Your Annual Disaster Preparation Check-Up: 6 Essential Tasks to Stay Ready All Year

By the Mercury Team

Most of us have an ongoing home checklist, like changing the air filter, cleaning out the garage, and maybe tackling a few major projects. One thing that’s easy to put off, though, is checking your emergency plan.

The tricky part is that wildfires, hurricanes, and severe storms don’t wait for a convenient time. And a plan that worked a few years ago might not fit your life now, especially if you’ve moved, remodeled, adopted a pet, or your household has changed.

Doing a quick check of your disaster plan once a year helps you make sure your supplies still work, your important documents are up to date, and everyone at home knows the game plan. Let’s go over six essential tasks you need to do so you can face the unexpected with confidence rather than fear.

Why Annual Emergency Preparedness Matters

The best emergency plan is the one you can actually follow at the moment. But plans get outdated fast: phone numbers change, kids grow, pets get adopted, medications expire, and supplies disappear into everyday life.

Doing a yearly review helps you:

• Replace expired items and worn-out gear
• Confirm everyone knows how to communicate and where to go
• Update important documents, so they’re ready when you need them
• Re-check local risks and make sure your plan fits where you live

Additionally, Mercury’s report on natural disaster risk trends shows that weather-related hazards are picking up in a lot of places, and in some cities like El Paso, Oxnard, and Baton Rouge, they’re rising especially fast. It also found that many high-risk areas are still growing, which means more families are living in places where storms, fires, floods, or extreme heat can hit harder.

That’s why a once-a-year review matters: it keeps your plan realistic for where you live right now, and helps you catch small gaps (like missing supplies or outdated info) before they become stressful problems.

1. Update Your Emergency Preparedness List

One of the first steps in your annual review is revisiting your supplies. Over time, items get borrowed from kits and never returned, or dietary needs change.

What Belongs on an Emergency Preparedness List?

An emergency preparedness list is a written checklist of the supplies, documents, and contact info your household needs to stay safe and self-sufficient during an emergency.

Start with the basics, then customize for your household.

Core essentials (good for most households):

• Water (enough for several days)
• Shelf-stable food (plus a manual can opener)
• Flashlights or headlamps
• Extra batteries
• Phone chargers and a backup power banks
• First-aid supplies
• Prescription medications
• Warm layers and blankets
• Hygiene items (wipes, sanitizer, toilet paper)
• Cash in small bills
• Pet food, bowls, and medications (if needed)

If you have young kids, seniors, or anyone with medical needs, add items like formula, diapers, mobility support, extra medical devices, or backup hearing aid batteries to your emergency kit.

Check Supply Expiration Dates

It’s easy to pack a bag and forget about it, but food and water don’t last forever. Check the expiration dates on all canned goods, energy bars, and water pouches. Replace anything that has expired or is nearing its ”best by”date.

This is also a good time to check your medications. Be sure any prescription drugs in your kit are still current and safe to use.

2. Review Your Communication & Evacuation Plans

If cell towers go down or local roads are closed, does everyone in your family know where to meet? Your plan needs to work even when technology fails.

How to Ensure Your Plan Still Works

Start with the basics: make sure your emergency contact list is still accurate. Double-check phone numbers and email addresses, and reach out to your out-of-area contact to confirm they’re still the right person for the job (i.e., someone who can help share updates if local lines are down).

Next, revisit your meeting spots. Pick one close to home (like a neighbor’s driveway) and another outside your neighborhood (like a library or community center). Then, do a quick gut check: are those places still easy to get to, and would they still make sense if you had to leave in a hurry?

Practice Makes Prepared

A plan on paper is good, but a plan in practice is better. Schedule a specific day each year to run a drill with your household. You’ll usually spot the little hiccups right away, like realizing no one remembers how to open the garage door when the power’s out.

And don’t forget the real-life details. Practice what you’d do with your pets (carriers, leashes, and where their supplies are), and think through anyone in your household who may need extra time or help getting out the door.

3. Strengthen Your Home’s Structural Readiness

Your home is your main shield against wind, rain, and heat. An annual inspection can spot weak points early before they turn into expensive damage.

Inspect for Vulnerabilities

Walk around your property and look for potential hazards, including:

• Loose roof shingles or missing tiles
• Clogged gutters and downspouts
• Tree limbs too close to your roof
• Cracks around windows or doors
• Garage door condition (important in high winds)
• Emergency shutoff points (water, gas, electricity) and their accessibility

If your area is known for wildfire risk, it’s smart to keep up with defensible space around your home. Clear dead vegetation and store wood piles a safe distance away from structures. For detailed steps on protecting your property from fire, check our guide on how to prepare for wildfires.

