It is important to ensure that the entire family is prepared and informed in the event of a disaster or large-scale emergency 

Emergency Plan Template from the Canadian Red Cross

What you should consider when developing your emergency plan

• Evacuation routes for your home in case of an emergency and you need to leave the area.
• Make sure the adults in the household know where fire extinguishers, first aid kits, water, electric, and gas utilities are located.  
• Make sure everyone in the house knows the location of your emergency kits
• Establish a safe place for your family to meet outside your home and outside your neighbourhood.
• Include a plan for evacuating your pets.
• Practice your evacuation plan frequently.
• If you can’t evacuate your home, prepare to be self-sufficient in your home for three days (or up to two weeks in a health emergency).
• If a member of your family has special needs that would require extra assistance, include those details into your family emergency plan and emergency kit.
• Know the plans for your workplace, school, community centre, etc. in the event a disaster happens when you are not at home.

Know Your Neighbourhood

• Work with your neighbours to identify people who may need extra help during an emergency, or who you can turn to for help.
• Identify your community’s emergency plan.
• Identify your community’s evacuation routes.
• Identify where emergency shelters are located.
• In the event of a disaster, listen to local radio and television. If local officials or community leaders ask you to evacuate your neighbourhood, follow the routes and go to the location specified. Do not take shortcuts as they could take you to a blocked or dangerous area.

Establish an Out of Town Emergency Contact

• Plan for each family member to call or e-mail the same out-of-town contact person in case of an emergency.
• Choose an out-of-town contact that lives far enough away that he or she will not have been affected by the same event.
• Ensure that the designated person knows they are your family contact.
• Ensure that you and your family members know or carry the number and e-mail address.

Preparing Emotionally for Disasters and Emergencies

Disasters and emergencies can impact us not only physically but also emotionally. It is helpful to prepare for the possible emotional and social impacts of disasters and emergencies by understanding your stress, and resilience.