Skip to main content

    Disaster Prep Apps & Kit

    When 911 is overwhelmed, you\'re on your own for 72 hours.

    Essential free apps

    • FEMA app — official emergency alerts, shelter finder, post-disaster aid.
    • Red Cross First Aid app — what to do for falls, choking, heart attack.
    • Watch Duty — wildfire-specific (Western US). Run by volunteer fire-watchers. Better than government feeds.
    • NOAA Weather Radio app or RadarScope — for tornado/hurricane watches.
    • Your local utility\'s outage app — shows when power expected back.
    • Zello (free walkie-talkie app) — works on Wi-Fi and cellular when phones are spotty.

    72-hour kit (grab and go)

    A duffel or backpack near the door, ready always:

    • 1 gallon of water per person per day × 3 days.
    • Non-perishable food: granola bars, peanut butter, canned goods, can opener.
    • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
    • Flashlight + extra batteries.
    • First-aid kit.
    • 3-day supply of any prescription medications.
    • Spare glasses.
    • Cash ($100+ in small bills — ATMs and credit cards may not work).
    • Whistle.
    • Dust masks.
    • Moist towelettes.
    • Phone chargers + portable power bank (charged).
    • Local maps (paper).
    • Copies of insurance, ID, medical info in waterproof bag.
    • Pet food + medication for any pets.
    • Spare clothes.

    Stay-at-home supplies (longer outages)

    • 2 weeks of food and water.
    • NOAA weather radio with battery backup.
    • Power station (Jackery 240 or larger) — runs CPAP, phones, light.
    • Camp stove or grill (use OUTSIDE only — never indoors).
    • Coolers + ice for refrigeration.
    • Manual can opener.
    • Plenty of batteries.
    • Toiletries, garbage bags, bleach, plastic ties.
    • Tools — wrench to turn off gas if needed.
    • Generator (whole-house or portable) if you live in storm country.

    Region-specific

    • Hurricane country (FL, LA, NC, SC, TX) — plywood for windows, sandbags, evacuation plan, fuel for generator.
    • Wildfire country (CA, OR, WA, CO) — defensible space around home, N95 masks, air purifier with HEPA filter, evacuation plan.
    • Tornado alley (TX, OK, KS, NE, MO, AR) — designated shelter (basement, interior closet), helmet for kids, NOAA weather radio.
    • Earthquake (CA, AK, HI) — secure heavy furniture to walls, water heater straps, gas shut-off training.

    For medication-dependent people

    Talk to your doctor about a 30-day "emergency supply" of essential medications. Most insurance allows this once a year, especially for hurricane-prone regions. Insulin, oxygen, dialysis — make a written plan with your doctor about what to do during extended outages.

    Disaster Prep Apps & Kit — Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Wildfires | TekSure