Disaster And Emergency Planning Assessment

How Ready Is Your Family—Really?
Emergencies don’t come with warning bells.
Disasters don’t wait until the timing is right.

Whether it’s a wildfire threatening your neighborhood, a power grid failure, or a storm that floods the streets—how your family responds in those first few minutes can determine safety or tragedy.

This tool—the Disaster Emergency Planning Assessment (DEPAssessment)—is more than a quiz. It’s a mirror.

It measures your current level of readiness across three critical phases:

Preparedness – What you’ve done before the crisis
Response – How you’ll act when the pressure is on
Recovery – How you bounce back when the dust settles

Each question is a Yes or No decision.
There is no “maybe.” or “we talked about it once.”
You either have it done—or you don’t.

Thinking about doing it is not the same as having it done.
Wishing for time to get ready is not being ready.
Answer truthfully. Your family’s safety—and possibly their survival—depends on it.

This evaluation is also the first step in our First Responder Family Preparedness Program, helping ensure that the families of those who protect and serve are never left vulnerable in a moment of crisis.

Take a breath. Take your time. And take this seriously.
Let’s begin.
Disaster And Emergency Planning Assessment
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Which of the following best describes your household’s primary affiliation?*
Select one option that applies to your role or family’s connection to public service or civilian life.
Other
If you selected other, please specify here.

Section 1: Preparedness

Assesses planning, supplies, and knowledge before a disaster.
Our family has an up-to-date written emergency plan*
Everyone in the household knows how to shut off utilities (gas, water, electricity).*
We maintain a fully stocked emergency kit with a minimum of 72-hours of food, water, first aid, and essentials.*
We have practiced evacuation drills within the last 12 months.*
We know the local hazards that could affect our area (e.g., wildfires, floods, earthquakes).*
We have a communication plan with both in-town and out-of-town emergency contacts.*
Important documents (IDs, insurance, titles) are stored safely and are quickly accessible.*
Our family knows where to reunite if we’re separated during an emergency.*
We have insurance coverage suited to our risks (home, renters, flood, etc.).*
Smoke detectors are on every floor of the house outside of the bedrooms?*
There is a minimum of Two fully functional charged ABC fire extinguisher in house.*
If I am not home during an emergency or disaster everyone knows what to do in my absence.*
Each household member knows their role in an emergency.
Section 2: Response Readiness

Assesses your family’s ability to act decisively during a disaster.
We can evacuate our home with all necessary supplies in 15 minutes or less.*
Each person has a go-bag ready and accessible.*
We have transportation plans in place, even if one vehicle is unavailable.*
We know how to get local emergency alerts (e.g., radio, apps, SMS).*
There’s a chain of responsibility for care (children, elders, pets) in our plan.*
We’ve designated a safe room or shelter-in-place location.*
We’ve discussed emotional readiness and managing panic or stress during crises.*
Everyone in the house knows how to use the Fire Extinguisher.*
We understand how to help neighbors without putting ourselves in danger.*
At least one person in our household is trained in basic first aid/CPR.*
We’ve created contingency plans for different types of emergencies (fire, power outage, active shooter, etc.).*
We’ve created contingency plans for different types of emergencies (fire, power outage, active shooter, etc.).*
Section 3: Recovery Capacity

Assesses how well your family can bounce back and rebuild after a disaster.
We know where and how to file insurance claims quickly.*
We maintain a list of important post-disaster contacts (utilities, insurance, FEMA, contractors).*
Our digital and paper records are backed up and secure.*
We have savings or an emergency fund that can cover 30+ days of living expenses.*
We understand our rights for local, state, and federal disaster aid.*
We’ve discussed post-disaster mental health resources and support.*
We’ve reviewed and updated our disaster plan in the last year based on changes in our lives.*
We have a documented inventory of our home’s valuables.*
Our children know what to do after a disaster and feel emotionally supported.*
We are confident we could return to normal routines within 60–90 days of a major event.*
Are there any specific concerns or challenges you face regarding disaster preparedness that you would like to address?
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How Ready Is Your Family—Really?

Disaster And Emergency Planning Assessment

Section 1: Preparedness

Section 2: Response Readiness

Section 3: Recovery Capacity