Topic 08
Emergency Planning
Emergencies rarely happen when everyone is together. A written plan — where to meet, who to call, what to bring — turns chaos into a sequence of steps anyone in the family can follow.
What you'll learn
- How to build a family communication plan in an afternoon
- What belongs in a household go-bag
- How to teach kids the plan without scaring them
- Coordinating with schools, workplaces, and neighbors
Two meeting places
One near the house (fire), one outside the neighborhood (flood, evacuation). Everyone in the family knows both.
One out-of-town contact
When local networks are down, everyone in the family calls or texts the same out-of-town person. That contact tracks who's safe.
Practice, don't just plan
A five-minute drill twice a year is enough. Kids remember what they've done, not what they've been told.
When to call a professional
Your local emergency management office and the American Red Cross both offer free planning templates and community training.
Quick answers
What if we're separated during an evacuation?
That's what the out-of-town contact is for. Anyone with a phone signal checks in with them.
How much water and food should we store?
One gallon of water per person per day for three days. Non-perishable food for the same period, plus medications and pet supplies.