What Should an Emergency Response Plan Include?

An emergency response plan is a plan of action in an emergency. It is a list of protocols, responses and solutions to hypothetical emergency situations that are likely to occur. It is also a plan for emergency situations that cannot be foreseen.

Home Emergency Plan

• Make sure that each family member knows what the plan of action will be in an emergency. Everyone should know where the first aid kit and emergency numbers are located. Children should know their parents' full names, their address and their phone number by memory. There should be an agreed upon family meeting spot well away from the home, in the event of a fire or situation where the home needs to be evacuated immediately.

Away From Home

• There should be an agreed upon protocol to follow should an emergency occur when members of your family are separated while in school or at work. Contact information for places that family members frequent should be part of your emergency kit.
  Make a point of knowing what emergency procedures are in place at school and/or work. Know where the emergency exits are. Know where the fire extinguishers and first aid kits are kept.

Emergency Communication Plan

• Designate a family contact who lives away from your immediate area. When disaster strikes a locality, often phone lines in the area are tied up. Long distance calls may go through even when local ones will not.
  Set up your cell phone or smart phone before disaster strikes. Use your phone's address book to store emergency numbers and information that you would need if you suddenly had to flee your home or place of work.

Water

• Water is key in an emergency where water supplies may be shut down or contaminated. Clean water is essential in any comprehensive emergency supply kit. You should have at least 1 gallon of water for each person in your household, per day. Try to have enough water on hand to last for at least 3 days.

Emergency Supply Kit

• Along with your supply of water, be certain to have a few day's supply of non-perishable food. Keep in mind that you may not have access to electricity or cooking gas during an emergency. Put together food items that can be eaten without cooking. Include in your emergency supplies a first aid kit with prescription medications for any life-threatening conditions. Also have a radio and flashlight.

Pets

• Pets need to be considered as well. Have their supply of water along with a few day's supply of non-perishable food together. If your pet is in need of medication, put that into their supply kit. Pack items in their kit that will help to keep them comfortable and entertained, such as blankets and chew toys.