Build an EASY Preparedness Maintenance Plan

Ongoing preparedness maintenance is important because disasters don’t wait for you to be prepared.

Preparedness is a lifestyle: so keep on top of it!

Supplies expire. Gear breaks. Skills fade.

Disasters don’t wait until you’re finally ready.

A simple daily, weekly and monthly routine keeps you prepared year-round without burnout.

The Core of a Monthly Prep Maintenance Plan

1. Check & Rotate Supplies

• Check expiration dates on food, meds, batteries.
• Rotate stored water & pantry items.
• Repack bug-out bags seasonally (clothes, snacks, gear).

2. Test & Maintain Gear

• Test flashlights, radios, solar chargers, etc.
• Run your generator (even just for 5-10 mins).
• Sharpen blades, oil tools, charge power banks.

3. Update Plans & Documents

• Review emergency contacts and local threats.
• Update your go-binder, evacuation routes, and checklists.
• Make sure your ID, insurance, and licenses are current.

4. Practice & Train

• Pick one small skill to practice each month (fire starting, map reading, etc.)
• Family meeting: quiz kids, review plans, assign roles.
• Run a drill (shelter-in-place, bug out, no power for 24 hrs).

5. Restock and Reassess

• What did you use this month? Replace it.
• Check your prep goals: still relevant? Adjust if needed.
• Add anything new based on current events or seasons.

Build Your Own Custom Plan

• Break it down by days, weeks and months
• Use a recurring calendar reminder (digital or print).
• Match tasks to your lifestyle (urban/rural, solo/family, beginner/advanced).
• Keep it simple: don’t add more than you can realistically do.

Preparedness Maintenance Checklist

Daily Tasks

• ☐ Watch a video/read a blog/read a book
• ☐ Charge power banks and radios overnight
• ☐ Scan fridge/pantry for food rotation opportunities
• ☐ Carry basic EDC gear (knife, flashlight, multitool, etc.)
• ☐ Top off gas tank (if commuting)

Weekly Tasks

• ☐ Rotate pantry or fridge items into meals
• ☐ Check expiration dates on food, meds, water
• ☐ Inspect bug-out bags: adjust for weather, replace used items
• ☐ Test flashlights, radios, solar lights
• ☐ Sharpen knives/tools if used
• ☐ Review current events for new threats
• ☐ Practice 1 small skill (e.g., map reading, fire-starting, first aid)

Monthly Tasks

• ☐ Repack bug-out bags (seasonal clothes, snacks, updated meds)
• ☐ Inspect and test generator, solar setup, water filters
• ☐ Restock used or expired supplies
• ☐ Update emergency contact info and family plans
• ☐ Backup important digital files/documents
• ☐ Run a drill: shelter-in-place, no power for 24 hrs, or bug-out test
• ☐ Check tools: oil, clean, and maintain
• ☐ Inventory preps and make a shopping list
• ☐ Reassess prepping goals and adjust plan as needed

Fill-in-the-Blank Prep Maintenance Plan Template

Copy and paste this into your own word doc or print this page!

Daily Preparedness Tasks

“I will complete the following quick-prep tasks each day:”

• ☐ ______________________________
• ☐ ______________________________
• ☐ ______________________________

Weekly Preparedness Routine

My Weekly Prep Day is: ___________________________
“I will commit to doing these each week:”

• ☐ Rotate/use: __________________________
• ☐ Test gear: ____________________________
• ☐ Skill to practice this week: __________________
• ☐ Family activity or discussion: ________________
• ☐ Replace or restock: _________________________

Monthly Preparedness Plan

Prep Maintenance Day: ______________ (e.g., 1st Saturday)

“I will do the following each month:”

☐ Adjust goals or checklist: _________________________

☐ Rotate supplies (food, water, meds): __________________

☐ Inspect/test gear: _______________________________

☐ Repack bug-out bags: ____________________________

☐ Update plans/documents: ________________________

☐ Run a practice drill: _____________________________

☐ Add or upgrade: _________________________________