How to Create a Safety Plan: What to Include and How to Start (Even If You Don’t Think You Need One Yet)

There’s a common misconception that safety planning is just for people in crisis, but that isn’t the case. This process is a proactive tool that helps individuals protect themselves, stay prepared, and make intentional decisions when it matters most, regardless of their current circumstances. Whether someone is navigating a difficult relationship, concerned about control or monitoring, or simply wants to be ready for unexpected situations, a thoughtful safety plan increases confidence and security.

At the Gabby Petito Foundation, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe physically, emotionally, and digitally. Below is a practical guide to creating a personalized safety plan that meets you where you are and gives you clarity about next steps.

What Is a Safety Plan (Really)?

A safety plan is a personalized strategy you create to help keep yourself or someone you care about safe in stressful or potentially dangerous situations. It’s not a checklist to complete once — it’s a living plan you can adapt as your situation changes.

Safety planning can cover:

• Physical safety
  

• Digital privacy
  

• Emotional support
  

• Financial preparation
  

• Legal readiness
  

This is not an assumption of immediate danger, but it allows you to be prepared for whatever situations arise in your life moving forward.

Why Everyone Can Benefit From a Safety Plan

Even if you’re not currently in a high-risk situation, having a safety plan:

• Helps you think through what might happen
  

• Gives you practical steps to follow under pressure
  

• Reduces stress by offering clarity
  

• Strengthens your digital and physical boundaries
  

• Helps you support others with confidence
  

Preparing ahead doesn’t mean you’re afraid; it means you’re responsibly proactive.

Foundations of a Good Safety Plan

A comprehensive safety plan combines practicality with personal fit. Here’s a framework to begin:

1. List Trusted Contacts

Identify people who:

• Respect your privacy
  

• Support you without judgment
  

• Can help you if you feel unsafe
  

This might include:

• Close friends
  

• Family members
  

• Mentors
  

• Support group contacts
  

• Domestic violence advocates
  

Write down names, numbers, and how they prefer to be contacted. If possible, share the plan with them so they know how to help.

2. Establish Safe Places

Think about physical locations where you feel secure and welcome:

• A trusted friend or family home
  

• Public places (libraries, coffee shops like Starbucks, community centers)
  

• Work or school spaces
  

• Religious or community meeting places
  

Understanding where you can go helps you act quickly if needed.

3. Plan Your Routes and Transportation

Know your options for getting to safety:

• Public transit routes
  

• Rideshare apps
  

• Bus or train schedules
  

• Driving routes
  

• Walking paths
  

Practice these routes mentally so they become familiar.

4. Emergency Essentials Kit

Prepare a small kit with items you may need:

• Phone charger
  

• Important documents
  

• Medication
  

• Spare cash

• Change of clothes
  

• Keys
  

• Copies of IDs or important numbers
  

Keep it somewhere accessible.

5. Technology & Digital Safety

Think about how you use technology and how to protect your privacy:

• Change passwords regularly
  

• Enable two-factor authentication
  

• Turn off location sharing when appropriate
  

• Check your account activity and log-ins
  

• Avoid sharing secure information on shared devices
  

Devices and apps can be helpful, but they can also be misused if boundaries aren’t clear.

For more on protecting yourself digitally, see our Digital Safety guide and discover warning signs of digital abuse.

Situational Safety Steps

Safety planning changes depending on the context. Below are examples of common scenarios and recommended approaches:

If You Are in an Unhealthy Relationship

• Know who you can call when you feel unsafe
  

• Decide ahead of time where you would go
  

• Keep copies of important documents in a safe place
  

• Avoid confrontation when emotions are high
  

• Reach out to local advocacy groups for support
  

Leaving a harmful situation takes courage — and a good safety plan helps you do it strategically, not reactively.

If You Feel Monitored or Controlled Digitally

Digital abuse is real and invasive. If you suspect someone may be tracking your phone, monitoring your accounts, or using devices to control you:

• Review your privacy settings
  

• Turn off location sharing
  

• Use devices the other person has never accessed
  

• Choose secure passwords
  

• Log out of shared accounts
  

• Contact a tech-savvy friend or advocate for help
  

Never feel ashamed to protect your digital life. Your privacy is part of your physical and emotional safety.

Communication Planning

Decide how you want to communicate with the people in your safety network:

• What code words can alert someone that you need help?
  

• Who should be contacted first?
  

• Is it safer to text or to call?
  

• Can you use a shared calendar to check in with someone daily?
  

Having a communication plan removes confusion and helps you act quickly.

Legal and Professional Resources

If you believe you are in danger, you may consider:

• Filing a police report
  

• Seeking a protective order
  

• Consulting a legal advocate
  

• Working with a domestic violence agency
  

Each jurisdiction has its own process. Knowing ahead of time how to start can make a big difference.

In many communities, trained advocates can walk you through legal options step by step, and help you access support without pressure.

Review and Update Your Plan Regularly

A safety plan is not static. Life changes, relationships evolve, and your safety plan should too. Revisiting it regularly helps you:

• Adjust for new circumstances
  

• Add new trusted contacts
  

• Refresh technology safeguards
  

• Prepare for travel or life transitions
  

A safety plan should grow with you. Developing a safety plan can feel overwhelming, but support is available.

You can speak with trained advocates, community organizations, or crisis hotlines who specialize in safety planning and can help you tailor yours to your specific situation.

For more tools, resources, and tips, please visit the Foundation’s Safety Planning resources page.

You Deserve Safety, Clarity, and Support

Safety planning is not about fear. It’s about empowerment.

By thinking ahead, identifying support, protecting your digital space, and preparing your routes and communication, you give yourself options and agency. That’s strength, not stress.

The Gabby Petito Foundation stands with you, offering guidance, resources, and community support. You deserve to feel safe online, in relationships, and in your world.