By Rebecca Hastings

October is National Fire Prevention Month, and the perfect time to consider your family’s emergency preparedness. Whether it’s a fire, power outage, snowstorm, hurricane, or other disaster, having a plan helps keep your family safe and calm. Here’s how to get started.

1. Make a Family Emergency Plan. Include:

• Escape routes from your home

• Meeting places (one nearby, one further away)

• Emergency contacts, including a friend or relative out of town

• Who’s responsible for what (grabbing pets, checking on grandparents, etc.)

Don’t forget to write it down and practice it, even with older kids and teens.

2. Build a Go-Bag for Each Family Member. A well-stocked emergency kit means you’re ready to go if you need to leave quickly — or stay put without power for a while. Include:

• Water (one gallon per person, per day)

• Non-perishable food

• Flashlight + extra batteries

• First aid supplies

• Phone charger + power bank

• Prescription meds

• Important documents (copies of ID, insurance, etc.)

• Comfort items for kids: a favorite snack, small toy, or blanket

Make sure it’s stored in an easy-to-grab backpack or bin near your exit.

3. Talk About It (Without Scaring Them). Conversations about emergencies don’t have to be scary. Use age-appropriate language to explain that sometimes things happen, but being prepared helps everyone stay safe.

For Young kids: “We’re going to practice what to do if there’s an emergency like a fire or a flood, so we all know how to stay safe.”

For Tweens: “If you’re home alone and the power goes out, here’s where the flashlight is and what to do next.” Or “If there is a fire, your only job is to get out of the house and get help. Don’t try to put it out or get your things.”

For Teens: “If there’s an emergency when we’re not together, here’s how we’ll reconnect.” And offer a plan for where they should go or how to get in touch. Consider meeting places, trusted people to connect with, and other important information.

Keep the talks simple and revisit them regularly.

4. Sign Up for Alerts & Know Local Resources. Many towns and school districts offer emergency text alerts. Sign up for local and national systems (like FEMA or weather apps), and know where to find reliable information.

Also helpful: Save emergency numbers in your phone so you recognize them. Also, teach kids how to call 911 and give your address

5. Prepare for Special Circumstances. If you have infants, elderly relatives, or pets, think through their specific needs. Keep extra formula, diapers, or pet food in your kit. If someone in your home relies on medical equipment, contact your utility company about priority service during outages.

6. Quick Grab List: What Every Parent Should Have Ready …

 Emergency contact sheet

 Copies of important documents

 Medications and extra glasses

 Cash (ATMs might not work)

 Spare keys

 Chargers and power bank

 Food and water

 Flashlights and batteries

 First aid kit

 A calm, confident plan

Being prepared isn’t about worrying — it’s about feeling empowered. Take one step at a time, involve your kids, and give your family the peace of mind they deserve.

4-Week Preparedness Plan

Week 1: Make Your Emergency Plan. Start with the most important piece: what to do and how to stay connected.

 Checklist:

Talk as a family about why being prepared matters (keep it age-appropriate). Choose two meeting spots: one near your home and one out of town.

Write down emergency contacts, including an out-of-area person.

Decide who handles what in an emergency (e.g., pets, checking on relatives).

Post your plan somewhere visible and review it with the whole family.

Practice a quick drill (fire escape, phone call plan, etc.).

Week 2: Build or Refresh Your Emergency Kit. This week is all about supplies — start with what you already have and build from there.

 Checklist:

Check what’s already in your pantry or closets.

Pick up extra water (1 gallon per person per day for at least three days).

Buy or gather shelf-stable food (granola bars, canned soup, fruit cups).

Add flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, phone charger, and power bank.

Include comfort items for kids (a toy, blanket, or snack they love).

Make sure you have supplies for babies, pets, or elderly family members.

Store your go-bag near your main exit.

Tip: Set a small budget each week — this doesn’t have to be expensive!

Week 3: Get Documents & Alerts in Order. Now that you’ve covered plans and supplies, it’s time to make sure you can access key information quickly.

 Checklist:

Make copies of IDs, insurance cards, prescriptions, and birth certificates.

Store one copy in a waterproof pouch in your go-bag.

Take photos of documents and save them in a secure cloud folder.

Save emergency numbers in everyone’s phones (and write them down, too).

Sign up for local alerts through your town, school district, or FEMA.

Talk to your utility provider about priority service if someone has medical needs.

Week 4: Practice & Personalize. With the basics in place, you’re ready to test your plan and tailor it for your family’s real life.

 Checklist:

Practice your emergency plan — do a fire drill or pretend power outage.

Review your emergency contacts and update them as needed.

Add or replace expired items in your kit (batteries, snacks, meds).

Talk through “what if” scenarios with kids using simple, calm language.

Print and post your emergency plan in the kitchen or near the door.

Celebrate your progress as a family — you’re ready!

Bonus Tip:

Set a reminder to revisit your plan every six months. 

Rebecca is a published author and former teacher passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. In real life, she can often be found typing words and driving her kids places. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Instagram.