Emergencies can happen at any time, and when they do, having a clear plan in place can make all the difference. Whether it’s a natural disaster, power outage, or unexpected crisis, a family emergency plan ensures that everyone knows what to do and how to stay safe.
The good news? Creating a solid emergency plan doesn’t have to be complicated! In this post, we’ll break it down into simple steps and provide some free resources to help you get started.
1. Identify Potential Risks in Your Area
Every region has different risks—some areas are prone to hurricanes, while others might deal with wildfires, earthquakes, or winter storms. Start by asking:
- What types of emergencies are most likely to happen where we live?
- Do we have special needs to consider (medical conditions, pets, young children, elderly family members)?
- What local resources are available for disaster preparedness?
For a great starting point, check out FEMA’s Ready.gov website, which offers a free Family Emergency Plan template you can download and fill out:
👉 https://www.ready.gov/plan
2. Establish Emergency Communication Plans
If an emergency occurs while family members are separated (at work, school, or running errands), how will you stay in touch? Here’s what to do:
✅ Choose an out-of-town emergency contact – A relative or friend who can help relay messages if local phone lines are down.
✅ Have multiple communication methods – Cell phones may not work, so consider texting, social media, or two-way radios.
✅ Agree on emergency check-in points – If communication fails, decide on a safe meeting place where everyone can reunite.
Pro Tip: Print out emergency contact numbers and keep them in wallets, backpacks, and vehicles in case phones aren’t available.
3. Set Emergency Meeting Locations
Decide on at least two safe meeting places:
🏡 Near Home: A nearby landmark (like a park or neighbor’s house) in case of fire or home evacuation.
📍 Outside Your Neighborhood: A secondary location (such as a family friend’s house or a community shelter) in case the entire area is unsafe.
Make sure every family member knows these locations by heart and practices getting there.
4. Plan for Evacuations & Shelter-in-Place Situations
Your emergency plan should cover two main scenarios:
🚗 Evacuation: When you need to leave home quickly due to a wildfire, flood, or similar disaster.
🏠 Shelter-in-Place: When it’s safer to stay indoors (like during a chemical spill or extreme weather).
For evacuations:
✅ Know your evacuation routes ahead of time.
✅ Have a go-bag ready with essentials (water, food, medications, documents).
✅ Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full in case of sudden evacuation orders.
For sheltering in place:
✅ Store at least three days’ worth of food, water, and supplies.
✅ Have a backup power source for lights, radios, and charging devices.
✅ Identify a safe room in your home for protection (such as an interior room without windows).
Check out FEMA’s guide to building an emergency kit:
👉 https://www.ready.gov/kit
5. Assign Responsibilities to Each Family Member
To prevent panic during an emergency, make sure everyone has a role:
👨👩👧 Parents/Guardians: Lead the evacuation or shelter-in-place process.
👶 Kids: Learn basic safety rules, like staying put and following adult instructions.
🐶 Pet Owners: Be responsible for gathering pets and their emergency supplies.
🧓 Elderly Family Members: Have a plan for any medical needs or mobility challenges.
Practicing who does what ahead of time makes responding faster and smoother.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice!
An emergency plan is only useful if everyone remembers it! Run practice drills at least twice a year to make sure:
✔️ Kids know how to dial 911 and where to go in an emergency.
✔️ Family members can evacuate the house in under two minutes.
✔️ Everyone understands what to do if they can’t reach each other.
Make it a fun family activity—timed drills can help kids feel confident instead of scared.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple & Keep It Updated
A good emergency plan should be easy to follow and regularly updated as circumstances change. Take these simple steps to keep your family safe:
✅ Download and fill out a Family Emergency Plan (Ready.gov has free templates).
✅ Discuss communication, meeting points, and responsibilities with your loved ones.
✅ Run practice drills so everyone knows what to do when the time comes.
By taking a little time to prepare now, you’ll be giving your family the best chance of staying safe when disaster strikes.
