You may not be together when disaster strikes so it’s important that everyone create a family communications plan, in advance, so you’ll know how to contact one another.

Here are some steps to help get you started:

• Develop a communications plan

  • Things to consider:
    • How will you contact one another?
    • How will you let family know that you’re somewhere safe?
    • Identify someone to alert in the event that a pet is at home alone while your away
    • Understand that certain communication networks may not be available during a disaster (IE: electrical lines may be down; cellphones and computers may not be fully charged).
  • Create a phone tree or text message group with immediate family members
  • Have everyone in the family sign up for emergency alerts in your area

• Document contact information

  • Collect phone numbers and emails for out-of-town relatives, doctors, vets, schools and employers
  • Identify the addresses and phone numbers of area shelters, hotels and other safe locations
  • Make sure all family members have copies of contact information

• Plan an evacuation route

  • Chose two places to meet:
    • Right outside of your home, in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire. It’s best to know two ways out of your home.
    • A common meeting place outside of your neighborhood, such as a library or community center
  • Identify the routes to leave your area in the event of an evacuation
  • Call hotels along your route to determine if they are pet-friendly
  • Consider those with disabilities and make sure meeting places are accessible for all

• Practice your plan

  • Safely play out scenarios, just like you would a fire drill
  • Identify a household leader who can make last-minute decisions
  • Make sure everyone, including children, understands how to call 9-1-1 and what situations warrant a 9-1-1 call (life-threatening emergencies only)
  • Update and adjust your plan as necessary