How to build a family emergency plan that protects everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—without breaking the bank or scaring the kids
Introduction: Why Family Preparedness Is Different
When Hurricane Harvey trapped thousands of Houston families in 2017, the difference between those who evacuated smoothly and those who scrambled desperately often came down to one factor: they had a plan their whole family understood.
Family emergency preparedness isn't just individual preparedness multiplied by household size. It's fundamentally different. You're not just packing supplies—you're coordinating people with different capabilities, needs, fears, and locations. A single adult can grab a bag and go. A family with young children, an elderly grandparent, and a dog requires orchestration.
The good news: family preparedness, done right, actually makes emergencies less scary for everyone. Children who understand the plan feel empowered instead of anxious. Parents who've practiced responses feel confident instead of overwhelmed. Grandparents with specific preparations feel included instead of like a burden.
This guide covers everything you need to build genuine family emergency readiness—from talking to kids about disasters without traumatizing them, to creating multi-location plans that account for school and work, to budgeting realistic costs over time.
The Psychology of Family Preparedness: Getting Everyone On Board
Before buying a single supply, you need buy-in from your family. Emergency preparedness only works when everyone participates.
Talking to Children About Emergencies
Children pick up on parental anxiety faster than you realize. If your approach to preparedness feels panicked or doom-focused, they'll internalize that fear. If your approach feels like responsible planning—similar to wearing seatbelts or looking both ways before crossing—they'll adopt that mindset instead.
Frame preparedness as empowerment, not fear:
- "We're learning how to take care of ourselves when things get difficult"
- "This is what smart families do to stay safe"
- "We're becoming a team that can handle anything"
Start with relatable scenarios:
Don't begin with earthquakes, hurricanes, or worst-case scenarios. Start with situations children can relate to:
- Power outages (flashlight adventures)
- Getting separated at the store (what to do, who to ask for help)
- Bad weather that keeps you home (cozy preparation)
- Car trouble on a trip (why we keep supplies in the vehicle)
Connect to camping and adventure:
Most emergency skills are also camping skills. Position learning to use a headlamp, purifying water, cooking without electricity, and sleeping in different conditions as adventure preparation—because they are.
Getting a Reluctant Spouse Involved
If one partner sees preparedness as unnecessary or extreme, forcing the issue creates household conflict that undermines the entire effort.
Effective approaches:
- Start small and practical: A car emergency kit isn't "prepping"—it's responsible vehicle ownership
- Use recent local events: "Remember when the Johnsons lost power for three days? I just want us to be comfortable if that happens"
- Focus on insurance framing: "We have health insurance, car insurance, home insurance—this is just life insurance that actually gets used"
- Avoid apocalyptic language: Most emergencies are mundane. Job loss, medical emergencies, severe weather, and power outages are far more likely than societal collapse
Including Elderly Family Members
Grandparents and elderly relatives may resist preparedness discussions because they don't want to feel like a burden or admit vulnerability. Reframe their involvement as essential contribution.
- Their life experience includes emergencies you've never faced
- They may have skills (gardening, canning, repair) that are valuable
- Including them in planning respects their autonomy and judgment
- Their specific needs (medications, mobility) require their input
Age-Appropriate Emergency Involvement
Children of different ages can handle—and should be given—different levels of responsibility in family emergency preparedness.
Ages 3-5: Foundation Building
What they can learn:
- Their full name (first and last)
- Parents' real names (not just "Mommy" and "Daddy")
- Home address
- One parent's phone number (memorized)
- How to call 911 and what to say
- The concept of "safe adults" who can help
What they can do:
- Help choose comfort items for their personal bag
- Practice flashlight use during "pretend power outages"
- Learn where the family meeting spot is
Keep it simple: At this age, security comes from routine and parental presence. Don't overwhelm them with scenarios—focus on a few key pieces of information they might need if separated from you.
