Make a Plan

Ready.Gov

Emergency Planning

Creating a plan today is crucial as disasters can strike anytime, potentially separating family members. It's essential to identify the types of disasters that could affect your area and develop a strategy for staying connected and reuniting in case of separation.   

Make a Plan

Step 1: Put a plan together by discussing the questions below 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

While preparing your emergency plan, it's important to customize it to your unique daily living requirements and obligations. This entails discussing your needs and responsibilities with your support network, including how they can assist with communication, childcare, business, pets, or any specialized requirements such as operating medical equipment. Establish a personal support network to address areas where additional aid may be required. As you develop your plan, keep these factors in mind:

  • 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: Create a Family Emergency Plan

Make a Family Emergency Plan quickly and easily with Ready.Gov fillable form. 

Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household

Preparedness Materials: