What will your family do in an emergency? As a family, come up with a plan of how to handle the common emergencies in your area. Make sure that everyone has a copy, and copies are easy to find in your home, work, and car. Don’t forget to include your pets in your family plan. Please personalize your family plan to fit your family’s needs and concerns. You might want to include some or all of the following suggestions:
Communication: How will your family stay in contact with everyone?
1. Have a list of all important and emergency phone numbers by every phone, in every car, and given to all responsible family members.
2. Choose an out-of-town contact that you will call or email in a disaster. This person will be able to let others know how and where you are. You might need one contact person for each side of the family.
3. Teach children how and when to call 911. Don’t forget to include learning how to use a cell phone if needed.
Shelter: Where will you go in an emergency?
1. Have a safe room (no window or outside walls if possible) in your home. It is best to store your 72 hour kids in this room as well so you can get to it when you need it.
2. Make a fire escape plan for each room in your home. Don’t forget to test your smoke alarms too.
3. Have a meeting place outside of your home in case your home is not safe.
4. Have a rendezvous point in town and out-of-town if you have to evacuate.
Emergency Aid: How will you get the help you need in an emergency?
1. Develop s support system that is at least 5 people deep. Who can help you in an emergency?
2. What emergency supplies do you need, where are they kept, and where can you get more if needed?
3. Discuss what to do in a fire, severe weather, flood, power outage, medical emergency, etc…
4. What will you do if you are out of work for a while?
Estate Planning: What will your family do if you are disabled or die?
1. Do you have the right amount of insurance (auto, property, life) and is it up-to-date?
2. Do you have a will? Who do you want to take care of your kids, pets, business, etc? Make sure to give a copy of your wishes in writing to all sides of your family, so there are no misunderstandings.
3. Do you have an advanced medical directive or living will expressing your wishes on medical treatments and who gets to decide for you if you can’t decide for yourself?
Away from Home: What if you are not at home when an emergency happens?
1. Who do you call for emergency information?
2. How do you reach your spouse at work or the kids at school/daycare in an emergency?
3. Do you know your work’s and/or school’s emergency plan?
4. Know how your health care works away from home and in an emergency.
