Is your family ready for an emergency?

Photo by Adam Belles. Creative Commons License 
Fires, tornados, floods, hazardous waste spills and other emergencies can occur with no warning. Do you know how to get in touch with your family if you are not together when an emergency occurs?

Before an emergency happens, have a family discussion to determine who would be your out-of-state point of contact and where you would meet away from your home — both in the neighborhood and within your town.

Pick a Meeting Spot
Where will you meet up with your family if you have to get out of your house quickly? Where will you meet if your neighborhood is being evacuated and you’re not at home?

  • In your neighborhood pick a place such as neighbor’s house or big tree.
  • Out of your neighborhood select a location like the library or house of worship.
  • Draw a Map. Put a ∆ to show your home. Put a O to show the school. Mark your out-of neighborhood meeting spot with an X and label it.

Let them know you’re OK!
Pick the same person for each family member to contact. It might be easier to reach someone who’s out of town.

Unless you are in immediate danger, send a text to let your family know you are okay. Texts often have an easier time getting through during emergencies, and you don’t want to tie up phone lines needed by emergency responders (like 911).

Know the Exits
Do you know two ways out of every room in your house in case of a fire? Draw a floor plan of your bedroom in the space below and circle the two ways to get out. Hint: one may not be a door!

Find more information about creating a family emergency plan here.