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Create an emergency preparedness plan.

Our Family’s Awesome Emergency Plan

It can be a little scary when something unexpected happens, like a big storm or the power going out. But just like a scout is always prepared, our family can be prepared, too! Having a plan helps everyone stay safe, calm, and ready to help. Think of it like a fire drill at school. You practice so you know exactly what to do. This is our family’s practice plan for our home, so we can be a team and take care of each other.

Our Plan in Four Easy Steps

1. Know What to Do

• Learn Your Dangers: Talk about the kinds of emergencies that can happen where we live, like tornadoes, big thunderstorms, or house fires.
• Pick a Safe Spot Inside: For big storms, we will all go to our safe spot. This is the strongest place in our house, like the basement or a closet in the middle of the house with no windows.
• Plan Your Escapes: Every room needs two ways out. We will walk through each room and find both exits. If there is smoke, we will remember to Get Low and Go under the smoke.
• Choose Meeting Places:

• Right Outside Spot: If we have to leave the house quickly (like for a fire), we will all meet at a special spot outside so we know everyone is safe. (Example: the big oak tree in the front yard or the neighbor’s mailbox).
• Neighborhood Spot: If we can’t get back to our house, we will meet at a place in our neighborhood. (Example: the public library, the park, or a trusted friend’s house).
• Know Who to Call: We will have a list of important phone numbers. Our most important contact will be an Out-of-Town Helper. Sometimes when there is an emergency, local phone lines are busy. It can be easier to call or text someone who lives far away to let them know we are okay.

2. Build a “Go-Bag”

A “Go-Bag,” or emergency kit, is a backpack full of supplies we might need if we have to leave our house in a hurry. Every family member should know where it is. It should have things like:

• Water and snacks that won’t spoil (like granola bars).
• A flashlight with extra batteries.
• A small first-aid kit.
• A whistle to call for help.
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to listen for news.
• A comfort item, like a book, a deck of cards, or a small stuffed animal.
• Toothbrushes and other personal cleaning items.
• A copy of our family’s important phone numbers.

3. Be a Team Player

Everyone in the family has a job during an emergency. We should talk about who will be in charge of what.

• Grown-up Jobs: Turning off utilities like water or gas if it’s safe, grabbing the Go-Bag, and driving if we need to leave.
• Kid Jobs: Helping younger siblings, bringing your own shoes and coat, and grabbing our family’s pet. You can also be in charge of remembering the meeting spot!
• Don’t Forget Pets! Our pets are part of the family. Our plan includes who will grab their leash, food, and carrier.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice!

A plan only works if you practice it! At least twice a year, we should practice our plan together. We can do a home fire drill and practice getting to our meeting spot. We can also check our Go-Bag to make sure the food is still fresh and the batteries in the flashlight still work. The more we practice, the more prepared we will be.

Summary of Our Plan

• Talk About It: We will talk about our plan as a family so everyone knows what to do.
• Pick Your Places: We have a safe spot inside, a meeting spot right outside our house, and a meeting spot in the neighborhood.
• Pack a Go-Bag: We have a kit with water, food, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit ready to go.
• Know Your Job: Everyone in the family has a role to help out.
• Practice the Plan: We will practice our drills twice a year to make sure we are always ready!