Emergency Preparedness: How to Prepare for a Worldwide Emergency or Natural Disaster (Printable checklists included!)

Learn how to plan for food, water, and other survival needs with this exclusive emergency preparedness guide.

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Library: Printable PDFs & Resources

• Red Cross Checklist: Emergency Kit Checklist.

• US Army: 72-Hour Kit Supply List.

• Food Storage: Preparing an Emergency Food Supply, Long Term Food Storage, by Judy Harrison, PhD.) And, please visit my video library at the end of this blog for additional tips and resources!

• First Aid Kit: How to Make Your Own First Aid Kit.

• FEMA Power Outage Checklist: Be Prepared for a Power Outage.

• Red Cross Power Outage Checklist: Be Red Cross Ready - Power Outage Checklist.

  
  

Are You Prepared?

Are you ready for a worldwide emergency? Do you know how to survive or what to do during a man-made or natural disaster? If not, you need to have a plan for such an occurrence.

It is very important to keep a reserve of food and other supplies during an emergency. There will come a time when there will be a shortage of food, medical care, and other necessary commodities (Matt. 24:6-7, Luke 21:10-11). As you plan your emergency supply, please include the following items:

• Drinking water

• Clothing and bedding

• Basic food supply

• Fuel and Light

• Equipment

• Important documents

• First aid, medications

• Ways to communicate

Drinking Water

Woman carrying a case of bottles water. Image designed by Magnific.com.

You cannot live for more than three days without drinking water.

Make sure you plan to have at least a 1 to 2 weeks’ supply of water, about 14 gallons per person. This is a minimum.

If you have infants, elderly people, and sick people living with you, then you will need to plan for more. Also, if you live in a hot or humid environment, plan on storing more water as well.

This suggested amount does not include water needed for cooking, showers, or baths, so plan on a few extra gallons per person for that too.

You will want to store your water in clean plastic or glass containers. Avoid any commercially bottled water containers that are not PETE (or PET) plastic. Rotate commercial water by the “best if used by” dates printed on the bottles.

Clean and sanitize all containers before use. You can make a sanitizing solution by adding one teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to 1 liter (one quart) of water. Do not use household bleach with thickeners, scents, or additives.

• Do not use plastic milk jugs. They do not seal well and may become brittle over time.

• Do not use containers that were not previously used to store food products.

• Store all water away from light!

Water pretreatment

A water filtration system.

Any water from a chlorinated municipal water supply does not need additional treatment for microorganisms when it is stored in clean, food-grade containers. (If water has chemical toxins in it, then you will need to filter the water with a filtration system to remove them. Please see my "Video Reference" section at the end of this post to learn more.)

Non-chlorinated water needs to be treated with bleach:

Add 8 drops of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) for every 4 liters (one gallon) of water. Do not use bleach with thickeners, scents, or additives.

Storage

Store your water in a place where a potential leakage will not damage your home or apartment. You should protect stored water from any heat and light. Depending on the container, you may need to protect your stored water from freezing as well.

To improve the taste of your stored water, pour it back and forth between two containers before use. You should empty and refill your containers regularly.

Water Disinfectant and Purification Methods for an Unknown Water Source

A pot of boiling water on a gas range. Image by Vecteezy.com.

If you are in a situation where you do not know if your water supply is safe or whether it has been polluted, you should purify it before use by following this two-step process:

1. Clarify – If water is cloudy or dirty, it should be passed through fine cloth, filter paper, or some other type of filter. Allow it to settle and then carefully draw from the clear water on top. Always disinfect clear or filtered water before use.

2. Disinfect (boiling method) – You should bring your water to a rolling boil for 3 to 5 minutes to kill most waterborne microorganisms. Do not overboil small quantities of water, because if there are toxic contaminants present, they may concentrate with prolonged boiling.

Bleach method – Add 8 drops of fresh liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to every 4 liters (one gallon) of water to kill most microorganisms. Do not use household bleach with thickeners, scents, or additives. This bleach method does not include or address toxic contamination of water (chemicals).

Commercial water filters - A commercial water filter can effectively purify and filter contaminated water with microorganisms, as well as water with toxic chemicals and heavy metals. The effectiveness will depend on the proper use, design, and condition of the water filter.

*Remember, disinfecting water removes harmful bacteria and microorganisms, but water purification removes harmful chemicals and toxins as well.

Emergency Evacuation & 72-Hour Kit

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If you must evacuate your home, plan on having enough emergency items for at least 72 hours per person.

These items should include:

Image by Freepik.com.

