1. Establish a Family Emergency Plan
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to prepare a family emergency plan that will help you respond to any emergency situation. It is important to:
- Discuss the types of disasters that could occur
- Plan how to prepare for and respond to each type of disaster
- Discuss where to go and what to bring if advised to evacuate. Become familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
- Establish two meeting places:
- Outside your home in case of a sudden emergency
- A local church, school or other pre-established location if you can't return to your home following the emergency. Make sure each family member knows the address/contact information for your meeting places.
- Choose an out-of-state friend as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call. Make sure every member of your family knows the contact's phone number.
- Write down important contact numbers on a family emergency contact card and give a copy to each family member.
- Make sure to have a plan for your pets.
- Practice and maintain your plan. Every six months you should:
- Review your Family Emergency Plan and practice fire and emergency evacuation drills
- Review emergency information including contact information with children
- Replace batteries in smoke detectors
- Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions
- Replace stored food and water and replenish items in emergency supplies kit as necessary.
