The Family Emergency Plan

Making it Work for Your Family,

Creating a Family Emergency Plan takes a little bit of research and a lot of knowledge about your family, friends and the area where you live.

In order to begin putting your plan together, contact your local emergency management office. Ask them what types of disasters are most likely to happen and how you can prepare for each. Learn about any community warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do if they sound.

Find out what disaster plans are in place at your work, your children's school and other places your family spends time.

Discuss preparedness with your family. Make sure you all understand what types of disasters can occur and what you will do in each case.

Determine two escape routes from each room in your home. Pick three places to meet: one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. Decide a location in your neighborhood and lastly, a regional meeting place in case you can't return home. Ask an out-of-state friend to be your family out of town contact. After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance.

Create a 72-hour Emergency Supply Kit for every member of your family. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 and other emergency numbers including fire, police, ambulance, etc. Post these numbers near phones in your home.

Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms and make sure everyone knows where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it. Learn basic first aid skills, including CPR. Lastly, make sure your family has adequate insurance.


BRU.