Emergencies Happen. Here’s How to Prepare.

5 min readMost people don’t think about preparing for a disaster unless they’ve lived through one. Anyone who’s survived a house fire, sheltered in place during an earthquake or tornado, or lost possessions in a flood knows how important advance planning is. If you’ve been lucky enough to avoid a disaster, you may not give it much thought. Still, the fact remains: emergencies happen, and it’s better to prepare than ignore.But disaster preparedness isn’t an all-or-nothing thing—and you don’t have to be a prepper to cover the basics. The entirety of tasks can amount to checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a year and putting emergency kits in your closet and car. You get to decide. If you opt to take it to the next level, you might add a portable generator or power station for backup power; chances are you also already have supplies in your basement or garage, especially if you like to camp and own some gear.This guide is designed to help you take steps toward planning for the unexpected—however much (or little) effort you want to put into it.Basic Home Prep⚠️ Check off these important advance-planning tasks. ❏ Review your home insurance policy. Disaster coverage varies by company, so check your policy to see how comprehensive it is. You may be able to add coverage tailored to the risks common to your area.❏ Protect against fire and carbon monoxide. Set a reminder in September for a yearly check of your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and that there’s a fire extinguisher in the kitchen (and that you know how to use it).❏ Preserve important docs. Keep copies of your insurance papers, household deeds, and birth and marriage certificates in a safe-deposit box or personal water- and fireproof safe, and back up what you can in the Cloud. Make a video documenting your possessions and their location in your home.❏ Take steps to prevent flooding. If you live in a floodplain or in a region that gets heavy storms, consider investing in a flood barrier. Another tip is to install shelving in the garage and in the basement to get things off the floor.❏ Survey your property. Make sure the trees on your property are healthy and at a safe distance from the house. It’s helpful to have a chainsaw on hand to cut down loose branches (Husqvarna makes our favorite gas and electric models). You may also want to make an appointment with an arborist for a professional assessment.The Best Smoke and Carbon Monoxide DetectorsThese devices are essential, and it’s well worth considering the newest models.Read MoreTrevor RaabThe Best Carbon Monoxide DetectorsNo living space should be without several of these inexpensive, lifesaving devices.Read MoreKaz WeidaThe Best Fire ExtinguishersA fire chief weighs in on what to look for in an emergency fire extinguisher.Read MoreTrevor RaabThe Right Way to Use a Fire ExtinguisherA fire-fighting course at our local fire academy taught us that the life and property you save may be your own.Read MoreThomas HenggeThe Best Fireproof Home SafesYour standard home safe may stop burglars but won't withstand high temperatures or being submerged in water.Read MoreKaz WeidaThe Best Flood Barriers—and How to Use ThemHere are the sandbags, expandable walls, and self-inflating dams we recommend.Read MoreGenerators and Power Stations⚠️ Invest in what you need to stay up and running.❏ Step 1: Back up your home. Standby generators or whole-home power station systems are the best option, though they typically cost tens of thousands of dollars. The next-best solution is a portable generator, which runs on propane, gas, or a combination of the two (our top pick is this DuroMax dual-fuel model), or an emissions-free power station, like this Bluetti Apex 300.Not sure how much capacity you need? Here’s our guide on finding the right size generator. Fuel-based portable generators should be kept at least 20 feet from the house while running, as their exhaust can be deadly if not well-ventilated. Meanwhile, power stations are emissions-free and can be operated indoors.The Best Home GeneratorsThese editor-tested and researched models juice up your refrigerator, air conditioner, and other essentials during an emergency—no matter what.Read MoreNick HildenThe Best Portable GeneratorsLike at your off-grid cabin when you’re desperately in need of electricity (speaking from experience).Read MoreTrevor RaabThe Best Standby GeneratorsWhether you need to power just the necessities or your whole house.Read MoreLaraine BrandsHow to Connect a Generator to Your HouseThere’s more than one way to connect, but you must take great care.Read MoreTrevor RaabHow to Maintain Your GeneratorKeep your emergency backup power ready for any disaster.Read MoreTrevor Raab❏ Step 2: Back up small appliances and devices. Portable power stations—like the Anker Solix F3800 or this Bluetti Elite 300—are helpful add-ons, whether you use them for a single appliance (like your fridge) or several devices, like cellphones, tablets, and laptops. Also, everyone in the household should have a personal power bank.Emergency Kits⚠️ Think of supplies beyond basic first aid.