Preparedness can sound like a whole new hobby. For most households, a useful beginning is much simpler: a place for the things you may need, and a little time to think about them.
Start with a look around
Before you make a shopping list, check what you already own. Find your flashlight, spare batteries, water, shelf-stable food, and basic first-aid supplies. Write down where each one lives. This first pass is about noticing, not buying.
Give the basics a home
A shelf, a labeled bin, or a spot in a closet can make useful things easier to find. Choose somewhere your household knows about. Keep items according to their labels and away from children or pets when appropriate.
Make the list yours
Every household has different needs. Think about children, pets, accessibility, daily routines, and the weather where you live. Use an official emergency-supply checklist as your reference, then note the needs that are specific to your home.
Choose one next step
Maybe it is replacing a flashlight battery. Maybe it is putting important phone numbers on paper. Pick one thing you can finish this week, and set a date to revisit your supplies.
Our free readiness checklist gives you a place to start. For a more complete supply list, see Ready.gov’s emergency supply checklist.