How to Be Prepared for Emergencies: A Beginner's Guide to Emergency Preparedness

Emergency preparedness for beginners with water, food, first aid kit, emergency radio, flashlight, backpack and essential preparedness supplies.

Emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time.

A severe storm can knock out electricity. Flooding can close roads. Wildfires or other local hazards can lead to evacuations. Winter weather can make travel difficult, and unexpected disruptions can temporarily affect access to food, water, communications, or other everyday necessities.

You can't predict every emergency—but you can prepare for many of the problems emergencies create.

That's the purpose of emergency preparedness.

For beginners, preparedness doesn't mean filling an entire basement with survival supplies or preparing for every imaginable disaster. It means identifying realistic risks, making a plan, keeping essential supplies available, and knowing what you'll do if normal services are temporarily unavailable.

This emergency preparedness for beginners guide will walk you through the fundamentals, from building an emergency kit and storing water to preparing for power outages and creating a family emergency plan.

What Is Emergency Preparedness?

Emergency preparedness is the process of planning and gathering appropriate resources before an emergency happens.

A practical preparedness plan generally addresses questions such as:

  • What emergencies are most likely where I live?

  • How will my household communicate?

  • Where will we go if we need to evacuate?

  • What happens if the electricity goes out?

  • Do we have enough drinking water?

  • What food can we eat without normal utilities?

  • Where are our medications?

  • Do we have first-aid supplies?

  • How will we receive emergency information?

  • What supplies do our children or pets need?

Answering these questions now can reduce the number of decisions you'll need to make under pressure later.

1. Start With the Emergencies Most Relevant to You

One of the biggest preparedness mistakes is trying to prepare for everything at once.

Instead, begin with realistic local risks.

Depending on where you live, these could include:

  • Severe thunderstorms

  • Tornadoes

  • Hurricanes

  • Flooding

  • Wildfires

  • Winter storms

  • Extreme heat

  • Earthquakes

  • Power outages

  • Transportation disruptions

Your location, climate, household, health needs, and living situation should influence your preparations.

Use official local emergency-management information to understand the hazards in your area and what authorities recommend.

Once you've identified the most likely emergencies, you'll have a much better idea of what supplies and plans actually matter.

2. Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

One of the best places for a beginner to start is a 72-hour emergency kit.

A 72-hour kit contains essential supplies intended to help your household manage basic needs for approximately three days.

Your kit may include:

  • Drinking water

  • Shelf-stable food

  • First-aid supplies

  • Prescription medications

  • Flashlights

  • Batteries

  • Emergency radio

  • Phone power banks

  • Clothing

  • Blankets or sleeping equipment

  • Hygiene supplies

  • Local maps

  • Emergency cash

  • Copies of important information

  • Basic tools

  • Supplies for children and pets

We've created a complete How to Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit guide in our Survival Guides section that walks through these supplies in greater detail.

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Don't feel like you need to purchase everything in one day.

Start with what matters most:

Water → Food → Medications → First Aid → Lighting → Communication → Shelter

Then improve your kit gradually.

3. Store Emergency Water

Water should be one of your highest preparedness priorities.

A commonly used emergency-planning guideline is approximately one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation, although individual requirements can be higher.

Needs may increase because of:

  • Hot weather

  • Physical activity

  • Medical conditions

  • Pregnancy

  • Children

  • Pets

For a three-day emergency, this guideline would mean approximately three gallons per person.

For four people, that's roughly 12 gallons.

Store water appropriately and rotate or replace it according to the container or manufacturer's recommendations.

You can also explore the Water & Storage collection at Base Camp Basics for outdoor water-storage equipment.

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Have a Backup Water Plan

Stored water gives you something immediately available.

It's also worth understanding appropriate backup water-treatment options.

These can include properly designed:

  • Water filters

  • Purification products

  • Boiling methods

  • Emergency water-treatment systems

Different treatment methods address different hazards, so understand the capabilities and limitations of whatever method you choose.

4. Build an Emergency Food Supply

Your emergency food doesn't need to be complicated.

Look for shelf-stable foods that your household already eats and that require little preparation.

Possible options include:

  • Canned foods

  • Shelf-stable meals

  • Nut or seed butters

  • Crackers

  • Dried fruit

  • Granola bars

  • Shelf-stable protein sources

  • Ready-to-eat foods

Remember dietary restrictions, allergies, children, older adults, and pets.

If you store canned food, keep a manual can opener with your supplies.

Periodically check expiration or best-by dates and rotate appropriate foods into your normal household use.

5. Prepare for a Power Outage

A prolonged power outage can affect much more than your lights.

Depending on your home and local infrastructure, you could temporarily lose:

  • Lighting

  • Internet

  • Heating or cooling

  • Refrigeration

  • Cooking equipment

  • Charging

  • Some water systems

Prepare several independent light sources.

