Creating a Family Emergency Plan: Keeping Everyone Safe and Prepared

Emergencies can happen at any time—from natural disasters to power outages or unexpected community events. Having a family emergency plan ensures that everyone knows what to do, where to go, and how to stay connected. Planning ahead reduces stress and helps children feel secure.

Step 1: Identify Potential Emergencies

Start by thinking about the types of emergencies that could happen in your area. These may include:

• Severe weather (storms, floods, heatwaves)

• Fires or gas leaks

• Power outages

• Community or public safety incidents

• Medical emergencies

  
  

Understanding the risks in your neighborhood helps your family plan effectively.

Step 2: Establish a Communication Plan

Clear communication is essential in emergencies:

• Emergency Contacts: Create a list of phone numbers for family members, neighbors, and local authorities.

• Out-of-Area Contact: Choose a relative or friend outside your immediate area who can relay information if local lines are down.

• Phone & Text Protocols: Decide how family members will check in and share updates.

  
  

Make sure children know who to contact and how.

Step 3: Choose Meeting Places

Designate safe locations in case your family gets separated:

• Close to Home: A nearby landmark, park, or neighbor’s house.

• Outside Your Neighborhood: A place to meet if it’s unsafe to stay local.

• School or Work Locations: Ensure children know where to go if schools or workplaces are evacuated.

  
  

Practice getting to these locations together so everyone is familiar.

Step 4: Prepare an Emergency Kit

Keep a kit with essential items that can sustain your family for 72 hours:

• Water and non-perishable food

• Flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit

• Medications and medical information

• Important documents (IDs, insurance, school records)

• Comfort items for children (blankets, toys, or books)

  
  

Store the kit in an accessible location and review it periodically.

Step 5: Practice the Plan

Rehearsing your emergency plan helps children understand what to do without panic:

• Conduct fire drills at home

• Role-play different scenarios

• Review the communication plan and meeting locations

• Adjust the plan as your family grows or circumstances change

  
  

Regular practice builds confidence and reduces anxiety for everyone.

Step 6: Include Everyone

Children can take part in planning by helping assemble kits, learning emergency phone numbers, and practicing drills. This inclusion empowers kids and reinforces family teamwork.