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Tsunami, Earthquakes, Snowstorms, Flooding...Are you a prepared Alaskan?

Snowblowing after a storm

This checklist can help you prepare for any emergency or disaster.

Detailed how-to guides are available at the Fire Department and other emergency service organizations.

FOOD PREPARATION / COOKING

  • Have a rotating stock of 14-30 days of basic canned and bulk foods you like to eat
  • Comfort foods, snacks, vitamins
  • Baby needs (diapers, bottle liners, formula, baby wipes, etc.)
  • Paper plates, aluminum foil, zip-lock bags
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Propane ranges most will operate without electricity (not for space heating)
  • Portable propane stove (use in well ventilated areas only)
  • Charcoal barbecues and gasoline stoves (use outside only)
  • Fireplace or wood stove can warm or cook food and melt snow

WATER

  • Store water in jugs or bottles
  • Water heater (turn off before draining)
  • Toilet tanks (water is safe in tank)
  • Pools, tubs (store water for washing, etc.)
  • Snow melting requires a lot of fuel
  • Streams (must be treated)
  • Water treatment filters or water treatment tablets to treat drinking water
  • Household bleach to treat raw water, add 16 drops per gallon of water and allow to stand for 30 minutes for chlorine to act

HEAT

  • Wood stoves and fireplaces
  • Clean, inspect and maintain chimneys
  • Matches, fire starter, and adequate firewood for 30 days continuous use
  • Kerosene heaters and other fueled space heaters (use in well ventilated areas only)

POWER

  • Surge protectors for electrical equipment especially computers
  • Unplug unnecessary appliances if power goes out to avoid power surges
  • Portable generator, extension cords, and fuel for generator (operate generator outside)
  • AA battery pack adapter for cellular phones
  • Batteries for flashlights, radios, etc. (store in refrigerator for longer life)
  • Hearing aid or other special use batteries

LIGHTS

  • Flashlights
  • Propane lanterns (use in well ventilated areas only)
  • Oil lanterns and lantern fuel
  • Candles
  • Matches placed with each lantern and candle

SANITATION

  • Extra trash bags for trash
  • Paper towels, toilet paper, and towelettes
  • Outhouse, portable toilet or five-gallon pail with trash bag liners
  • Personal hygiene items and baby wipes

CLOTHING / BEDDING

  • Warm clothing
  • Sleeping bags or extra blankets and quilts

PET SUPPLIES

  • Food & water
  • Medicine

FINANCES

  • Cash (one week to one month cash reserve)
  • Records (up to date copies of all financial records)

DOCUMENTS

  • Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, and Wills
  • Passports, Social Security cards, mortgage papers, and payment histories
  • Last year's tax records
  • Insurance policies and investment records
  • Bank account records, loan payments, bill receipts, credit card records
  • Lease Agreements, Deed of Trust, promissory notes
  • School / college transcripts
  • Medical records and vaccination records

MEDICAL

  • Alternative housing plan if required due to a medical condition
  • Prescriptions (thirty day supply)
  • Medications and medical supplies

TRANSPORTATION

  • Fill all fuel tanks

HOME SAFETY

  • Complete First-Aid kit
  • Large fire extinguisher(s)
  • Battery operated smoke detector and CO detector
  • Portable radio
  • Basic tool kit
  • Know location of utility shut-offs (water, electricity, water, propane, etc.)
  • Store extra fuel in an appropriate safe location


Consider placing essential items in a kit or cache location so they can be found quickly.

Consider possible relocation sites if your home is uninhabitable for any reason.

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