Family Emergency Communication Plan

During emergencies, family members may be scattered at work, school, or other locations. Normal communication channels often fail when overloaded or damaged. A pre established family communication plan ensures everyone knows how to reach each other and where to meet.

Creating this plan in advance eliminates confusion and panic during actual emergencies. Every family member should know the plan, have necessary contact information, and understand backup procedures.

Contact Information

Family Contact Card

Create a card for each family member containing: home address, phone numbers for all family members, out of area contact person, work and school addresses and numbers, medical information, meeting locations.

Out of Area Contact

During local disasters, long distance calls often work when local calls do not. Designate a friend or relative outside your area as a central contact point. All family members check in with this person who relays status to others.

Multiple Methods

List multiple contact methods for each person: cell phone, work phone, email, social media. During emergencies, some channels work when others fail.

Meeting Locations

Near Home Meeting Point

A location near your home for immediate emergencies like fire. Should be visible and safe. Examples: mailbox, large tree, neighbor's driveway. Everyone goes here first if leaving home suddenly.

Neighborhood Meeting Point

A location within walking distance for when near home location is inaccessible. Examples: church, school, community center, park shelter. Choose somewhere likely to be accessible in various emergencies.

Regional Meeting Point

A location outside your immediate area for evacuations or when neighborhood is affected. Examples: relative's house in another town, predetermined exit route location. Should be accessible from various directions.

Communication Protocols

Text Before Calling

During emergencies, text messages often get through when voice calls cannot. Phone networks handle texts more efficiently when overloaded. Send a brief status text before trying to call.

Conserve Battery

Phone batteries may need to last. Check in at predetermined intervals rather than constantly. Keep messages brief. Turn off unnecessary features to extend battery life.

Code Words

Establish simple code words for common situations: safe and at meeting point, safe but cannot travel, need help, going to regional location. Allows quick communication with minimal characters.

Special Considerations

Children at School

Know school emergency procedures. Understand lockdown and release policies. Ensure school has current emergency contact information. Teach children what to do and who can pick them up.

Elderly or Disabled Family

Consider mobility and communication limitations. Establish check in protocols. Identify neighbors or nearby contacts who can assist. Ensure they have communication devices and know how to use them.

Pets

Include pets in communication plan. Know who is responsible for pets if family is separated. Have pet carrier and supplies ready to grab.

Creating Your Plan

• Collect contact information for all family members
• Designate out of area contact person
• Identify near home meeting point
• Identify neighborhood meeting point
• Identify regional meeting point
• Create contact cards for each family member
• Establish check in protocols and times
• Create simple code words for status updates
• Include school and workplace information
• Review plan with all family members
• Practice the plan periodically
• Update when information changes