Make a Plan

Basics to Create an Emergency Plan

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: Five Questions

Put together a plan by discussing these four 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?
5. Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

 

Step 2: Consider Specific Needs in Your Household

As you prepare your plan, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs, including any medical needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in your 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 of 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

 

Step 3: Fill Out a Family Emergency Plan

Make a Family Emergency Plan and email it to yourself. Use this form to fill out information that can help your family be prepared. Include important info such as household information, names and contacts of family members, meeting places and medical information.

 

Step 4: build an emergency kit

An emergency kit helps you and your family stay safe and self-sufficient for several days after a disaster. The common recommendation is to have supplies for 72 hours. Stock your kit with essentials and store it in an easy-to-carry container or backpack so it’s ready when you need it.

These are a good starting point for your emergency kit:  

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for several days)
  • Non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, including a NOAA Weather Radio
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit, medications
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle
  • Dust mask
  • Plastic sheeting, scissors, and duct tape
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
  • Wrench or pliers
  • Manual can opener
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone charger and backup battery 

Always consider your individual family needs as you build your kit. You can also prepare a smaller version for your vehicle. Check the items annually to make sure everything is still usable.

 

Step 5: Practice Your Plan with Your Family/Household

Frequently go over your meeting place and established family/household emergency plans so the information stays fresh in your mind. Don’t forget to check any emergency kits or supplies you have, including batteries and expiration dates.

 

Additional Resources

EMAIL US
LENSAlert