Start here · Step-by-step plan
How to use this plan
Read it all the way through once, calmly, with the other adults in your household. Then follow the prevention program week by week. In a real emergency don't read chapters: go straight to the phase you're in, follow the numbered steps, and check the "what to use and what for" table. The First 72 Hours Card (at the end) goes on the refrigerator; the Daily Log is printed in several copies and stored with the kit.
Summary of the whole timeline
| Phase | Goal | What you do first | Household water (cumulative) | Chapters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prevention (12 weeks) | Get everything ready beforehand | Alerts, water, power, food, first-aid kit, documents, shelter, radios, backpacks, cars, drill | Store 14 gal (53 L) per person | 1, 2, 3, 18 |
| Alert / 0–10 min | Don't die in the first impact | Confirm the alert, shelter or exit, gather people and pets, shoes on | — | 1, 10, 15 |
| First hour | Secure the place | Injuries, utilities (gas, power, water), notify your contact, fill containers | Fill the tub and jugs if water still runs | 7, 9 |
| Hours 1–24 | Stabilize | Roles, inventory, perishable food first, news routine | 1 gal (3.8 L) per person | 2, 9, 19 |
| Hours 24–72 | Hold out without outside help | Rest shifts, hygiene, caring for neighbors, saving energy | 3 gal (11.4 L) per person | 3, 21, 22 |
| Hours 72–100 | Reassess and adjust | Full inventory, decide whether to stay or leave, rotate tasks | 4 gal (15.2 L) per person | 1, 24, 25 |
| Days 4–7 | Sustainable routine | Daily schedule, make water safe, health and morale | 7 gal (26.6 L) per person | 3, 21, 25 |
| Days 8–14 | Sustain and connect with aid | Distribution centers, restock, prevent illness | 14 gal (53 L) per person | 21, 22, 23 |
| Days 15–30 | Recover | Insurance, FEMA, safe cleanup, avoiding scams, restocking the kit | Tap water once it's declared safe | 25, 26 |
