That’s why it’s important to make plans in advance and gather equipment for an emergency kit, say experts at disaster preparedness – and stock up on essentials that can keep your family healthy and safe in the event of a hurricane, flood, earthquake, blizzard, wildfire or other all-too-human failure.
But not all disasters are alike. There are two main scenarios for which you should keep your family prepared, says Jonathan Sorey, a senior associate staff member at Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness.
In some cases, you may have to hop into the car with a go bag, or bug out bag, equipped with the bare minimum essentials, like a three-day supply of water, purification tablets or water filters, a good flashlight, and batteries. A fast-moving wildfire might be a good example of this scenario. In other cases, like a severe snowstorm, you might be left standing, perhaps without tap water or access to the power grid – and in desperate need of a good power bank or two. Regional wildfires may also require long-term emergency preparedness, considering smoke inhalation and potential power outages for public safety.
“You have to be in that mindset of, ‘We could go out,'” said Charlie Woodrum, preparedness lead for the National Weather Service. “We could lose it for a few days, or even a week, and we could lose water as well.”…You have to plan for both power outages and water loss.” At the time, in January, he was speaking before a historic winter storm season across much of the United States. But the same assumptions can apply to other disasters, from earthquakes to winds and fires.
Here’s how to prepare for a short-term emergency, and what to stock up on in advance. This isn’t a survival guide for civil war or the end of the world, of course. But the tips and tools here should help you and your family safely weather natural disasters like storms, floods, earthquakes, or wildfires – not to mention systemic failure in the water system or power grid.
Also note my colleague Adrienne So’s advice that the best form of emergency preparedness involves getting to know your neighbors, WIRED’s Guide to Surviving Severe Weather, as well as WIRED’s Guide to Finding Reliable Emergency Information Amidst Much Dwindling Federal Resources. More concerned about losing your job? Check out WIRED’s guide to a digital commuter bag when you have to get off work.
April 2026 Update: I’ve incorporated advice from University of Oregon wildfire experts Heidi Hopper Stearns and Amanda Stasiwicz, and added additional context on wildfire preparedness. I’ve added several power banks, including one from Nimble and one from Ridge, as well as the Watch Duty wildfire awareness app. I also added the MERV 13 air filters and box fan needed to make your own air purifier. Prices and descriptions have also been updated, with out-of-stock products replaced where necessary.
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What should you put in your emergency bag?
Often times, you have little warning before an emergency arrives on your doorstep. But an evacuation order can arrive alarmingly suddenly – and by the time everyone in your neighborhood is raiding local supermarkets for water and purification tablets, it may be too late to safely evacuate your home. This is especially true if there is a sudden notice of boiling water.
The list of essential items for your emergency preparedness kit will depend on your circumstances, your family, and your needs. As of October 2025, FEMA maintains an emergency kit checklist on its website. Columbia University also maintains online resources on how to prepare for or respond to specific disasters and emergencies, including an online preparedness wizard to help each family understand their emergency needs.
