Check the guidance

Safety Sources

The free plan uses general public-agency guidance as a starting point. Local officials, clinicians, utilities, equipment instructions, building codes, and qualified professionals control for your actual situation.

Emergency supplies

Ready.gov’s basic emergency supply guidance includes at least three days of water and nonperishable food and uses one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Ready.gov emergency supply list ↗

Power outages and carbon monoxide

CDC guidance says generators and gasoline-powered engines should never be used inside a home, basement, or garage and should remain at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents. A working battery-powered or battery-backup carbon-monoxide detector is important. CDC power-outage guidance ↗

Food safety

FoodSafety.gov says a closed refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours; a full freezer for about 48 hours; and a half-full freezer for about 24 hours. Never taste food to decide whether it is safe. FoodSafety.gov outage guidance ↗

Medical and electrical needs

Do not use this website to size or connect electrical equipment or to plan for powered medical devices or refrigerated medicine. Use instructions and advice for the exact equipment or medicine from the manufacturer, clinician, pharmacist, device supplier, utility, and qualified electrician where applicable.