Your family disaster plan

One look at the evening news shows all too clearly why it’s important to have a family disaster plan. From fires to floods to storms to tornadoes, each geographic region has its own potential for disaster. It’s critical that you have a plan for your family to weather any such event.

But where to start? First, you need to look at your geography. While most homes are vulnerable to potential fire, some regions are more prone to flooding or hurricanes than to earthquakes or tornadoes. What are the potential threats to your home? Those are the issues that need to be mapped out for both in-home and out-of-home emergencies.

For in-home emergencies: Base your plan on the specific type of threat. Fires and floods may require that you leave the area, but in severe storm conditions, you may be safer staying put. If you’re evacuating, have a clear route mapped out and contingency plans for places to stay. During disasters, it can sometimes be difficult to make telephone calls, so be sure that you have discussed your plan with relatives who will be expecting you in case the worst happens.

If you need to leave your home in a hurry, such as in the case of a fire, be sure that your family members understand each way to exit the home. Have a designated meeting place a safe distance away from the structure so that you can ensure that everyone has gotten out of the house.

If you need to take cover in your house, such as in the case of a tornado or hurricane, identify the safest room. Stay away from windows, which can shatter and cause injury, and keep family members together so you can be certain everyone is safe.

Create an emergency disaster kit that includes a radio, a flashlight and batteries for both, as well as bottled water, blankets and a three- to four-day supply of food for the family. Be sure to include food, water and carriers for any pets in your planning.

For out-of-home emergencies: If you find yourself in a disaster situation and family members are out of the home--during the day, for example, when children may be at school and parents at work or other obligations--it’s important to have a meet-up plan. Determine if children need to be picked up from school or if they will be riding busses home and meet them accordingly. Then, connect with other family members at a predetermined meeting spot, whether that is at home or an alternative location. It’s critical to keep family cell phone numbers and email addresses handy so that you have multiple methods of communication.

Disasters can wreak havoc on important family information. Be sure to regularly back-up important computer files, such as banking, business, and other essential information. Remote computer backup services that automatically make an off-site copy of your computer via your online connection allow you to retrieve your data even if your computer is lost in a disaster. Another option is to have another drive to which you back up information. You may even want to scan copies of important forms and documents and keep them on your hard drive so you have backups in case you need them.

It’s critical to go over the family disaster plan repeatedly with family members. Never assume that everyone knows the plan. Hold fire drills several times a year so that family members know the best ways to exit the house and the exact spot to meet up. Practice your disaster plan, including what you might do if a daytime disaster strikes while family members are separated – to ensure that, should the worst happen, everyone is prepared.