You never know when you have to leave at short notice. Current politics is unpredictable. Disasters do not occur on schedule, and few stores remain open to wildfires or rebellions. By early 2026, Wildfires and the resulting chaos are very likely in the American West after a record low snow bag level in winter will mean less water in spring and summer.
That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and stock up on emergency supplies, say disaster preparedness experts—and to stock up on essential items that can keep your family healthy and safe in the event of a hurricane, flood, earthquake, blizzard, wildfire, or human crisis.
But not every disaster is the same. There are two main situations in which you should prepare your family, says Jonathan Sury, senior staff associate at Columbia University. National Center for Disaster Preparedness.
In some cases, you may have to jump into the car with a bag, or a faulty bag, containing essentials, such as three days’ worth of water, cleaning tablets or water filtersa a good flashlightand battery. Wildfires can be a good example of this. In other places, like a severe snowstorm, you may be left stranded, possibly without running water or access to the electrical grid—and you really need it. A good power bank or two.
“You have to think in that mindset of, ‘We can be strong,'” said the National Weather Service preparedness leader. Charlie Woodrum when we talked in January before historic winter storm season across the United States. “We can lose it for days, or even weeks, and we can also lose water if the pipes freeze or the water pipes break. You have to plan for power outages and water losses.”
Here’s how you can prepare for a short-term emergency—and what you can stock up on in advance. This is not a survival guide for civil war or the apocalypse, of course. But the advice and tools here should help you and your family safely weather a natural disaster like a storm, flood, earthquake or wildfire—not to mention a systemic failure in your water system or power grid.
Also consider the advice of my colleague Adrienne So that The best way to prepare for an emergency involves knowing your neighborsand WIRED’s Guide to Surviving Extreme Weather. Worried more about losing your job? Take a look WIRED’s Guide to the Digital Go Bag when you have to leave work.
Update March 2026: I added advice from National Weather Service Preparedness Leader Charlie Woodrum. We also added air purifiers, a camp stove, a log splitting wedge, and a filtered water bottle from Clarity, adding context on wildfires and cold weather emergencies. I also updated prices and details, and exchanged available items where necessary.
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What? What Should You Keep in Your Emergency Bag?
Often, you have little warning before an emergency lands on your doorstep. But the evacuation order can come suddenly—and by the time everyone in your area is raiding your local supermarket for water pills and cleansers, it may be too late to get your own. This is especially true in the case of a sudden notice of boiling water.
Your list of essential items for your emergency preparedness kit will depend on your situation, your family, and your needs. Beginning in October 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency reserves emergency equipment checklist on its website. Columbia University also maintains online resources on how to prepare for or respond to specific disasters and emergencies, including online preparation wizard helping each family understand their immediate needs.
