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Every family is different. So even though there are many common elements, every family's emergency plan will be a little bit different. Consider your specific needs when creating your emergency plan. This puts you in control of your plan.
Start by reviewing our basic tips for home and family disaster planning. And here are just a few considerations for different types of family situations.
Functional/Access Needs
If you or someone in your family has a disability, medical condition, immediate health concern or access or functional needs...
Your emergency supplies should include your essential medications. If you use specialized medical equipment, your planning steps could include:
American Red Cross: Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilites
Tips to provide people with disabilities and their caregivers with guidance in managing communications, equipment, pets and home hazards. Co-authored by the American Red Cross and FEMA.
FEMA's Ready.gov: Individuals with Access and Functional Needs
A wealth of emergency planning resources for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
March of Dimes: Preparing for a Disaster When You're Pregnant
Being in a disaster when you're pregnant can make things even more stressful. This site offers a number of suggestions on getting prepared ahead of time.
Seniors
If an older relative or friend is part of your family...
The wisdom of an older generation has a lot to offer in helping families weather any storm. But sometimes a helping hand is needed.
American Red Cross: Preparedness for Seniors
Special tips for emergency planning for seniors, starting with creating your own support network.
FEMA's Ready.gov: Preparedness for Seniors
Commonsense measures older Americans can take to start preparing for emergencies before they happen.
SAMHSA: Psychosocial Issues for Older Adults in Disasters
Gives mental health professionals, emergency response workers, and caregivers tools to provide disaster mental health and recovery support to older adults. Download digital version or order free printed copies.
Children
If your family includes young children...
Don't forget to review your Family Communications Plan so if an emergency happens when the kids are at school and mom and dad are at work, you all know who to get in touch with each other.
American Red Cross: Youth Preparedness
The American Red Cross is committed Resources for schools, scout groups, and youth-serving organizations to help youth and young adults become better prepared for a disaster or emergency. Offers age-appropriate preparedness materials and trainings to educate youth with engaging activities and easy action steps.
FEMA's Ready.gov: Be a Hero! Disaster Preparedness for Kids
Information and games for kids, parents and educators to get the whole family prepared for emergencies and have fun along the way. Resources for educators include curriculum and games for elementary and high school students.
March of Dimes: Caring for You Baby in a Disaster
Common sense planning steps to be prepared to take care of your baby in the stress of an emergency.
SAMHSA: Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
A guide to helps parents and teachers recognize common reactions children of different age groups experience after a disaster or traumatic event, offering tips for how to respond in a helpful way and when to seek support. Download digital version or order free printed copies.
Sesame Street: Let's Get Ready
Information, games, videos and more to get ready for any emergency.
Pets/Livestock
If you have pets or livestock...
No matter how smart your dog, cat, parakeet or iguana is, he probably can't make an emergency plan all by himself.
Your emergency supplies should include your essential medications. If you use specialized medical equipment, your planning steps could include:
American Red Cross: Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilites
Tips to provide people with disabilities and their caregivers with guidance in managing communications, equipment, pets and home hazards. Co-authored by the American Red Cross and FEMA.
FEMA's Ready.gov: Individuals with Access and Functional Needs
A wealth of emergency planning resources for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
March of Dimes: Preparing for a Disaster When You're Pregnant
Being in a disaster when you're pregnant can make things even more stressful. This site offers a number of suggestions on getting prepared ahead of time.
Others
Your family circle may include older children, volunteer first responders — and a whole community of friends.
Other tips and considerations...
Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress: Psychological First Aid
Your actions and interactions with others can help provide "psychological first aid" to people in distress, helping to create an environment of safety, calming, connectedness to others, empowerment, and hopefulness. Page contains link to a helpful fact sheet.
SAMHSA: Psychological First Aid for First Responders
Gives tips to emergency response workers and disaster response workers to help disaster survivors cope with the psychological aspects of a traumatic event. Download digital version or order free printed copies.
SAMHSA: Tips for College Students: After a Disaster or Other Trauma
Uses text-message shorthand to offer college students tips for coping after a disaster or other traumas. Describes ways students can cope with anxiety, fear, and sadness after a disaster or traumatic event. Download digital version or order free printed copies.
SAMHSA: Tips for First Responders, Preventing and Managing Stress
Provides tips to help disaster response workers prevent and manage stress. Includes strategies to help responders before, during and after the assignment. Download digital version or order free printed copies.
SAMHSA: Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Traumatic Event
Offers self-help tips for coping with the aftermath of trauma. Discusses the long-term impact of trauma, including personal uncertainties, family relationship changes, work disruptions, and financial concerns. Download digital (.pdf) version or order free printed copies.