Family Emergency Preparedness Checklist

What It Is / Stage Overview

Family emergency preparedness means having a plan, supplies, and knowledge to keep your family safe during unexpected events like natural disasters, fires, power outages, or other crises. For parents and caregivers, it involves thinking ahead about the unique needs of children at every age—from keeping a newborn fed and warm to helping a teenager manage anxiety and follow safety protocols. Preparedness is not about living in fear; it is about building confidence and resilience so that if an emergency happens, your family can respond calmly and effectively.

Because children’s needs change as they grow, your emergency plan and kit should evolve too. Below is a stage-by-stage look at what preparedness means for each age group.

Newborn (0–2 months)

Newborns are completely dependent. Your emergency kit must include a sufficient supply of formula or expressed breast milk, bottles, diapers, wipes, and a safe sleep surface. If you breastfeed, consider how you will maintain feeding if you are separated or stressed. Keep a manual breast pump and storage bags. Newborns cannot regulate temperature well, so include extra blankets and clothing. Also pack any necessary medications, a bulb syringe, and copies of your baby’s medical records.

Infant (2–12 months)

Infants are mobile and curious but still rely on you for everything. In addition to newborn supplies, add age-appropriate comfort items like a favorite blanket or pacifier. As they start solids, include shelf-stable baby food and a feeding spoon. A portable crib or play yard can provide a safe space. Keep a baby carrier or sling to keep your hands free. Update the kit as your baby grows and their needs change.

Toddler (1–3 years)

Toddlers are active and may have strong preferences. Pack familiar snacks, a sippy cup, and a few small toys or books to provide distraction and comfort. Include extra clothes, as toddlers are prone to messes. A child-sized flashlight can help them feel involved. At this age, you can begin simple conversations about safety using clear, calm language. Practice “stop, drop, and roll” or “get low and go” as fun games.

Preschool (3–5 years)

Preschoolers can understand basic emergency concepts. Teach them their full name, your name, and your phone number if possible. Practice fire drills and meeting spots. In your kit, add activities like crayons and paper, and a comfort item. Consider a small backpack they can carry with a few of their own supplies. Reassure them that emergencies are rare and that your family has a plan.

School Age (6–12 years)

School-age children can learn more detailed safety skills. Teach them how to call 911 and what information to give. Involve them in assembling the family kit and checking expiration dates. They can learn basic first aid, such as applying a bandage. Discuss different types of emergencies and what to do in each. Encourage them to memorize important phone numbers and the family meeting place. Their kit can include a book, a deck of cards, or a small game.

Teen (13–18 years)

Teenagers can take on significant responsibility. They should know how to shut off utilities, use a fire extinguisher, and perform CPR. Include them in family planning discussions and assign them roles, such as caring for younger siblings or pets. Their personal kit might include a phone charger, hygiene items, and stress-relief tools. Talk openly about their fears and answer questions honestly. Teens can also help update the family plan and research local hazards.

Typical Signs, Timeline, or Milestones

Becoming fully prepared is a process, not a one-time task. Use this timeline to build your family’s readiness step by step.

Immediate Steps (Today)

• Sign up for local emergency alerts and warnings.
• Identify safe spots in your home for different hazards (e.g., under a sturdy table for earthquakes, an interior room for tornadoes).
• Discuss a family meeting place just outside your home and one outside your neighborhood.
• Start a basic emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, and a flashlight.

Short-Term Planning (This Week)

• Complete your 72-hour kit with all family members’ needs, including medications, pet supplies, and comfort items.
• Create a paper copy of important contacts, medical information, and insurance policies. Store in a waterproof bag.
• Learn how to manually open your garage door and shut off utilities.
• Talk to your children about emergencies in an age-appropriate way.

Ongoing Maintenance (Monthly and Seasonal)

• Check expiration dates on food, water, and medications; replace as needed.
• Update clothing and supplies as children grow and seasons change.
• Practice fire drills, evacuation routes, and communication plans at least twice a year.
• Revisit your plan when your child reaches a new developmental stage or if your family’s needs change.

Causes / Why It Happens

Emergencies can strike any family, anywhere. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense in many regions. Human-caused events like home fires, power outages, chemical spills, or acts of violence also pose risks. While you cannot control when or where a crisis occurs, you can control how prepared your family is to face it.

Children are especially vulnerable during emergencies because they rely on adults for safety, may not understand what is happening, and can experience lasting emotional effects. A well-prepared family reduces panic, makes quicker decisions, and can focus on staying safe rather than scrambling for supplies. Preparedness also teaches children resilience and problem-solving skills that serve them throughout life.

What Parents Can Do

Building a family emergency plan involves three key actions: make a kit, make a plan, and stay informed. Here is how to tailor each to your child’s stage.

Newborn and Infant

• Kit: Pack at least a three-day supply of formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper cream. Include a manual breast pump, nursing cover, and extra blankets. Store everything in a portable, easy-to-grab container.
• Plan: Identify multiple evacuation routes and a safe place to stay. If you have a partner or co-caregiver, agree on who will grab the baby and the kit. Keep a copy of your baby’s immunization record and pediatrician contact information.
• Stay Informed: Know your area’s risks and sign up for alerts. If you have a baby with special medical needs, register with your local emergency management agency for priority assistance.

Toddler and Preschool

• Kit: Add child-friendly snacks, a spill-proof cup, small toys, and a comfort item. Include a change of clothes and a favorite blanket. A small backpack with a few items can give your child a sense of control.
• Plan: Teach your child their full name and your name. Practice “stop, drop, and roll” and crawling low under smoke. Use simple words to explain what to do in a fire or earthquake. Reassure them that you will be together.
• Stay Informed: Know your childcare provider’s emergency policies. Ensure they have your current contact information and authorized pickup persons.

School Age

• Kit: Let your child help choose a few comfort items and a book or game. Include a notepad and pencil, a flashlight, and a whistle. Teach them how to use the whistle only in an emergency.
• Plan: Practice calling 911 and reciting your address and phone number. Role-play different scenarios. Assign them a simple job, like grabbing the family pet’s leash or carrying a small bag. Review the school’s emergency plan and discuss reunification procedures.
• Stay Informed: Encourage your child to ask questions and share any fears. Monitor media exposure during real emergencies to limit anxiety.

Teen

• Kit: Teens can pack their own go-bag with personal hygiene items, a phone charger, a multi-tool, and stress-relief items like a journal or music player. Include a list of important contacts and medical information.
• Plan: Teach them how to shut off utilities, use a fire extinguisher, and perform basic first aid and CPR. Discuss the family communication plan and out-of-area contact. Give them responsibility for younger siblings or pets during a drill.
• Stay Informed: Involve teens in monitoring weather alerts and news. Discuss the importance of verifying information before sharing on social media. Talk about emotional coping strategies and when to seek help.

When to Contact a Doctor / Red Flags

During an actual emergency, always call your local emergency number (such as 911 in the United States) for life-threatening situations, including severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or suspected poisoning. Do not delay.

For non-urgent preparedness concerns, contact your pediatrician or a local emergency management office if:

• Your child has a chronic medical condition or disability, and you need guidance on including specialized supplies or creating an emergency care plan.
• You are unsure how to talk to your child about a recent traumatic event or disaster; a pediatrician or child psychologist can offer advice.
• Your family has experienced a disaster and your child shows persistent signs of distress, such as nightmares, clinginess, changes in appetite, or regression in behavior lasting more than a few weeks.

Red flags that your preparedness plan needs immediate attention:

• You do not have a written family emergency plan or a stocked kit.
• Your kit is missing essential items like water, food, first aid supplies, or necessary medications.
• You have not practiced your plan or updated it in over a year.
• Your child does not know their full name, your phone number, or how to call for help (if age-appropriate).
• You feel overwhelmed or anxious about emergencies to the point that it interferes with daily life; seek support from a mental health professional.

Common Myths or Misconceptions

• Myth: “It won’t happen to us.”
  Fact: Disasters can affect anyone, regardless of location or lifestyle. Preparedness is like insurance—you hope you never need it, but you’ll be grateful if you do.
• Myth: “I can just buy everything at the last minute.”
  Fact: Stores often sell out of essentials quickly when a warning is issued. Having a pre-packed kit ensures you have what you need without the panic.
• Myth: “Young children are too little to learn about emergencies.”
  Fact: Even toddlers can learn simple safety behaviors through play. Age-appropriate education reduces fear and helps children respond correctly if an adult is not immediately available.
• Myth: “If I prepare, I’ll just scare my kids.”
  Fact: When done calmly and matter-of-factly, preparedness conversations make children feel safer. They see that adults have a plan and are in control, which builds trust and resilience.