Preparing Your Family for an Emergency

Preparing Your Family for an Emergency

It will never happen to us. You’ve probably thought it, and hopefully it’s true. The reality is, disasters are unpredictable and can happen to anyone at any time. Creating an emergency plan can help your family stay safe and reconnect if a crisis occurs.

Creating a Family Emergency Plan

Between, school, child care, work, and the unexpected curves life can take, your family may not be together when disaster strikes. Creating an emergency plan provides peace of mind knowing that everyone understands how to respond and connect in the event of an emergency. Consider these tips to help prepare your family for an emergency:

• Know what types of disasters are common in your area and practice the appropriate response.
• Have a family plan with two meet up locations. One that is close to home and another that is farther away — a relatives home or a community center. Make sure everyone knows what locations are appropriate for different types of disasters.
• Include communication information for all family members, caregivers, schools, work and a contact your children know and trust who do not live in the immediate area.
• Create a disaster supply kit with water, flashlights, nonperishable foods, phone chargers, blankets and items that will help comfort children.
• Ensure emergency plans meet the needs of every family member. If family members have special needs or disabilities, consider how their needs will be met.

Document and Practice Your Emergency Plan

• Write down your emergency plan. You can find a great template from the American Red Cross. Keep copies and practice your emergency plan.
• In addition to your emergency plan, create ICE (in case of emergency) cards. You can use this simple template from FEMA.

Talk to Your Child Care Provider about Emergency Preparedness

If your child spends time in care, it’s important for your child care provider to have an emergency plan, and for you to know what it is. Ask your caregiver how they will respond to various disasters and make sure they have a copy of your child’s ICE card.

If your child care provider needs emergency preparedness support, have them contact The Family Conservancy.

Your family is your greatest blessing and an emergency plan is an important tool to keep them safe.