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Natural disasters don’t always happen at the most convenient times. It’s likely that your family may not be together during a natural disaster, instead they will be at school, work or on the road. It’s important to establish and practice a family emergency plan in case you are separated.

Establish an emergency spot
Determine where your family will meet in case of an emergency. Schools will probably ask the children to stay at that location, however, determine what your children’s school’s emergency plan is. You should establish a meeting location in case your children are playing with friends or somewhere else.

If the emergency happens while you’re at home, practice gathering to a spot outside your home.  Have a night where you practice meeting at your family’s emergency spot.

Communication

During an emergency, communication might be a hard task. Phone lines might be busy or packed with other calls. Interestingly, text messages are more likely to send. Have your children practice sending a text message explaining if they are OK, where they are located and where they will meet you.

Kits
Beyond your family’s food storage, you should plan on making some smaller kits located in your car, at work or other locations that you frequent. Make sure these kits have some water, food, a radio, a flashlight and other light-weight emergency items. Be sure to have identification and prescription drug information with your children.

Video
Here is a video that we found from FEMA. It addresses some ways that families can begin a family emergency plan.