets for ID
  • Printed evacuation routes & maps

4. CASH ON HAND

  • Minimum: $100–$300 in small bills ($5s, $10s)
  • Coins for pay phones or vending (if needed)
  • Hidden envelope inside go-bag or emergency kit

5. TOILETRIES & SANITATION

  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Menstrual products (pads, cups)
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo/dry shampoo
  • Soap or body wipes
  • Toilet paper (compressed rolls if space-limited)
  • Trash bags
  • Tissues
  • Bucket toilet or sanitation bags
  • Towels & washcloths
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Nail clippers & tweezers

6. MEDICAL & PRESCRIPTIONS

  • First aid kit (fully stocked)
  • 7–30 day supply of all prescription meds
  • Pain relievers, fever reducers
  • Allergy meds, asthma inhalers, EpiPens
  • Glasses or spare contacts & solution
  • Medical instructions, doctor’s notes
  • Vitamins or supplements

7. CLOTHING (PER PERSON)

  • 2 full sets of durable clothes
  • 1 jacket or hoodie (waterproof if possible)
  • Hat, gloves, scarf (cold climates)
  • 3–5 pairs of underwear
  • 3–5 pairs of socks (moisture-wicking)
  • Sturdy shoes or boots
  • Sleepwear
  • Rain poncho

8. INFANTS & BABY SUPPLIES

  • Diapers (cloth or disposable)
  • Wipes & rash cream
  • Formula or breastfeeding supplies
  • Bottles & sterilizing tablets
  • Pacifier, small toys, comfort blanket
  • Baby-safe sunscreen & meds
  • Baby carrier or lightweight stroller

9. ELDERLY & ACCESSIBLE NEEDS

  • Hearing aids + batteries
  • Mobility devices (walker, cane)
  • Denture care items
  • Incontinence supplies
  • Emergency contact card
  • Emergency care plan or support info

10. PET SUPPLIES

  • Food (3–7 day supply)
  • Water bowl & food dish
  • Leash, collar, ID tag
  • Pet carrier or crate
  • Litter box & litter or cleanup bags
  • Copy of vaccine records
  • Favorite toy or blanket

11. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PLAN

  • List of emergency contacts (local & out of town)
  • Printed list + copies for every family member
  • Phones + car chargers or solar banks
  • Whistle or air horn
  • Emergency radio (NOAA or crank-powered)
  • Signals: agreed upon symbols or trail markers if separated (e.g., arrows, colored cloths, chalk Xs)
  • Hidden message spot or note box (mailbox, tree base, door frame, etc.)

12. EMERGENCY MEET-UP PLAN

Primary Meeting Spot:
Location: _______________________________________
Instructions: ____________________________________

Backup Spot (in case primary is inaccessible):
Location: _______________________________________
Instructions: ____________________________________

Out-of-Area Contact (for check-ins):
Name: ___________________ Phone: ________________

13. IF LOST IN THE WILDERNESS

PRIORITIES:

  1. Shelter – Stay dry, stay warm, minimize exposure
  2. Water – Collect rainwater, purify any source
  3. Fire – Warmth, signal, boil water
  4. Rescue – Signal (fire, whistle, markings), stay visible
  5. Food – Non-urgent for 1–3 days

Supplies to Carry or Store:

  • Space blanket or tarp
  • Paracord
  • Water purification tablets
  • Small pot or metal cup
  • High-calorie bars
  • Whistle, signal mirror
  • Multi-tool or knife
  • Compass & map

Signs You've Been There:

  • Leave markings: arrows, initials, symbols
  • Flagging tape, bright cloth, shoe print markers
  • Message notes in Ziploc bags: who you are, direction traveled, time

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

  • Copy this entire checklist into a Microsoft Word document
  • Customize the number of people, pets, and days of prep for your family
  • Print and store inside your emergency kit or go-bag in a weatherproof sleeve
  • Update your list every 6 months (especially medications, ID, documents)
  • Run a household drill twice per year using this list as your master reference