Ages 6-9: Building Participation
What they can learn:
- Both parents' phone numbers (memorized)
- Out-of-area contact's phone number
- Multiple ways out of the house (fire evacuation)
- Primary and secondary family meeting points
- Basic weather awareness (tornado signs, storm preparation)
- Basic first aid (bandaging small cuts, recognizing when to get adult help)
What they can do:
- Pack and maintain their own small go-bag
- Participate in family emergency drills
- Help check and rotate emergency supplies
- Learn to use a flashlight and basic family radio
Ages 10-13: Expanding Responsibility
What they can learn:
- How to shut off utilities (water, gas) with supervision
- Intermediate first aid (treating minor burns, recognizing shock, when to call 911)
- How to use the family's water filtration system
- Basic map reading and navigation
- How to help younger siblings during emergencies
What they can do:
- Participate in family planning discussions
- Take responsibility for specific emergency tasks
- Help assemble and organize family supplies
- Practice using two-way radios for family communication
- Learn fire-starting and basic cooking without electricity
Ages 14+: Near-Adult Capability
What they can learn:
- Full family emergency plan details
- Vehicle emergency procedures
- Decision-making frameworks ("if this, then that" scenarios)
- How to access family emergency funds and documents
- Basic home and vehicle maintenance relevant to emergencies
What they can do:
- Maintain their own complete bug-out bag
- Help lead family emergency drills
- Take responsibility for younger siblings if parents are delayed
- Assist with power backup systems and technical equipment
- Contribute to supply selection and procurement
Creating Your Family Emergency Plan
A family emergency plan acknowledges the reality that disasters don't wait for everyone to be home together. Your plan must work when family members are scattered across schools, workplaces, and other locations.
Step 1: Map Your Family's Daily Locations
List every place family members regularly spend time:
- Home
- Each child's school or daycare
- Each parent's workplace
- Frequent activities (sports, religious services, extended family)
- Regular travel routes between locations
For each location, identify:
- Primary exit routes
- Likely shelter-in-place location
- Closest meeting point
- Contact information for responsible adults
Step 2: Establish Meeting Points
You need multiple meeting points for different scenarios:
Primary meeting point (neighborhood level):
- A specific location within walking distance of home
- Examples: neighbor's house, community mailbox, specific tree or landmark
- Use when: house evacuation, immediate local emergency
Secondary meeting point (community level):
- A location 3-5 miles from home, accessible by multiple routes
- Examples: library, school, church, shopping center parking lot
- Use when: neighborhood evacuation, can't reach home
Out-of-area contact:
- A trusted friend or family member outside your region
- Long-distance calls often work when local networks are jammed
- This person serves as a communication relay point
Step 3: Understand School and Workplace Protocols
For each child's school, know:
- Their emergency notification system (and ensure you're enrolled)
- Lockdown vs. evacuation procedures
- Where students are taken during evacuation
- Who is authorized to pick up your child
- What happens if no one can pick up your child
For your workplace, know:
- Evacuation routes and assembly points
- Shelter-in-place locations
- Company communication protocols
- Your personal get-home bag location
Step 4: Establish Communication Protocols
Assume cell towers will be overloaded or down. Your plan needs backup communication methods.
Primary communication hierarchy:
- Cell phone call
- Text message (often works when calls don't)
- Call out-of-area contact
- Family two-way radios (FRS/GMRS)
- Proceed to designated meeting point
Communication rules for children:
- Try to reach parents first
- If you can't reach parents, call the out-of-area contact
- If you can't reach anyone, stay with trusted adults and wait
- If you must move, leave a note at home or with neighbors
Read our complete Off-Grid Communication Guide.
Step 5: Document and Distribute
A plan that exists only in your head isn't a plan. Document everything:
- Written copies for each family member (laminated cards work well)
- Posted copy at home in a consistent location
- Digital backup in cloud storage accessible from any device
- Copy provided to out-of-area contact
- Copy in each family vehicle
Download and customize our Complete Family Emergency Plan template.
Step 6: Practice Regularly
A plan only works if everyone remembers it under stress. Practice transforms knowledge into automatic response.
Quarterly practices:
- Fire evacuation (from different starting points in the house)
- Communication tree activation (actually make the calls)
- Go-bag grab and vehicle loading
Annual practices:
- Full evacuation drill to secondary meeting point
- Shelter-in-place scenario
- "What if" scenario discussions
Emergency Drills That Actually Work
Effective drills build confidence without creating anxiety. The key is making them routine, positive, and progressively more realistic.
Fire Evacuation Drill
House fires give you 2-3 minutes to escape. This drill should be second nature.
