and discuss them with your family and friends. Details are
important to ensure your plan fits your needs. Then, prac-
tice the planned actions to make sure everything “works.”
Family Communications Plan
• Carry family contact information in your wallet.
• Choose an out-of-town contact person. After a disas-
ter, it is often easier to make a long-distance call than a
local call from a disaster area. Ask about the emergency
plans and procedures that exist in your community.
Know about your community’s response and evacu-
ation plans (e.g., hurricane, nuclear emergency, severe
weather). If you do not own a vehicle or drive, find out in
advance what your community’s plans are for evacuating
those without private transportation or make arrange-
ments with a neighbor who would drive you.
If you receive home care, speak with your case manag-
er to see what their plan is in times of emergency and how
they can assist with your plan.
Escape Routes and Meeting Places checklist
• Plan the best and quickest escape routes out of your
home and evacuation routes out of your neighborhood.
• Decide on a meeting place outside your neighbor-
hood in case you cannot return home.
• If you or someone in your household uses a wheel-
chair, make sure all escape routes from your home are
wheelchair accessible.
• Know the safe places within your home in case you
need to shelter during extreme weather events (e.g., torna-
do).
• Practice your escape drill every six months.
• Plan for transportation if you need to evacuate to a
shelter.
Post Emergency Phone Numbers Near Your Phones
Post emergency numbers near all of your phones.
Include the numbers of those in your support network.
Remember that in some emergencies telephone lines
might not be working. Consider having alternative plans
for contacting those in your network.
Plan for Those With Disabilities
Keep support items like wheelchairs and walkers in a
designated place so they can be found quickly. This step is
essential for those who have home-health caregivers, par-
ticularly for those who are bed bound.
Plan for Your Pets or Service Animals
Take your pets with you if
you evacuate. However,
be aware that pets
(except service animals)
are not permitted in
emergency public shelters
for health reasons. Prepare a
list of family, friends, board-
ing facilities, veterinarians and
‘pet-friendly’ hotels that could
shelter your pets in an emergency.
Utilities
Talk to your utility company about
emergency procedures and know how
46•
and when to turn off water, gas and electricity at the main
switches or valves. Share this information with your fami-
ly. Keep any tools you will need nearby. Turn off the utili-
ties only if you suspect the lines are damaged, you suspect
a leak or if local officials instruct you to do so. (Note: If
gas is turned off for any reason, only a qualified profes-
sional can turn it back on. It could take several weeks for a
professional to respond. Heating and cooking would need
alternative sources.)
Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
regularly. Consider strobe or vibrating alert systems that
might meet your needs. Change the batteries in all alarms
at least once a year or according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. Insurance Coverage Talk with your insurance
agent to be sure that you have adequate insurance cover-
age. Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage
and may not provide full coverage for other hazards
Vital Records and Documents
Keep copies of vital family records and other important
documents such as birth and marriage certificates, social
security cards, passports, wills, deeds, and financial, insur-
ance and immunizations records in a safe location, like a
fire safe or safe-deposit box.
Hearing Aids/Cochlear Implants
If you wear hearing aids or assistive devices, consider
storing them in a bedside container that is attached to
your nightstand using Velcro. Some disasters (e.g., earth-
quakes) may shift items that are not secured, making them
difficult to find quickly.
Maintain Your Kit and Practice Your Plan
Every six months:
• Review your plan with all of your friends and family.
• Check your disaster supplies kit and refresh all expir-
ing items (e.g., food, water, medications and batteries).
• Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills on a
regular basis with your family. Make sure all your plans
“work.”
At least