Having an emergency family communication plan in place when disaster strikes can make a big difference in ensuring that your family stays connected and informed. An effective plan helps each family member know exactly what to do, where to go, and how to communicate during an emergency.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a reliable family communication strategy before disaster strikes.
Understanding Local Risks
Start by researching which disasters are most likely to affect your area. Every place has unique risks, whether they be hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, or even power grid failures. It’s important to know vulnerabilities around your area to help you create a plan tailored to the specific risks your family may be exposed to.
Why Do You Need a Communication Plan?
The possibility that family members may be separated or have difficulty reaching each other in an emergency is scary to think about, but it’s a reality that needs to be faced. That’s why a communication plan is essential to have in place: to ensure that each person knows who to contact, where to go, and how to stay updated. Without a plan, panic and confusion will make an already challenging situation even worse. An emergency communication plan gives you and your family the confidence and clarity needed to act and help you stay safe.
Create a Family Communication Card
A communication card is a concise go-to sheet with critical contact information, meeting locations, and emergency contacts. Here’s how to create one:
- Compile essential information: Include all household phone numbers, an out-of-town emergency contact, and backup contacts. Designate an “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) contact who lives outside of your local area, in case local lines may be down or overloaded. This person can help relay information between family members.
- List out meeting places: Identify safe meeting locations both within your neighborhood and outside of your immediate area. This way, everyone has a place to go if they aren’t able to go home.
- Identify work, school, and childcare contacts: Include important numbers for your children’s schools, workplaces, and childcare providers. Make sure that everyone has a copy of these contacts for easy access.
- Set up backup communication methods: In some cases, cell networks may be down, so plan for alternatives. Consider including a prepaid phone card or coins for payphones, if they are available, and remember to have portable power banks accessible to keep phones charged.
- Make it durable: Laminate the communication cards or store them in waterproof pouches to make sure that they will be protected from damage. Ensure that every family member has a copy, both physically and saved on their phones.
Consider Alternate Communication Options
During an emergency, a text message may get through more easily than a phone call. Teach each family member how to send a simple text update to let others know that they are safe and to share their location. Sign up for local emergency alerts to stay informed. Most areas have alert systems that provide real-time information on local hazards and government responses.
Practice and Review Your Plan Regularly
A plan is only as good as the family’s ability to follow it under pressure. Here are ways to reinforce a plan and help everyone feel prepared:
- While we often rely on saved contacts, make it a challenge for each family member to memorize at least one essential phone number, especially the out-of-town emergency contact.
- Practice common emergency situations, like an earthquake or severe storm. Designate who will be responsible for sending out updates, and have each person practice sending a text with their location and status information.
- Review the communication plan every six months and whenever a family member’s contact information changes. Update the cards and practice the plan to keep it fresh in everyone’s minds.
What Information Should Be Included in a Communication Card?
Your family communication card should include the following information:
- Household information: Names, phone numbers, and addresses for each family member
- Out-of-town emergency contact: Name and phone number of a trusted contact person outside of the local area.
- Work, school, and childcare contacts: Important contact information for workplaces, schools, and childcare providers
- Meeting points: Predetermined safe spots near your home and outside the neighborhood
- Additional important numbers: Doctors, medical services, and any special care numbers related to family members
Final Thoughts
Creating an emergency family communication plan may seem daunting at first, but it is essential for peace of mind and family safety. This simple preparation can make all the difference when it matters most, ensuring that your family can stay connected and coordinated no matter what happens. That’s why we made Family Communication Cards for you! Download them, print them, fill them out, laminate them, and make sure that everyone in your family has one. Make it a priority to develop your plan, equip your family with the necessary tools, and review your plan regularly.