Make a Plan
Before an emergency happens, take time to develop a family emergency plan that includes a family communication plan. Listed below are several samples of plans. Choose a plan that works best for your family.
Family Communication Plan – English – American Red Cross
Plan Familiar de Comunicaciones – Spanish – American Red Cross
Family Emergency Plan – FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
Additional Sample Family Plans – Ready. Gov
Additional tips for your plan:
- Designate an out-of-area contact person. Try to select someone that is far enough away to not be affected by the same emergency. Provide this person with the names and contact information of the people you want to keep informed of your situation. Instruct family members to call this person and tell them where they are. Long distance phone service is often restored sooner than local service.
- Duplicate important documents and keep copies off-site, either in a safety deposit box or with someone you trust. Documents may include: passport, drivers license, social security card, wills, deeds, financial statements, insurance information, marriage license and prescriptions.
- Inventory valuables, in writing and with photographs or video. Keep copies of this information off-site with your other important documents. When planning, consider the special needs of children, seniors or people with disabilities, family members that don’t speak English and pets.