Talk with those around you and work through these questions:
1. How will we know something is happening and receive emergency messages?
- Discuss the types of disasters or emergencies most likely to happen in your area.
- Take time to determine what to do in each case.
- Know the evacuation routes in your area, and in places you travel to. Discuss what to do in an evacuation.
2. Where is our emergency meeting place?
- Pick two places to meet when something happens. One location should be right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. The other, should be outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. Be aware of your location, including familiar landmarks and cross streets.
3. How will we communicate with one another if the phones do not work?
- Consider arranging for an out of state friend or family member contact. After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distances. Texts are also more likely to go through when local calls do not. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.
- Develop a communication plan by writing down emergency contact information & have extra electronic device chargers on hand. Need ideas on how to list contact information? Check out this Emergency Information Worksheet.
Find a way to document your plan. Writing it down, recording it or typing it out and keeping your file in a safe, accessible space will help you remember what to do during an emergency.
Click on the Family Emergency Plan to go to the website and print it out.
