LIFE Bag field notes
Stay prepared.
Keep living.
Useful checklists and small habits for home, the road, and the moments plans change.
Seasonal notes and practical reminders, updated as we have something useful to share.
September 2026 · National Preparedness Month
A good month for a quick reset.
September is National Preparedness Month. Start with what you already have: check your supplies, talk through your household plan, and fill the gaps that matter to your routine.
Last reviewed: September 8, 2026
Start your quick checkYour quick preparedness check.
Tick these off as you go. Checkmarks reset when you reload the page.
Start where you spend your time.
At home
Build your household plan around the people and pets who depend on it. Choose a meeting place and review supplies together.
Make a household plan →In your vehicle
Keep a portable kit accessible and review it when seasons change. Check food, water and equipment condition regularly.
Review the supply checklist →On the move
Save important contacts and think through how you would reconnect if your phone or normal travel plans stopped working.
Plan how to reconnect →Keep it current.
When should I revisit my setup?
After using supplies, before a trip, when seasons change, or when your household's needs change. A short check is easier than starting over.
Do I need to buy everything at once?
Start by taking inventory. Put useful items you already own in a known location, then work through the gaps. A kit supports your plan; it doesn't replace one.
Where should I check during an actual emergency?
Use current instructions from local emergency management and official alerts. This page is a planning resource, not a live emergency feed.
Put your plan within reach.
Explore complete systems, individual essentials, or a closer look at the gear.
Explore systems & gearWatch product videosPreparedness resources: Ready.gov — Make a Plan · Build a Kit · National Weather Service — National Preparedness Month