Preparedness for Families FAQs

A written document listing household members, emergency contacts, medical info, meeting places, evacuation routes, and out-of-area contact. Templates are free at ready.gov. Every household member should know the plan and review it annually.

Make a plan together, build a kit, and practice drills. Include every family member in plan creation; assign roles. Teach children emergency contacts and basic procedures (stop/drop/roll, call 911). Practice at least twice a year.

Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days minimum, 14 days recommended), food, first aid, NOAA radio, flashlights, blankets, medications, sanitation, pet supplies, and special items for infants, elderly, or members with medical needs.

Use age-appropriate language and games. Teach them 911, home address, parents' phone numbers, meeting points, and basic safety (stop/drop/roll; Drop, Cover, Hold On). Practice drills. Assign each child one role in the family plan so they feel ownership.

Formula, baby food, diapers, wipes, bottles, a change of clothing, a blanket, a small comfort toy, children's medications (per pediatrician), and copies of immunization records. Rotate every 6 months as children grow.

Stock 7+ days of their prescription medications, mobility aids (cane, walker, wheelchair charger), medical ID bracelet, list of medical conditions and medications, insurance info, and a personal emergency contact. Ensure they have a means to communicate (charged phone, NOAA radio).

A family meeting point is a pre-arranged location where family members gather if separated. Identify two: one near your home (like a neighbor's porch) if the house is unsafe, and one outside the neighborhood if you cannot return home. Practice reaching each.

Run tabletop drills twice a year. Walk through each hazard scenario: what happens, where you meet, who contacts whom. Time an evacuation. Rotate kit supplies during practice. Include children with age-appropriate participation.

Identify one out-of-area contact (family or friend) everyone calls to report their status. Write down each member's mobile number, work/school phone, medical info, and meeting locations. Laminate a wallet card for each person. Practice the plan annually.

A family member or close friend living outside your region. Long-distance calls often work when local networks are overloaded after a disaster. Every family member memorizes or carries the number. This person coordinates messages between separated household members.

Pet emergency kits include 3 to 7 days of food and water, medications, vaccination records, a recent photo, microchip info, a collapsible bowl, a leash and collar, a carrier, waste bags, and a comfort item. Pre-identify pet-friendly evacuation destinations.