Family Emergency Planning Emergencies don't announce themselves. A house fire gives you 2-3 minutes to get out. A flash flood gives maybe 30 minutes. An earthquake gives zero. The families who do well in these situations are not lucky -- they spent 2 hours one Saturday making a plan. This covers the realistic, FEMA-level basics: fire escape, communication plan, document kit, go-bags, evacuation routes, and special needs planning. Not doomsday fantasy. The stuff that actually matters when the power goes out, the water rises, or the smoke alarm goes off at 3am. Sources & Verification - FEMA Rea…