14 Emergency Planning Resources Every Parent Should Bookmark

Ever feel like you’re juggling a dozen things at once and emergency planning ends up at the bottom of your list?

But here’s the thing, having a handful of trusted emergency planning resources parents can bookmark today will save them stress later.

These websites, apps, and printable guides give you quick access to checklists, templates, and real-time alerts—so your family stays one step ahead when seconds count.

Let’s look at these 14 must-have tools for calm, confident preparedness (and a few insider tips along the way).

If you’re a new parent just starting this journey, our guide for emergency planning new parents is a great place to begin.

Ready.gov Family Emergency Plan

Ready.gov’s family emergency plan hub is like a one-stop shop for busy caregivers. You’ll find fill-in-the-blank templates, step-by-step planning guides, and age-appropriate conversation starters.

• Comprehensive family action plan template you can customize
• Emergency contact list format for babysitters or neighbors
• “Kids’ Zone” printables to make preparedness fun
• Video walkthroughs for common disasters

Bookmark this page and revisit it annually to tweak phone numbers, medical info, and meeting spots. If you’re flying solo, pairing it with our emergency planning single parents advice can help you tailor every step.

FEMA Mobile App

The FEMA mobile app puts vital alerts and recovery tips in the palm of your hand. No more scrolling through social feeds for weather warnings—get official updates first.

• Real-time alerts for all hazards in your area
• Interactive emergency kit checklist you can tick off
• Family communication tool to share locations
• Map of nearby open shelters and disaster recovery centers

Download it once and let push notifications keep you in the loop. That way, even if you’re distracted by homework help, you’ll know when to head for cover.

American Red Cross Emergency App

Trust me, this isn’t just another app crowding your home screen. The American Red Cross tool goes beyond first aid basics, so your family can handle everything from seasonal storms to power outages.

• Step-by-step first aid tutorials with illustrations
• Emergency shelter location finder
• “I’m Safe” feature to send quick status updates to loved ones
• Multi-language support for diverse households

For a deeper dive into prepping medical supplies and CPR tips, check out our emergency planning caregivers page.

CDC Emergency Preparedness for Families

When you’ve got little ones or family members with special health needs, the CDC’s preparedness resources shine. They cover everything from chronic illness management to pet safety.

• Guides on maintaining medical care during disasters
• Tips for safeguarding immunization records
• Advice on water, food, and shelter safety
• Planning checklists specific to children’s needs

If talking it through with your kids feels tricky, head over to our emergency planning conversations kids for gentle, age-appropriate scripts.

Smart911 Personalized Profiles

Think of Smart911 as a digital go bag for your family’s vital details. Once registered, your customized profile pops up for 911 operators during an emergency call.

• Auto-fills household info like medical conditions and allergies
• Lists pets, special equipment, and preferred hospitals
• Shares school or childcare contacts
• Frees you from reciting long lists in a high-stress moment

Here’s a thought, pair Smart911 with a physical binder of documents. For what to pack, see our emergency documents go bag checklist.

National Weather Service Alerts

Don’t rely solely on your weather app. The National Weather Service offers specialized services like NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards and email/text list subscriptions.

• Free local alert subscriptions for floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes
• Real-time radar and forecast maps
• Safety tips for each weather threat
• Regional liaison contacts for community outreach

That being said, once you’ve set up alerts, mentally rehearse your safe spot—garage, basement, interior hallway—so you act before panic sets in.

National Hurricane Center Resources

If you live on or near the coast, bookmarking the National Hurricane Center site is nonnegotiable. Even off-season, it’s a solid reference for evacuation routes and storm surge maps.

• Live tracking maps with a cone of uncertainty
• Storm readiness checklists for families
• Interactive FAQs on evacuation planning
• Links to local emergency management offices

For every coastal family, adding their feed to your bookmarks bar means you’re never caught off guard by tropics season.

Community Emergency Response Team Training

CERT training isn’t a how-to handbook online, but it’s a free community class that arms parents with hands-on skills. You’ll learn fire suppression, basic first aid, and search-and-rescue techniques.

