No generic blueprint fits all. Every family’s needs and concerns will differ, which is why it is important to sit down as a family, develop a plan and review it at least annually.

Officials urge people to remember when they have gone camping. What did you need to get along on your own in the woods. What did you take to be self-sufficient?

Consider three basic elements

• How will you respond to various emergencies?

• Will you need to stay or leave?

• What do you need to get along comfortably for as long as a week without aid from others or access to normal supply chains, electricity and water?

For most emergencies in Hampton Roads, the threat of flooding determines who should stay and go. Figure out what conditions would force you to move inland. If your home is safe from flooding in minimal hurricanes, you probably are better off staying put.

But if you are told to evacuate, do it quickly so you are not trapped on crowded highways as conditions worsen.

Prepare supplies, be ready

Whether you stay or go, you need to prepare the supplies necessary for survival and make certain you have all your important documents. Make sure your supply kit is assembled and easy to grab and carry with you on short notice.

As a family, discuss all contingencies, from a home fire to flooding. Identify multiple escape routes from your home and, if needed, make sure you have drop-down ladders for escape from a second- or third-floor window.

Make sure members of your family know where and how to turn off utilities, such as electricity, natural gas and water.

Write out and frequently update a list of emergency phone numbers and keep copies near every phone. Teach children how to use 911. And consider elderly and disabled family members and pets.

An emergency might occur while your family is spread across the region. How will you communicate? Where will you assemble? Do you know your school’s plan for your children? Have an out-of-town contact anyone in your household could call to get information on what your family is doing.

Set a plan and follow it

Don’t make excuses when the time comes. If it was smart to use when you planned it, it’s smart to use when the threat is real.

Have trigger points in your plan, and when you reach those points, do what you said you would.

There are too many variables to leave planning for the moments before – or during – a disaster.