A well-prepared family emergency plan is essential for everyone. It involves getting together with your family or household members before, during, and after an emergency to ensure everyone knows what to do.

Why are emergency plans crucial?

Emergencies can be stressful, and not everyone can remain calm and think clearly in those situations, so practicing beforehand is vital. Having a plan means you won't have to make split-second decisions. When everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, it becomes easier to navigate emergency situations effectively.

Steps to create an emergency plan

Initiate the discussion

Begin by talking with your family or household members. Discuss various emergency scenarios such as fires, severe storms, or medical emergencies. Make sure everyone understands the potential risks, how to react, and how different types of emergencies may affect the plan.

Create an emergency kit

Assemble important items such as flashlights, first aid items, and copies of important documents into a kit. Learn how to build your family's emergency kit.

Create a contact and address list

Create a list of essential phone numbers for your family members, including home, work, and/or cell numbers. Don't forget to include contact information for close relatives or friends who live outside your immediate area. This list should also include your address in case a child, babysitter, or other non-resident needs to call 911. Keep this list in a secure but easily accessible place.

Choose a safe meeting place

Select a secure meeting spot outside your home for emergencies that require evacuation, such as fire. This could be a neighbor's house, a nearby park, or any location away from potential dangers. It shouldn't be too close to the road, where firetrucks, ambulances, or other emergency response vehicles may need to navigate quickly. Ensure everyone knows how to reach this spot from different parts of and exits from your home.

Practice your plan

Regularly conduct emergency drills. Practice evacuation procedures, meeting at the chosen location, retrieving items from your emergency kit, and contacting each other using the phone numbers on your list. There may be numerous different scenarios in your plan between fire, medical, or extreme weather emergencies, so be sure to practice all of them. This helps ensure everyone knows what to do without panicking.

Stay informed and up to date

Keep yourself informed about potential hazards and local emergency procedures. Stay updated through news sources, weather alerts, or community resources. Understanding the risks in your area can help you tailor your plan accordingly. For example, here in North Alabama you are more likely to encounter a tornado, while our friends down along the Gulf Coast are more likely to encounter a hurricane. You should also revisit your emergency plan periodically as your family situation changes.

Always call 911 in an emergency

Remember that in a real emergency, your first step should always be to call 911. Bookmark our site for helpful tips on how to communicate about and during an emergency.

Creating a family emergency plan is a responsible and necessary step to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in your household. Having a plan in place gives you confidence and readiness when facing unexpected situations.