How to Create a Family Communications Plan

In an emergency, confusion spreads fast—and cell service can vanish just when you need it most. That’s why every household should have a Family Communications Plan. It’s a simple yet powerful way to stay connected, informed, and safe when disaster strikes.

Whether it’s a local power outage, severe weather, wildfire, or a major emergency, this plan will help your family know who to call, where to go, and what to do—even if you’re apart.

Why a Family Communications Plan Matters

During emergencies, phone lines can be jammed or towers may be down. Kids might be at school, parents at work, or family members running errands. A communication plan helps:

• Prevent panic and confusion
• Reunite your family faster
• Make sure everyone knows where to go and who to contact

Step-by-Step: How to Create Your Family Communications Plan

1. Collect Key Information

Write down:

• Each family member’s full name and phone number
• Home address
• Workplace and school addresses and phone numbers
• Medical information (allergies, medications, conditions)
• Emergency contacts (see next step)

2. Choose Emergency Contacts

Designate two key people:

• Primary local contact – someone nearby everyone can call.
• Out-of-town contact – someone farther away (often easier to reach when local lines are down).

Make sure every family member knows how to reach these contacts.

3. Plan Where to Meet

Pick two meeting places:

• Near your home – for events like house fires or neighborhood alerts (e.g., a neighbor’s porch).
• Out of the area – for regional emergencies or evacuations (e.g., a library, church, or friend’s house in another town).

Write down addresses and directions in case GPS isn’t working.

4. Decide on Backup Communication Methods

Don’t rely on just cell phones. Also consider:

• Walkie-talkies or two-way radios
• Text messaging apps (texts often work when calls don’t)
• Social media check-ins (if appropriate and safe)
• Pre-written paper notes or signs for leaving messages at home or meeting places

5. Make Wallet Cards

Create a small emergency contact card for each family member to keep in their wallet, backpack, or purse. Include:

• Full name
• Important phone numbers
• Meeting locations
• Medical info (if needed)

Laminating these cards helps them last longer.

6. Practice Your Plan

Have a family drill every few months. Try:

• Calling your out-of-town contact
• Meeting at your designated spot
• Reviewing what to do if phones don’t work

Make it a game for kids and talk about how everyone can help in an emergency.

Bonus Tips

• Keep a hard copy of your plan in your emergency kit.
• Add a copy to your child’s school records or caregiver’s file.
• Update the plan at least once a year—or anytime contact info changes.
• Share the plan with babysitters, grandparents, or anyone who might care for your children.

Final Thoughts

Creating a Family Communications Plan doesn’t take long, but the peace of mind it provides is priceless. In the chaos of an emergency, your family will have a clear, practiced plan to stay in touch and stay safe.

At Ready & Prepped, we believe that simple steps like this make all the difference when it matters most.

Stay connected. Stay calm. Stay Ready & Prepped.

To learn how to create an emergency plan check out this article.