Get your family ready, 15 minutes a month
A complete emergency plan feels like a weekend project, so nobody does it. Split into twelve 15-minute jobs, one on the 1st of each month, it's done by next year.
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What shows up next
Press the test button on every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. The US Fire Administration recommends testing monthly.
This month's 15-minute task: Check alternative heat sources are safe and carbon monoxide alarms work. Never run a generator indoors.
This month's 15-minute task: Check your car kit (blanket, scraper, water, phone charger). Make sure everyone knows how to shut off the water main.
This month's 15-minute task: Open the go-bag: replace expired food and water, update medications and check batteries.
This month's 15-minute task: Photograph IDs, insurance policies and prescriptions, and store copies somewhere secure you can reach from any phone.
Clock-change weekend is a good reminder to check smoke and CO alarm batteries (unless they're sealed 10-year units).
This month's 15-minute task: Review where you'd shelter for a tornado or severe storm (lowest floor, interior room, away from windows).
Each month brings one small, specific job, timed to the season: winter car kits in January, severe-weather shelter plans in April, hurricane and heat prep in June, a fire escape drill in October. September is National Preparedness Month in the US, so that's when you practise your meeting point.
There's also a smoke and CO alarm test on the 15th of every month and a battery check on both 2027 clock-change weekends. The guidance follows Ready.gov and the US Fire Administration. Follow local emergency officials during a real event.
Family Ready: Emergency Plan: A free offline emergency card and family emergency plan.
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- Open this page in Safari on your iPhone.
- Tap Add to iPhone Calendar, then tap Subscribe.
- Tap Add. Events appear in the Calendar app within a minute.
On a Mac, the same button opens Calendar. In Google Calendar, use the Google button, or paste https://honestlittleapps.github.io/calendars/family-emergency-preparedness-calendar/family-preparedness.ics into Other calendars › From URL.
Questions
How much water should we store?
Ready.gov suggests at least one gallon per person per day, enough for several days, and longer if you can.
How often should smoke alarms be tested?
Monthly, according to the US Fire Administration.
What does Family Ready do?
It's a free offline emergency card and family emergency plan that works even without signal.
Is this calendar free?
Yes. It costs nothing, needs no account and shows no ads. You can unsubscribe at any time.
How do I remove it from my iPhone?
Open the Calendar app, tap Calendars at the bottom, tap the ⓘ next to this calendar and choose Delete Calendar. Or go to Settings › Apps › Calendar › Calendar Accounts › Subscribed Calendars.
Other ways to get it
A daily page you can add to your Home Screen · an RSS feed · a free widget for your website · the press kit