Practice elements:
- Two ways out of every room (window and door)
- Low crawling under smoke
- Testing door temperature before opening
- Meeting at the designated outdoor spot
- Calling 911 from outside
- "Stop, drop, and roll" for clothing fires
Practice variations:
- Start from bedrooms during nighttime
- Block one exit and use the alternate
- Include closing doors behind you (slows fire spread)
Shelter-in-Place Drill
For tornados, severe weather, or external hazards where evacuation isn't safe.
Practice elements:
- Quickly gathering in your designated safe room
- Bringing emergency supplies to the room
- Protecting yourself (under sturdy furniture for tornados)
- Using emergency radio for information
Evacuation/Go-Bag Drill
When you need to leave home quickly with your supplies.
Practice elements:
- Each person grabs their go-bag
- Designated person grabs family emergency supplies
- Designated person grabs important documents
- Pet supplies and carriers secured
- Load vehicle and depart
Time goals:
- First practice: establish baseline time
- Goal: 10 minutes or less from alert to vehicle departure
- Stretch goal: 5 minutes for rapid evacuation scenarios
Keeping Drills Positive
- Celebrate completion: Special treat or activity after drills
- Track improvement: Show children their times getting faster
- No punishment: Never connect drills to discipline
- Debrief positively: "What went well? What can we improve?"
- Make it routine: Same day each quarter (first Saturday, etc.)
Multi-Generational Family Preparedness
Families with infants, young children, elderly members, or individuals with special needs require expanded planning beyond standard recommendations.
Infant and Toddler Supplies
Young children have non-negotiable needs that can't be improvised:
Formula and feeding:
- 2-week supply of formula (or longer if possible)
- Bottles and cleaning supplies
- Water purification for safe formula preparation
- If breastfeeding: supplies for nursing mother's nutrition and hydration
Diapering:
- 2-week minimum supply of diapers (they go fast)
- Wipes in large quantity
- Diaper rash cream
- Plastic bags for disposal
- Consider cloth diaper backup for extended scenarios
Medications and health:
- Infant-specific medications (fever reducers, gas drops)
- Prescription medications with documentation
- Thermometer
- Bulb syringe and saline drops
Comfort and safety:
- Familiar comfort items (specific blanket, stuffed animal)
- Portable sleeping solution
- Baby carrier for hands-free transport
- Change of clothes (multiple)
Elderly Family Member Supplies
Older adults often have specific requirements that are critical to their health and safety:
Medications:
- 90-day supply of all prescription medications (work with doctor for extended prescriptions)
- Copies of all prescriptions with dosage information
- List of all medications, conditions, and allergies
- Pharmacy contact information
Read about prescription medication planning for emergencies.
Medical equipment:
- Backup batteries for hearing aids, CPAP, oxygen concentrators
- Backup power solution for essential medical devices
- Spare glasses and contact supplies
- Mobility aids (canes, walkers) accessible
- Written instructions for medical equipment use
Nutrition:
- Soft foods if chewing is difficult
- Nutritional supplements if regularly used
- Low-sodium options if needed
- Easy-to-open containers
Documentation:
- Medicare/insurance cards (copies)
- Advance directives and medical power of attorney
- Doctor contact information
- Medical history summary
Special Needs Considerations
Family members with disabilities or special needs require individualized planning:
- Mobility limitations: Evacuation routes that accommodate wheelchairs, walkers; ground-floor shelter options
- Visual impairment: Tactile markers on supplies, audio emergency alerts, guide assistance plans
- Hearing impairment: Visual alert systems, written communication plans, vibrating alerts
- Cognitive differences: Simplified instructions, visual checklists, familiar comfort items, routine maintenance
- Dietary restrictions: Specialized food supplies, clear labeling, allergy information documented
Pet Preparedness
Pets are family too, and many evacuation shelters don't accept animals. Plan accordingly:
- 2-week supply of pet food and treats
- Water and portable bowls
- Medications with documentation
- Vaccination records and microchip information
- Carrier or crate (large enough for extended use)
- Leash, collar with ID tags, harness
- Recent photo for identification if separated
- Comfort items (familiar toy, blanket)
- List of pet-friendly hotels and shelters along evacuation routes
Building Go-Bags for Every Family Member
A go-bag is only useful if the person carrying it can actually move with it. This means different bags with different contents for different family members.