• Clothing: short and long-sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.

• Raincoat or poncho

• Undergarments

• Blankets

• Cloth sheets

• Plastic sheets: Preferably 4 -6 mil thick. (Please see the section below.)

• Tent

• Sleeping bag(s)

• Towels & washcloths

  
  

I recommend making a 72-hour emergency kit for each family member and storing it in a backpack or duffel bag that can be easily carried or lifted.

With a 72-hour supply kit, you can strategically rotate, replace, and use items as needed, even in the event you might not return home.

Why Plastic & Cloth Sheets are Vital

Plastic Sheets:

Plastic sheets are crucial for your 72-hour kit because they act as an emergency shelter against the elements and provide a rapid barrier to "shelter-in-place" against outside airborne contaminants or hazardous smoke.

In addition, plastic sheets are extremely versatile survival tools. You can use them to:

1. Seal a room: When used with duct tape, plastic sheets can cover broken windows or seal vents, doors, and electrical outlets to keep out dust, smoke, or airborne toxins.

2. Build a Shelter: Plastic sheets can be cut and rigged to create a lightweight, waterproof lean-to structure, a teepee-style tent, or a makeshift sleeping bag liner to retain body heat.

   
   

3. Collect water: You can lay a plastic sheet in a shallow depression to collect rainwater or drape it to catch morning condensation.

   
   

4. Ground protection: Use plastic sheets as a dry ground cloth to sit on, or wrap your supplies to keep them protected from rain and mud.

   
   

5. Signal for help: You can use brightly colored plastic sheets, laid out in a large "X" or waved in the air, to attract search-and-rescue teams.

Cloth Sheets:

Cloth sheets are vital for emergency preparedness because they, too, are incredibly versatile, multi-use survival tools. They can provide instant insulation, serve as makeshift bandages, block dust or debris, and act as highly visible signaling devices if you are stranded or awaiting rescue.

Their importance in a 72-hour emergency kit boils down to several key survival functions:

1. Versatile First Aid: In a medical emergency, a cloth sheet can be torn into strips to act as gauze, used to wrap wounds, tied to create a sling or tourniquet, or folded to form a cervical collar or padding.

   
   

2. Shelter & Insulation: Cloth sheets provide an extra layer of warmth when sleeping, can be hung to block cold drafts, or can be fashioned into a makeshift sunshade. (Note: While they breathe better than synthetic space blankets, it is best to avoid heavy cotton in freezing conditions, as it loses heat when wet.)

   
   

3. Signaling for Help: A bright-colored bed sheet can be tied to a tree or waved overhead to catch the attention of rescue teams.

   
   

4. Environmental Protection: You can tie a sheet around your head and face to filter out dust, smoke, or wind-blown debris.

   
   

5. Hygiene and Cleanliness: If sheltering away from home (e.g., in a community center or crowded facility), clean sheets provide a sanitary barrier when placed over cots, sleeping mats, or used as personal towels.

   
   

Personal supplies and medication

• First aid kit and supplies: You can either purchase one or make your own.

• Toiletries: Toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, brush, toothbrush, etc.

• Cleaning supplies: hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc.

• Medications: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, children’s medication, etc.

• Prescription medications: pack at least three days’ worth, if not more!

• Infant’s needs, if applicable.

• Pet's needs, if applicable.

• Books, Entertainment & Comfort items: Holy Bible, family photos, games, coloring & reading books, and activities for children.

• Phone chargers

Personal documents and money (Keep these items in a waterproof container or pouch, especially during an evacuation!)

• Legal documents: birth and marriage certificates, wills, passports, contracts, etc.

• Medical records

• Insurance policies

• Cash/coins

• Credit card/Checks

• Prepaid phone card

Food that does not require cooking or refrigeration

• Three-day water supply, one gallon per person.

• Trail mix and dried fruit

• Granola and protein bars

• Peanut butter

• Crackers and cereals

• Canned beans, soup, tuna, turkey, beef, etc. (Pop-tops are more convenient.)

