What to know
Make an individual emergency plan to meet your specific needs if an emergency happens in your area. Read on for helpful tips to consider when making your plan.
How a plan helps you
A plan helps you think about the types of emergencies that could happen close to you.
A plan helps you think about what you will do in an emergency.
A plan helps you tell people who support you how to help you in an emergency.
A plan helps you think about your needs in an emergency.
How to start making a plan
Set up a way to receive emergency information on your phone.
Make a list of supplies you will need for at least a week, in case you need to stay home.
Make a list of supplies you will need if you need to leave your home.
If you have a service animal, include their needs in your plan.
If you have an emotional support animal, include their needs in your plan.
If you have a pet, include their needs in your plan.
Think about how you will communicate your needs to people who support you in an emergency.
Use pictures in your plan if they are helpful.
How to make a contact list for your plan
Write down a list with the phone numbers and email addresses of people who support you.
Keep your contact list in a safe place.
Your contacts can include family, friends, neighbors, and care providers.
Make sure your contacts know that they are on your list.
Make sure your contacts know what you need in an emergency.
Plan how you will share information with your contacts if the power is out.
Plan how you will share information with your contacts if phones do not work.
Have a plan if you need to leave
If you need to leave your home, think of different places you could go and how you would get there.
If you need transportation, prepare now.
Find out who provides emergency transportation in your area.
Create a list of transportation options that are accessible and easy for you to use.
Have a plan for your equipment
If you use assistive equipment to help you, plan how you will leave with the equipment.
Plan how you will power or charge your equipment.
Plan how you will replace your equipment if it is lost or damaged.
If you use a power wheelchair and are able to use a lightweight chair, have one available as a backup, if possible.
If you need more information to make your emergency plan, visit Ready.gov.
How to practice your plan
It is important for everyone to understand what to do in an emergency.
Share your plan with the people who support you.
Practice your plan with the people who support you.
Practice your plan by leaving your home or work quickly, like in a real emergency.
Practice your plan by going to your emergency meeting place.
You can change your plan if needed.
Remember to look at your plan and update it every year.
You can also update your plan if your needs change.