Congratulations, you made it to Week 4-- we're over halfway there! 

Now that we've covered the essentials of creating a kit and plan, this week’s focus is on helping families create tailored emergency plans that thoughtfully include everyone — children, pets, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and anyone else who may be especially vulnerable during a disaster.

It’s a time to encourage proactive, age- and ability-appropriate conversations about emergencies, while also learning how to build go bags that meet the unique needs of each family member. By preparing together, families can experience greater peace of mind and build routines that support everyone’s well-being in a crisis. This week also highlights how involving children and other family members in preparedness activities can boost confidence, encourage responsibility, and strengthen a household’s overall readiness.

What goes in go-bag for kids, pets, seniors, and people with access/functional needs?

Everyone needs the same basic essentials in a go-bag, like food, water, important documents, and first aid supplies, but seniors, pets, children, and disabled persons require extra consideration because of their specific, individual needs. Tailoring the go-bag with these special items ensures everyone has what they need to stay safe and comfortable when time is critical. Here are some ideas to get you started—click the headings for each one to visit the FEMA website for more information:

Children:

• Age-appropriate snacks and bottled water
• Favorite toys, books, or comfort items (e.g., a blanket or stuffed animal)
• Diapers, wipes, and changing supplies (if applicable)
• Child-safe medications or prescriptions
• Extra clothing, including weather-appropriate layers
• Small first aid kit tailored for kids (band-aids, antiseptic wipes)
• Comfort items and activities

 Pets:

• Pet food and treats (enough for several days)
• Water and a portable water bowl
• Leash, collar, and harness
• Pet carrier or crate for transport
• Copies of vaccination and medical records
• Any medications or supplements your pet needs
• Waste bags and cleaning supplies
• Comfort items and activities

 Older Adults:

• Prescription medications with extra doses
• Mobility aids (canes, walkers, wheelchairs)
• Hearing aids and extra batteries
• Eyeglasses and contact lenses with solution
• Medical alert information or devices
• Comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes
• Copies of medical records and emergency contacts
• Comfort items and activities. 

People with Disabilities:

• Specialized medical equipment (e.g., CPAP machines, oxygen tanks)
• Extra batteries or chargers for electronic devices
• Communication aids (e.g., speech devices, writing tools)
• Personal care items tailored to individual needs
• Assistance devices (e.g., prosthetics, braces)
• Backup supplies for mobility devices (e.g., wheelchair repair kit)
• Copies of medical records, care instructions, and emergency contacts
• Comfort items and activities

Talking to Kids About Emergencies is important—here are some tips for doing it effectively:

• When preparing for emergencies with children, it's important to keep conversations age-appropriate by using simple, clear language and focusing on the idea of staying safe rather than the dangers involved.
• Reassure them that adults are there to protect them, and frame preparedness as something empowering rather than scary.
• To ease anxiety and promote confidence, involve kids in small tasks like helping pack their go-bag or choosing a comfort item to include.
• Teaching them important information—such as how to dial 911, their full name and address, who their emergency contacts are, and where safe meeting places are—helps them feel more in control and prepared if they ever need to act on their own.
• Turn emergency preparedness into a fun and engaging activity for kids! Try emergency-themed games and scavenger hunts that help them learn what goes in a go-bag or where to find supplies around the house.
• Use role-playing to act out safe scenarios like how to evacuate, what to do if they get separated, or how to call 911.
• You can also include pet care checklists they can help manage—like packing food, toys, or checking ID tags—so they feel responsible and included in keeping the whole family safe.

 Pets in Emergencies: What You Need to Know Preparing for emergencies with pets means making sure their basic and medical needs are covered, just like any other family member.

A pet emergency kit should include food and water for several days, a leash or harness, a secure carrier or crate, any necessary medications, and comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket.

• It’s also important to keep updated ID tags on your pet’s collar, have current microchip information, and store copies of vaccination and medical records in a waterproof bag.
• Since not all shelters accept animals, plan ahead by identifying pet-friendly shelters, boarding facilities, or trusted friends or family members who can care for your pet if you can’t bring them with you.

Comfort Items

Comfort items are essential because they provide emotional support and help reduce stress during emergencies, especially for children and seniors. Here are comfort item examples tailored for each group that can make a big difference in helping everyone feel more at ease during stressful situations:

• Seniors: Soft blankets, favorite photos, a cherished book or magazine, a familiar scent like a scented handkerchief
• Pets: Favorite toys, a well-loved blanket or bed, chew treats, or a familiar-smelling item from home
• Children: Stuffed animals, favorite toys or dolls, blankets, picture books, or a small comfort pillow
• Disabled Persons: Personal sensory items (like stress balls or fidget tools), favorite music playlists or headphones, comforting textiles, or familiar personal objects that help ease anxiety

 Videos

This week’s collection of preparedness videos and public service announcements focuses on tailored emergency readiness tips, highlighting how to effectively prepare go-bags and plans that address the unique needs of seniors, pets, children, and disabled persons.

FEMA: Ready Campaign’s “Prepare to Protect” PSA | The Best Planner Big Game

National Preparedness Month: Prepared Not Scared, Preparing Kids PSA

Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Access/Functional Needs

Preparing Makes Sense for Older Americans (FEMA)

Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners (FEMA)

How to Make an Emergency Plan

Prepping with Kids

Take Action This Week

Preparedness is a family effort — kids, seniors, and pets included — and by planning now, you’ll have greater peace of mind knowing everyone’s needs are covered; empower your children to be part of the process, remember that pets are family too, and don’t wait for an emergency—take simple steps today to start preparing everyone in your household.

✅ Create or Update a Family Emergency Plan to include children and pets Make sure your emergency plan accounts for the specific needs, routines, and responsibilities related to young children and pets, including transportation, care, and communication.

✅ Start conversations with kids and seniors about preparation for emergencies in age-appropriate ways Use simple, reassuring language and relatable examples to help children and seniors understand what to expect and how they can stay safe during an emergency.

✅ Build or Review Go Bags for Kids, Pets, Elderly, or Disabled Family Members Check that each family member’s go-bag includes essential supplies tailored to their unique medical, mobility, or emotional needs, and update items regularly.

✅ Highlight the role children can play in preparedness to boost confidence and responsibility Empowering kids with small tasks—like helping pack their go-bag or practicing the family drill—can make them feel more secure and involved.

✅ Practice with a Family Drill Running through a home evacuation or communication drill helps everyone know what to do in an emergency and reveals any gaps in your plan.