Family Disaster Plan

Planning Ahead

Planning ahead of time is important in preparation and response to a disaster. For example:

• Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
• Find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center and other places where your family spends time.
• Learn about your community's warning systems. What should you do when they are activated?

Two Places to Meet

• Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
• Outside your neighborhood in case of an Evacuation.

Additional Plans

• Ask an out of state friend or family member to be your "family contact". After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.
• Discuss what to do in an Evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
• Find the safest spot in your home for each of the types of disaster.
• Teach children how and when to call 911.
• Teach family members where the fire extinguisher is kept and show them how to use it.
• Show each family member how and when to shut off the water, gas, and electricity at the main valves, meters or boxes.
• Conduct a home hazard hunt.
• Assemble and stock an Emergency Preparedness Kit.
• Take a first aid and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) class.
• Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills and update your plan annually.