Emergencies are unpredictable, but there are steps to ensure that you are well prepared.
It is important to make a plan
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Talk with your family about establishing a family meeting place and an out-of-town contact. Carry phone numbers and addresses of all potential meeting places. A family friend was in the middle of the Kobe, Japan earthquake. The phone lines were down and family did not hear from her for a day. Fortunately, she had known of an out-of-town contact and walked over there and was able to reestablish contact with her family.
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Plan for those with disabilities or special needs. Keep all essential medical equipment and medications handy.
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Discuss escape routes and safe places. Know where your emergency kits are.
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Plan for your pets. Since most emergency shelters do not accept pets unless they are service animals, plan ahead on what to do with your pets. Prepare a list of family friends, veterinarians, pet-friendly hotels in the case of emergencies.
Practice your plan
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Practice evacuating your home and meeting outside
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Walk around or drive possible evacuation routes
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Call your out-of-state contact and discuss that it may be a potential meeting place in the case of an emergency.
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Talk about the practice drill
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Constantly update new phone numbers, work locations, emergency contact information, etc.
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Update your emergency kits regularly
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Replace batteries in smoke detectors at least two times a year.
