Home preparedness checklist: monthly, twice a year and yearly (printable)
Preparedness isn't a one-time purchase. Batteries die, food expires and kids grow. Use this list on a schedule. Checks stay on this page only; nothing is saved or sent, and they reset when you close it. You can print it and keep it on the fridge.
Tips (our suggestions)
- Tie the twice-a-year items to dates you already notice, like the start and end of daylight saving time.
- Do the gear checks when you pack for or unpack from a camping trip.
- Write anything you couldn't check on your next shopping list.
Everyday
Pick two dates a year, such as when the clocks change, and go through this list.
When it counts
When something happens, your alarms work, your extinguisher is ready and your supplies are fresh.
Sources and when we checked them
- U.S. Fire Administration, Smoke Alarms (checked 2026-10-31)
- U.S. Fire Administration, Home Fire Escape Plans (checked 2026-10-31)
- Ready.gov, Home Fires (checked 2026-10-31)
- Ready.gov, Power Outages (checked 2026-10-31)
- Ready.gov, Build A Kit (checked 2026-10-31)
- CDC, How to Create an Emergency Water Supply (checked 2026-10-31)
- National Park Service, Fire Prevention 52: Propane Fires (checked 2026-10-31)
- Tokyo Fire Department, cassette stove misuse and disposal accidents (in Japanese) (checked 2026-10-31)
Spotted a mistake? Tell us through the contact form ("Report a mistake"). We check it, fix it, and log the change in Updates.