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72-Hour Emergency Checklist

FEMA-aligned essentials for shelter-in-place or evacuation — check off items as you complete them.

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Water & Food (72 hours minimum)

1 gallon (4 L) water per person per day × 3 days
Non-perishable food × 3 days (energy bars, canned goods, peanut butter)
Manual can opener
Paper plates, cups, utensils
Pet food and water if applicable

Power & Communication

NOAA weather radio (battery or hand-crank)
Phone charger + power bank (fully charged)
Flashlight + extra batteries
Whistle (signal for help)

Health & Safety

First aid kit
7-day supply of prescription medications
N95 masks (smoke, dust, illness)
Hand sanitizer, soap, wet wipes
Glasses / contact lenses if needed

Documents & Cash

Photo IDs, insurance cards (waterproof pouch)
Cash in small bills ($100–200)
Copies of important documents on USB or cloud
Emergency contact list (printed)

Tools & Shelter

Multi-tool or knife
Duct tape, plastic sheeting
Work gloves
Emergency blankets (Mylar)
Local maps (printed — GPS may fail)

Before You Need It — Do Now

Know your evacuation zone and two routes out
Identify a family meeting point
Test smoke and CO detectors
Trim trees near home; clear gutters
Sign up for local emergency alerts

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