Family Emergency Plan
Emergencies and disasters can happen with little warning. Having a family emergency plan in place can help keep you and your loved ones safe during unexpected situations such as severe weather, power outages, flooding, or other emergencies.
Taking a few minutes now to plan ahead can make a big difference when every second counts.
Why Create a Family Emergency Plan?
A family emergency plan helps ensure that everyone in your household knows:
- How to contact each other during an emergency
- Where to meet if you become separated
- What to do during different types of emergencies
- How to evacuate your home safely if necessary
Children, elderly family members, and pets should all be included in your plan.
Step 1: Identify Emergency Contacts
Choose someone outside your immediate area who can serve as a central contact if local communication systems are overwhelmed.
Your emergency contact should be someone all family members can call or text to report their safety and location.
Important contacts to include:
- Local emergency numbers
- Family members
- Schools or daycare providers
- Workplace contacts
- Doctors or medical providers
Step 2: Choose Meeting Locations
Select two meeting locations:
Near your home
- In case of fire or a sudden evacuation.
Outside your neighborhood
- In case your neighborhood must be evacuated.
Make sure everyone in the household knows these locations.
Step 3: Plan for Evacuation
If authorities advise evacuation, it is important to leave quickly and safely.
Discuss and plan:
- Primary evacuation routes
- Alternate routes if roads are closed
- Transportation options
- Plans for pets
Always follow instructions from local emergency officials.
Step 4: Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit
Each household should maintain an emergency supply kit with enough supplies to last at least 72 hours.
Basic supplies include:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlights and batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications
- Phone chargers
- Blankets
- Weather radio
- Important documents
Step 5: Practice Your Plan
Once your plan is created, review it with everyone in your household.
Practice:
- Fire escape drills
- Evacuation routes
- Emergency contact procedures
Practicing your plan helps ensure everyone knows what to do during a real emergency.
Special Considerations
When creating your plan, consider the needs of:
- Children
- Elderly family members
- Individuals with disabilities
- Pets
Make sure medications, medical devices, and pet supplies are included in your emergency kit.
For additional resources please go to www.ready.gov