Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to prepare a family emergency plan that will help you respond to any emergency situation.   It is important to:

• Discuss the types of disasters that could occur
  
  
• Plan how to prepare for and respond to each type of disaster
  
  
• Discuss where to go and what to bring if advised to evacuate. Become familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
  
  
• Establish two meeting places:
  • Outside your home in case of a sudden emergency  
  • A local church, school or other pre-established location if you can’t return to your home following the emergency.  Make sure each family member knows the address/contact information for your meeting places.
    
    
• Choose an out-of-state friend as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call.  Make sure every member of your family knows the contact’s phone number.
  
  
• Write down important contact numbers on a family emergency contact card and give a copy to each family member.
  
  
• Make sure to have a plan for your pets. Click here to learn more about pet preparedness.
  
  
• Practice and maintain your plan.  Every six months you should:
  • Review your Family Emergency Plan and practice fire and emergency evacuation drills
  • Review emergency information including contact information with children
  • Replace batteries in smoke detectors
  • Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions
  • Replace stored food and water and replenish items in emergency supplies kit as necessary.

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