4. Maintain Your Plan

Quiz: Review your plan every six months and quiz your family about what to do.

Drill: Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills on a regular basis with your family.

Restock: Check food supplies for expiration dates and discard, or replace stored water and food every six months.

Test: Read the indicator on your fire extinguisher(s) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to recharge. Test your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Replace alarms every 10 years.

Download Our Sample Plan Maintenance Chart (PDF)

Download Our Sample Smoke Alarm Maintenance Chart (PDF)

Learn More > If Disaster Strikes

Learn More

For more information please contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter.

Click here to find your local American Red Cross chapter »

Other preparedness materials are available at www.ready.gov.