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.

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

Associated Content

Family Emergency Communication Guide (PDF)
Family Communication Plan Fillable Card (PDF)
Emergency Plan for Families or (PDF)
Emergency Plan for Kids or (PDF)
Emergency Plan for Commuters (PDF)
Pet Owners (PDF)
Family Emergency Communication Planning Document (PDF)
Family Emergency Communication Plan Wallet Cards (PDF)
Know Your 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)

Last Updated: 05/07/2021

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