What to Do in an Emergency: A Poster Guide

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before starting an emergency poster?

Before creating an emergency poster, gather key information and materials to make it practical and easy to follow. You will need a list of emergency contacts such as local police, fire department, medical services, and a trusted neighbor or family member. Include important phone numbers, addresses, and any special instructions like evacuation routes or shelter locations. Additionally, have basic emergency procedures ready, such as how to call 911, perform CPR, or shut off utilities. Collect visually clear icons or images that represent these actions to enhance understanding. A good poster also requires durable, easy-to-read fonts and bright colors to attract attention quickly. Finally, decide where the poster will be displayed—kitchen, hallway, workplace—and tailor its size and format accordingly to ensure visibility.

What are the step-by-step instructions to include on the poster and why?

Create a numbered sequence of clear, concise steps that guide someone through an emergency. Each step should explain what to do and why it matters. Here’s a typical order to follow:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation Reason: Panic can hinder clear thinking; calming down helps make better decisions.

1. Call for Help (911 or Local Emergency Number) Reason: Alerting emergency services quickly ensures professional help is on the way.

1. Provide Your Location and Nature of Emergency Reason: Precise information speeds up response and ensures the right help is sent.

1. Follow Safety Instructions (Evacuate, Shelter in Place, etc.) Reason: These instructions protect you from immediate danger and prevent injury.

1. Assist Others if Safe to Do So Reason: Helping children, elderly, or disabled persons can save lives but only when it doesn’t put you at risk.

1. Use Emergency Supplies (First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher) Reason: Immediate treatment can reduce harm before professionals arrive.

1. Wait for Official All-Clear or Further Instructions Reason: Leaving too soon or returning prematurely can expose you to danger.

This ordered list ensures a logical progression from recognizing danger to getting help and staying safe. Use simple, direct language like “Call 911 now” or “Exit building through nearest door” to avoid confusion.

How can you tell if the emergency poster works?

You know the poster is effective if people can recall and follow the steps during an actual emergency or a drill. Test its effectiveness by conducting practice scenarios with family, coworkers, or community members. Observe if they know where the poster is located, if they understand each step, and if they take the correct actions. Feedback sessions after drills can highlight any confusing points or missing information. Another sign of success is that the poster is well-maintained, visible, and referenced regularly rather than ignored or obscured. Additionally, if emergency responders comment that individuals acted correctly during an incident, that indicates the poster’s instructions were clear and useful.

What to do if the poster’s instructions don’t work or the emergency escalates?

If the steps on the poster don’t seem to work or the situation worsens, it’s important to stay flexible and prioritize personal safety. For example, if evacuation routes are blocked by fire or debris, find an alternative exit or shelter in a safe room. If communication lines are down and calling 911 isn’t possible, use a whistle, signal with a flashlight, or seek help from neighbors. The poster should include a reminder to trust your instincts—if a step feels unsafe, do not hesitate to change course. Also, always have backup plans and emergency supplies ready. After the emergency, review what went wrong and update the poster accordingly to improve future responses.

How do you adapt an emergency poster for different audiences?

Adapting the poster ensures it’s accessible and useful for everyone. For children, use simple words, bright colors, and fun icons to explain what to do. For older adults or those with disabilities, include large fonts, high-contrast visuals, and steps tailored to mobility or sensory needs. In workplaces, add specific procedures related to the work environment, such as shutting down machinery or assembly points. For multilingual communities, provide translations or pictograms that transcend language barriers. Consider cultural differences in communication style and what kind of emergency is most relevant locally (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, fires). Testing the poster with representatives from your audience before finalizing it helps ensure clarity and effectiveness.

What materials and design tips help make an emergency poster effective?

Using the right materials and design elements makes your poster stand out and remain functional during emergencies. Print on waterproof, tear-resistant paper or laminate the poster to protect it from damage. Use large, bold fonts—at least 24-point size—to ensure readability from a distance. Employ high-contrast colors like black text on white or bright backgrounds for visibility. Include universally recognized symbols such as fire icons, phone receivers, or arrows for directions to aid quick understanding. Avoid clutter by keeping text minimal and focused on action steps. Use bullet points or numbered lists to break down information clearly. Position the poster at eye level in high-traffic areas and consider adding multiple copies near phones, exits, or first aid kits.

How does creating an emergency poster fit into overall emergency preparedness?

An emergency poster is a vital component of a broader emergency preparedness plan. It acts as a quick-reference guide that complements detailed plans, emergency kits, and training sessions. Having a visible poster reinforces awareness and readiness for unexpected events. It reminds everyone of their roles and the immediate actions to take, which can reduce confusion and panic. A well-made poster also encourages regular review and practice of emergency procedures, making preparedness a habit rather than a one-time effort. For more comprehensive guidance, pairing your poster with community resources or training programs can help deepen understanding and readiness.

For additional details on emergency steps and preparedness, see What to Do in an Emergency and Explain What to Do in an Emergency Situation.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I update my emergency poster?

Update your emergency poster at least once a year or whenever contact numbers, procedures, or emergency plans change. Regular updates ensure the information remains accurate and useful during an emergency.

Can I make a digital version of my emergency poster?

Yes, digital posters can be shared via email, displayed on screens, or accessed on smartphones. They complement physical posters but should not replace them since power or internet outages can occur during emergencies.

What if someone in my home or workplace can’t read well?

Use clear icons, simple language, and color coding to make the poster understandable for people with limited reading skills. Consider audio or video instructions as additional resources.

Should I include special instructions for medical emergencies on the poster?

Yes, basic instructions like calling 911, performing CPR, and using an AED are helpful. However, detailed medical guidance should be left to trained responders or separate first aid manuals.

Where is the best place to hang an emergency poster?

Place posters in common areas like kitchens, hallways, near phones, entrances/exits, and break rooms where they are easily visible to everyone.

How can I encourage others to read and remember the emergency poster?

Conduct regular drills, discuss the poster’s contents in meetings, or hold brief training sessions. Positive reinforcement and repetition help people retain important information.