• Local class calendars by county or city
• Step-by-step skill modules you practice in small groups
• Opportunities to network with fellow parents and neighbors
• No-cost certification to bolster your community profile

We’re all in this together—getting certified can turn you into the calm, capable neighbor everyone calls when trouble strikes.

Nextdoor Neighborhood Alerts

Getting disaster intel from your neighbors can be a lifesaver. Nextdoor’s private social network has dedicated emergency threads and alert functions.

• Real-time neighborhood safety updates
• Local resource sharing – think water distribution points
• Community-driven check-in posts during events
• Groups for specific needs – pet help, senior check-ins

Community-minded? Our tips for emergency planning caregivers can help you offer support while staying organized.

Life360 Family Locator

When your kids start getting independent, leverage Life360 or a similar app to keep tabs on everyone’s location—especially handy during evacuations.

• Live location sharing with geofencing alerts
• Group messaging inside the app
• Driving safety reports for teen drivers
• Crash detection and roadside assistance links

That constant peace of mind is worth a quick download and an invite for each family member.

United Way 211 Hotline

Dialing 211 connects you to a local hub of services—from shelter info to mental health hotlines—in most U.S. cities and counties.

• One-number access to non-emergency community resources
• Referrals for food pantries, temporary housing, and counseling
• Multilingual operators for diverse communities
• Updates on volunteer and donation needs post-disaster

Stuck figuring out local shelters or meal programs? Give 211 a ring before you start searching multiple websites.

Local School District Emergency Plans

Most school districts publish their emergency response plans online. Bookmark your district’s page so you know reunion locations and lockdown protocols.

• Detailed maps of safe-zone areas on campus
• Communication flowcharts for alerts to parents
• Bus evacuation procedures and alternate pickup points
• Links to after-school care providers and protocols

Pro tip – during registration season, print or save the PDF so it’s at your fingertips when you need it.

FEMA Printable Checklists

Beyond their family plan templates, FEMA offers niche printable lists—from pet safety to senior care. Keep a folder on your device or a drawer.

• Emergency supply list with sections for food, water, and medicine
• Specialized kits: baby supplies, pet gear, and first aid only
• “What to Do During” action items for different hazards
• Space to personalize with your family’s needs

Because sometimes you just need a quick checklist, printed and stuck to the fridge.

Bookmarking these 14 emergency planning resources parents can turn to will lighten your mental load. Each tool or website gives you instant access to expert guidance, checklists, and community support—no more frantic Googling when the sky looks threatening. That being said, tools only work if you use them, so set a quarterly reminder to review alerts, update profiles, and run a quick drill with your crew. You’ve got this, and you’re not alone—these resources are the backup squad cheering you on.

Cabin Chat

Q: How Often Should I Review These Bookmarks?
A: Aim for quarterly check-ins – spring, summer, fall, winter. That keeps contacts fresh and kits up-to-date without overwhelming your calendar.

Q: What If My Family’s Needs Change?
A: No sweat. Revisit templates on Ready.gov or FEMA, swap out items, and update your Smart911 profile in minutes.

Q: How Do I Get My Kids On Board?
A: Make it a game. Use apps like PBS Kids “Ready” and reward them for reciting drill steps. Positive reinforcement works wonders.

Q: Can I Combine Multiple Apps?
A: Absolutely. Use the FEMA app for alerts, Life360 for location, and Red Cross for first aid. Each plays a unique role.

Q: What If I Don’t Have Time for CERT Training?
A: No problem. Start small with home drills and online videos. Then consider a weekend CERT workshop when your schedule frees up.

Q: How Do I Keep My School’s Plan Handy?
A: Save the PDF to your Notes or a dedicated folder in your email. That way, you can pull it up in seconds.

Q: Is 211 Really Free?
A: Yes – it’s a no-cost service funded by community organizations. You can call or text depending on your region.

You’re equipped with these go-to bookmarks, and that’s half the battle won. Remember, preparedness isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Keep refining, keep sharing these tools with friends, and keep your family safe—one click at a time.