Basic emergency preparedness is a key component of family planning and should be treated as such. Here are some easy tips on how to be ready for any disaster, natural or man-made.

Be Aware
It is important to keep yourself informed of the potential disasters that could occur in your area, as well as the disaster planning programs that your state and local government have in place. For example, if you live in a coastal area prone to tropical storms, stay abreast of developing storms and evacuation orders. If you have children, you should ask what disaster plans their schools have in place.

Acquire emergency supplies
After a disaster, it could take days or weeks for life to resume normalcy. Make sure to have a stock of emergency supplies to provide your family with the essentials during this chaotic time. Visit Ready.gov for an extensive list of what should be included in your emergency kit.

Develop a family communication and meeting plan
When a disaster occurs, your family will most likely be scattered between school and work, going about your everyday activities. Because of this, it is necessary to establish a communication and meeting plan. Make sure that your children are familiar with the plan as well, since you may not be available to direct their actions. According to Ready.gov, it is helpful to designate an out-of-town family member or friend to be your family’s point of contact. Because they aren’t nearby, they most likely won’t have been affected by the disaster. If a disaster occurs, each family member can contact this person directly, assure everyone they are safe, and confirm your meeting location.

Practice
Retain confidence in your emergency plan by reviewing it every six months. This will ensure that the plan remains current and accurate as your children move through school and extra-curricular activities.



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