Weight Guidelines
| Family Member | Maximum Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Children ages 6-10 | 5-8 lbs | Small backpack with essentials only |
| Children ages 11-15 | 8-15 lbs | Can carry meaningful supplies |
| Adults (good condition) | 25-40 lbs | Adjust based on fitness and terrain |
| Elderly/mobility-limited | 5-10% of body weight | Consider wheeled options |
Child Go-Bag Contents (Ages 6-12)
Focus on essentials the child can manage, plus comfort items:
- Water bottle (filled, 16-32 oz)
- Granola bars or trail mix
- Compact flashlight
- Emergency whistle
- Emergency blanket
- Comfort item (small stuffed animal, family photo)
- Entertainment (small book, coloring supplies, deck of cards)
- Change of clothes in waterproof bag
- Emergency contact card (laminated)
- Any personal medications
Teen Go-Bag Contents (Ages 13+)
Near-adult capability with age-appropriate additions:
- Water bottle (32 oz) plus water filter
- Food for 24-48 hours
- Quality flashlight with extra batteries
- Compact first aid kit
- Emergency blanket or compact sleeping bag
- Rain poncho
- Multi-tool
- Phone charger and cable
- Cash ($20-50)
- Copy of family emergency plan
- Change of clothes
- Personal hygiene items
- Any personal medications
Adult Primary Go-Bag Contents
The primary adult bag carries critical family supplies:
- Water: 2-3 liters carried plus serious filtration
- Food: 72-hour supply for the carrier plus backup for family
- Shelter: Emergency bivvy, compact tarp, cordage
- Fire: Multiple fire-starting methods
- First aid: Comprehensive kit for family-level injuries
- Tools: Quality knife/multi-tool, duct tape, work gloves
- Light: Quality flashlight and headlamp
- Communication: Emergency radio, two-way radio, phone charger
- Documents: Copies of IDs, insurance, emergency plan
- Cash: $200-500 in small bills
- Clothing: Weather-appropriate layers, rain gear
Testing Your Bags
Before an emergency is not the time to discover problems:
- Load each bag to intended weight
- Have each family member wear their bag
- Walk one mile at a reasonable pace
- Note any discomfort, strap issues, or weight problems
- Adjust contents until everyone can carry their bag comfortably
Explore our complete selection of bug-out bags, go-bags, and get-home bags.
Family Emergency Budget: A Realistic Approach
Comprehensive family preparedness is an investment, but it doesn't require going into debt or making a single massive purchase.
Baseline Budget: 72-Hour Preparedness ($300-$500)
This covers essential supplies for your family to survive 72 hours independently:
| Category | Budget Range | Priority Items |
|---|---|---|
| Water storage & purification | $50-$75 | Containers, portable filter |
| Food supplies | $75-$100 | Emergency food, snacks |
| First aid | $50-$100 | Family first aid kit |
| Lighting & communication | $75-$100 | Flashlights, emergency radio |
| Go-bags (basic) | $50-$125 | Backpacks for each family member |
Extended Budget: 2-Week Preparedness (Add $500-$1,000)
Building beyond 72 hours requires expanded supplies:
| Category | Budget Range | Priority Items |
|---|---|---|
| Expanded food storage | $200-$300 | ReadyWise buckets |
| Serious water filtration | $100-$150 | Sawyer systems |
| Backup power | $200-$500 | Portable power station |
| Communication upgrade | $50-$150 | Family two-way radios |
The 12-Month Budget Plan
Spread costs over a year by focusing on one area each month:
Months 1-3: Foundation ($50-100/month)
- Month 1: Water storage and basic purification
- Month 2: 72-hour food supply
- Month 3: Basic first aid kit
Months 4-6: Safety & Communication ($75-125/month)
- Month 4: Quality flashlights and headlamps
- Month 5: Emergency radio and batteries
- Month 6: Family two-way radios
Months 7-9: Expansion ($100-150/month)
- Month 7: Extended food storage
- Month 8: Upgraded water filtration
- Month 9: Go-bags for each family member
Months 10-12: Advanced Capability ($150-200/month)
- Month 10: Portable power station
- Month 11: Solar charging capability
- Month 12: Gaps, upgrades, and specialty items
Cost-Saving Strategies
VIP Membership: Mountain Ready's VIP program provides ongoing discounts that compound over time—especially valuable for the phased buying approach.
Sezzle Payment Plans: Split larger purchases into interest-free payments, making items like power stations more accessible.