Consider:

  • Flashlights

  • Headlamps

  • Lanterns

  • Spare batteries

  • Rechargeable lights

Base Camp Basics carries Camping Lighting & Electronics that can also be useful when assembling outdoor and emergency equipment.

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Keep flashlights somewhere easy to find. Searching through a dark house for your emergency flashlight defeats the purpose of having one.

6. Keep Backup Power Available

Your phone can be extremely useful during an emergency.

It may provide:

  • Emergency alerts

  • Weather information

  • Communication

  • Maps

  • News

  • Flashlight functionality

  • Important documents

Protect its battery.

Keep appropriate charging cables, vehicle chargers, and charged power banks available.

Don't put a power bank into an emergency kit and assume it will remain charged forever.

Check it periodically.

Also consider writing important telephone numbers on paper in case you can't access your phone.

7. Have an Emergency Radio

Cellular networks and internet services may become disrupted or overloaded.

An emergency radio provides another way to receive information.

Depending on your needs, consider a radio with options such as:

  • Battery power

  • Rechargeable battery

  • Hand-crank charging

  • Solar-assisted charging

  • Weather broadcasts where available

Base Camp Basics carries a Solar Emergency Radio designed for outdoor and emergency applications.

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Test your radio before storing it.

Equipment you've never used shouldn't become equipment you're learning during an emergency.

8. Assemble a First-Aid Kit

Every household should have accessible first-aid supplies appropriate to its needs.

A basic kit might contain:

  • Adhesive bandages

  • Sterile gauze

  • Medical tape

  • Disposable gloves

  • Antiseptic supplies

  • Scissors

  • Tweezers

  • Wound-care supplies

  • Emergency blanket

Your household may require additional items.

Base Camp Basics offers First Aid & Emergency Preparedness equipment for home, camping, travel, and emergency applications.

Internal link: Add your First Aid & Emergency Preparedness collection URL here.

Owning a first-aid kit isn't the same as knowing first aid.

Consider completing recognized first-aid and CPR training so you understand how and when to use the supplies you carry.

9. Don't Forget Prescription Medications

If anyone in your household depends on medication or medical equipment, include those needs in your emergency plan.

Consider:

  • Prescription medications

  • Necessary medical supplies

  • Glasses

  • Hearing-aid batteries

  • Mobility equipment

  • Medical information

  • Appropriate backup power for medical devices

Medication storage requirements vary. Follow instructions from your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or manufacturer.

10. Create a Family Emergency Plan

Emergency gear is only part of preparedness.

You also need a plan.

Every household member should understand:

Where to go.

Who to contact.

How to communicate.

Where emergency supplies are stored.

Consider establishing:

  • A household meeting location

  • An alternative meeting location

  • Evacuation routes

  • An out-of-area emergency contact

  • Plans for children

  • Plans for older adults

  • Plans for household members with disabilities

  • Plans for pets

Write the information down.

Give appropriate household members a copy.

11. Know Your Evacuation Routes

Don't wait until an evacuation order to think about where you're going.

Identify possible routes out of your area.

Have alternatives because your normal route could be blocked.

Keep your vehicle reasonably fueled or charged according to your circumstances, and consider what essential items you'd need to take quickly.

This is where a portable emergency bag can become especially useful.

Base Camp Basics offers Bags & Packs for outdoor and preparedness applications.

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Keep essential supplies organized so you aren't searching throughout the house during an evacuation.

12. Prepare for Severe Weather

Your preparedness plan should account for the weather risks where you live.

That could include:

Severe Thunderstorms

Know where you'll shelter and how you'll receive warnings.

Tornadoes

Identify the safest appropriate location available to you before warnings are issued.

Hurricanes

Understand evacuation zones, routes, and local emergency instructions.

Flooding

Know whether your area is vulnerable to flooding and never drive or walk through floodwater.

Winter Storms

Prepare for potential power loss, difficult travel, and cold temperatures.

Extreme Heat

Plan for cooling, hydration, and what you'll do if air conditioning becomes unavailable.

Follow current instructions from local emergency authorities during actual emergencies.

13. Prepare for Staying Warm

Power outages during cold weather can quickly become uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.

Depending on your climate, consider keeping:

  • Warm clothing

  • Base layers

  • Hats

  • Gloves

  • Blankets

  • Sleeping bags

  • Appropriate emergency blankets

Base Camp Basics offers Sleeping Bags & Sleep Systems for camping and outdoor applications.

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Never use outdoor grills, camp stoves, generators, or other fuel-burning equipment inside a home, garage, tent, or enclosed area unless that specific equipment is expressly designed and approved for that environment.

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless and can be deadly.

14. Keep Basic Emergency Tools

You don't need an enormous toolbox in your emergency bag.

Choose useful items you understand how to operate.

Depending on your circumstances, that might include:

  • Multi-tool

  • Utility knife

  • Work gloves

  • Duct tape

  • Cordage

  • Whistle

  • Adjustable wrench

  • Basic repair supplies

Base Camp Basics carries Camping Tools & Outdoor Gear that may complement a properly planned preparedness kit.

