Make A Plan

When a disaster happens, will you know how to reconnect with your family?  Planning ahead can reduce your anxiety following a disaster. As part of your family emergency preparedness plan, focus on communication. Every member of the family needs to be involved so that when disaster strikes, everyone will know what to do. How well you manage the aftermath of a disaster depends a great deal on your level of preparedness when disaster strikes.  

Having a copy of your family communication plan with you is important because you don't know where you will be when disaster strikes.  Keep a copy in the car, kids backpack, house, shop and at work, to name a few.  A concise form to make this easier can be found HERE.

Make A Plan

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.  Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.

• • 1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?

    2. What is my shelter plan?

    3. What is my evacuation route?

    4. What is my family/household communication plan?

Step 2:  Consider specific needs in your household.

As you prepare, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance.  Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

• • • Different ages of members within your household

    • Responsibilities for assisting others

    • Locations frequented

    • Dietary needs

    • Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment

    • Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment

    • Languages spoken

    • Cultural and religious considerations

    • Pets or service animals

    • Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan

Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use them as a guide to create your own.

• • • Emergency Plan for Parents (PDF)

Associated Content

• • • Family Emergency Communication Guide (PDF)

    • Emergency Plan for Parents or (PDF)

    • Emergency Plan for Kids or (PDF)

    • Emergency Plan for Commuters (PDF)

    • Pet owners PDF

    • Steps to make a plan (PDF)

    • Tips on emergency alerts and warnings (PDF)

    • Protect Critical Documents and Valuables (PDF)

    • Document and Insure Your Property (PDF)

    • Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (PDF)

    • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Disaster Checklist (PDF)

    • Make A Plan (Video)

Practice your plan with your family / household

Developing a plan is great but you need to practice the plan periodically.  This will significantly help when the stuff hits the fan.  If an emergency occurs without notice, that is NOT the time to find the plan.  Everyone needs to know what they are to do and what others in the family are going to do.  This is especially true if family members are separated when the emergency/disaster happens.