How to Create a Family Disaster Plan for Safety

Parents & guardians · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before starting a family disaster plan?

Before beginning your family disaster plan, collect key materials and information that will form its foundation. First, make a list of emergency contacts. This should include phone numbers and addresses for nearby relatives, neighbors, doctors, local emergency services, schools, and workplaces. Write these down on paper and save them digitally. Keep copies in multiple locations, such as in a family binder, your wallet, and your phone.

Next, understand the types of emergencies your area may face. Check local government resources or community websites to learn if floods, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, or power outages are common threats. This helps tailor your plan to realistic risks.

Gather and prepare emergency supplies. A basic kit should include:

• Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three days
• Non-perishable food for three days
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• First aid supplies
• Prescription medications and important medical items
• Personal hygiene products
• Copies of important documents (IDs, insurance, prescriptions) stored in a waterproof container
• Clothing and blankets appropriate for the climate
• Special items for infants, elderly family members, or those with disabilities

Also, prepare “go-bags” for each family member. These small backpacks should contain essentials like a change of clothes, snacks, a flashlight, a whistle, and any comfort items such as a favorite toy or book for children.

Having these supplies and information ready sets a solid base so the planning process focuses on actions rather than scrambling for materials during a crisis.

What are the steps to create a family disaster plan and why are they important?

Creating a family disaster plan involves clear steps designed to keep everyone safe and reduce confusion. Each step has a practical purpose:

1. Talk about possible emergencies with your family. Use simple language to explain what kinds of disasters might happen. For example, say: “Sometimes storms can cause the power to go out for days, so we need to know what to do.” This conversation helps everyone understand the plan’s importance.

1. Pick two meeting places. Choose a spot just outside your home, like a mailbox or neighbor’s porch, and a place outside your neighborhood, such as a community center or library. This ensures your family can find each other if one location is unsafe or unreachable.

1. Assign specific roles. Give each family member clear tasks during an emergency—for instance, one person gathers the emergency kit, another secures pets, and someone else assists younger children. Write these roles down and review them regularly.

1. Set up communication plans. Cell phones may not always work during emergencies. Agree on backup methods like texting, using social media, or calling a trusted out-of-town relative who can relay messages. Teach children exactly what to say, for example: “This is [name]. I am safe and at [meeting spot].”

1. Plan evacuation routes. Identify at least two safe ways to leave your home and neighborhood. Practice driving or walking these routes with your family, so everyone knows where to go and how long it takes.

1. Prepare and place emergency kits. Ensure each family member’s kit is easy to reach and packed with their necessary supplies. For kids, include small items they can handle independently, like snacks and a flashlight.

1. Teach basic safety skills. Show children how to call 911, how to “stop, drop, and roll” if clothes catch fire, and how to safely use a fire extinguisher if appropriate. These steps build confidence and safety skills.

1. Practice your plan regularly. Schedule drills twice a year or more often. Practice fire drills, evacuations, and communication methods. Use these drills to check if everyone remembers their role and can reach meeting spots safely.

Each step reduces uncertainty during an emergency, builds confidence, and ensures everyone understands how to act to stay safe.

How do you know if your family disaster plan works?

You can tell your plan works when every family member carries out their assigned role smoothly during practice drills. For example, if your child quickly finds their emergency kit, communicates with your chosen out-of-town contact, and arrives at the correct meeting place on time, these are signs the plan is effective.

After a drill, hold a family discussion. Ask questions like: “Was the meeting place easy to find?” or “Did anyone run into problems?” Take notes on what worked and what was confusing. If communication was delayed or someone forgot a task, revise the plan accordingly.

Try “what-if” scenarios to test flexibility. Ask: “What if the first meeting place is blocked? Where do you go next?” or “What if your phone battery dies?” Practicing these situations helps prepare your family for unexpected challenges.

If drills show that everyone can follow the plan calmly and safely, it means your plan is functioning well.

What should you do if the family disaster plan doesn’t work as expected?

When a plan doesn’t go as intended during practice or an emergency, use it as a learning opportunity. Start by pinpointing the problem. For example, if a meeting spot was inaccessible due to road closure, select an alternative location and communicate this change clearly to everyone.

If someone forgot their role, consider making a simple checklist for each person to keep. Younger children may need laminated cards with phone numbers or instructions to carry in their backpacks.

Make revisions to your written plan based on these findings, then schedule another drill soon after to see if the changes help.

Keep in mind that emergencies are unpredictable, and it’s normal to need adjustments. Encourage open family discussions to reduce anxiety and make everyone comfortable with updating the plan.

How can parents and guardians adapt the family disaster plan to support children?

For families with children, explaining the plan in a caring and simple way is key. Avoid frightening language; instead, say things like, “This plan helps us stay safe if there is a big storm or fire.” Use age-appropriate methods like drawing pictures, telling stories, or practicing roles with toys.

Give children clear, small tasks—such as packing a snack in their go-bag or learning to dial 911. Repeat important information regularly, such as phone numbers or meeting spots, using easy-to-remember phrases.

During drills, offer plenty of encouragement and keep the tone positive. For younger children or those with special needs, include comfort items like a favorite blanket or toy in their emergency kit. Teach calming techniques like deep breathing to help reduce stress.

Let children know adults will help protect them, and practicing the plan together helps everyone feel safer and more prepared.

What additional tips help keep a family disaster plan useful over time?

A family disaster plan should be regularly reviewed and updated. Set reminders every six months to check and refresh the plan. Update emergency contacts, replace expired supplies in kits, and revise evacuation routes if you move or road conditions change.

Store printed and digital copies of the plan in several places—your home binder, phones, and cars. Share copies with babysitters, grandparents, teachers, and neighbors who care for your children.

Talk about safety topics often to keep the plan fresh and reduce worries. Invite children to help organize supplies or think about new safety ideas as they grow.

Connect with local emergency services or school programs to stay informed about community risks and preparedness training.

By maintaining and practicing your plan regularly, your family stays ready for whatever comes.

Frequently asked questions

How can I help my child remember emergency information?

Create a simple card with emergency phone numbers and addresses for your child to carry. Practice reciting this information regularly using easy phrases like, “Call Grandma at this number if you need help.” Repetition and visual aids improve memory.

What if my family doesn’t have a cell phone signal during an emergency?

Plan alternative communication methods such as texting, using social media apps with offline messaging, or calling a trusted out-of-town contact. Teach your children the exact message to send, like “I am safe at [location].”

How do I include pets in the disaster plan?

Assign a family member to care for pets, pack pet supplies like food, water, leashes, and carriers, and find pet-friendly shelters in advance. Practice evacuating with your pets to reduce their stress.

How much should children participate in the planning?

Involve children by asking their ideas about safe places and what to pack in their go-bags. This participation helps them understand the plan better and encourages cooperation.

How should I adapt the plan for elderly or disabled family members?

Assign specific helpers to assist these family members with evacuation or daily needs during emergencies. Make sure their emergency kits include necessary medical supplies and equipment, and practice moving together at a comfortable pace.