Document Your Belongings

If disaster strikes, the last thing you want to do is rely on your memory to list every item you own for an insurance claim. Create or update your home inventory. Walk through each room and take video or photos of your belongings, opening drawers and closets to capture details.

Store these digital files in the cloud or on a secure drive off-site. This simple step can expedite the claims process and ensure you receive a fair reimbursement for your losses.

4. Understand Your Insurance Coverage Before a Disaster Strikes

Insurance is a key component in your recovery toolkit, but it works best when it’s tailored to your current life.

What to Review in Your Policy

Start with your policy declarations page. It’s the quickest snapshot of what your policy covers. Take a minute to confirm that your coverage limits still make sense for today, especially if you’ve remodeled, bought new items, or building costs have gone up in your area.

Next, check your deductible so you know what you’d be responsible for paying if you ever file a claim. Also, consider additional living expenses coverage, which can help with costs such as temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss.

When to Update Your Coverage

Did you remodel your kitchen, build a deck, or buy expensive jewelry this year? Big changes to your home or lifestyle usually require adjustments to your policy. Even life events, such as marriage or the birth of a new baby, can impact your coverage needs.

“The best time to review your coverage is before an emergency happens. A yearly check-in can help you feel more confident that your policy still matches your life,” says Bonnie Lee, VP, Homeowners Claims.

If you’re unsure about your limits, find a local agent to walk you through a policy review. They can help you spot coverage gaps so you aren’t underinsured.

Learn Where to Get Support During an Emergency

Know who to call before you need help. Bookmark the Mercury Insurance Catastrophe Center on your phone. It provides 24/7 claims reporting and valuable guidance on what to do immediately after a loss occurs.

5. Prepare for the Disasters Most Likely in Your Region

While some preparedness steps are universal, others depend on geography. For example, a plan for a blizzard looks very different from a plan for a wildfire.

Tailor Your Plan to Local Risks

Your annual check-up should include a quick review of the events most likely to happen in your region:

• Earthquakes: Secure heavy furniture, know safe spots, store shoes and a flashlight near your bed.
• Hurricanes and Windstorms: Plan for extended power outages, protect windows, and know evacuation routes.
• Wildfires: Create defensible space, pack go-bags early, and plan for fast-moving evacuations.
• Flooding: Know your flood risk, move valuables up high, and keep sandbags or barriers if recommended locally.
• Winter storms: Prep for heating issues, icy roads, and staying home longer than expected.

How to Prepare for Natural Disasters (Quick Checklist)

Regardless of the specific threat, knowing how to prepare for natural disasters usually comes down to these core actions:

• Stay informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and download weather apps.
• Secure your space: Anchor heavy furniture and move breakables to lower shelves.
• Plan for power outages: Have backup charging options and non-electric lighting ready.
• Know your zone: Be aware of local evacuation zones and routes.

Taking these steps helps you prepare for a disaster with a clear head, reducing panic when a warning is issued.

6. Refresh Your Emergency Kit and Digital Tools

When you’re trying to keep everyone safe, it helps to have your go-to supplies ready, as well as your phone set up with the right info.

What to Update Annually

Go through your physical kit and be sure to:

• Swap out batteries, even if they haven’t been used.
• Refresh your water supply if you are storing your own tap water.
• Check that your battery-powered or hand-crank radio is functioning correctly.
• Replace any first-aid items that have been used or have dried out, like antiseptic wipes or ointments.

Strengthen Your Digital Preparedness

Your smartphone is a powerful tool in an emergency, provided it’s fully charged and ready to use. Download relevant apps like the FEMA app or the Red Cross First Aid app. Update your emergency contacts in your phone so first responders can reach your loved ones if you’re incapacitated.

Finally, back up essential documents like IDs, homeowners insurance policies, and medical records to a secure cloud service. Having access to these documents from any device can streamline your recovery process.

How Mercury Helps You Stay Ready Year-Round

Getting prepared is a lot easier when you have the right information (and the right coverage) in place. Mercury helps homeowners protect what matters with insurance options that fit their needs, plus resources to help you plan ahead and feel more confident year-round.

Our network of dedicated agents is available to answer your questions and help customize a policy that fits your needs. And should the unexpected happen, our 24/7 claims hotline and guaranteed repair program ensure you have a partner by your side every step of the way.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Annual Disaster Preparation Check-Up Today

Thinking about potential disasters can be stressful, but preparation is the antidote to anxiety. You don’t have to do everything in one day. Pick one task to start, like replacing expired supplies or updating your contact list. Then, tackle the next step when you have time.

It’s a small habit that can bring a lot of peace of mind. You’ll know your plan still fits your life, and your household is on the same page.

If you’re ready to review your coverage or have questions about protecting your home, Mercury is here to help.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!