Emergency Prepper

Emergency Preparedness Guide

Disclaimer: This guide provides general emergency preparedness information. Specific risks vary by geographic location, climate, and individual circumstances. Always follow official guidance from local emergency management agencies, FEMA, and the Red Cross during actual emergencies. Medical preparedness should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

When to Use

Use this skill when:

• User asks about emergency prepper techniques or best practices
• User needs guidance on emergency prepper concepts
• User wants to implement or improve their approach to emergency prepper

Do NOT use when:

• The request falls outside the scope of emergency prepper
• User needs a different specialized skill for their specific situation
• The topic requires professional consultation beyond general guidance

Questions to Ask First

1. How many people are in your household (including pets)?
2. Are there any special needs (medical conditions, medications, mobility issues, infants, elderly)?
3. What natural disasters are most likely in your area (earthquake, hurricane, tornado, flood, wildfire, winter storm)?
4. Do you live in an area prone to power outages, and how long do they typically last?
5. Do you currently have any emergency supplies or plans in place?
6. Do you rent or own (affects what you can store and where)?
7. Do all household members know basic emergency procedures?
8. What is your budget for emergency preparedness?
9. Do you have pets that need to be included in your plan?
10. How far are you from major hospitals, fire stations, and evacuation routes?

Phase 1: 72-Hour Emergency Kit

The Foundation: Supplies for 3 Days

Every household should have enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours (3 days). Many experts now recommend 2 weeks of supplies for major disasters.

Water Storage

Rule: 1 gallon per person per day (minimum)

WATER CALCULATION
=================
Number of people: _______
Number of pets: _______ (calculate pet water needs separately)
Days of supply desired: _______

People: _______ x 1 gallon x _______ days = _______ gallons
Pets: _______ x estimated need x _______ days = _______ gallons
Sanitation allowance (50% of drinking): _______ gallons
TOTAL WATER NEEDED: _______ gallons

Example: Family of 4, 14-day supply
  4 x 1 gallon x 14 days = 56 gallons (drinking/cooking)
  + 28 gallons (sanitation)
  = 84 gallons total

Water storage options:

Water purification backup:

• Water purification tablets (Aquatabs, Potable Aqua)
• Portable water filter (Sawyer, LifeStraw, Katadyn)
• Unscented liquid chlorine bleach (8 drops per gallon, wait 30 minutes)
• Boiling (rolling boil for 1 minute; 3 minutes above 6,500 feet elevation)

Food Reserves

Food storage priorities:

1. Foods your family actually eats (do not stockpile foods nobody likes)
2. No cooking required options (may not have power or fuel)
3. Long shelf life (canned goods, freeze-dried, dehydrated)
4. Calorie-dense (need approximately 2,000 calories per person per day)
5. Nutritionally balanced (include protein, fats, and carbohydrates)

72-Hour Food Kit per Person:

Extended Supply (2 Weeks):

• Canned vegetables and fruits
• Rice and dried pasta
• Dried beans and lentils
• Powdered milk
• Cooking oil
• Salt, pepper, basic spices
• Honey (indefinite shelf life)
• Freeze-dried meals (25-year shelf life)
• Multivitamins

Also include: Manual can opener, disposable plates/utensils (to save water), cooking fuel if applicable.

Phase 2: Emergency Communication Plan

Family Communication Plan Template

FAMILY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PLAN
=====================================
Family Name: _________________________________

OUT-OF-AREA CONTACT:
  Name: _________________________________
  Phone: _________________________________
  Email: _________________________________
  Address: _________________________________
  (Choose someone far enough away to not be affected by the same disaster)

HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS:
  Name: _________________ Phone: _____________
  Name: _________________ Phone: _____________
  Name: _________________ Phone: _____________
  Name: _________________ Phone: _____________

MEETING LOCATIONS:
  Near home: _________________________________
    (e.g., front yard, neighbor's house)
  Neighborhood: _________________________________
    (e.g., school, park, community center)
  Out of area: _________________________________
    (if you cannot return home)

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
  Local emergency management: _________________
  Hospital: _________________________________
  Fire department (non-emergency): _____________
  Police (non-emergency): _____________________
  Poison control: 1-800-222-1222
  Utility companies: __________________________
  Insurance agent: ____________________________
  Doctor: _________________________________
  Veterinarian: _________________________________
  School/daycare: _________________________________

MEDICAL INFORMATION:
  Allergies: _________________________________
  Medications: _________________________________
  Blood types: _________________________________
  Insurance info: _________________________________

