How to prepare a family evacuation plan
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Why is this essential?
In an emergency, every second counts. A clear family evacuation plan allows you to act quickly, avoids panic, and ensures the safety of all family members by reducing the time needed to evacuate.
Creating a step-by-step plan
1. Identify possible scenarios
– Flood, fire, natural disaster, conflict…
– Prioritize according to the risks specific to your region.
2. Determine your routes
– Choose at least two distinct, safe routes out of your home.
– Make a clear note of these routes on a map.
3. Rendezvous points
– Set a main rendezvous point.
– Indicate an alternative in case the first one is not accessible.
4. Assign responsibilities
– Each member must know exactly what to take.
– Designate an adult to be responsible for children and the elderly.
Emergency communication
– Establish a clear, simple procedure.
– Indicate how to reach emergency services.
– Prepare a list of useful numbers (emergency services, neighbors, family).
Revision and regular training
– Update your plan every year or after any major family change.
– Plan regular family exercises to stay prepared.
Pre-evacuation checklist
– Your Evakit bag (ready: you have completed the checklist when you receive your bag and have therefore added your essential personal documents – hard copies + USB key with digital duplicates of your identity papers, insurance, title deeds, family records, health records… plus a change of clothes, your prescriptions and essential personal medicines…)
– Charged phone, external battery
– Extra bottle of water (optional, to supplement the ration already provided)
Sample plan to download
– Your personalized, easy-to-fill-in printable template is available for download (coming soon).
