An event does not have to be a end-of-days disaster to be devastating. In fact, you are more likely to face a house fire than a tornado.
The National Center for Environmental Information recorded 1,559 tornadoes nationwide in 2025.
According to the US Fire Administration, there are 340,000 to 360,000 house fires nationwide every year.
Even if the fire is controlled quickly, it can leave the home unsafe because of the smoke and water damage. What would you need to spend a night in a hotel or a shelter if you couldn't return home?
Recommended supplies include:
- A change of clothes
- Personal hygiene and toiletries
- Medications
- Phone charger cords and wall block
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Supplies for baby (diapers, formula, bottle)
- Supplies for pets (leash, health records, poop bags or litter)
In a big disaster, it is also recommended that you include a first aid kit, a weather radio, flashlight and batteries, food and water, and a multipurpose tool. It is possible that you may need to have enough to manage without assistance for several days.
