Make a Plan
Agreeing on a disaster plan and writing it down helps everyone in your household know what to do—especially if you can’t get in touch by phone.
A household emergency plan should include:
- Escape routes from your home in case of fire, flood or earthquake
- A meeting point for family members (if separated during an emergency)
- Neighbourhood evacuation routes
- An out-of-town contact everyone can call in to for updates
- Shelter if your home becomes inaccessible
- Location of household utilities (gas, water) and instructions in case you need to turn them off
- Location of your fire extinguisher
- Copy of utilities and insurance contacts
- Key information about emergency processes at work locations and, if you have kids, schools or daycares
You should also include important medical information such as:
- Contact information for your doctor(s)
- Critical medications and medical equipment
- Insurance for first responders
- Health care numbers
And don’t forget to copy and safeguard important documents such as:
- Birth certificates
- Passports
- Licenses
- Wills
- Deeds
- Insurance papers
Keep copies of your emergency plan and important documents on your phone, in a binder in your home and in an off-site safety deposit box if possible.
And remember to review and update your plan annually with everyone in your household.
Learn more about making a household emergency plan and how to prepare your household.