“Disaster Planning,” Emergency Preparedness (2023)

Disaster Planning

Introduction

Thinking about natural disasters can feel frightening and overwhelming. But we are promised, “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30). Preparing for emergencies can help us feel more secure and can help us stay as safe as possible when a disaster or unexpected event occurs.

Preparation is necessary in many areas, including financial preparation, food storage, emotional resilience, and emergency planning. If we have plans in place, we can be prepared when disasters occur.

What Is a Disaster Plan?

Disaster plans are plans for how you will prepare and what you will do in the case of a natural disaster. This includes food storage, water supply, and emotional wellness, and extends to planning for reunification after a disaster and communication with family members. The most effective plans are simple and brief. As a family or individual, you should review and update this plan regularly.

Elder L. Tom Perry instructed, “Start now to create a plan if you don’t already have one, or update your present plan. … The instability in the world today makes it imperative that we take heed of the counsel and prepare for the future” (“If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 37).

When developing your disaster plan, consider coordinating with ward, stake, and community plans. Refer to the Stake and Ward Emergency Preparedness Guide for more information about disaster plans in your area.

What Are the Main Components of a Disaster Plan?

The First Presidency “encourage[s] Church members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings” (All Is Safely Gathered In). We never know when a natural disaster, economic crisis, or other emergency may come our way. By making a plan, we can be prepared and can increase the likelihood of staying healthy, connected, and safe when natural disasters occur.

When planning for disasters, it’s helpful to:

Consider the possible disasters in your area.
Make a plan for the disasters that may happen to you.
Make a communication and reunification plan.
Think about your family’s specific physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual needs.
Update your plans on a regular basis.

See the Personal and Family Emergency Preparedness Planning Guide to find activities and charts to help you make plans.

Storing Emergency Supplies

Find a location for storing and accessing important family documents, emergency funds, survival and emergency supplies, and food storage.

Pack an emergency bag for each member of the family with things such as basic hygiene items, clothing, a light source, snacks, activities, and a comfort item to help children feel safe.

Reunification Plan

Set up a safe family gathering place that coincides with the ward, stake, or community reunification plans. Designate a safe place where you and your family can find each other after an emergency. It is also a good idea to pick an alternate place. Gathering places may change depending on the disaster or where you are when the disaster happens.

Your gathering place should be somewhere where children can find a trusted adult. Check to see if your ward or stake has a gathering place for reuniting families.

Communication Plan

Establish ways to communicate with each other about your safety in case you are separated during the disaster. It’s good to have a list of family members, friends, neighbors, Church leaders, and community resources. Consider memorizing phone numbers in case your contact list is unavailable. Plan other ways to make contact if you can’t make a phone call.

After a disaster, it can be hard to make calls within the area. It’s often easier to make long-distance calls. Designate a relative in another city to be an out-of-town contact. Plan for all family members to contact that person. They can tell their condition and location to the out-of-town contact, who can help relay information.

Make an Emergency Information Card for any children in your home with basic identification, medical and contact information, and information to stay in contact in a disaster. This can be kept in an emergency kit or backpack, or your child can carry it with them. This can help first responders contact your family in the case of a disaster.

Evacuation Plan

Identify where to go in the event of an evacuation. Map out primary and secondary routes to these locations. Review these routes with your family.

Consider packing an emergency bag that can easily be taken with you in the event of an evacuation. Some items in your emergency bag could include:

First aid kit
Medicine
Water
Flashlight
Extra clothes and blankets
Comfort items for self and children

Have a practice evacuation with your family. Give you and your family 10 minutes to get your “go-bag” and be on the road to your evacuation destination.

After a Disaster

Immediately After a Disaster:

Obtain medical care for those who have been injured or who have other health challenges.
Ensure you have access to a supply of basic provisions and services—such as food, water, temporary shelter, sanitation, and clothing.
Help to locate and reunite family members who have become separated from the rest of the family.
Determine and report to ministering brothers or sisters or other Church leadership the condition of each family member.

Soon After a Disaster:

Provide assistance to family members who are suffering, have damaged shelter or belongings, or are experiencing emotional trauma or loss of livelihood.
Check in with a disaster mental health provider for those feeling overwhelmed or highly distressed.