An emergency action plan can reduce the impact of an emergency situation. Making a plan will ensure that you and your family members know what to do and who to call.

To start making your plan, download the Are you Ready? Fillable action plan. The action plan will take you through the following steps:

• Create a home escape plan. This plan will tell your family how to evacuate your building in the case of an emergency. Determine a pre-designated meeting spot and make sure to have at least two ways to exit your building. Hold evacuation and fire drills every month. If you need to escape from second or third floor windows, use rescue ladders.
• Have a family discussion about what should you do during an emergency, where would you go, what would you need, and where would you meet.
• Make sure children know when to call 9-1-1.
• Create a family reunion plan. Designate a common meeting place outside your community. Everyone should check in with an out-of-town friend or relative. Though phone landlines and mobile networks may be overloaded, often a text message will go through.
• Plan a place to stay. Ensure that you have a place to stay in case you are evacuated from your home. Make plans with at least one inner-city and one outer-city friend or relative who can help you and your family in an emergency. Keep the contact information for these friends or relatives in your 72-hour kit.
• Gather your family's emergency contact information. It is important that you are able to get ahold of the members of your family during an emergency or disaster. For each family members you should record, their full name, work or school location, home address, phone numbers (home, cell, and work), and email address. Though phone landlines and mobile networks may be overloaded during a disaster, often a text message will go through.
• Learn your building's evacuation plans and the locations of safety equipment. If you live in an apartment building or condominium, make sure to learn your building’s evacuation plans and know where fire alarms are located. If you have mobility issues, know someone who could assist you in exiting the building.
• Fill out a home inventory checklist so you can have a comprehensive record of your belongings in case of a property loss.​
  

In certain circumstances you may be instructed to “shelter-in-place” if the type of emergency means you are safer inside than out. This means that you should take shelter inside your home, office or even your automobile.

The following steps will help maximize your protection:

• Close all windows and doors
• Turn off furnaces and air intakes
• Take your 72-hour emergency kit​ into the room, including radio and a cell phone.
• Monitor your TV, radio or calgary.ca until you are told all is safe or you are advised to evacuate.
• Shut off vehicle, turn off fan and close all vents.
• Our vehicle preparedness resource sheet will help you prepare and keep your vehicle ready for a disaster or emergency. 

If you have pets, make sure to include them in your emergency plans. When faced with an emergency, the last thing a pet owner wants to do is leave a pet behind.

Here are some tips:

• Make sure to prepare a pet emergency kit with food, water, medication (if needed), and a sturdy carrier or crate
• Make sure your pet is identifiable and is licensed through Animal Services. If you become separated during an emergency, this will make it easier for you to be reunited.
• Make a list of pet friendly hotels or family/friends you can stay with in case you need to leave home during an emergency.
• Take these steps ahead of time to reduce stress and save time during an emergency.