Make a Plan

Family Emergency Planning

Disasters can strike at any time, often without warning, and your family might not be together when it happens. It’s crucial to plan ahead to ensure everyone knows how to stay prepared and connected. Here’s what to consider:

  • Safe Places: Identify safe locations both inside and outside your home.
  • Plan: Identify how to take care of your loved ones.
  • Map Out: Identify safe routes.
  • Communication: Decide how you will contact one another during an emergency.
  • Alert and Warning: Sign up for alert and warning notifications.
  • Reunification: Plan how you will reunite if separated.

Situational Plans

Develop specific strategies for different types of emergencies. To help you get started, Ready.gov offers a simple Family Emergency Plan (FEP) template. Download the Family Emergency Plan PDF, fill it out, and print or email it to your family and friends.

Ready.gov

Community Planning

Each hazard requires unique actions before, during, and after an event. Understanding the risks in your area is essential for effective planning. Local emergency offices can help you identify potential hazards and provide tailored recommendations.

Learn how you will be notified in the event of different types of disasters, both natural and man-made.

Mother explaining to her children the assembly point map while preparing emergency backpacks

Needs of Specific Family Members

When creating your emergency plan, consider the unique needs of each family member. Establish networks with neighbors, relatives, friends, and co-workers who can assist each other during emergencies. Discuss your needs and responsibilities, and plan how your network can help with communication, child and pet care, or the operation of medical equipment. Build a personal support network tailored to your specific requirements.

By planning ahead, you ensure that everyone knows what to do and has the necessary supplies to stay prepared wherever they are. Consider the locations you frequent and learn about the emergency plans available for those places. Customize your personal and household plans based on where each family member might be during an emergency. For comprehensive information on making a plan, view the LISTOS Disaster Ready Guide.