Communication Tips During Emergencies

• Text messages often get through when voice calls cannot (uses less bandwidth)
• Designate your out-of-area contact as a central relay point
• Keep phones charged (portable battery packs are essential)
• Have a hand-crank or battery-powered radio for official information
• Know how to use social media to mark yourself as safe
• Program all emergency contacts into every family member's phone
• Write key numbers on a card in each family member's wallet (phones can die)

Phase 3: Document Protection

Critical Documents to Protect

• Identification (driver's licenses, passports, Social Security cards)
• Insurance policies (home, auto, health, life) with agent contact information
• Property documents (deed, mortgage, vehicle titles)
• Financial records (bank account numbers, credit cards, investment accounts)
• Medical records (prescriptions, conditions, immunization records)
• Legal documents (wills, power of attorney, custody agreements)
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Tax returns (most recent 2 years)
• Home inventory (photos/video of all rooms and contents for insurance)

Protection Methods

Best practice: Use multiple methods. Store digital copies in encrypted cloud storage AND keep physical copies in a fireproof safe AND with a trusted out-of-area contact.

Phase 4: Evacuation Plan

Evacuation Planning Checklist

• Identify at least 2 evacuation routes from your neighborhood
• Know local shelter locations (Red Cross app shows open shelters)
• Plan where you would go (family, friends, hotel, shelter)
• Keep vehicles fueled (at least half tank at all times)
• Know how to shut off utilities (gas, water, electricity)
• Plan for pets (many shelters do not accept pets; know which do)
• Identify special needs (wheelchair accessible routes, medical transport)
• Practice evacuation with your family at least once per year

Evacuation Go-Bag Checklist

Each family member should have a bag that can be grabbed in minutes:

Essentials:

• Water (at least 1 liter)
• Food (energy bars, nuts, dried fruit for 24 hours)
• Medications (3-7 day supply of all prescriptions)
• First aid kit (basic)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Phone charger and portable battery pack
• Cash (small bills, at least $200; ATMs may be down)
• Important documents (copies or USB drive)
• Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
• Rain poncho or jacket

Additional Items:

• Multi-tool or knife
• Whistle (for signaling)
• Dust mask or N95 respirator
• Duct tape
• Work gloves
• Plastic bags (zip-lock and trash bags)
• Local maps (do not rely solely on GPS)
• Notepad and pen
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Emergency blanket (Mylar)

For Children:

• Comfort item (stuffed animal, blanket)
• Activities (coloring book, small toy, book)
• Diapers and wipes (if applicable)
• Formula (if applicable)
• Copy of child's identification and medical information
• Photo of child with parent (for identification if separated)

For Pets:

• 3-day supply of food and water
• Leash, collar with ID, carrier
• Medications
• Vaccination records
• Recent photo of pet
• Plastic bags for waste

Phase 5: Shelter-in-Place

When to Shelter in Place

• Chemical or industrial accident with toxic release
• Severe weather (tornado warning, severe thunderstorm)
• Active threat in the area
• Authorities specifically instruct shelter-in-place

Shelter-in-Place Procedure

1. Get inside the nearest sturdy building immediately
2. Close and lock all doors and windows
3. Turn off HVAC system, fans, and ventilation
4. If chemical or radiation threat: seal doors and windows with plastic sheeting and duct tape
5. Move to an interior room on the highest floor (for chemical threats -- chemicals tend to settle)
6. For tornado: move to the lowest floor, interior room, away from windows
7. Monitor radio or TV for official instructions
8. Do not leave until authorities give the all-clear

Shelter-in-Place Supply Checklist

• Plastic sheeting (pre-cut for each window and door)
• Duct tape
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlights and batteries
• Water and food (72-hour supply accessible inside)
• First aid kit
• Medications
• Phone chargers
• Sanitation supplies (garbage bags, toilet bags if water is off)

Phase 6: Go-Bag (Bug-Out Bag)

The Difference Between a Go-Bag and a 72-Hour Kit

Go-Bag: Portable backpack designed to sustain you for 72 hours away from home. Grab-and-go in minutes. One per person.

72-Hour Kit: Stationary supplies at home for sheltering in place for 3+ days. Larger quantity, more comfort items.

