Setting the scene
Lessons on making a personal safety plan
Make a plan for you: safety planning lesson
Real moments. A few choices. Words that work.
Jot down your barriers, how you’ll communicate, who can help, and how you’ll evacuate or shelter. Practice the moment in a short Surefoot lesson.
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Add a ride option to my planListen
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It’s the day before you’re heading out. You and a friend realize emergencies might look different for you, especially with your access needs.
You want an emergency plan that actually fits your access needs.
Which observation is the warning sign?
- “Let’s just use one generic plan.”
- “Let’s write down how I’ll contact someone.”
- “Let’s talk through how I’d evacuate or shelter.”
- “I should add essentials and medical items to a kit.”
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“Let’s just use one generic plan.”
A solid plan fits your needs, especially if you have access or disability needs. In emergencies, barriers can show up fast, so it helps to think ahead about how you’ll communicate, who can assist you, and how you’ll evacuate or shelter. Also, building a kit with essential supplies, medical items, and important documents can make your plan easier to follow when things feel chaotic.
Your next step
Jot down your barriers, how you’ll communicate, who can help, and how you’ll evacuate or shelter.
Words you can use
“I want a plan that fits my needs.”
Sources: CDC
Questions about “Make a plan for you”
Why should I make a custom emergency plan instead of using a generic one?
Creating a tailored emergency plan ensures your specific access, communication, and medical needs are met when unexpected barriers appear during a crisis.
Source: CDC
How can I tell a friend I need an emergency plan that fits my specific needs?
You can clearly state your boundary by saying, "I want a plan that fits my needs."
Source: CDC
What should I do if my emergency plan needs to change while traveling or in a new location?
You should immediately review the new environment to identify potential physical barriers, update your evacuation routes, and confirm who around you can provide assistance if needed.
Source: CDC
Why is it unsafe to rely on a one-size-fits-all generic safety plan?
Generic safety plans often fail to account for individual mobility barriers, necessary medical supplies, or communication preferences, which can delay critical decisions during an emergency.
Source: CDC
How can I prepare myself or a friend with access needs before an emergency happens?
You can prepare by writing down potential barriers, planning communication and evacuation options, and assembling a supply kit with essential medical items and important documents.
Source: CDC
Last updated October 12, 2026.