How to Develop a Family Emergency Preparedness Plan

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By westernmom
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A disaster can strike without warning. Earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, fires, etc can strike when you least expect it. It's important for families to prepare and have a plan in event of an emergency or disaster. Planning ahead can help eliminate some of the stress and worry during difficult times.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Have a family planning meeting: Gather all members of your family to discuss emergency contingency plans. During this meeting you will want to gather all phone numbers and contact information on all family members. Later record all of the names and numbers and print out on business cards to distribute to all members of the family.
Step 2

Decide on an emergency meeting place: You will need to have a central meeting place that in the event of an emergency that everyone will try to reach. Often times there will not be phone service so you need to have meeting places planned ahead of time. These can be schools, churches, homes of family members, etc. The meeting places need to be accessible to as many of the family as possible. You need to have a couple of areas designated in case the areas hit are affected. Have a plan in place for young children at school.
Step 3

Have an emergency contact person: This person should be an outside family member or close friend that lives outside of your area. Everyone should call this contact to check in and to find out the situation of other family members during an emergency. Make sure this person is included on the emergency information card.
Step 4

Make emergency disaster kits: As a family you should prepare a 72 hour kit for each family member. These kits need to be easily accessible. Many people will store one in the trunk of their car.
Step 5

Prepare an evacuation list: This list will include items that need to be taken (if possible) from the home, contact information of family members, insurance and bank information, prescriptions, computer passwords, etc.
Step 6

Check final details: Make sure you have made arrangements for family pets. Have good, sturdy clothing and shoes to wear(include rain or snow gear). Lock your house. Shut off the water, gas and electricity if you have time. Listen to the radio and follow all directives from the authorities.