Preparedness guides
Practical, sourced answers to the questions households ask most.
Is Your Home Prepared for a Power Outage?
Is your home ready for a power outage? Food-safety timelines, water, medical needs, generator safety and how to plan for a multi-day outage.
How to Communicate When Cell Networks and Internet Are Down
How to stay informed and reach family when cell networks are congested or internet is out: texting, alerts, NOAA Weather Radio and a written contact plan.
How Much Emergency Water Does Your Family Need?
How much water to store (CDC: 1 gallon per person per day), worked examples, safe storage, treatment, and when lake water or filters fall short.
Is Your Generator Ready for an Extended Outage?
Standby vs portable generators, carbon monoxide safety, transfer switches, fuel limits, and whether a natural gas generator can run through a long outage.
A Household Emergency Checklist You Can Actually Finish
A practical household emergency checklist based on Ready.gov and CDC guidance: water, food, power, alerts, medical needs, documents, and a 30-day kit plan.
How to Plan a Local Evacuation Before You Need One
Plan your evacuation before you need it: know your local risks, routes, destinations and how to find open emergency shelters near your home.