Creating a Family Emergency Plan
Content reviewed against published AAP, Red Cross, FEMA guidelines
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A family emergency plan ensures all caregivers know what to do in an emergency, where to go, and who to contact. Having a plan reduces panic and response time when every second counts. Review and practice your plan every 6 months.
Immediate actions
- May not require 911 — see guidance below
- Post emergency numbers (911, Poison Control, pediatrician, nearest ER) on the refrigerator and in your phone
- DO NOT: Do NOT rely solely on memory — write plans down and post visibly
Step-by-Step Response
Create emergency contact list
Include: 911, Poison Control (1-800-222-1222), pediatrician (office and after-hours), nearest ER, trusted neighbor, out-of-area contact, and any specialists. Post in kitchen and store in phone.
Document medical information
For each child, record: allergies, medications, blood type, medical conditions, insurance info, and pediatrician contact. Keep copies in diaper bag, car, and with caregivers.
Know your nearest ER
Identify the nearest pediatric ER (preferred) and general ER. Know driving routes from home, work, and daycare. Store addresses in your GPS favorites.
Establish meeting places
Choose a family meeting spot outside the home (for fire evacuation) and one outside the neighborhood (for wider emergencies). Ensure all family members know both.
Plan for natural disasters
Based on your area: prepare for earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or wildfires. Keep emergency supplies (water, food, diapers, formula, medications) for 72 hours.
Brief all caregivers
Give babysitters, grandparents, and daycare your emergency plan, medical info, consent-to-treat forms, and insurance cards. Walk them through specific scenarios.
Practice regularly
Practice fire drills and meeting place plans every 6 months. Quiz caregivers on emergency numbers. Check that smoke detectors and fire extinguishers work.
Review and update
Update the plan when: you move, change doctors, child develops new conditions, medications change, or family situation changes. Review at minimum every 6 months.
What NOT to Do
- ✕Do NOT rely solely on memory — write plans down and post visibly
- ✕Do NOT assume all caregivers know what to do — train and review regularly
- ✕Do NOT keep important medical information only on your phone (battery may die)
- ✕Do NOT forget to update the plan as your child grows and needs change
- ✕Do NOT skip practice drills — familiarity reduces panic in real emergencies
When to Seek Help
Call 911 if:
- Life-threatening emergency: not breathing, unresponsive, severe bleeding, suspected poisoning with symptoms
- Fire or gas leak in the home
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Suspected broken neck or back
- When in doubt, call — dispatchers can help you decide
Go to ER if:
- Your instinct says something is seriously wrong
- Difficulty breathing, high fever in young infants, severe pain, head injury with altered consciousness
- Anytime 911 is called, the ER is the destination
- If unsure between ER and urgent care, err on the side of ER for young children
Call your doctor if:
- Non-emergency medical questions during office hours
- After-hours nurse line for guidance on whether to go to ER
- Prescription refills needed for chronic conditions
- Follow-up on emergency visits
Age-Specific Guidance
0-1 year
Plan should emphasize: SIDS prevention, safe sleep environment, choking hazards, fever protocols for under 3 months, and formula/breastmilk emergency supply. Consent-to-treat forms are critical for all caregivers.
1-3 years
Update plan for mobility: poison prevention, fall hazards, water safety, and updated emergency kit with toddler medications. Begin teaching child their full name and practice "stop, drop, and roll."
3-8 years
Teach children to call 911 and state their name and address. Practice fire drills. Create emergency cards for backpacks. Discuss "safe adults" and meeting points. Begin teaching basic first aid.
Prevention
- Keep first aid kit stocked and accessible (but out of children's reach)
- Install and maintain smoke detectors on every floor and in every bedroom
- Keep fire extinguisher in kitchen and know how to use it
- Store emergency supplies: flashlights, batteries, water, food, medications, diapers
- Childproof the home systematically (outlet covers, cabinet locks, stair gates, furniture anchors)
- Take a pediatric first aid and CPR class — refresh every 2 years
- Ensure your home address is clearly visible from the street for emergency responders
Frequently asked questions
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What should I NOT do?
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Sources
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Emergency Guides
Bottom line
Stay calm and follow the steps above. When in doubt, call your pediatrician or go to the nearest emergency room.
You are doing the right thing by learning what to do in an emergency. Being prepared is one of the best things you can do for your child.