Be prepared: Create a family emergency plan

Disasters can occur any time or place. Be ready with a family emergency plan—preparation is vital to safety and well-being.

First aid kit

At some point, we’re all going to face something as inconvenient as hours without electricity or possibly as challenging as a catastrophe. When natural disasters occur, being prepared will make a huge difference in what happens at the point of crisis. Depending on your location and the disaster, whether it be floods, tornados, ice storms or a fire, and whether you are “sheltering in place” or “relocating,” it is important to be ready and prepared.

Having a family emergency kit is important when disaster strikes. Many nonprofit organizations may offer these emergency preparedness kits or provide the supplies that go in a kit.  Reach out to your local emergency management director to see if there are kits locally.

family emergency kit should sustain your family for 72 hours. The kit can be assembled in an accessible plastic bin or water-proof duffle bag. As you build your kit, place items in labeled, easy-to-seal plastic bags. A basic family emergency kit could include the following items:

  • One gallon of water per person for at least three days. This is for both drinking and sanitation.
  • Medications, non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea, essential oils, contact lens solution, personal hygiene items, etc.
  • First aid kit items such as band-aids, antibiotic ointment, cloth tape, compress dressings, non-latex gloves and instant ice compress.
  • Towels and a sleeping bag or blanket for each person.
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
  • Specific health or food items (such as infant formula) that each family member might require.
  • Non-perishable food and a manual can opener for food.
  • Paper cups, plastic utensils, paper towels (think mess kits).
  • Basic home tools such as a wrench or pliers for turning off utilities; scissors; duct tape for sealing windows and doors; flashlight; and a large plastic sheet or tablecloth.
  • Extra batteries of various sizes.
  • Whistle to notify location and signal for help.
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water.
  • Paper, pencils, games, puzzles and other non-technology-based activities.
  • Multiple charging devices and a backup battery for mobile devices.
  • Dust masks for family members.
  • Important family and personal documents, such as insurance policies and identification cards, saved electronically or in a waterproof portfolio or envelope.

Pets are often overlooked when creating a family emergency plan. Since over 50% of all homes include at least one pet, you should consider them as family members when designing your emergency kit. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone with a pet have an emergency plan that includes them as well. They have even developed an emergency checklist and other documents for pet owners. A pet preparedness kit might include the following:

  • Your pet's regular food in waterproof, clear plastic bags.
  • Water.
  • Leash and collar.
  • Non-breakable, plastic or light weight bowls.

Additionally, in labeled, waterproof, clear plastic bags:

  • Photo of your pet or identification and a photo of you with your pet.
  • Information if your pet has been “chipped.”
  • Medications your pet needs.
  • Immunization and vet records (keep both updated).
  • Animal first aid kit.
  • Contact list of pet-friendly hotels, veterinarians and out-of-town friends and family.
  • Toys, rope and sanitation bags.
  • Pet carrier.

Utah State University’s Discover 4-H series has a free curriculum entitled, “4-H Emergency Preparedness: Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse” that provides more information on preparing for an emergency.

Planning ahead can truly make a difference in your family’s safety and Michigan State University Extension encourages families to find ways to talk about and prepare for emergencies.

Did you find this article useful?