Everyday safety guide

Home emergency preparedness basics

Preparedness is about knowing local risks, having communication plans, keeping important information available and following official alerts.

PreparednessHome

Editorial review: August 11, 2026 · Eleanor J. Whitcombe

Plan for your actual household

People, pets, medical needs, accessibility and location affect what matters.

Use official local guidance

Ready.gov is one U.S. example; other countries and municipalities publish their own planning resources.

Keep plans simple

A plan should be understandable enough to use under stress.

Update after changes

Moves, new household members and changing contact information can make an old plan obsolete.

General prevention information only. In an active emergency, follow local emergency services and official instructions. Do not attempt electrical, structural, fire-suppression, hazardous-chemical or other safety-critical work without appropriate professional competence.