Emergency Plans

Fire Escape Plan

No one likes to think about the possibility of a house fire. The reality is that house fires happen. Keeping your family safe during a fire starts with

taking the time to draw your house and make an escape plan and remembering to practice the plan at least once per year. It will be worth it. Your plan doesn't need to be elaborate. It just needs to work.

1) Draw a floor plan of your house. Show all windows and doors.

2) Mark 2 ways out of each room.

3) Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on you escape plan.

Get Everyone Home Plan

Every family member needs to know how to get home from school or work. They need a few items in the "Get Home Bag" to help them. A bottle of water and a granola bar can go a long way to help boost energy while walking home. A flashlight, map, small pocket knife. These things can also help. These items can be placed in your child's school backpack and instructed not to eat them except in a emergency. Think of each person in your household. Where might they be? What will they need to get home. Place those items in their "Get Home Bag".

Evacuation Plan

You need to have an evacuation plan and kit in case you cannot stay in your home. A fire, flood, earthquake, gas leak... All of these can result in a need to quickly evacuate your home.

This kit needs to include items you would need in the first 72 hours of an emergency. Food, water, change of clothes and a flashlight are just a few very important items that need to go in this kit. Think of items your family needs. Each person should have their own kit. A baby kit will need diapers, an older person's kit may need medications. Make a list and put these items in the kit. Place the kit in an easy location to grab and go.

Side of the Road Plan

What would you do if you were stranded on the side of the road? Would you abandon your car or stay put until help arrived? In addition to your "Get Home Kit" is a vehicle kit. This kit has items you might need if you are stuck on the side of the road or stuck in traffic. Snacks, water, jumper cables, flashers etc. Some car kits in the mountains contain tire chains. These kits are unique to each vehicle, family, and location. All of them should include some cash, an emergency blanket and a flashlight.

Shelter-In-Place Plan

A shelter-in-place order may come from different sources. For example, I live near a major freeway. A chemical spill would result in an emergency warning stating all residents should shelter-in-place until the spill is cleaned up. Another example for your family to shelter-in-place could be from a pandemic. Both of these examples are to shelter-in-place but both have different actions and needs. The chemical spill example would happen in an instant and you may need to stay at home for a short period of time to avoid being exposed to hazardous materials. On the other hand, a pandemic could be longer term and you would be free to roam outside in the yard.

To shelter-in-place you would need to think about the things you would need on hand if you can't leave your home for several days. Food, water, entertainment that doesn't require electricity etc.