How-To Guides · Safety

Make a Family Emergency Plan in 4 Steps (Ready.gov)

If something happened today, and your family was split up, would everyone know what to do? Here's how to make a simple family emergency plan, in four steps, from Ready.gov.

1. Step 1: Talk It Through

Step 1: Talk It Through

Sit down together and answer a few questions. How will we get emergency alerts? Where would we shelter? What's our way out if we have to leave? And how will we reach each other?

2. Step 2: Your Family'S Needs

Step 2: Your Family'S Needs

Think about what your household needs. Kids' ages and schools, medicines and medical equipment, disabilities, and pets.

3. Staying In Touch

Staying In Touch

Pick an out of town contact that everyone can call or text. Texts can get through more easily than calls. Save an emergency contact in your phone under ICE. And choose a meeting place that's familiar and easy to find.

4. Step 3: Write It Down

Step 3: Write It Down

Fill out Ready.gov's free family emergency plan form. Give everyone a copy, for a wallet, backpack, or notebook.

5. Step 4: Practice

Step 4: Practice

Then practice your plan together, so everyone knows it before they ever need it.

Tools that make this easier

Simple Google Sheets + Excel tools from WiscHaven. Buy once, no subscription.

Sources

Checked against the official sources above. Steps can change as apps update - tell us if something looks different: wischavenindustries@gmail.com