Emergencies often find family members in different places. A short plan made ahead of time can be more valuable than specialized equipment.
Choose two meeting points
Agree one nearby place and one alternative outside the immediate area. Make sure everyone who needs to know the plan understands it.
- Write down essential phone numbers and addresses on paper.
- Decide who will collect children or help family members who need assistance.
- Plan for pets and any accessibility or medical needs.
Decide where updates come from
Use official local emergency services, public broadcasters, weather services and utility providers for reliable instructions. Battery-operated radio can help when the internet is unavailable.
- Save useful public-service numbers for your location.
- Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio if appropriate.
- Agree when to attempt contact, but do not put yourself in danger to reach a meeting point.
Make essential items findable
Keep documents, medication, spare keys and a basic go-bag where they can be accessed quickly. Review the plan with everyone in your household.
- Keep sensitive personal information in a secure place rather than on public web services.
- Print a simple household checklist and store it offline.
- Review your plan after moves, school changes or changes to care needs.
Sources and review
Editorial summary reviewed on . For local or changing hazards, consult the original sources and authorities.
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