The most effective crisis response happens when systems are in place before emergencies occur. Building these systems requires advance planning but can dramatically improve your ability to get help when you need it most.
Family Emergency Plans
Communication Plans:
- Designate an out-of-state contact person all family members will call
- Establish meeting places for different types of emergencies
- Create wallet-sized contact cards for all family members
- Practice emergency communication during drills
Role Assignments:
- Designate who has authority to make emergency medical decisions
- Identify who can care for children/pets during emergencies
- Assign who manages insurance claims and official communications
- Determine who coordinates with extended family
Resource Inventories:
- Maintain lists of important phone numbers and addresses
- Keep copies of important documents accessible to multiple family members
- Track locations of emergency supplies and important items
- Document medical information, medications, and special needs for all family members
Community and Neighborhood Systems
Neighbor Networks:
- Exchange contact information with neighbors
- Identify neighbors with special skills (medical training, generators, etc.)
- Create neighborhood communication methods (email list, bulletin board)
- Plan for mutual assistance during emergencies
Community Resources:
- Know locations of hospitals, police stations, fire departments
- Identify community shelters and emergency services
- Connect with local emergency management organizations
- Participate in community preparedness activities
Professional Networks:
- Build relationships with healthcare providers, insurance agents, legal advisors
- Maintain contact with children's schools and emergency coordinators
- Connect with workplace emergency management systems
- Know how to access professional services during off-hours
Personal Resilience Systems
Emotional Preparedness:
- Develop stress management techniques you can use during crisis
- Build relationships that can provide emotional support
- Consider counseling or therapy to build coping skills
- Practice mindfulness or other emotional regulation techniques
Physical Preparedness:
- Maintain basic emergency supplies (first aid, water, food, flashlights)
- Keep important medications accessible and up to date
- Maintain physical fitness to handle emergency situations
- Learn basic first aid and emergency response skills
Financial Preparedness:
- Build emergency fund for crisis-related expenses
- Keep small amount of cash accessible for power outages
- Maintain adequate insurance coverage
- Know how to access financial resources quickly during emergencies
Information Preparedness:
- Keep important documents organized and accessible
- Maintain updated emergency contact information
- Know your account numbers, policy numbers, and important details
- Have backup copies of crucial information stored securely
Testing and Updating Systems
Regular Drills:
- Practice family emergency communication plans
- Test emergency contact systems periodically
- Rehearse evacuation routes and meeting places
- Practice using emergency apps and technology
System Reviews:
- Update contact information annually or when changes occur
- Review and refresh emergency supplies regularly
- Assess whether your emergency plans still fit your current life situation
- Learn from others' experiences with crisis situations
Continuous Improvement:
- After any crisis, review what worked and what didn't
- Update plans based on new information or changed circumstances
- Learn from community emergency experiences
- Stay informed about new emergency preparedness resources