Household plan
Make a plan before everyone's phones die.
Who you'll contact, where you'll meet, and what you'll do if normal gets interrupted.
A household plan isn't a binder. It's a few decisions made in advance so the first hour of an emergency isn't spent improvising.
You don't need to plan for everything. You need the people who rely on you to know where to go, who to call, and how to check in.
A backup plan is just an exit you prepared in advance.
The basics
Four decisions that cover most of it.
Most household plans come down to a handful of practical choices. Make these once and you're ahead of most people.
Who to contact
One or two people everyone in your home knows to reach. Include someone out of town, since local lines can be busy.
Where to meet
A spot near home and one outside your neighbourhood, in case the immediate area isn't safe or accessible.
How to check in
A simple routine: who texts whom, and what to do if someone doesn't reply within an agreed window.
What to grab
A short list of essentials near the door — keys, phone, medication, documents, the kit.
Different households
Your plan fits your household, not a template.
A solo plan looks different from a plan for a family with kids, a multigenerational home, a shared apartment, or someone with medical or access needs.
Build the plan around the people, pets, and needs that actually exist in your home.
- Children and dependants: pickup plans, comfort items, and who's responsible.
- Health and access needs: medication, equipment, mobility, and communication supports.
- Pets and service animals: food, transport, carriers, and where they'll go.
- Older adults you support: check-in routines and transport if needed.
Practice it
A plan you've never tried is a guess.
Walk through it once. Meet at the meeting point. Send the check-in text. Time how long it takes to find the flashlight.
It doesn't need to be a drill. It just needs to happen once or twice so it feels familiar rather than theoretical.
Official Canadian guidance
Verified sources for this topic.
Links and details can change. Confirm current information directly with the source.
Government of Canada: Make a family emergency plan
Official Government of Canada resourceOfficial Canadian guidance on creating a household or family emergency plan.
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