Malibu, CA, October 23, 1996 — Flames race up a hillside as the Malibu Fire grows very quickly. FEMA News Photo
September is National Preparedness Month. Developing an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a key component of being prepared. Having an EAP is essential for ensuring personal safety and preparedness in the event of an emergency. Whether it’s a natural disaster, fire, medical emergency, or any other crisis, having a well-structured EAP can save lives and minimize damage. There are seven basic steps to develop an effective EAP for yourself and your household.
Step 1: Conduct a Personal Risk Assessment
The first step in developing an EAP is to conduct a thorough risk assessment. Identify potential hazards that could impact you and your household. These may include:
Evaluate the likelihood and potential impact of each hazard to prioritize your planning efforts.
Step 2: Create an Emergency Contact List
Compile a list of emergency contacts, including:
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Family members and close friends
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Local emergency services (police, fire department, medical services)
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Utility companies (electricity, gas, water)
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Insurance providers
Ensure that everyone in your household knows where to find this list and how to use it.
Step 3: Develop Emergency Procedures
Create detailed procedures for responding to each identified hazard. These procedures should include:
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Evacuation routes and assembly points
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Shelter-in-place instructions
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Communication protocols (e.g., how to alert family members, contact emergency services)
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Procedures for assisting individuals with disabilities or special needs
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Steps for shutting down critical utilities (gas, water, electricity)
Ensure that these procedures are clearly documented and easily accessible to all household members.
Step 4: Assemble an Emergency Kit
Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies that can sustain you and your household for at least 72 hours. Your kit should include:
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Non-perishable food and water
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First aid supplies
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Flashlights and extra batteries
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Personal hygiene items
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Important documents (identification, insurance policies, medical records)
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Medications and medical supplies
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Cash and credit cards
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Clothing and blankets
Store your emergency kit in a readily accessible location and ensure that all household members know where it is. The items should be consolidated into a “go-bag” designed for quick access during emergencies that require immediate evacuation. Having multiple go-bags in your home, vehicles, and workplace is often the best solution, as you never know where disaster might strike.
Step 5: Implement Training and Drills
Training is essential to ensure that everyone knows how to respond during an emergency. Conduct regular training sessions and drills to familiarize household members with the EAP. Training should cover:
Drills should be conducted at least annually and should simulate different types of emergencies to test the effectiveness of the EAP.
Step 6: Establish Communication Plans
Effective communication is critical during an emergency. Develop communication plans that include:
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Methods for alerting household members.
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Procedures for communicating with emergency services
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Contact information for key personnel and emergency services
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Methods for communicating with extended family and friends
Ensure that communication plans are regularly updated and tested. Cellular towers could be impacted in a crisis.
Step 7: Review and Update the EAP
An EAP is not a static document; it should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure its effectiveness. Conduct regular reviews to:
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Assess the effectiveness of training and drills
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Update procedures based on lessons learned from drills and actual emergencies
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Incorporate changes in household members, residence, or personal circumstances
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Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards
Final Thoughts
Developing an Emergency Action Plan is a critical step in ensuring personal safety and preparedness. By conducting a personal risk assessment, creating an emergency contact list, developing emergency procedures, assembling an emergency kit, implementing training and drills, establishing communication plans, and regularly reviewing and updating the EAP, you can create a comprehensive plan that will help protect you and your household during an emergency.
Resources
Ready (Official Website of the US Department of Homeland Security)
Ready.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA.gov
Red Cross
RedCross.org
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.