EMERGENCY PLANNING FOR DC FAMILIES: Part 1 – Coping & Preparing: A Guide for Family Emergency Planning in DC

(Written by Dr. Allison Sibley with contributions from Jozi Zwerdling & Michelle Pittman)

When the world outside feels unstable, our children—especially those with mental health challenges—look to us for safety, reassurance, and direction.

In Washington, DC, the recent news that President Trump has ordered the National Guard to take control of the DC police department has left many families feeling shaken, uncertain, and afraid.

For children already living with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, or trauma histories, a public safety crisis can be especially destabilizing. Parents face the dual challenge of managing their own stress while creating a plan to keep everyone safe.

This guide combines two proven frameworks—Kubler-Ross’s Stages of Grief and the 6 Stages of Crisis—with practical Family Emergency Planning steps to help you and your family move from fear to action.

Understanding Emotional Responses: Stages of Grief + Stages of Crisis

Grief isn’t just about loss through death—it’s the natural reaction to any significant disruption, danger, or shift in our sense of security. In times of civic unrest, families may move through these emotional phases—sometimes cycling back and forth. By understanding these stages, they can first understand and regulate their own emotions and next help their children cope with their feelings of uncertainty.

Kubler-Ross Stage	Crisis Stage	What Families Need
Denial / Shock / Disbelief	Info & Clear Communication	Acknowledge what happened in age-appropriate terms. Use calm, clear language. Avoid rumor-based conversations in front of kids.
Anger	Limits / Communications on	Validate feelings, but model respectful expression. Keep family boundaries and daily routines intact.
Bargaining	Contain / Control	Create short-term plans to give a sense of stability—meal schedules, daily check-ins, quiet spaces for kids to decompress.
Depression / Despair	Support & Story-Telling	Normalize sadness. Share family stories of overcoming challenges. Connect with mental health support.
Acceptance	Coordinated Choices & Letting-Go	Begin making concrete, shared decisions about safety, schooling, or temporary relocation if needed.
Thoughtful Plans (post-acceptance)	Listening, Clear Choices & Options	Involve all capable family members in finalizing the emergency plan. Ensure everyone knows their role.
(Ongoing)	Follow-up	Revisit the plan regularly. Offer space to process new emotions. Adjust as circumstances change.

From Overwhelm to Action: Why Crisis Planning Matters

When events outside your control feel threatening, taking purposeful steps can restore a sense of agency. This planning process is meant to give you some concrete steps to feel more secure during an uncertain time in DC. Please take what you like and leave what does not fit your feelings, family, or situation.

A Family Emergency Plan doesn’t just prepare you for logistics—it can:

Reduce anxiety by giving each family member a role.
Ensure you have what you need if you must leave home quickly.
Provide mental anchors—known meeting spots, check-in procedures—that help children feel secure.

Step-by-Step: Building Your Family Emergency Plan

Gather Essential Information

Local & out-of-area emergency contacts.
School, daycare, and work emergency procedures.
Medical needs, prescriptions, and provider contacts.

Choose Meeting Places

Near Home: For neighborhood disruptions.
Outside Neighborhood: If local routes are blocked.
Out-of-Town: A relative/friend’s home for worst-case evacuation.

Assign Roles & Responsibilities

Who grabs the Go-Kit?
Who manages medications?
Who handles pets?
Who contacts extended family?

Prepare Emergency Kits

Go-Kit: IDs, cash, meds, snacks, water, phone charger, flashlight, and other important family documents.
Home Kit: Water (1 gallon/person/day for 3 days), food, first aid, radio, hygiene items.
Add comfort items for kids (blanket, toy) and items for special needs.

Practice & Review

Hold a family drill twice a year.
Update emergency contacts & supplies every 6 months.
Debrief after practice: “What worked? What felt stressful?”

Helping Children Through the Emotional Side of Uncertainty

Name feelings without judgment: “I can see you’re feeling scared. That’s normal.”
Provide choices: Let them pick a comfort item for the Go-Kit or choose the family meeting spot symbol on the map.
Create safe expression outlets: Drawing, journaling, or talking with a trusted adult.
Model coping: Show deep breathing, mindful breaks, or gratitude rituals in action.
Maintain connection: Keep regular family meals or bedtime routines whenever possible.

Final Thought

Living through political and public safety turmoil can shake our sense of stability. For families in DC caring for children with mental health needs, combining emotional awareness with practical preparation is the best defense.

You can’t control every crisis—but you can control how you respond, plan, and protect your family’s sense of security.