How to Create a Family Emergency Plan

We’ve all seen the headlines—families torn apart by tragedies like school shootings, fires, and bomb threats. Teens and kids are often caught in the middle, scared and unprepared. Consider the recent school evacuations due to bomb threats or the wildfires that forced entire communities to flee. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s also a wake-up call. As parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure our kids know what to do if the unthinkable happens.

Why You Need a Family Plan

Emergencies are stressful, but a solid plan helps everyone stay calm. It’s about giving your family confidence to handle tough situations together.

Types of Emergencies to Prepare For:

• Household Dangers: Fires, gas leaks, or power outages.
• Public Safety Problems: School shootings, bomb threats, or police activity.
• Weather Problems: Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, or wildfires.
• Medical Crises: Serious injuries or sudden sickness.
• Travel Troubles: Car accidents or getting lost.

5 Steps to Build Your Family Emergency Plan:

1. Make a Communication Plan:

• Pick an out-of-area contact everyone can call.
• Create a family group chat for quick updates.
• Teach kids how to dial 911 and share their address.

2. Choose Meeting Places:

• In the Home: A safe room like a basement, interior bathroom, or windowless closet for storms.
• Outside the Home: A neighbor’s porch or mailbox as a fire escape point.
• Outside the Neighborhood: Public spots like a police station, firehouse, or library.

3. Make Emergency Kits:

• Essentials: Water, canned food, first-aid supplies, and flashlights.
• Personal Items: Medications, pet food, and important documents.
• Tech Tools: Backup chargers, emergency radios, and contact cards.

4. Practice What to Do:

• Fires: Practice escape routes and teach stop, drop, and roll.
• Severe Weather: Identify and rehearse using the safest spot in the house.
• School Shootings: Teach and discuss Run, Hide, Fight techniques.
• Car Accidents: Role-play staying calm, checking for injuries, and calling 911.

5. Use Technology to Stay Safe:

• Enable location-sharing apps like Aware for peace of mind.
• Save emergency contacts in every family member’s phone.
• Use local alert apps for real-time updates.

Remember to Make Planning a Family Thing

Involving kids in emergency planning not only prepares them but also helps ease their fears. Let them take part by packing emergency kits so they understand what essentials are needed. Choosing meeting spots together gives them a sense of ownership and ensures they remember where to go in case of an emergency. Practicing different scenarios regularly—whether it’s a fire drill, severe weather plan, or an evacuation route—helps these actions become second nature, making it easier for everyone to stay calm and respond effectively in a crisis.

Our Final Thoughts

A family emergency plan is more than just a checklist—it’s a tool for building confidence and teamwork. When everyone knows their role, they can respond quickly and stay calm under pressure. Being prepared means facing any crisis together and staying safe through it all.

For added reassurance, discover how Aware can keep your family connected and ready for any situation.