You never know when a sudden evacuation may be required. The current political landscape is erratic, and calamities don’t follow a timetable; stores frequently close during occurrences like wildfires or civil unrest. By the start of 2026, the Western United States could experience heightened wildfire threats due to unprecedentedly low snowpack levels, contributing to diminished water availability in spring and summer.

Authorities advise assembling an emergency kit ahead of time to guarantee your family’s security during hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, blizzards, wildfires, or man-made disasters.

Nevertheless, not every disaster is the same. Jonathan Sury from Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness highlights two main scenarios for which families ought to prepare.

At times, a rapid exit with a go bag equipped with essentials like a three-day water reserve, purification tablets or water filters, a quality flashlight, and batteries is crucial, especially during an imminent wildfire. In other situations, such as snowstorms, it may be necessary to remain indoors without water or electricity, hence the need for power banks. Long-term planning is also important for regional wildfires, considering smoke and possible power outages.

“Consider the likelihood of power failures,” stated National Weather Service preparedness lead Charlie Woodrum. “Power may be out for multiple days or an entire week, and water could be limited.” He made these remarks in January, foreseeing a historic winter storm season throughout the United States, which could apply to disasters like earthquakes or fires.

Here’s a guide on how to prepare for a short-term crisis and what supplies to gather. This is not a manual for civil conflict or the end of the world but rather guidance for safely navigating natural disasters such as storms, floods, earthquakes, and wildfires, as well as failures in water or power systems.

Heed the insights from colleague Adrienne So on the significance of connecting with your neighbors for emergency readiness, and WIRED’s Guide to Surviving Extreme Weather, along with its recommendations for sourcing reliable emergency information amidst decreasing federal assistance. Worried about job security? Review WIRED’s guide to a digital go bag for unforeseen employment disruptions.

Update April 2026: I have included tips from University of Oregon wildfire authorities Heidi Huber-Stearns and Amanda Stasiew.