Preparedness guidance, without the panic.
A useful plan starts with local information and the needs of the people in your household.
Start with local risks and official alerts
Different places face different hazards. Learn which emergencies are relevant to your area and how local authorities share warnings, evacuation information and public safety advice. Ready72 does not predict emergencies and should not be used as a real-time alert service.
What does “72-hour preparedness” mean?
It is a planning idea: households consider how they would manage essential needs during the initial period of a major disruption, while authorities and services respond. The European Commission has published population preparedness guidance that includes a goal of at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency. This is not a prediction that a crisis will happen.
Read the European Commission preparedness overview for its broader all-hazards approach and linked guidance.
Think about each person in your household
Include children, older adults, people with disabilities, people who rely on powered medical devices, and pets. Ask what each person may need to stay informed, communicate, move safely or access essential supplies. Avoid assuming one checklist fits everyone.
Keep water and food planning flexible
Water needs vary with age, health, climate, activity, food preparation and local conditions. A widely cited American Red Cross starting point is one US gallon per person per day for a basic emergency kit, but follow the guidance that applies where you live. The Red Cross also recommends food that is non-perishable and easy to prepare.
Reference: American Red Cross — Survival Kit Supplies.
Make a household communication plan
Agree on how household members will check in, where they might meet if separated and who can act as an out-of-area contact. Write important numbers down in case phones are unavailable. The US Ready.gov family emergency plan provides one example of a printable planning format; use your own local emergency contacts and instructions.
Reference: Ready.gov — Family Emergency Plan.
Review the plan
Check contact details, household needs, expiry dates, batteries and local guidance regularly. Update the plan after a move, a change in household members or a change in medical or accessibility needs. Share it with the people who need to know it.
During an actual emergency, follow instructions from local emergency services and authorities. Leave an area when officials direct you to evacuate. Ready72 is an educational planning resource, not an emergency response service.