How to Create a Family Emergency Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
In an emergency, confusion and panic are your worst enemies. Having a clear, practiced emergency plan can save time, reduce stress, and most importantly—save lives.
Whether you're preparing for a wildfire, flood, blackout, earthquake, or civil unrest, an emergency plan provides your household with a clear roadmap for what to do, where to go, and how to communicate. Here's how to build one from scratch.
Step 1: Have a Conversation
Before you make checklists or buy supplies, talk to everyone in your household. This includes adults, children, roommates, and anyone else who lives with you.
Ask:
What disasters are most likely in our area?
If we had to leave in 5 minutes, what would we grab?
Where would we go if we couldn’t stay here?
Having a conversation ensures everyone understands the risks and their roles. It also gives you the chance to plan around everyone’s unique needs.
Step 2: Choose a Primary and Secondary Meeting Point
Disasters can strike when you’re not together. Set:
A local meeting spot (e.g., a park down the street or a neighbour’s house) if you need to evacuate your home.
A regional meeting spot (e.g., a relative’s home or a landmark) if you can’t return to your neighbourhood.
Make sure every family member knows these locations and how to get there without GPS.
Step 3: Establish a Communication Plan
Phones may not always work. Here's what to put in place:
Designate an out-of-area contact (someone outside your region that all family members can check in with).
Write down emergency phone numbers on paper and store them in wallets, backpacks, and go-bags.
Agree on a communications protocol: e.g., send one SMS and then wait—don’t tie up lines with repeated calls.
Step 4: Document Critical Information
Create a printed and digital copy of:
Medical information (allergies, prescriptions, medical conditions)
Emergency contacts
Insurance policy numbers
Identification (passports, health cards, licenses)
Pet records
Keep this information in your go-bag in a waterproof pouch and store backups in the cloud (encrypted if possible).
Step 5: Plan for Every Scenario
Ask yourself:
What if I’m at work when disaster strikes?
What if my phone dies?
What if roads are closed?
Plan accordingly:
Have a get-home bag in your car or office.
Identify alternate routes home.
Know how to reach key locations on foot if necessary.
Step 6: Tailor the Plan to Specific Needs
Each household is different. Factor in:
Children: Include child-specific gear in go-bags; practice drills.
Elders or disabled family members: Account for mobility or medical equipment.
Pets: Include food, leash, meds, and carrier in your kit.
Vehicles: Ensure at least a quarter tank of gas at all times and store emergency supplies in the trunk.
Step 7: Practice the Plan Regularly
Practice isn’t paranoia—it’s preparation.
Run fire and evacuation drills twice a year.
Practice using your get-home plan (e.g., walking from work or school to home).
Check and rotate supplies every 3–6 months.
The goal is to make everyone feel calm and capable during an emergency.
Step 8: Write It Down
Once you've finalized your emergency plan:
Write it out clearly.
Print and laminate copies.
Place copies in the home, go-bags, vehicles, and share them digitally.
You can use ReadyPack’s Family Emergency Plan Template (coming soon) to help structure this.
Bonus Tips
Have a “What If” list: What if we’re separated? What if we’re trapped? What if someone is injured?
If you live in a multi-storey building, consider alternate exits like a fire escape ladder.
Keep cash on hand—ATMs may not work in power outages.
Make sure your plan includes both shelter-in-place and evacuation scenarios.
Final Thoughts
Preparedness is less about gear and more about clarity. The more your plan accounts for different situations, the more confident and in-control your household will be when disaster hits.
Taking the time to build and practice your plan today could mean the difference between chaos and control tomorrow.
