Family/Team Emergency Plan

Overview

Write it down, share it, and practice. A simple plan beats wishful thinking. Use PACE for both comms and meeting points; print copies for wallets and post on the fridge.

Rendezvous Points

Choose Primary and Alternates; add maps/directions.

• HOME, NEAR (e.g., neighbor), FAR (out‑of‑area). Note parking, access, and best routes by hazard.

Out-of-Area Contact

Select a reliable person outside the local area. Everyone texts/calls them with WHO/WHERE/WHEN/WHAT/INTENT if local comms fail.

Comms Ladders (PACE)

Primary (voice), Alternate (SMS/app), Contingency (FRS/GMRS schedule), Emergency (meet at FAR by time). Write exact channels/times.

Evacuation Routes

Two+ routes for common hazards (fire, flood, quake). Note choke points, low water crossings, and fuel stops.

Shelter Options

List options in/out of area; include pet policies. Keep emergency cash for deposits.

Rally Timelines

Set check‑in times by hazard; define “if no contact by X, go to Y by Z time.”

☑️ Checklist — One‑Page Family Plan

• Contacts: out‑of‑area and local; school/work numbers
• PACE comms with times/channels
• Rendezvous: HOME/NEAR/FAR addresses and maps
• Evac routes with alternates and fuel notes
• Special needs: meds, equipment, pets

Examples

• Wildfire: If AQI>200 or evac advisory issued, load car; if evac order or fire within 5 mi, depart via Route A; check in every 60 min; meet at FAR by 18:00 if comms fail.
• Quake: Family texts out‑of‑area contact; if home unsafe, NEAR meet; if not safe by 2 h, FAR meet.

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Key Takeaways

• Write, share, and drill the plan; update after real events.
• Pick clear rendezvous and comms schedules; avoid “we’ll figure it out.”
• Include pets/meds; carry printed copies.

Scenario

🧭 Scenario (Hurricane advisory): 36 hours out.
🔍 Decisions: Stay vs go; FAR rendezvous; comms windows.
✅ Outcome: You decide to leave 24 hours before landfall, text the out‑of‑area contact the plan, and meet at FAR if comms fail.
🧠 Lessons: Early, written plans beat last‑minute debates
🏋️ Drill: Print the one‑page plan and put it on the fridge.