Example of a Disaster Preparedness Plan for the Home

Include emergency supplies in your plan.

It's crucial for everyone in the home to know what to do, where to go and how to get there in an emergency. Disaster preparedness plans allow you to figure out this information beforehand to prevent confusion and chaos in the event of an emergency.

Identification

Disaster preparedness plans should include information on what to do in the event of any sort of emergency, such as a fire or a tornado. Establish protocols for each type of emergency. Include contact information and identifying information for each member of the family. Write down your disaster preparedness plan on paper. Keep the written instructions in a visible location.

Considerations

Include a pre-arranged meeting place in the event that you must evacuate your home. Write down protocols for securing your home in the even that you must stay in place. Gather an emergency preparedness kit, stored in an easily accessible location in your home. Write your pets into your disaster preparedness plan, if applicable.

Warning

No disaster preparedness plan is 100-percent foolproof. Re-evaluate your plan, and practice emergency scenarios implementing your plan often.

References

• United States Federal Emergency Management Agency: Are You Ready?
• 72hours.org: Are You Prepared?
• American Red Cross: Prepare Your Home and Family
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Disaster Preparedness