Be Prepared - Make A Plan

Meeting Place: Where to go in the event your home is inaccessible.
Contacts: Identify an out-of-town friend or relative as a point of contact.
Personalize: Plan for the specific needs of your household, such as transportation or medical equipment
Go-Bag: Prepare a kit with essential items to last at least three days. Include: water, battery-powered radio and extra batteries, non-perishable food and a can opener, flashlights, first aid kit and medications, and pet supplies

Select two family meeting locations where your family can reunite after a disaster.

Choose one close to home
Second farther away, in case you are asked to evacuate or can’t return to the area

Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to serve as your family’s emergency contact. After a disaster, it is sometimes easier to call long distance to unaffected areas.
Provide every family member with the name, address, and phone number of the emergency contact and make sure each family member has a cellphone or a prepaid phone card.
Inform your emergency contact of any family member’s special needs or medical issues.
List emergency contacts in cellphones as “ICE” (in case of emergency), which will make it easier for emergency management personnel to contact the right person in case of an emergency responder needs to make a call on your behalf.
Identify alternate communications methods:
Show all family members how to text message, as it may be easier to send a text than make a call during an emergency.
Learn how to use social media, which can be an effective tool to let friends and family know your location and status.
See the American Red Cross's Contact Loved Ones for ways to help family members connect after a disaster.

Receiving advance warnings for severe weather, timely emergency alerts, and information during a disaster is critical to staying safe during an emergency. Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts, including at least one with an audible alert to wake you in the middle of the night.

Identify and practice how you will exit your home.
Establish possible evacuation routes to ensure you are able to get to your designated meeting location(s).
Identify available modes of transportation.
Make arrangements with family, neighbors, friends, or local government if you don’t have personal transportation.
If you need assistance, contact your local public safety official to make them aware of your needs.
Review tips to safely evacuate.

Designate safe room(s) within your home. They should have:
- as few windows or doors as possible; and
- access to television, radio, and telephones.
Make sure you have necessary supplies and can access your emergency kit.
If you receive medical treatments or home health care services, work with your medical provider to determine how to maintain care and service if you are unable to leave your home for a period of time.
Review tips to safely shelter in place.

Plan for everyone in your household, including individuals with access and functional needs, seniors, children, and pets.
If you or someone close to you has a disability or other access or functional need, you may need to take additional steps to prepare yourself and your family.
Pets are important members of many households, and like people, they are affected by disasters. Include your pets and animals in your emergency plans.

Practice your emergency plan at least 2-3 times a year with all members of your family.
To practice your plan, test your emergency communications plan, assemble at your meeting locations and practice your evacuation routes.
Update your plan with any changes, if necessary, after you practice.

Familiarize yourself with the emergency plans that are in place at your workplace, children’s school or daycare, or other places where your family spends time.
If no plans exist at these places, consider volunteering to help develop one. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead, and communicate with others in advance.

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