Using Your Plan
What is a safety plan?
A personal step-by-step plan to keep yourself and others safe by separating and calming down before things escalate.
True or False: When you call your safety plan you can go anywhere to take it?
False- Only the locations identified with your parents listed on your safety plan.
What is a red flag?
A sign that you are getting upset or may act hurtfully.
What is the purpose of self-calming thoughts?
To help you calm down and stay respectful when you're upset.
When should you use your Safety Plan—before or after you get angry?
Before! before your red flags lead to abuse.
True or False: You can separate from a conflict without telling anyone.
False. You must let someone know using respectful words.
What is question should you be thinking about while on your safety plan?
How can I deal with this problem without being abusive?
If you notice your red flags when arguing with your brother but ignore them and don’t use your safety plan, what is likely to happen next?
Situation escalating into a bigger conflict or violence...fighting, grounded, police involvement
Give an example of a self-calming thought.
“I can walk away,” “I need to stay calm,” “This will pass.”
What happens if you continue being abusive instead of using your Safety Plan?
You may harm others, damage trust, or face consequences.
Name one place that might be okay to go when using your Safety Plan.
bedroom, porch, backyard, walk around the block — if agreed upon with parent
What should you do right after you decide to separate?
Tell the person you're separating using respectful language.
Give 2 examples of body signs.
Tight fists, fast heartbeat, clenched jaw, etc.
What can happen if you don’t use self-calming skills when you start to feel angry or frustrated?
If you don’t use self-calming skills, your anger can take over and you might say or do something you regret, which can make the situation worse.
Name one way your parent can support your Safety Plan.
Can be anything that you feel would be helpful. Examples include: Reminding you to use your safety plan or by not following you when you separate or respecting your break time.
What should you say to let someone know you're using your safety plan?
"I need a break,” “I’m using my Safety Plan,” “I need to calm down."
What should you do while you’re separated?
Do something calming, like breathing, walking, or drawing.
Give 2 examples of actions that are red flags.
Slamming doors, pacing, raising voice, eye-rolling
What is one self-calming strategy you’ve used?
breathing, music, walk, drawing, etc.
What are the three options to resolve a Safety Plan issue?
Let it go, Put it on hold, Discuss it.
Why is a safety plan important?
It prevents you from hurting others, gives you time to calm down, and helps you have better relationships.
What do you do after you’ve calmed down?
Return and try the conversation again using respectful communication.
If you notice your red flags when you start getting upset with your brother and use your safety plan, what is likely to happen next?
the situation calms down and it prevents the conflict from escalating
True or False: Calming down means giving up on a problem.
False. It means you're choosing a safer way to deal with it.
What should you do if your Safety Plan isn’t working?
Talk to your facilitator or parent to revise it.