Make a Family Emergency Plan

Gear is great. But in a real emergency, communication and coordination save more lives than flashlights and canned chili ever will. A Family Emergency Plan removes panic and replaces it with clarity and confidence.

Your simple 3-part plan

1. How you’ll communicate

• Choose 1 emergency group chat
• Pick one out-of-region contact (text often works when calls fail)
• Teach kids: dial 911 and memorize two phone numbers

2. Where you’ll meet
Choose three meeting points:

• Home: outside the house (fire / gas leak)
• Neighbourhood: a landmark you can walk to
• Out-of-town: for major evacuations

3. What you’ll do if separated

• Agree on who picks up children
• Decide when to evacuate vs. shelter-in-place
• Plan for pets, seniors, or medical needs

Quick Tip

Print your plan, put copies in wallets, backpacks, and your go-bag.

Next step: Schedule a 10-minute family “what-if” talk this week. One conversation creates muscle memory.

Signal Learning Inc. (2026). First Aid and Disaster Preparedness Content. Used with permission.