How to Protect Your Family During an Emergency

If a disaster strikes in

your area, you and your

family need to act fast – and be prepared

Why wait for a disaster to strike? Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.  Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. These and more guidelines provided by Ready.gov can keep your family safe during an emergency.

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Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?

2. What is my shelter plan?

3. What is my evacuation route?

4. What is my family/household communication plan?

Step 2:  Consider specific needs in your household.

As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance.  Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

• Different ages of members within your household
• Responsibilities for assisting others
• Locations frequented
• Dietary needs
• Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
• Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
• Languages spoken
• Cultural and religious considerations
• Pets or service animals
• Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan

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Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use them as a guide to create your own.

• Emergency Plan for Parents (PDF)

Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household

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Shareables:

• Wallet Sized Emergency Communication Plan (PDF)
• Family Emergency Communication Guide (PDF)
• Emergency Plan for Parents or (PDF)
• Emergency Plan for Kids or (PDF)
• Emergency Plan for Commuters (PDF)
• Pet owners PDF
• Steps to make a plan (PDF)
• Tips on emergency alerts and warnings (PDF)
• Protect Critical Documents and Valuables (PDF)
• Document and Insure Your Property (PDF)
• Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (PDF)
• Make A Plan (Video)

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