Disasters can be anything that impacts the safety and security of your family’s ability to survive. No one knows where they will be at the moment a disaster strikes. Mom at home, dad at work, kids at school, grandma at the church luncheon? Daily life separates our families more often than you think. What if a major disaster would happen with your family spread out at five or six locations? Bridges may be down. Trees have utility lines down all over town. Cell towers also down or damaged.  Flooding may have isolated some family members. All of these are very likely to be obstacles that you may need to face.

We all need to plan for the most likely type of events for the area we live in. Make a plan that encompasses all the possibilities of separation. Plan for reunification as well. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

One great way to stay in touch is to identify a family member or close friend that lives in a distant area that will likely not be impacted by the same event that you have. Lets say we have Aunt Jenny who lives in Nebraska. Your family is in St. Louis, the home of tornados, blizzards, freezing cold spells, massive flooding, blistering heat waves, and likely earthquakes. All five family members are at various locations when the disaster hits. Communication is almost completely out. You need to know if your family members are alright. Where are they? Are they safe? Are they Injured or worse?

Many times even when cell service is disrupted, the text messages might get through. If you can set up a plan that requires every family member to text Aunt Jenny and tell her where they are, and if they are alright, then Aunt Jenny can keep everyone informed as they check in with her.   None of us can function in a calm and safe manner when we are scared and worried about our loved ones condition with no contact or information. Make that emergency communications plan today for your family!

Here are some great questions that your plan should be able to answer.  This is a great start to your family emergency plan.

Make your Plan. Here is a great start:

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?