First-Time Emergency Preparedness: Where to Start
You've decided to get prepared. That decision alone puts you ahead of most people. Now the question is: what do I do first?
Not everything at once. Not a 200-item checklist. Just the 5 things that matter most.
The First 5 Things (In This Order)
If you did only these 5 things, you'd be more prepared than 80% of households. They take about 2 hours total.
1
Know Your Risks
What emergencies actually happen where you live? Not theoretical apocalypses — real, documented events.
Do this: Search “[your county] hazard mitigation plan” or check FEMA.gov for your area. Takes 10 minutes.
2
Set a Communication Plan
During an emergency, cell towers overload. “I'll just call” isn't a plan. Everyone in your household should know:
- • Two meeting points (one nearby, one distant)
- • One out-of-area contact everyone can reach
- • A text-first policy (texts get through when calls don't)
3
Gather Your Documents
If you had to leave your home in 15 minutes, could you grab every important document? Most people can't.
Do this: Photograph IDs, insurance cards, mortgage/lease docs, and medical info. Store in an encrypted cloud folder AND on a USB drive in your go-bag.
4
Store 3 Days of Water
Water is the first thing you miss and the hardest to improvise. One gallon per person per day. That's it.
Do this: Buy 3 gallons per person. Store under a bed or in a closet. Cost: about $5. Time: 10 minutes at the grocery store.
5
Build a Basic Go-Bag
Not a $500 survival kit. A backpack by your door with essentials:
- • Phone charger + battery bank
- • Flashlight + extra batteries
- • $100 in cash (small bills)
- • Copies of important documents
- • Basic first aid items
- • One change of clothes and comfortable shoes
What NOT to Do Yet
The 5 things above first. Everything else can wait.
Related Planning Pages
The gap between “unprepared” and “prepared enough” is surprisingly small.
These 5 things close most of it.
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