• Canned juice

• Dried meat, jerky

  
  

Bunkering Down, Long-Term

For a longer-term food supply, and when permitted, gradually build a food storage that will last over time (aim for a full year) and that you can use to stay alive. Some foods, when properly stored, can last 30 years or more. Use and rotate the other packaged and canned items by their “best used by” date. Here is a list of long-term foods:

• Wheat (30 yrs +)

• White rice (30 yrs +)

• Dehydrated Yellow Corn (30 yrs +)

• Sugar (30 yrs.+)

• Dried beans (30 yrs.+)

• Rolled oats (30 yrs.+)

• Pasta (30 yrs.+)

• Potato flakes (30 yrs.+)

• Apple slices (30 yrs.+)

• Powdered milk (20 yrs.+)

• Dehydrated carrots (20 yrs.+)

• Canned vegetables

• Canned meat

• Pancake mix

• Peanut butter

• Powdered drink mix

• Salt

• Honey

• Mac & Cheese

• Tomato soup

• Flour

• Baking soda

• Spaghetti sauce

• Jam

• Broth

• Soup

Botulism is a rare but life-threatening illness caused by a dangerous toxin, Clostridium botulinum, which thrives in low-oxygen environments. Image by Vecteezy. com.

Food not recommended for long-term storage due to moisture content, oils, and other concerns:

• Nuts

• Pearled barley

• Dried eggs

• Dried meat, jerky

• Whole wheat flour

• Milled grains other than oats

• Granola

• Use only dehydrated fruits and vegetables dry enough to snap when bent.

Warning: If you store moist products in packaging that reduces oxygen, Botulism, a rare poisoning caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, may result, and can be fatal and require emergency medical care.

One specific type of Botulism is foodborne: this is caused when an individual consumes contaminated food with the toxin. It occurs most commonly from improperly canned, preserved, or fermented homemade foods. Symptoms usually appear 12 to 36 hours after consuming the contaminated food.

If containers are airtight, you must use oxygen absorbers, and products must be dry (about 10% or less moisture content).

To reduce your risk of bacteria, food-borne insects, and to help preserve nutritional quality and taste, it is recommended that you store food in foil pouches and PETE bottles, along with the use of oxygen absorber packets. In certain situations, you can also use plastic buckets for longer-term storage of wheat, dry beans, and other dry products.

When possible, keep containers off the floor to allow air circulation. Please rotate commercial bought food items by their “best used by “ date.

Keep stored products at a temperature of 75 degrees F/ 24 degrees C or lower when possible. If storage temperatures are higher, you must rotate products as needed to maintain quality.

Protect cooking oil and all products stored in PETE bottles away from light.

Fuel and Light

• Battery lighting: Flashlights, lamps, etc.

• Extra batteries

• Flares

• Lighter

• Waterproof matches

• Natural fuel source

  
  
  
  

Equipment

• Radio

• Can opener

• Dishes and utensils

• Shovel

• Pen and paper

• Pocket knife

• Ax

• Rope

• Duct tape

Ways to communicate:

• Cell phone/ text messaging

• Landline telephone (will work even when the internet, cellular networks, and infrastructures are down)

• Satellite phone: beneficial, especially in remote areas where the internet is scarce.

• Two-way radio: Also known as walkie-talkies. A pair of handheld devices that can connect provided both are on the same frequency within a certain distance.

• Citizens Band Radio (CB Radio): Capable of short-distance communication on various frequencies.

• Amateur Radio (HAM Radio): Similar to CB radio but requires the user to be a licensed American Amateur Radio operator, thus giving the user more authenticity to the information being transmitted across the airwaves.

• Police Scanner: This device allows users to hear all emergency communication between officials in the police, rescue, fire, emergency response, military, and aircraft industries. The user cannot broadcast on it, but it does allow access to important information during an emergency.

• Word-of-Mouth: When all else fails, and the power is out, devices are ruined or lost, and the internet is scarce, use word-of-mouth. This is when having a prior disaster plan in place is crucial to be able to communicate with your family, friends, and loved ones during a time of crisis. If you do not have a plan in place, try not to become isolated from each other and stay together in a group to avoid being separated, lost, or misplaced.

We are facing challenging times. It is very important to be self-sufficient and prepared in every way. If you live in a place that allows you to grow your garden or food, please do that! Become self-reliant.

Please get your house in order and make right with God in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

May God bless, protect, and watch over us all.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." ~ John 14:6.

Video References:

Author’s Bio

Saved by Grace, Isabella Boston is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, deeply passionate about sharing God’s Holy Word and unpacking biblical truths for daily life.

From exploring prayer and deepening your relationship with God in Christ Jesus to navigating toxic relationships and intrusive thoughts, she writes to provide clear, biblical guidance.

Called to uphold the traditions of faith, Isabella also writes about the significance of the Christian Veil of God’s Holy Order and Chain of Command, and of living a set-apart life that honors God in all things.

Follow her blog for more scriptural insights and spiritual encouragement.

"Writing from the heart."