Build a Household Emergency Plan That People Will Actually Use

A useful emergency plan is short enough to remember and specific enough to follow. Start with the hazards most likely where you live, then decide how your household will communicate, shelter, and leave.

Choose meeting points

Select one place immediately outside your home and another outside your neighborhood. Record an out-of-area contact who can relay messages when local networks are overloaded.

Assign simple roles

Decide who gathers medications, helps children or pets, shuts off utilities when instructed, and carries documents. Practice twice a year and revise the plan after moves or major life changes.