Family Disaster Plan
Making a Family Emergency Preparedness Plan
I. Know what to prepare for
A. Contact local emergency management agencies to find out what types of disasters occur in your area
B. Learn about local warning signals, shelters, evacuation plans, etc.
C. Know emergency plans for work, school, child care, etc.
II. Make a disaster plan
A. Devise a plan of action for your family in case of disaster, assigning activities and responsibilities as a team
B. Pick two places to meet in case of disaster (one near home, and one outside the neighborhood)
C. Assign an out-of-state family contact and make sure all family members have the contact's phone number, address, and contact info
III. Keep an emergency checklist
A. Post emergency phone numbers by telephones (fire, ambulance, police, poison control)
B. Know how and when to turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity)
C. Post a map of emergency escape routes inside a cabinet door or someplace accessible
D. Discuss safe places in the home for each type of disaster
E. Prepare a checklist for emergencies
IV. Practice
A. Discuss emergency plans at regular intervals (twice a year)
B. Conduct emergency drills to see if you're ready
C. Test smoke detectors monthly (change batteries yearly or as needed)
D. Test and recharge fire extinguishers
Handouts:
Preparing for Disaster (FEMA/American Red Cross)
14-page booklet in pdf format
Download HERE
Your Family Disaster Plan (American Red Cross)
4-page pamphlet in pdf format
Download HERE
Family Emergency Preparedness Plan (The Olympian Online)
28-page book in pdf format
Download HERE
