Tips to get your family emergency plan in place
When faced with an emergency, it is important to have a family emergency plan in place. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Choose an out-of-area contact – someone each member of the family can call or e-mail in case of an emergency. This person can help family members stay in touch and get back together if they are separated. Be sure to pick someone who is far enough away so as not to be affected by the same situation.
- Decide on temporary accommodation – such as a friend’s place or hotel, where you can stay for a few days in case you are evacuated. This may also be where you will meet if you are separated during a disaster. When choosing your shelter, remember that bridges may be out and roads may be blocked. (Don’t forget to plan for your pets – they are not always welcome in emergency shelters or hotels).
- Use a template to prepare your own family emergency plan. Give a copy to each member of your family, your out-of-area contact, your children’s school (possibly their usual sports facilities as well — arena, pool, etc.) If you live in a residential facility or an apartment building, an emergency plan should be available on-site. Learn the procedures to follow and your role in case of an emergency.
- Post important numbers near your telephone or program them into your cell phone.
- Check emergency plans at your children’s school or daycare. In case of emergency, you should know if the school will keep your children until an authorized adult comes to get them or if they need to find their way home by themselves. Determine what kind of authorization the school requires to release your child to your representative if you cannot get there yourself. Ensure that the school knows your current contact information and that of the people authorized to collect your children for you. Give them a copy of your family emergency plan. Find out about the emergency plans of your children’s schools. Help your children understand all that they must do when an alarm goes off.
- Check emergency plans at work. Find out about the emergency plan at your workplace. Ask questions: What would be your role in case of a disaster? What are the evacuation procedures? Is there an alternate work site in case of emergency? Keep important numbers — including fire, police, ambulance — near your telephone.
- Practice your emergency plan as a family at least once a year. Practice often helps people feel less disoriented and better organized in case of a disaster — even in the middle of the night or the middle of winter.