Start Here: 72 Hours, 7 Days, 30 Days

If you do nothing else, do this. A calm, step-by-step path from the first 24 hours to a 30-day cushion — built for any budget or living situation.

Key takeaways

The first 24 hours is about safety, water, warmth, and information.
72 hours is the basic goal; 7 days is better; 30 days is a deeper cushion.
You can prepare with no money — start with information and what you already own.

First 24 hours. Stay safe and warm, keep your phone charged, fill containers with water, and write key phone numbers on paper. Check official alerts.
72-hour kit. Gather 3 days of water (4L per person per day), no-cook food, light, warmth, medications, and copies of ID in one bag you can carry.
7-day home plan. Build up to a week of water, food, and supplies at home. Add a radio, extra batteries, and a simple family check-in plan.
30-day deeper pantry. Slowly add shelf-stable food you already eat. One or two extra items each shop becomes weeks of meals over time.
If you have no money. Start with free steps: information, saved containers for water, a charged phone, numbers on paper, and food-bank visits before a crisis day.
If you live in a vehicle. Keep water, snacks, a blanket, a phone charger, and ID within reach. Know warm public spaces and never run the engine to sleep in an enclosed space.
If you're in shelter or transitional housing. Keep a small personal kit: ID copies, medications, phone numbers, a charger, and comfort items. Ask staff about emergency plans.
If you're disabled or overwhelmed. Do one tiny step at a time. Ask a support person to help. Keep medications, mobility aids, and a contact list easy to reach.