Start here · Step-by-step plan
Roles for the adults in the household
Assign the roles today and write them on the 72-hour card. Each role has a backup, so nothing falls through if someone is out, sick, or sleeping. On day 4 the physical tasks rotate.
| Role | Responsibilities | Equipment in their charge Primary Backup |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Leader and communications | Confirms alerts, decides whether the group stays or goes, listens to bulletins, keeps the log, messages to the out-of-state contact | NOAA radio, AM/FM radio, FRS/GMRS radios, on-call phone, log |
| 2. Water and food | Inventory, fills containers, makes water safe, plans meals, manages the refrigerator and freezer | Water jugs, bathtub bladder, filter, bleach, thermometers, outdoor stove |
| 3. Health and first aid | First aid, medicines and remaining doses, twice-daily health check, hygiene and sanitation | First-aid kit, tourniquet, medicines, emergency toilet, gel and soap |
| 4. Pets and security | The pets (leashes, food, water, walks), doors and locks, checking gas and power, energy (station and panel), relations with neighbors | Leashes, carriers, pet kit, extinguisher, power station, flashlights |
In an evacuation: role 4 drives the larger car with the pets; role 1 rides shotgun with the radio and the map; the other roles go in the other car, or in the same one if you leave in just one.