Go-Bag Contents by Category

Water (heaviest item, plan accordingly):

• 1-2 liters of water in bottles
• Water purification method (filter, tablets)
• Collapsible water container

Food (calorie-dense, lightweight):

• Energy bars (1,200+ calories per day for 3 days)
• Trail mix and nuts
• Jerky
• Freeze-dried meals (if you have a way to heat water)

Shelter and Warmth:

• Emergency bivvy or space blanket
• Rain poncho
• Compact sleeping bag or liner (if space allows)
• Hand warmers
• Extra socks (dry socks are critical)

Fire and Light:

• Waterproof matches or lighter
• Flashlight (headlamp preferred for hands-free)
• Extra batteries or hand-crank light
• Glow sticks

First Aid:

• Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• Gauze pads and roll
• Medical tape
• Antibiotic ointment
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Prescription medications (3-7 day supply)
• Tweezers, scissors
• Moleskin (for blisters)

Tools and Navigation:

• Multi-tool
• Fixed-blade knife
• Paracord (50 feet)
• Duct tape (wrap around a pencil to save space)
• Local maps
• Compass
• Whistle

Phase 7: Seasonal Preparation

Spring Preparation

• Test smoke detectors and CO detectors (replace batteries)
• Review and update emergency plans and contacts
• Check and rotate water storage
• Inspect and restock first aid kits
• Review insurance coverage
• Clean gutters and check drainage
• Prepare for severe weather season (tornado, flooding)
• Check sump pump operation

Summer Preparation

• Prepare for heat emergencies (fans, hydration supplies, cooling center locations)
• Wildfire preparation (defensible space, evacuation routes)
• Hurricane preparation (if in hurricane zone: shutters, supplies, plan)
• Check vehicle emergency kits
• Update go-bags with seasonal clothing

Fall Preparation

• Winterize home (insulation, weather stripping, pipe insulation)
• Service heating system
• Stock winter storm supplies
• Check generator (if applicable -- fuel, oil, test run)
• Prepare vehicles for winter (tires, emergency kit, blankets)
• Rotate food and water storage

Winter Preparation

• Ensure adequate heating backup (wood stove, space heater with safety features)
• Stock extra blankets and warm clothing
• Maintain rock salt or sand for ice
• Keep vehicles fueled (at least half tank)
• Prepare for power outages (batteries, flashlights, radio)
• Know signs of frostbite and hypothermia

Emergency Kit Maintenance Schedule

QUARTERLY KIT REVIEW
=====================
Date: _______________

[ ] Check water storage (condition, expiration, leaks)
[ ] Check food items (expiration dates, condition)
[ ] Test flashlights and replace batteries
[ ] Check medication expiration dates and rotate
[ ] Review family communication plan (any changes?)
[ ] Update emergency contacts if needed
[ ] Verify insurance coverage is adequate
[ ] Test smoke and CO detectors
[ ] Run generator (if applicable)
[ ] Check fire extinguisher pressure gauge
[ ] Review evacuation routes (any road changes?)
[ ] Check go-bag contents and update seasonal items

Notes: _____________________________________________
Next review date: _______________

Budget-Friendly Preparedness

Building Your Kit Over Time

You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars at once. Build your preparedness gradually, focusing on the most critical items first: water, food, first aid, and a communication plan. Even basic preparation puts you far ahead of most households.

The time to prepare is before you need it. Review and practice your plans regularly, maintain your supplies, and keep your family informed and engaged.

Process

1. Gather information. Ask the user clarifying questions to understand their specific situation, goals, and constraints
2. Analyze context. Review the information provided and identify key factors relevant to emergency prepper
3. Develop recommendations. Apply domain expertise to create actionable guidance tailored to the user's needs
4. Present structured output. Deliver findings in the output format below with clear next steps
5. Address follow-ups. Answer additional questions and refine recommendations based on feedback

Output Format

## Emergency Prepper Analysis

### Assessment
[Key findings and observations]

### Recommendations
1. [Primary recommendation]
2. [Secondary recommendation]
3. [Additional suggestions]

### Action Items
- [ ] [First action step]
- [ ] [Second action step]
- [ ] [Follow-up task]

Edge Cases

• Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding with recommendations
• Conflicting requirements: Prioritize the most critical constraint and note trade-offs
• Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate specialized skill or professional resource
• Beginner vs advanced: Adjust depth and terminology based on user's experience level

Example

Input: "Help me with emergency prepper for my current situation"

Output:

Based on your situation, here is a structured approach to emergency prepper:

1. Assessment: Evaluate your current state and identify key areas for improvement
2. Strategy: Develop a targeted plan based on best practices
3. Implementation: Execute the plan with specific, measurable steps
4. Review: Monitor progress and adjust as needed