Emergency Preparedness Plan for a Suburban Family

Purpose of This Plan

This template provides a basic framework for suburban families to prepare for emergencies. It ensures that all family members know what to do before, during, and after a crisis. Customize this plan based on your family's specific needs.

👉 A downloadable starting plan is available for reference! Use it as a guide to create your personalized emergency preparedness plan.

1. Family Emergency Contacts

Name	Relationship	Phone Number	Address (if different)
Primary Contact	(Parent/Guardian)
Secondary Contact	(Other Parent/Guardian)
Emergency Contact	(Relative/Friend Outside the Area)

• Local Emergency Services: 911

• Poison Control: [Insert Local Number]

• Utility Companies (Gas, Water, Electric): [Insert Local Numbers]

2. Emergency Meeting Locations

Location	Purpose	Address
Home	Primary shelter	[Home Address]
Nearby Safe Spot	In case of home evacuation (neighbor, park, etc.)
Out-of-Town Meeting Point	If the family must leave the city

Purpose of This Plan

This template provides a basic framework for suburban families to prepare for emergencies. It ensures that all family members know what to do before, during, and after a crisis. Customize this plan based on your family's specific needs.

👉 A downloadable starting plan is available for reference! Use it as a guide to create your personalized emergency preparedness plan.

1. Family Emergency Contacts

Name	Relationship	Phone Number	Address (if different)
Primary Contact	(Parent/Guardian)
Secondary Contact	(Other Parent/Guardian)
Emergency Contact	(Relative/Friend Outside the Area)

• Local Emergency Services: 911

• Poison Control: [Insert Local Number]

• Utility Companies (Gas, Water, Electric): [Insert Local Numbers]

2. Emergency Meeting Locations

Location	Purpose	Address
Home	Primary shelter	[Home Address]
Nearby Safe Spot	In case of home evacuation (neighbor, park, etc.)
Out-of-Town Meeting Point	If the family must leave the city

3. 72-Hour Survival Kit Checklist

Each family member should have a personal go-bag with essential items. Store additional supplies in a centralized emergency kit at home.

By preparing in advance, your family can stay safe and secure during any crisis. Use this template as a starting point and adapt it to fit your specific needs. Stay ready, stay safe!

Would you like me to format this into a downloadable PDF template?

Each family member should have a personal go-bag with essential items. Store additional supplies in a centralized emergency kit at home.

Personal Go-Bag (for each family member)

• ID copies and emergency contact info

• 3-day supply of water (1 gallon per day)

• Non-perishable food/snacks

• First-aid supplies

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Multi-tool or knife

• Extra clothing and rain gear

• Emergency blanket

• Face masks (N95 preferred)

• Hygiene supplies (wipes, soap, toothbrush, etc.)

• Small cash supply (small bills and coins)

• Medications (if applicable)

Centralized Home Emergency Kit

• Water storage (5+ gallons per person)

• Shelf-stable food for the entire family (canned goods, dry foods)

• Cooking supplies (camp stove, fuel, utensils)

• Extra batteries and solar/hand-crank chargers

• Fire extinguisher

• Duct tape and plastic sheeting (for shelter-in-place scenarios)

• Local maps and compass

• Copies of important documents in a waterproof case

4. Family Communication Plan

• Primary Contact Method: (Cell phone, text, app)

• Backup Method: (Landline, radio, note at home)

• Out-of-Town Contact: (Relative/friend outside your area)

Emergency Check-In Procedure

1. If safe, everyone checks in at home.

2. If home is unsafe, meet at the designated Nearby Safe Spot.

3. If evacuation is necessary, proceed to the Out-of-Town Meeting Point.

4. Contact the Out-of-Town Contact to confirm everyone’s status.

5. Shelter-in-Place Plan (If Staying Home is Safer)

• Seal doors/windows with plastic sheeting if needed.

• Turn off HVAC systems if advised.

• Keep emergency supplies in an easily accessible location.

• Have entertainment options for children (books, games).

• Monitor emergency broadcasts via battery-powered or solar radio.

6. Evacuation Plan

• Trigger for Evacuation: (Fire, flood, civil unrest, etc.)

• Primary Route: (List main roads, highways)

• Alternative Route: (Side streets, backroads)

• Pre-packed Evacuation Kit: Ensure every family member has a go-bag ready to grab.

• Transportation Plan: (Personal vehicle, carpool, public transport options)

7. Home Security & Defense

• Lock all doors/windows when disaster strikes.

• Store emergency tools/weapons safely but accessibly.

• Have a self-defense plan, especially in cases of civil unrest or looting.

  
  

8. Special Considerations

Family Member	Special Needs (Medications, Mobility, Allergies, etc.)	Prepared Actions
(Name)	(E.g., Insulin-dependent, wheelchair user)	(Extra meds, mobility support)
(Name)	(E.g., Food allergies)	(Allergy-friendly emergency food)
Pets	(E.g., Food, carrier, leash)	(Include pet items in kit)

9. Practice & Maintenance

• Review and update the plan every 6 months.

• Check and rotate supplies (food, water, batteries, medications).

• Hold a family emergency drill at least twice a year.

Download the Starting Emergency Plan

To make it easier to get started, a downloadable template is available for reference. Simply fill in your family's details and customize it to fit your needs.

By preparing in advance, your family can stay safe and secure during any crisis. Use this template as a starting point and adapt it to fit your specific needs. Stay ready, stay safe!

Would you like me to format this into a downloadable PDF template?