When disaster strikes, the last thing you want is chaos. Whether it’s a natural disaster, power outage, or even a personal emergency, having a well-thought-out family emergency plan is the backbone of self-reliance. It’s not about fear—it’s about preparation. Think of it as insurance for your peace of mind.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to create a clear, customized family emergency plan that works for your household. We’ll talk about what to include, how to get your family on the same page, and a few essential supplies to help you be ready for anything.
Why Every Family Needs an Emergency Plan
We all like to think we’ll respond calmly and wisely during a crisis. But without a plan, it’s easy to become overwhelmed or make poor decisions under pressure. A solid emergency plan answers these three critical questions:
- What should we do?
- Where should we go?
- How do we stay in touch?
Once these are clear, your family has a blueprint for action—and that’s a powerful form of self-reliance.
Step 1: Assess the Risks
Start by identifying the most likely emergencies in your area. This could include:
- Severe weather (blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes)
- Wildfires or flooding
- Earthquakes
- Extended power outages
- Civil unrest
- House fires or gas leaks
Think about your location, your property, and your family’s specific needs (young children, elderly relatives, pets, etc.).
Step 2: Create a Communication Plan
Phones are great—until the towers go down. Your family needs a backup plan.
Key elements of your communication plan:
- Emergency Contacts: Write down at least one local and one out-of-town contact. Everyone should have these numbers saved and written down.
- Meeting Points: Designate two meeting spots—one near home, one farther away.
- Communication Method: Teach your family how to use walkie-talkies or emergency radios like the Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather Radio if cell service is down.
Step 3: Pack Go Bags and Stay Kits
A “go bag” is your grab-and-run kit for evacuations, while a “stay kit” holds everything you need to hunker down at home.
Essentials for a Go Bag:
- Copies of IDs, insurance cards, and important documents
- Cash in small bills
- First aid kit
- Water and portable filtration (like a LifeStraw)
- Flashlight and extra batteries (or better, a solar/crank flashlight)
- Non-perishable food for 72 hours
- Extra clothes and sturdy shoes
- Medications and hygiene supplies
Pack one for each family member, and don’t forget the pets!
For a Stay Kit:
Store at least a two-week supply of:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Long-term food storage (check out Augason Farms Emergency Food Supply)
- Heat source (like a Mr. Heater Portable Buddy)
- Manual can opener
- Sanitation supplies (bucket toilet, garbage bags, bleach)
Step 4: Plan for Special Situations
What if you’re not home?
Designate responsibilities—who grabs the kids, who secures the animals, who shuts off the utilities?
What if you need to evacuate?
Know multiple routes out of your town. Pre-pack your vehicle if a storm is forecast. Keep your gas tank half full at all times.
What about your homestead or property?
Take inventory, know how to shut off power/water, and secure animals or livestock. Keep a binder with key info (gate codes, emergency contacts, veterinary info).
Step 5: Practice and Review
A plan is only good if everyone remembers it. Practice evacuations, fire drills, and communication tests at least twice a year. Make it fun—turn it into a family challenge or game. Then, review your plan annually and update it as your family’s needs change.
Resources to Help You Get Started
Here are some helpful tools and references for building your emergency plan:
- FEMA’s Family Emergency Plan Template:
https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/family-emergency-communication-plan.pdf - American Red Cross Emergency Plan Guide:
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.html - Local Emergency Management Office:
Find yours at https://www.ready.gov/local-offices - Midland ER310 Emergency Radio
https://amzn.to/4ein1cn - LifeStraw Water Filter
https://amzn.to/4l7VZXu - Augason Farms Emergency Food
https://amzn.to/4kWVTC0
Final Thoughts
Developing a family emergency plan isn’t just for “doomsday preppers”—it’s for anyone who values independence, safety, and peace of mind. Taking the time now to prepare means you won’t be scrambling later. That’s what practical self-reliance is all about.
So grab a notebook, gather your family around the kitchen table, and start planning. You’ve got this.
Have a favorite emergency kit item or a tip from experience? Share it in the comments—we love learning from the Practical Self Reliance community!