Planning for emergencies isn’t something most of us enjoy thinking about. In fact, it’s often the sort of task that gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list – somewhere between organising the garage and booking the next dental check-up. But the truth is, having a clear family emergency plan is one of the most practical and reassuring things you can do, which is why you need to get started if you haven’t already.
After all, life is unpredictable, and when unexpected situations arise – whether it’s a power outage, a medical emergency, or something more serious – being prepared can make all the difference. It’s not about assuming the worst. It’s about knowing you’ve put systems in place to keep everyone safe, calm, and informed when it matters most. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Start With The Essentials
Every family emergency plan should cover a few key points. Who to call. Where to go. What to do… It’s important to include things like local emergency numbers, family and friend contacts, any specific medical needs, and how everyone in the household will communicate if you’re separated. It doesn’t have to be complicated – it just needs to be clear, accessible, and tailored to your family’s needs. So yes, you can find some online, but make sure you change them, otherwise they’re not going to work.
Next, once you’ve outlined the basics, it’s important to think about those more scary, perhaps what you might call sensitive topics that we don’t like to talk about but that are really important. For example, what would happen if a family member died? It’s not an easy subject, but discussing it ahead of time can make it all less stressful, and knowing important decisions – like choosing a trusted funeral home – have been thought about in advance can bring a sense of relief and calm, especially when emotions are going to be all over the place and people won’t be able to think clearly in most cases.
Keep It Practical And Accessible
A good emergency plan really can’t just be in one person’s head and left there – or even in two people’s heads… what you have to do is set it down in writing and keep it somewhere safe, but somewhere that everyone can get to if and when they need it. That includes your children too, just in case.
You can handwrite it and keep a physical document somewhere, for example, or you can type it up and save it on your computer (although if you do that, make sure you’ve got a backup, and make sure it’s quick to get to). Where you put it and how you create it is your choice, but the point is that you can’t just keep it to yourself – everyone who might need it needs to be able to get to it.
Make It A Family Effort
Getting everyone involved in making your emergency plan definitely makes it more effective, and it might even help to make it a little less morbid too, which can’t hurt.
That’s why it’s wise to chat through the plan and make sure even the kids know what to do in certain situations. Keep it light, age-appropriate, and practical because you’re not trying to scare anyone, you’re just keeping everyone up-to-date with what might have to happen if something goes wrong.
Laura x