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Avoid adding equipment simply because it looks tactical or impressive.

Useful preparedness gear solves an actual problem.

15. Protect Important Documents

Consider keeping appropriate copies of important information somewhere secure and protected.

This may include:

  • Identification information

  • Insurance details

  • Emergency contacts

  • Medical information

  • Prescription information

  • Household information

  • Evacuation plans

Be thoughtful about how sensitive information is stored.

A waterproof document pouch can provide additional physical protection for appropriate paper copies.

16. Keep Some Emergency Cash

ATMs, card terminals, and electronic payment systems can become unavailable during power or network disruptions.

Keeping an appropriate amount of emergency cash securely stored can provide another option.

Small denominations may be particularly useful.

The amount depends on your household and circumstances.

17. Prepare for Pets

Your emergency plan should include your animals.

Consider keeping:

  • Pet food

  • Water

  • Bowls

  • Leash or harness

  • Carrier

  • Waste supplies

  • Medications

  • Identification information

  • Comfort items

Know where you could take your pets if you needed to evacuate.

Not every emergency shelter or accommodation accepts animals.

18. Practice Your Plan

Preparedness becomes much more useful when you've actually practiced it.

Try simple exercises.

Turn off the lights for an evening and see whether you can easily find your flashlights.

Pack your emergency bag and carry it.

Practice your evacuation route.

Test your emergency radio.

Set up your backup lighting.

Cook a simple meal without relying on your normal kitchen appliances, using equipment only in environments where it is designed to operate safely.

You'll quickly discover what's missing.

19. Review Your Emergency Supplies Regularly

Preparedness isn't a one-time project.

Check your emergency supplies approximately every six months or on another regular schedule appropriate for your household.

Review:

  • Food

  • Water

  • Batteries

  • Power banks

  • Medications

  • First-aid supplies

  • Clothing

  • Emergency contacts

  • Documents

  • Children's supplies

  • Pet supplies

  • Seasonal equipment

Replace expired, damaged, discharged, or outdated items.

Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Beginners

Use this simplified checklist to get started:

Water

  • Emergency drinking water

  • Water containers

  • Appropriate backup treatment method

Food

  • Shelf-stable food

  • Manual can opener

  • Basic eating utensils

First Aid & Health

  • First-aid kit

  • Prescription medications

  • Personal medical supplies

  • Emergency blanket

Lighting & Communication

  • Flashlights

  • Headlamps

  • Lantern

  • Batteries

  • Emergency radio

  • Power banks

  • Charging cables

Shelter & Clothing

  • Warm clothing

  • Extra socks

  • Rain protection

  • Blankets

  • Appropriate sleeping bags

Emergency Planning

  • Contact information

  • Meeting locations

  • Evacuation routes

  • Local maps

  • Emergency cash

  • Copies of important information

Tools

  • Multi-tool

  • Work gloves

  • Cordage

  • Duct tape

  • Whistle

  • Basic repair equipment

Household Needs

  • Children's supplies

  • Pet supplies

  • Accessibility equipment

  • Hygiene supplies

  • Special dietary items

Emergency Preparedness FAQ

How much emergency food and water should I keep?

A practical starting point is enough essential supplies for at least several days. A commonly used water-planning guideline is approximately one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation, with additional water needed in some circumstances.

Follow current guidance from emergency authorities applicable to your location.

What's the first thing a beginner should do?

Start with a simple household risk assessment and build your basic emergency supplies.

Water, food, medications, first aid, lighting, communications, and shelter are good priorities.

Then create your household emergency plan.

Do I need expensive survival gear?

No.

Emergency preparedness is primarily about solving practical problems.

A reliable flashlight you know how to use is more valuable than an expensive gadget you've never tested.

Buy equipment because it serves a purpose—not because it looks impressive.

What's the difference between a 72-hour kit and general emergency preparedness?

A 72-hour kit is a collection of supplies intended to address approximately three days of basic needs.

Emergency preparedness is broader.

It includes supplies, household planning, communications, evacuation plans, home preparation, training, and preparation for specific hazards.

How often should I update my emergency kit?

Review it regularly—such as every six months—and whenever your household changes.

Children grow, medications change, food expires, batteries discharge, and emergency contact information becomes outdated.

Start Preparing Before You Need It

Emergency preparedness doesn't have to happen all at once.

Start today with one simple question:

If something disrupted normal services tonight, what would my household need?

Make sure you have drinking water.

Build a basic food supply.

Find your flashlights.

Charge your power banks.

Check your first-aid kit.

Write down important phone numbers.

Create a household emergency plan.

Then continue improving your preparedness over time.

The goal isn't fear.

It's reducing uncertainty by having useful supplies, practical skills, and a plan before they're needed.

Prepare smart. Stay ready. Keep exploring.

— Base Camp Basics