❏ Take stock of everyday items. A basic first-aid kit may not be enough to get you through the worst of a disaster. It’s a good start—you want things like bandages, gauze, pads, aspirin, hydrocortisone, and antiseptic wipes—but unexpected emergencies demand unconventional remedies. For example, superglue and duct tape are helpful for treating deep wounds. There are ready-made kits, and you can always add to them or make your own.❏ Put together a separate kit for the car. Along with keeping a kit in the house, it’s a good idea to have one in the car that includes things like flares in case of a roadside emergency. At the very least, throw a reliable portable jump starter like this one from AstroAI in your trunk.The Best Emergency Kits for Disaster PrepGive yourself peace of mind by having essential supplies on hand and ready to go.Read MoreKanghee KimThe Best Emergency SuppliesDanny PerezThe Best Car Emergency Kits for Safe Road TravelBeing prepared is key for peace of mind on and off the road.Read MoreThomas HenggeThe Best First Aid KitsAccidents happen. Be prepared for emergencies, whether you’re working in your shop or hiking through the mountains.Read MoreEssential Tools and Gear⚠️ Gather must-haves for living off the grid.❏ Put your camping gear to use. When it comes to the basics for survival in an emergency, the tools and gear you need aren’t that different from what you’d use to camp in the backcountry. If you already have camping gear, you’re likely a step ahead. Things like temporary shelter, pocket knives, blankets, flashlights, and multitools (you can’t beat this Victorinox, and we also like this one from Leatherman) are all helpful in disaster situations.The Best Flashlights for Everyday UseYes, they’re better than the little bulb in your phone.Read MoreTrevor RaabThe Best Pocket Knives Are Simple Yet VersatileNot to mention invaluable when other tools have been out of reach.Read MoreJustin ParkThe Best Multitools for Fixing Things in a PinchCut, tighten, loosen, open, and twist your way through whatever challenges crop up.Read MoreTrevor RaabThe Best HeadlampsWhether you’re in the backcountry or simply under the kitchen sink, there’s a light for everything.Read MoreTrevor RaabThe Best Rechargeable FlashlightsNo more hunting for batteries in a pinch—or in the dark—with these USB-charged flashlights.Read MoreTom PriceThe Best Pocket FlashlightsWe researched the best pint-size torches that are portable, easy to use, and durable for everyday use.Read MoreTrevor RaabThe Best Emergency TentsAn emergency tent can come in handy in a variety of circumstances. Here are our top picks for safety, weather protection, and peace of mind.Read More❏ Plan for backup communication. Strong winds and flooding can damage cell towers during a storm. Make sure to have a backup means of communication to keep in touch with loved ones and to get up-to-date information from federal and local authorities during a disaster. Things like emergency radios (this Midland model is a good choice), walkie-talkies, and even satellite phones and messengers are smart to have on hand.The Best Emergency Weather RadiosWeather emergencies happen in every season. Here are our top picks for radios to stay on top of what’s happening.Read MoreCourtesy Midland; KaitoThe Best Walkie-TalkiesStay connected wherever you go with these durable, two-way radios.Read MoreChris MeehanThe Best Satellite CommunicatorsSend texts or call for help with these messengers that work no matter how far off the grid you go.Read MoreFood and Water⚠️ Put together an emergency stash.❏ Plan for water. After shelter, water is the most pressing need in times of disaster. Most of us can’t survive more than three days without it, and natural disasters often knock water-treatment plants offline. Maintaining a clean water supply is vital, so prep with these steps.Purify your water: Strain it, then boil it for one minute or treat it with chlorine bleach (one tablespoon for 10 gallons). This will kill off most pathogens.Think ahead by keeping a three-day supply of bottled water (one gallon per person per day) on hand. A high-quality filtered water bottle, like our top pick from Grayl, is another handy item to have on hand. ❏ Stock the pantry and consider emergency food kits. It’s never a bad idea to stock up on canned goods and other nonperishable food. However, these items have expiration dates—which means having to replace them every few years. Emergency food kits—like this one from ReadyWise—are designed to last for a decade or more, so for some (especially large households) it may be worth the investment.❏ Make use of your grill. If the power goes out, cooking on a grill is a clutch solution for preparing hot, comforting meals that are easy to throw together without much fuss. If you don’t have a full-size grill in your backyard, a portable model can work in a pinch.The Best Emergency Food KitsThese will come in handy when you least expect it.Read MoreThe Best Water Storage ContainersWhether you’re waiting out a prolonged natural disaster or need to take it with you during an evacuation.Read MoreThe Best Filtered Water BottlesRemove contaminants for safe and better tasting water.Read MoreDanny PerezHere's What to Do in a Boil Water AdvisoryIf your water is potentially contaminated, you must kill the germs before you drink it.Read MoreDownload Your Exclusive Pop Mech How-To Guides