When unexpected events unfold rapidly, having a streamlined approach to preparedness can make all the difference. Whether facing severe weather, infrastructure disruptions, or other emergencies, the ability to quickly organize your resources becomes invaluable.
The reality is that many of us procrastinate on emergency preparations until situations become imminent. This checklist is designed for exactly those moments—when you need to efficiently assess and organize your preparedness in a short timeframe. These are practical steps you can take today to dramatically improve your readiness without becoming overwhelmed.
Last Minute Preparedness Checklist:
72-hour Emergency Kits
- Replace clothes family members have outgrown
- Check and replace diapers if needed
- Check food expiration dates and replace expired items
- Inventory your kit to identify missing supplies
- Ensure you have cash in small bills ($1, $5, $10 denominations)
Lighting & Power Backup
- Locate all flashlights and headlamps
- Check batteries in all lighting devices
- Charge any solar-powered battery packs
- Charge all electronic devices and keep them charged
- Set up solar outdoor lights (they can be brought inside at night)
- Prepare oil lamps or olive oil in jars with wicks as backup lighting
- Get a solar phone charger to maintain communication capability
- If using a gas-powered generator, secure extra fuel (following local storage regulations)
Water Security
- Fill all designated water containers
- Deploy a WaterBOB or plug bathtubs and fill them
- Consider filling large Rubbermaid totes with water (ensure they’re covered if you have young children)
- Set up rain barrels for non-potable water collection (toilet flushing, etc.)
- Locate water purification supplies (filters, tablets, bleach)
Family Communication & Emergency Planning
- Create a physical list of emergency numbers and family contacts
- Review your home evacuation plan with all family members
- Establish meet-up locations (both nearby and distant alternatives)
- Locate and test emergency radios
- Prepare a prioritized evacuation list (what to grab if you have 5, 15, or 30 minutes)
- Gather your emergency binder with important documents
- Take detailed photos of every room and closet for potential insurance claims
Alternative Cooking Methods
- Check propane levels in gas grills and secure spare tanks
- Inventory and replenish alternative cooking fuels
- Print physical instructions for any emergency cooking equipment
- Locate non-electric can openers and cooking utensils
- Set aside pots and pans that can be used with alternative cooking methods
Food Security
- Stock up on additional shelf-stable, ready-to-eat foods
- Adjust refrigerator and freezer to colder settings
- Fill empty freezer space with water containers (helps maintain temperature longer)
- Prepare several no-cook meals and snacks
- Ensure adequate pet food and supplies for at least two weeks
- Organize your food storage for easy access to soon-to-expire items
Sanitation & Health Preparedness
- Prepare emergency toilet supplies (bucket, heavy-duty trash bags, sawdust or cat litter)
- Refill all prescription medications
- Complete all laundry so clean clothes are available
- Locate manual laundry equipment (washboard, clothesline, etc.)
- Find backup eyeglasses if you normally wear contacts
- For medical equipment requiring electricity (oxygen, CPAP), secure backup power options
- Inventory first aid supplies and replenish as needed
Additional Critical Tasks
- Gather non-electronic entertainment (books, board games, cards)
- Fill all vehicle gas tanks and consider safe storage of additional fuel
- Check fire extinguishers and smoke detector batteries
- Secure any outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds
- Withdraw some extra cash from the bank if possible
- Charge power banks for electronic devices
- Fill prescriptions that might be running low
Remember: While this checklist is valuable for rapid preparation, developing an ongoing preparedness mindset offers the greatest security. Consider using this framework as a starting point for more comprehensive preparations when time permits.
The most important asset in any emergency is a clear, focused mind. By methodically working through these steps, you’ll not only improve your physical preparations but also develop the confidence and mental resilience that truly makes a difference when facing unexpected challenges.
