Creating an Effective Emergency Preparedness Plan

We strongly encourage you to document your emergency plan in Homebodiy so that you can always refer back to it as you re-evaluate the best processes for yourself, your family, and your home. By recording these details and communicating them with family members, you can enhance readiness and coordination during critical situations, ensuring everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. You can use Homebodiy to create your plan for free here. 

Step 1: Assess Potential Risks

Identify and note potential risks and hazards in your area, such as natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes, floods), man-made emergencies (e.g., fires, chemical spills), and other threats specific to your location. Understanding the risks will help you tailor your emergency plan to address potential scenarios.

Step 2: Develop a Communication Plan

Establish a communication plan with your family members or household occupants to ensure everyone knows how to stay connected during an emergency. Designate an out-of-area contact person whom everyone can reach to provide updates and check-in with each other.

Step 3: Create an Evacuation Plan

Identify evacuation routes and safe meeting points both within and outside your neighborhood. Plan for various scenarios, including evacuation by foot or vehicle, and designate multiple evacuation routes in case one is blocked or inaccessible.

Step 4: Assemble an Emergency Kit

Gather essential supplies and create an emergency kit that includes food, water, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, cash, important documents, and other necessities. Store the emergency kit in a readily accessible location that is easy to grab and go in an emergency.

You should include essential items to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours in case of evacuation or disruption to basic services. Here's a comprehensive list of items to include:

1. Important documents: Copies of identification (driver's license, passport), insurance policies, medical records, and emergency contact information.
2. Water: One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
3. Food: Non-perishable food items for each person for at least three days, such as canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruits.
4. Manual can opener: To open canned food items.
5. Medication and First Aid Kit: Include a supply of prescription medications, a first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary medical supplies.
6. Flashlight: With extra batteries or a solar-powered flashlight.
7. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: For receiving emergency alerts and information.
8. Cell phone with chargers: Include chargers or portable power banks to keep devices charged.
9. Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife: For various tasks and repairs.
10. Personal hygiene items: Such as toilet paper, moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, soap, and feminine hygiene products.
11. Blankets or sleeping bags: To stay warm in case of cold weather or sheltering in place.
12. Change of clothes: Including sturdy shoes and rain gear.
13. Cash: In small denominations and coins, as ATMs and card readers may not be available during emergencies.
14. Whistle: To signal for help if needed.
15. Duct tape and plastic sheeting: For shelter or repairs.
16. Matches or lighters: To start fires for warmth or cooking (store in waterproof containers).
17. Pet supplies: If applicable, include food, water, medications, and supplies for pets.
18. Local maps: To navigate in case GPS or internet services are unavailable.
19. Extra keys: For your home and vehicles.
20. Entertainment items: Such as books, playing cards, or games to pass the time.

Additionally, consider the specific needs of your family, such as baby supplies, elderly care items, or special dietary requirements, and customize your emergency kit accordingly. Rotate perishable items and check expiration dates regularly to ensure your emergency supplies remain fresh and effective. Keep your emergency kit in a designated, easily accessible location, and review its contents annually to make updates as needed.

Step 5: Identify Emergency Shut-Offs

Locate and label emergency shut-offs for utilities such as water, gas, and electricity in your home. Promptly shut off these utilities in the event of an emergency to prevent further damage or hazards. Here are some prompts to help you locate and label emergency shut-offs:

1. Water Shut-Off: Locate the main water shut-off valve, usually located near the water meter or where the main water line enters your home. Label the valve and ensure everyone knows how to turn off the water supply.
2. Gas Shut-Off: Locate the gas shut-off valve, typically located near the gas meter or where the main gas line enters your home. Label the valve and familiarize yourself with the proper procedure for turning off the gas supply. Only shut off the gas if you suspect a gas leak or other emergency.
3. Electricity Shut-Off: Identify the main electrical panel or circuit breaker box in your home. Label the main circuit breaker and individual breakers for each circuit. Teach everyone how to safely shut off electricity in case of an emergency, such as a fire or electrical hazard.
4. Propane Shut-Off: The propane shut-off valve is typically located at the propane tank itself. It's usually a knob or lever that can be turned clockwise to shut off the flow of propane. The propane tank is commonly situated outdoors, often near the home's exterior wall. Label the valve and familiarize yourself with the location of your propane tank and the shut-off valve to quickly and safely turn off the propane supply in case of an emergency or gas leak.
5. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Shut-Off: The HVAC shut-off switch or circuit breaker is typically located near the HVAC unit or furnace. It may be found on the unit itself, on a nearby wall-mounted box, or in the electrical panel (breaker box) of the home.
   1. For central HVAC systems, the shut-off switch may be located on the exterior of the unit, often near the access panel. It can be a toggle switch or a lever that can be flipped to turn off the power to the unit. In some cases, there may be a dedicated electrical disconnect box mounted on the exterior wall near the HVAC unit.
   2. For furnaces, the shut-off switch is often located on or near the furnace housing, usually on the side or front panel. It may be a switch or lever that can be toggled to cut off power to the furnace.
   3. In addition to the shut-off switch near the HVAC unit, there may also be a corresponding circuit breaker or fuse in the home's electrical panel. Homeowners should locate both the shut-off switch near the HVAC unit and the corresponding circuit breaker or fuse in the electrical panel to quickly and safely shut off power to the HVAC system in case of an emergency or maintenance need.
6. Oil tank shut-off, other shut-offs, etc.: Identify additional shut-offs, if applicable. Label these shut-offs and ensure everyone knows how to operate them safely.

Step 6: Practice and Review Your Plan

Regularly review and practice your emergency preparedness plan with your family members or household occupants. Conduct drills to simulate different emergency scenarios and ensure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities. Update your plan as needed based on changes in your household or local environment.

Step 7: Stay Informed

Stay informed about potential emergencies and developments in your area by signing up for emergency alerts and notifications from local authorities. Monitor weather forecasts, news updates, and other sources of information to stay informed and prepared for emergencies.

Conclusion

By following these steps and creating a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan, you can help protect your family and home and minimize the impact of emergencies when they occur. Remember to regularly review and update your plan to ensure it remains effective and relevant to your needs.

If you want a better way to create your own plan, Homebodiy has you covered. Our PREP Emergency Plan Builder will walk you through each step of creating a plan and give you a printable, sharable PDF that's saved to your account. Check it out here: PREP Emergency Plan Builder