Disasters never strike on schedule, and few stores stay open for a wildfire or an insurrection. There are two main scenarios you should keep your family prepared for, says Jonathan Sury, a senior staff associate at Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness. Update March 2026: I added advice from National Weather Service Preparedness Lead Charlie Woodrum. Your list of essential items for your emergency preparedness kit will depend on your circumstances, your family, and your needs. As of October 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency keeps an emergency kit checklist on its website.