Your Emergency Response Plan Worksheet

Questions from CCW Safe to help you think through your response plan — before you’re ever in a position where you have to defend yourself or someone else.

Under real stress, memory gets patchy and decisions get harder — which is exactly why a plan you’ve already thought through holds up better than one you’re building in the moment. Work through the four plans below, either on your screen or printed out. There are no right answers; the goal is simply to have thought about it before you need to.

A quick note: this worksheet is for your personal records only and should not be submitted back to CCW Safe — it is simply to help you think through your own plans.

AT HOME

What are the realistic entry points into your home?

Where are you (and others in your household) most likely to be if something happens?

Do you know the exits, cover, or safe areas within your home?

WHEREVER YOU SPEND YOUR TIME

Where do you spend most of your time outside your home?

What are the realistic risks specific to that place?

Do you know the exits, cover, or safe areas there?

IF SOMETHING HAPPENS

What are your state laws regarding legally justified force? Check CCW Safe’s Interactive State Laws Map (https://ccwsafe.com/concealed-carry-laws-in-america/) →

What practice or training have you done under different stress scenarios? What kind could you benefit from?

What’s your first move if confronted unexpectedly — would you retreat, de-escalate, respond, or something else?

What is your plan for an unclear threat — before you’ve confirmed what’s happening?

Can you access what you need quickly, wherever you are?

IN THE AFTERMATH

Who are you calling first if you’re involved in an incident? Is that phone number saved in your phone and under what name?

What will you say to responding officers?

Do you know who will be helping you navigate the legal system, or would you be figuring it out as it occurs?

Have you talked to the people closest to you about what they should do if you’re ever involved in an incident?

Once you’ve filled in your answers, save a copy for your own records:

This downloads a file to your own device. Nothing is sent to CCW Safe.

A plan only works if you’ve thought it through before you need it.

This worksheet is for informational and self-reflection purposes. It should not be submitted back to CCW Safe.

CCW Safe is not a law firm, nor does CCW Safe provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance.