Family Emergency Plan

Step One: Find out what could happen to you!

Contact your local Emergency Management Office (641-923-2702) or American Red Cross Chapter. Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.

• Learn about your community's warning signals: What they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.
• Ask about animal care after disaster. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations.
• Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons; if needed.
• Next, find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or day care center and other places where your family spends time.

Step Two: Create a Disaster Plan

Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.

• Pick two places to meet:
  1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. Make sure to specify the exact meeting location.
  2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone MUST know the address and phone number.

Ask an out-of-state friend or family member to be your "family contact". After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone MUST know your contact's phone number.

• Discuss what to do in an evacuation
• Plan how to take care of your pets.

Step Three: Complete This Checklist

• Post emergency numbers by phones (fire, police,ambulance, etc.)
• Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency numbers for emergency help.
• Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at them main switches.
• Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
• Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it's kept.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Conduct a home hazard hunt.
• Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
• Take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR class.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
• Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.

Step Four: Practice and Maintain Your Plan

• Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do.
• Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
• Replace stored water every 3 months and stored food every six months.
• Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.