Ready Neighbors

Five-minute neighbor practice

Plan an outage
check-in.

“If the lights go out, would you like us to check on each other?” Ask one neighbor. If you both say yes, agree on how to reach each other and what to try if phones are down.

Try the check-in
Two adults talk beside the railing on the front steps.
Mike Jones / Pexels

Practice at home

Open a worksheet now, or follow the steps on screen.

Plan an outage check-inAgree on a simple way to reach one neighbor.

Download the neighbor check-in worksheet (PDF)

  1. Ask a neighbor if they would like to make a check-in plan. It is okay for either of you to decline.
  2. If you both agree, choose a call, text, or safe doorstep check and a backup. Agree when to check in.
  3. Try your agreed check-in once while it’s safe. Keep the plan where you can find it and respect a neighbor who declines.

For an immediate emergency in the United States, call 911.

Make a family contact cardHelp your household reconnect.

Download the family contact card (PDF)

  1. Ask a trusted person if they are willing to be a contact.
  2. Write down agreed contact details and a safe meeting place with your household.
  3. Keep copies private and practice finding the card without your phone.
Plan a no-cook pantryChoose food and water that work for your household.

Try the five-minute pantry check

Download the no-cook pantry worksheet (PDF)

  1. With your household, look for food you already have that is safe to eat without cooking.
  2. Consider water, dietary needs, pets, and a manual can opener.
  3. Write down a small next step and when to check supplies again.

Share what helped

If you’d like to compare notes with other families, here’s the question for the group.

“What made your check-in plan easier to use?”

One general tip is enough. Keep names, numbers, addresses, schedules and health details private.

Visit the Facebook group ↗Privacy and analytics

Two ways to answer

“Keeping a blank copy with our supplies helped us remember to review it.”

“Choosing a backup method made the plan feel more practical.”

Curious about the wider community? Ask about your local emergency plan.

Invite someone to practice

Share this public page with a neighbor or someone you trust.