Why Every Family Needs Emergency Plans
Emergencies unfold quickly, and in those first moments, confusion is the enemy. Taking the time to create simple, scenario‑based plans gives your family a shared roadmap for what to do, where to go, and how to reconnect. Whether the situation calls for staying put, evacuating, sheltering from severe weather, or navigating a local disruption, having clear plans reduces stress, speeds up decision‑making, and helps everyone stay safe.
How to Make Effective Family Plans
While it’s easy to assume that most family members will know what to do in any given emergency, this assumption can lead to disaster. A little preparation now means your family can act with confidence when an emergency happens.
Deliberative Planning
Deliberate planning is a process that focuses on making decisions through dialogue with all affected by the outcome. With all your family members present, discuss what you feel are the disasters and emergencies that could potentially affect your family with the goal of crafting plans for each threat you feel your family should be prepared for. This planning process:
- allows each person an opportunity to be in on the conversation.
- allows each person an opportunity to offer opinions and ideas.
- results in various family emergency plans that answer each threat.
- results in plans that all involved agree with and, more importantly, fully understand.
- results in written plans that are stored in an agreed upon location where all can find them for easy reference.
Make an additional copy of each emergency plan and place them inside your grab & go binder.
Plans for Home & Family
We’ll focus on plans to keep both your family and your home safe. Use them as a guide and make them your very own. Most plans will benefit all families, but not all. For instance, if you don’t have a pet, then pet evacuation is not something you need to think about. Can you think of other emergency plans that would be beneficial for your family? If so, add them to your list as well.
Home-Centered Plans
Disaster-Specific Plans
- power failure
- extreme weather: cold, heat, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes
- natural disasters: wildfires, earthquakes
- social unrest: active shooter, civil unrest
- hazardous materials
- cybercrimes
- nuclear emergencies
- EMP
Best Storage Location
Once written and understood, make two copies and store each separately.
- Add one copy to your grab & go binder.
- Add the other copy to any agreed-upon location (work desk, drawer, family safe, etc.
Practice Your Plans
- Home plans: Scheduling drills at least once per year.
- Making sure everyone remembers what to do.
- Having pets practice traveling in carriers.
Best Storage Location
Once written and understood, make two copies and store each separately.
- Add one copy to your grab & go binder.
- Add the other copy to any agreed-upon location (work desk, drawer, family safe, etc.
Practice Your Plans
- Home plans: Scheduling drills at least once per year.
- Making sure everyone remembers what to do.
- Having pets practice traveling in carriers.