MAKE A PLAN
Prepare your family by making an emergency plan.
Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan:
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.
As you prepare your plan 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)
Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household
- Download the Family Emergency Plan at www.ready.gov, and fill it out.
- Plan for the care of pets and family members who need help.
- Learn how to shut off your utilities.
- Learn the school, workplace and daycare emergency plan.
- Gather family members and discuss the plan. Establish a meeting place. Practice your plan twice a year.
- Identify an out-of-area contact for your family.