Surviving Summer: A Family's Complete Emergency Prep Checklist

Surviving Summer: Your Comprehensive Emergency Prep Checklist

Surviving Summer: A Family’s Complete Emergency Prep Checklist

By Zak Gillies | Co-Founder, Prep Starts Now

Summer brings sunshine and fun, but it also comes with its share of risks. Heatwaves, wildfires, power outages, and severe storms are more common than many families realize. When emergencies hit, preparation makes all the difference—especially when children are involved.

This family-focused emergency preparedness checklist will help you confidently face summer’s challenges with practical, straightforward steps to protect your home and loved ones.

1. Water: Stay Cool and Hydrated

Water is the top priority in any emergency. During summer, high temperatures increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness.

  • Store at least one gallon of water per person per day, for a minimum of three days.
  • Include extra for pets and cleaning needs.
  • Stock juice boxes or flavored electrolyte packets to keep hydration appealing for kids.
  • Pack filtered water bottles in go-bags, school bags, or strollers.
  • Don’t forget formula or nursery water if you have infants.

2. Emergency Food Supply

Your emergency food supply should be simple, portable, and require little to no preparation.

  • Choose shelf-stable items like trail mix, granola bars, nut butters, dried fruit, and canned goods.
  • Stock kid-friendly options that won’t melt, such as applesauce pouches or crackers.
  • Have a manual can opener and disposable utensils ready.
  • Include comfort foods—familiar snacks can help reduce stress for children during emergencies.

3. Power Outage Preparation

Summer storms and wildfires can knock out power for hours or even days. Prepare your household to manage without electricity.

  • Flashlights for every family member (including child-safe ones) should be readily available.
  • Charge portable battery banks for phones and essential devices.
  • Invest in battery-powered fans to manage heat indoors.
  • Store screen-free activities like board games, books, or coloring materials.

4. Heat Safety

High temperatures can be dangerous, especially for young children, seniors, and those with health conditions.

  • Monitor for signs of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, flushed skin, or fatigue.
  • Use cooling towels, misting bottles, or ice packs stored in a cooler.
  • Dress children in lightweight, breathable clothing.
  • Avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
  • Locate nearby cooling centers in advance in case your home becomes too hot.

5. Wildfire and Smoke Protection

Even if wildfires don’t directly threaten your area, smoke can drastically affect air quality.

  • Create and practice a clear family evacuation plan.
  • Keep children’s N95 masks and extra wipes on hand.
  • Use an air purifier or DIY filter fan to maintain indoor air quality.
  • Prepare a family go-bag with identification, medications, extra clothing, comfort items, and copies of important documents.

6. First Aid and Health Essentials

Your first aid kit should be ready to handle minor summer injuries and health concerns.

  • Include children's versions of medications such as pain relievers, allergy medicine, and electrolyte solutions.
  • Pack sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), bug spray, and aloe vera for sunburn relief.
  • Add fun bandages for kids to ease anxiety around cuts or scrapes.
  • Include thermometers, tweezers, and antiseptic wipes.

7. Family Communication Plan

Staying connected during an emergency is essential, especially if family members are separated.

  • Choose an out-of-town emergency contact person everyone can check in with.
  • Teach children how to use emergency radios or basic communication tools.
  • Create printed contact cards for each family member’s wallet or backpack.
  • Download emergency apps that provide weather alerts and can be used offline.

8. Summer Car Emergency Kit

Emergencies don’t always happen at home. Prepare your vehicle for summer situations on the road.

  • Store water bottles and shelf-stable snacks in the car.
  • Include a compact first aid kit and basic tools like jumper cables.
  • Pack diapers, wipes, and a sunshade if you have small children.
  • Add a small bag of games, books, or toys to reduce stress during long delays.
  • Keep a phone charger that works with your vehicle.

9. Pet Emergency Planning

Pets are part of the family and should be included in your emergency plans.

  • Pack a pet-specific go-bag with food, water bowls, leash or carrier, and medical records.
  • Include waste disposal supplies, a toy, and recent photos in case you are separated.
  • Make arrangements for pet sheltering if evacuation becomes necessary.

10. Important Family Documents

Having essential information ready to go can save time and reduce stress in an emergency.

  • Store copies of IDs, birth certificates, insurance policies, and prescriptions in a waterproof envelope or digital format on a flash drive.
  • Place the envelope in a known, easily accessible location near your emergency kit.

Make Preparedness a Family Activity

Emergency planning doesn’t need to be intimidating. It can be a meaningful way to build confidence and teamwork as a family.

  • Allow children to help pack their own go-bags with a flashlight, favorite snack, and comfort item.
  • Turn preparedness drills into fun practice sessions with a name like “Family Adventure Day.”
  • Use calm, age-appropriate conversations to explain why these plans matter, and how everyone plays a role.

Start small, build week by week, and focus on creating a culture of readiness—without fear or panic.

Get Your Free Printable Checklist
Download our easy-to-use, family emergency checklist at PrepStartsNow.com and take the next step toward peace of mind this summer.

Shop Trusted Emergency Supplies
Visit our online store for family-first kits, child-safe gear, and seasonal essentials curated for real-life emergencies.

Prep Smart. Live Ready.
From our family to yours—stay safe, stay prepared, and enjoy every summer moment with confidence.

 

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