7 Tips for Creating a Home Emergency Plan

Disaster can strike at any time. And since we can’t always determine when or where an emergency will happen, you and your family must be prepared.

Unfortunately, according to FEMA, nearly 60% of American adults have not practiced what to do in a disaster and only 39% have developed an emergency plan.

It’s vital for your family to know how to respond to any situation, and a great tool is a home emergency plan. A home emergency plan can keep your family members on the same page, help you reach safety and minimize panic and chaos.

To help you get started, here are our top tips for creating a home emergency plan.

1. Consider your unique needs.
Where you live and the specific needs of your family members are major factors to consider in your home emergency plan. Know what natural disasters could occur in your area and how best to prepare for emergencies like hurricanes, severe flooding, volcanoes or tornadoes.

In addition, determine if you need to make special accommodations for certain family members, such as senior citizens, family members with disabilities, infants and young children. You should also take into account medical and dietary needs of all members of your household.

2. Make a disaster supplies kit.
A disaster supplies kit is a great way to have everything you need in one place so you can quickly evacuate. Ideally, your kit should fit in one or two easy-to-carry bags and should contain items to help you survive on your own for at least 72 hours. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that you include these items in your disaster supply kit.

Once a year, review what’s in your emergency kit. Replace expired items and update what you’re bringing along as your family’s needs change.

3. Know where to go.
Every emergency is different, so your safe space will vary by situation. First, find safe places in your home for every situation where you would need to take shelter, like an earthquake or tornado. Second, find a meeting spot right outside your home in case of a fire or other sudden emergency. Third, determine where you would go if you were asked to evacuate or could not return home, and plan the route you would take to[…]

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