Flagship reference
Household Preparedness Glossary
Plain-English definitions for the terms PrepSignals uses across checklists, calculators, tools, and buying guidance.
Structured Summary
This glossary explains preparedness terms by household use, not by fear or jargon. Use it to understand planning pages, compare supplies, and make emergency conversations clearer with family members, renters, caregivers, and neighbors.
Core Planning Terms
| Term | Definition | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Household gap | A missing capability such as drinking water, safe lighting, phone power, food access, documents, first aid, or pet supplies. | Prioritizing what to fix first. |
| Planning horizon | The number of days you want to cover before normal services return or outside help is available. | Choosing water, food, and power targets. |
| Rotation | A repeat schedule for checking, using, replacing, or relabeling supplies. | Preventing forgotten or expired supplies. |
| Safe fallback | A low-risk backup action that avoids indoor fuel burning, unsupported medical assumptions, or fragile technology. | Planning for apartments, families, and budget limits. |
| Builder entry point | A place where a guide turns into a personalized plan through the Emergency Kit Builder. | Moving from reading to action. |
Supply Terms
| Term | Definition | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Potable water | Water intended for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. | Counting filters as stored water. |
| Shelf-stable food | Food that can sit safely at room temperature until opened, within its labeled storage limits. | Buying food no one will eat or rotate. |
| Watt-hour | A rough measure of stored electrical energy in a battery or power station. | Confusing watt-hours with watts. |
| Go bag | A portable bag for documents, basics, and short movement, not a replacement for home supplies. | Making it too heavy to carry. |
| Household inventory | A list of supplies, locations, and check dates. | Owning items but not knowing where they are. |
Common Questions
What is the most important PrepSignals term?
Household gap. It keeps planning focused on the missing capability instead of random products.
Why does PrepSignals use planning horizon?
Because a 24-hour outage, 72-hour interruption, and two-week disruption need different water, food, power, and rotation choices.
Is this glossary official emergency guidance?
No. It explains PrepSignals terminology. Follow official local emergency, medical, weather, utility, and public-safety guidance for active situations.