National Preparedness Month Week 1: Make a Plan

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

The only certain thing about disasters is that nothing is certain about disasters. Natural or manmade, a disaster can happen at any time, and your family may not be together when they strike. Having a plan in place can help your family reconnect with one another and maximize their safety. But you have to plan to make a plan, and Ready.gov has the steps that you need to do so.

Step 1: Answer these questions

• How will we receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• What is our shelter plan?
• What is our evacuation route?
• What is our family communication plan?

The discussions that these questions will lead to can build the foundation of your family’s disaster strategy.

Step 2: Know the needs of your household

Your family’s daily living needs can dictate parts of your plan. Do you have pets or service animals? Do any family members require special medication or medical equipment? Etc.

• Dietary needs
• Cultural and religious considerations
• Disabilities

Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan and Practice

You have worked hard with your family to create a plan, but it is paramount to have the plan written down and that all of the family members are comfortable with it. There are examples of Family Emergency Plans on Ready.gov’s website. And make sure to schedule family practices regularly, this will make sure that every member of the family knows the plan or you can find and overcome obstacles that may cause problems.

Disasters cannot be prevented, but planning can make sure that your family or employees are as #ready as they can be.