Bundle deals: Watch for family-sized bundles that combine multiple items at better prices than individual purchases.
Gradual upgrades: Start with basic versions and upgrade critical components over time rather than buying premium everything at once.
Family-Specific Emergency Kits
Mountain Ready offers both pre-configured family options and components for custom builds.
Pre-Configured Family Solutions
These trusted brands offer family-sized configurations:
- ReadyWise: Family food buckets sized for 2-4+ people with 72-hour to 3-month supplies
- My Medic: Family-sized first aid kits with comprehensive medical supplies
- Uncharted Supply Co: Premium emergency kits designed for families
Building a Custom Family Kit
The hybrid approach often works best for families with specific needs:
- Start with food: Purchase a family-sized emergency food bucket
- Add comprehensive first aid: Choose a quality first aid kit and add specialty modules for your family's needs
- Build individual go-bags: Appropriately-sized bags for each family member
- Add infrastructure: Power backup, water filtration, communication equipment
- Customize for your region: Add hazard-specific items for your area
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I explain emergencies to young children without scaring them?
Focus on empowerment rather than danger. Use language like "We're learning to take care of ourselves" rather than "Bad things might happen." Connect emergency skills to fun activities like camping. Start with relatable scenarios (power outages, getting separated at a store) before discussing larger emergencies.
What if my spouse thinks emergency preparedness is unnecessary?
Start small with practical items that don't feel "extreme"—a car emergency kit, extra groceries, a flashlight by the bed. Use recent local events as conversation starters. Frame preparedness as insurance rather than doomsday preparation. Most resistance fades once basic preparations prove useful during minor emergencies.
How often should we practice emergency drills?
Fire evacuation drills should happen quarterly at minimum. Full go-bag and evacuation drills should happen twice yearly. Communication tree activation should be tested quarterly. Keep drills positive and consistent—same day each quarter helps everyone remember.
What's the biggest mistake families make in emergency preparedness?
Having supplies without a plan—or having a plan without practicing it. Supplies don't help if you can't find them under stress. Plans don't work if family members don't remember them. Practice is the essential element that makes everything else work.
How do I prepare for family members with medical conditions?
Work with healthcare providers to obtain extended prescriptions (90-day supplies when possible). Document all medications, dosages, and conditions in written form. Ensure backup power for essential medical equipment. Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records in your go-bag. The Duration Health Med Kits page offers specialized solutions.
Should each child have their own go-bag?
Yes, with age-appropriate contents and weight. Even young children (6+) can carry a small bag with water, snacks, flashlight, and comfort items. This builds responsibility, ensures they have essentials if separated, and distributes weight across the family.
Your Family Emergency Action Plan
Family emergency preparedness isn't a one-time project—it's an ongoing family practice that builds confidence and capability over time.
This week:
- Have a family conversation about emergency preparedness (keep it positive)
- Identify your primary and secondary meeting points
- Ensure every child knows parents' phone numbers
This month:
- Create your written family emergency plan
- Establish your out-of-area contact
- Conduct your first fire evacuation drill
- Begin assembling basic supplies
This quarter:
- Build go-bags for each family member
- Practice communication tree activation
- Understand school and workplace emergency procedures
- Complete 72-hour supply baseline
This year:
- Expand to 2-week capability
- Establish regular drill schedule (quarterly)
- Add power backup and communication equipment
- Customize for your regional hazards
Explore Mountain Ready's Family Preparedness Solutions
Ready to protect your family?
- Go-Bags — Sized for every family member
- Bug-Out Bags — Complete evacuation solutions
- Get-Home Bags — For workplace and vehicle
- First Aid Kits — Family-sized medical supplies
- ReadyWise Food — Family food storage solutions
- Radios & Communication — Keep your family connected
- Power Solutions — Backup power for the whole family
Educational Resources:
- Complete Family Emergency Plan Guide
- The 12 Pillars of Preparedness
- Off-Grid Communication Guide
- First Aid Pillar Guide
- All Blog Guides
Save on Family Preparedness:
- VIP Membership — Ongoing discounts for building family supplies
- Sezzle Payment Plans — Split larger purchases interest-free
Mountain Ready is a veteran-owned emergency preparedness company dedicated to helping families prepare for emergencies with quality gear, expert guidance, and genuine commitment to your safety. We don't just sell products—we help families build confidence and capability.
