Make a Plan in advance of what you’ll do in an emergency. Your life can change in an instant. 

It's so important for you and your family to have a plan in place to guide everyone to safety. Take advantage of  the following information to help care for yourself and your loved ones. 

Read on to begin making a plan today! 

Develop a FAMILY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

Who will Everyone Contact to Say They're Okay?

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in different situations.

Consider a plan where each family member calls or emails the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.

Be sure each person knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. You may have trouble getting through, or the phone system may be down altogether, but be patient. 

Do You Stay Where You Are or Get Away?

Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether you stay put or get away. You should understand and plan for both possibilities.

Use common sense and the information you are learning here to determine if there is immediate danger. Watch television and listen to the radio for official instructions as they become available.

Download a printer-friendly Family Emergency Plan.

Additional information to:

 

Know Emergency Plans at 
School and Work 

Think about the places where your family spends time: school, work and other places your family frequents. Talk to your children’s schools and your employer about emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with families during an emergency.

If you are an employer, be sure you have an emergency preparedness plan. Review and practice it with your employees.

For more information, visit Ready.gov.