Personal & Household Preparedness

Personal Preparedness Packet

A personal preparedness packet combines essential documents into a portable or easily identifiable location. It may include emergency contact information, lists of medications, medical conditions, and insurance documentation.

Recommended resources for your personal preparedness packet include:

Add Emergency Contacts to Your Phone

Having emergency contact information readily available can help first responders or medical personnel reach someone you trust during an emergency. Many devices allow emergency contacts and important medical information to be accessed from the lock screen.

Select the option below that best matches your device.

iPhone (IOS)

  1. Open the Health app.
  2. Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.
  3. Select Medical ID.
  4. Tap Edit.
  5. Scroll to Emergency Contacts.
  6. Tap Add Emergency Contact.
  7. Select a contact and choose their relationship to you.
  8. Tap Done to save your changes.

Tip: Make sure Show When Locked is enabled in your Medical ID settings so emergency responders can access your emergency information without unlocking your phone.

You can also add important medical information, including:

  • Allergies
  • Medical conditions
  • Medications
  • Blood type
  • Organ donor status

Android

The exact steps may vary depending on your device manufacturer and Android version.

Option 1: Through Safety & Emergency Settings

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Safety & Emergency (or Safety and Emergency Information).
  3. Select Emergency Contacts.
  4. Tap Add Contact.
  5. Choose one or more contacts from your address book.
  6. Save your changes.

Option 2: Through the Contacts App

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Tap your profile or settings menu.
  3. Look for Emergency Contacts or Emergency Information.
  4. Add the people you would like contacted in an emergency.
  5. Save your changes.

Tip: Many Android devices allow you to add medical information. Ensure viewing this information on the lockscreen is enabled so emergency responders can access your emergency information without unlocking your phone.

You can also add important medical information, including:

  • Allergies
  • Medical conditions
  • Medications
  • Blood type
  • Organ donor status

If You Do Not Have a Smartphone

You can still make your emergency contact information easily accessible.

Carry an Emergency Contact Card

Keep an Emergency Contact Card in your wallet, purse, ID holder, or another easily accessible location. Include:

  • Your full name
  • Emergency contact name(s)
  • Emergency contact phone number(s)
  • Relationship to the contact
  • Important medical information, if applicable

Review the card regularly and update it whenever your information changes.

Keep Your Information Current

Review your emergency contacts regularly and update them whenever:

  • A phone number changes
  • A contact moves away
  • Your emergency contact preferences change

Wear a Medical ID

If you have a medical condition, allergy, or take important medications, consider wearing a medical ID bracelet or necklace that includes emergency contact information.

Grab and GO Health Form

The Grab and GO Health Form helps you keep important health information ready when you need it. This form allows you to organize important details like medications, allergies, medical conditions, and more in one convenient document for emergencies. 

How to use the Grab and GO Health Form:

  • Complete the form and keep the information updated as changes occur.
  • Print on bright yellow paper, if possible, to make it easier to identify during an emergency. Fold the form for privacy if desired.
  • Store the form on the outside of your refrigerator or another visible location using a magnet or tape so it can be quickly located.
  • Bring the form with you if you need emergency medical care, evacuate your home, or seek emergency shelter.

Household Hazards and Top 10 Preparedness Recommendations

Know your top 10 household hazards. Based on both likelihood and severity, these commonly include:

  1. Falls
  2. Poisoning
  3. Carbon monoxide exposure
  4. Fire hazards
  5. Drowning
  6. Choking
  7. Sharp objects
  8. Stoves
  9. Dishwashers
  10. Suffocation

Many of these hazards are preventable. Learn more from these resources:

View 10 Common Safety Hazards Around the House

Keep and Maintain a First Aid Kit

Keep first aid supplies readily available and stored in a temperature-controlled location. A well-stocked kit allows you to treat injuries quickly, reduce complications, and control bleeding.

Recommended first aid kit components include:

  • Disposable latex-free exam gloves
  • Antiseptic wipes or solution
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Sterile gauze pads in multiple sizes
  • Gauze roller bandages
  • Adhesive bandages in various sizes
  • Elastic bandages
  • Triangular bandages
  • Tourniquet
  • Adhesive first aid tape
  • Sterile water or saline solution
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors
  • Instant cold pack
  • Sting relief ointment
  • Aloe vera gel for minor burns
  • Cotton swabs
  • Over-the-counter medications (pain relief, antacids, antihistamines, etc.)

View Red Cross First Aid Kit Essentials

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