Home FIRST Plan®

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The Home First Plan is designed to empower families with essential emergency readiness strategies. It offers practical guidance on creating personalized plans, ensuring that each household is prepared for unexpected situations. Through easy-to-follow resources, families can develop communication, establish meeting points, and build emergency supply kits. With the Home First Plan, families can gain peace of mind knowing they equipped to handle emergencies effectively.​

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1. Preparation & Planning

• Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks (natural disasters, power outages, etc.).

• Emergency Kits: Encourage families to prepare emergency kits with essentials (food, water, first aid, flashlights).

• Evacuation Plans: Develop clear evacuation routes and meeting points.

• Communication Channels: Establish communication methods (phone trees, social media groups, walkie-talkies).

• Neighborhood Safety Map: Create a map showing safe zones, shelters, and resources within the neighborhood.

• Training & Drills: Organize regular drills and training sessions on first aid, CPR, and emergency response.

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2. Coordination Among Neighbors

• Community Leaders: Designate neighborhood leaders to coordinate efforts.

• Resource Sharing: Identify and share resources (generators, medical supplies, food).

• Skill Inventory: List skills within the community (medical professionals, builders) to be utilized in emergencies.

• Vulnerable Population Support: Create a list of individuals who may need extra assistance (elderly, disabled) and assign support teams.

• Neighborhood Watch: Establish a neighborhood watch to monitor safety and security.

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3. Communication During a Catastrophic Event

• Emergency Alerts: Set up systems to receive and disseminate alerts (radio, apps, text messages).

• Designated Communicators: Assign specific individuals to relay information between households.

• Regular Updates: Ensure consistent updates to all members about the situation and next steps.

• Backup Communication: Have alternative communication methods in case of power or network failures.

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4. Emergency Response

• First Response Team: Create a team responsible for immediate actions (medical assistance, evacuation coordination).

• Shelter-in-Place Protocols: Establish procedures for staying safe at home if evacuation is not possible.

• Evacuation Execution: Implement the pre-planned evacuation routes and protocols.

• Resource Distribution: Efficiently distribute resources (food, water, medicine) based on needs.

• Emergency Shelter Setup: Coordinate the establishment of temporary shelters if necessary.

 

5. Post-Event Recovery & Support

• Damage Assessment: Organize teams to assess damage and prioritize repairs.

• Emotional & Psychological Support: Provide counseling and support for trauma recovery.

• Resource Replenishment: Rebuild community supplies and emergency kits.

• Community Debriefing: Hold meetings to discuss what worked and what needs improvement.

• Reintegration Plans: Develop strategies for returning to normalcy, including repairing homes and infrastructure.

• Review & Update Plans: Regularly review and update the emergency plan based on lessons learned.