Making A Family Emergency/Disaster Plan

A wise friend of mine once said that preparing without planning is just being a “hobby” prepper.

This passing interest is better than nothing, but without a solid plan – you’re really just playing. In the event of an emergency, a well-thought out family emergency plan can eliminate stress, limit confusion, and save a great deal of wasted time. Instead of wondering what to do or when to do it, you can put your emergency plan to work right away, bringing sanity and safety to dangerous situations.

Your plan should include the following.

• Maintaining up-to-date contact information cards or sheets for each family member
• Communication strategies to keep in touch, with options in case the phones are out
• Ways to assist or care for family who have mobility or medical issues, communication difficulties, or special needs
• The maintenance, inspection, and rotation of emergency supplies, such as non-perishable food, water, first aid, lighting, and communication equipment
• The maintenance of specialized supplies for any infants, young children, or elders of your family
• A plan and supplies for the care of pets and livestock
• The knowledge and tools to shut off your utilities
• Self-sufficiency skills and supplies, should you have to shelter in a place without utilities
• Evacuation plans and routes, should you have to leave your home
• Learning and practicing safety skills, such as first aid, CPR, and fire prevention

Survival Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist of crucial gear and supplies you should have prepared in case of an emergency or natural disaster.

____ Backpack/Bug Out Bag

____ Water storage containers for up to 100 gallons

____ Water filter/Purification Tablets

____ Canteens

____ Food: nonperishable, shelf-stable items, freeze-dried meals

____ Generator and fuel and/or hand-crank generator

____ Fuel containers

____ Multi-tool, knife

____ Basic tools, hatchet, can opener, limb saw

____ Hand-crank items (radio, flashlight)

____ First-aid kit

____ Tent, large enough for family

____ Ponchos (which can be used as tarps) for each family member

____ Sleeping pads and bags

____ Rope, parachute cord

____ GPS units, compass

____ Wood-burning cook stove or cook stove with fuel supply

____ Fire starter equipment: stick matches, lighters, flint

____ Candles

____ Personal toiletries, medicines