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December 15, 2025
Make a Plan for Emergencies at Home
Emergencies can happen at any time. A home emergency plan helps you and your family know what to do when something unexpected occurs. Planning ahead can reduce stress and help everyone act quickly and safely.
Start With a Family Conversation
Talk with everyone in your household about the types of emergencies that could happen in your area. This may include severe weather, fires, power outages, or other situations that could affect your home.
Make sure everyone knows how to get out of the house safely and where to go if you cannot stay inside. Keep the conversation simple and age appropriate.
Choose Safe Places and Exit Routes
Identify safe places inside your home for different situations. This could be a basement during severe weather or a room away from windows.
Walk through your home and identify at least two ways to exit each room if possible. Make sure doors and windows open easily and paths are clear.
Decide on a meeting place outside your home where everyone can gather if you have to leave quickly. Choose a location that is easy to remember and a safe distance from the house.
Plan How to Stay in Touch
During an emergency, family members may be in different places. Decide how you will communicate if you are separated.
Choose one out of area contact that everyone can check in with. Sometimes it is easier to reach someone outside the affected area.
Make sure phone numbers are written down and saved in phones, wallets, or backpacks.
Think About Special Needs
Consider anyone in your household who may need extra help. This includes children, older adults, people with disabilities, or pets.
Plan how medications, medical equipment, or mobility devices will be handled during an emergency. Include pet supplies and a plan for where pets will go if you have to leave.
Practice Your Plan
A plan works best when everyone knows it. Practice your home emergency plan at least once a year.
Review what went well and what needs improvement. Update your plan when your household changes or if you move.
Keep Your Plan Where You Can Find It
Write down your plan and keep it in a place where everyone can access it. A printed copy is helpful in case phones are not working.
Share the plan with caregivers, babysitters, or anyone who regularly stays in your home.
Learn More
For more ideas and tools to help you create a home emergency plan, visit Ready.gov. The site offers step by step guidance, templates, and tips for a wide range of emergency situations.
Making a home emergency plan now can save time and reduce stress later. A little preparation today can help protect the people and pets you care about most.
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