Beginner’s Guide to Making a Family Emergency Plan

My husband asked me the other day, “what do we do if an EMP really did hit?”

And it opened up discussion, then we created a plan.

You know the ol’ saying, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

When disaster strikes, the last thing you want is confusion or panic. A family emergency plan ensures everyone knows what to do, where to go, and how to stay safe when things go wrong. The best part? Creating one doesn’t take long, and it gives you peace of mind knowing your loved ones won’t be left scrambling.

An emergency disaster plan is to help give you a foundation; a PLAN. It is not an end-all-be-all solution. It may work in many circumstances, but you may also need to adapt the plan depending on changes in the actual situation. However, simply having a plan will give you the foundation you need to succeed.

This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need for a solid family emergency plan.

Step 1: Communication is Key

Phones don’t always work during an emergency. Plan how your family will communicate if lines are down or jammed.

• Choose an out-of-town contact. Sometimes local calls won’t go through, but long-distance will.
• Have a group text plan. Texts often go through faster than calls.
• Teach kids how to call 911 and important phone numbers.

Action: Write down at least 3 important phone numbers and keep them in wallets, backpacks, and on fridge.

Step 2: Choose Meeting Points

Having clear meeting places reduces panic.

• Near your home: A neighbor’s house, mailbox, or corner of the street.
• Outside your neighborhood: A library, church, or relative’s house in another part of town.
• Outside your city (if needed): Somewhere safe where family can regroup if evacuations happen.

Action: Pick 2 meeting points today and make sure everyone knows them.

Step 3: Plan for Kids, Pets, and Special Needs

Your plan should fit your family’s unique needs.

• Kids: Assign responsibilities (who picks them up if school closes).
• Pets: Know which shelters or hotels allow pets. Keep a small pet go-bag ready.
• Special Needs: Plan extra supplies for medical conditions, mobility devices, or medications.

Action: Write down responsibilities for each family member.

Step 4: Know Your Evacuation Routes

Sometimes, staying home isn’t safe. Learn your area’s evacuation routes.

• Know at least two ways out of your neighborhood.
• Plan what you’ll do if roads are blocked.
• Decide in advance where you’ll stay (friends, family, hotel, shelter, tent, etc.).
• Have paper maps available.

Action: Prin/purchaset a local map and mark your evacuation routes.

Step 5: Practice Your Plan

A plan on paper isn’t enough — practice makes it real.

• Do a quick drill: “What if we had to leave in 5 minutes?”
• Practice your meeting points every 6 months, or at the very least once a year.
• Review and update your plan every 6 months.

Action: Schedule a family drill this month.

Family Emergency Plan Checklist

You can print this page, or click here to download the checklist.

Communication

• Write down 3+ emergency phone numbers.
• Choose an out-of-town contact.
• Practice texting during a mock emergency.

Meeting Points

• One meeting spot near home.
• One meeting spot outside the neighborhood.
• Optional: one meeting spot outside the city.

Kids, Pets & Special Needs

• Assign pickup responsibilities for kids.
• Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels.
• Prepare extra supplies for medical/special needs.

Evacuation

• Learn at least 2 evacuation routes.
• Decide on a place to stay if you must leave home.
• Keep a printed map with routes marked.

Practice

• Run a family drill.
• Update the plan every 6 months.

Final Thoughts

A family emergency plan isn’t about paranoia — it’s about clarity. When the lights go out or sirens sound, you’ll already know what to do. That means less stress, faster decisions, and a safer family.