Preparing For Spring Storm Season: Making A Family Communication Plan

Make a Plan to Connect With Family Members in a Disaster

Staying connected with family members during a disaster is crucial for ensuring everyone’s safety and well-being. A clear and effective communication plan can help you stay in touch during emergencies.

Gather Crucial Information

Keep physical copies of crucial information in a safe and accessible place, including:

• Information for each family member, including photos, their full legal name, cell phone number, social media handles, email address, and medical and prescription information
• Emergency plans for schools, daycare, caregivers and workplaces
• Emergency contact phone numbers and addresses
• Emergency meeting place addresses
• Information about your pets, including veterinarian contact information, photos, breed, age, name, and medical conditions and prescriptions

Establish Communication Methods

Regularly review your communication plan with all family members to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

• Communication tools— Identify the tools you’ll use to communicate, such as mobile phones, landlines, social media and messaging apps.
• Meeting points— Designate safe meeting points inside and outside your neighborhood where family members can gather if separated.
• Primary contact— Choose a primary contact person outside the affected area who can relay information between family members.