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Teach your children how to be prepared for emergencies

Sep 21, 2019 08:46AM ● By Editor

From ready.gov - Posted:  September 21, 2019

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month and it is the perfect time to develop an emergency plan for your family including children, starting with a family communication plan.

Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. And, don’t forget to think about specific needs in your family. Your family’s needs change over time, so update your plan regularly.

Kids sitting in a row looking at their cell phones

Who Will We Contact?

Pick the same person for each family member to contact. Pick someone out of town—they may be easier to reach in a disaster.

Text, don’t talk. In an emergency, phone lines may be tied up. It may be easier to text and this leaves phone lines open for emergency workers.
 

Family sitting around a table working on their Family Communications Plan

Where Will We Meet?

Decide on safe, familiar, accessible places where your family can go for protection or to reunite. If you have pets or service animals, think about animal-friendly locations. Consider places in your house, in your neighborhood, and outside of your city or town so you’re prepared for any situation.

Girl reviewing the Family Emergency Communication Plan list

Practice, Practice, Practice!

On your own list or using the resources below, write down your contacts and plans. Make sure everyone in the family has copies and keeps them in a safe space, like in a backpack, wallet, or taped in a notebook. Put them in your cell phone if you have one. Hold regular household meetings to review and practice your plan.

Get your Family Emergency Communications Plan in the attached pdf

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