Since your family may not be together when an emergency occurs, it is important to know that everyone is okay by creating a Ready Boston Emergency Communications Plan using the Family Preparedness Planner.
Keep these key steps in mind when creating your plan:
- Designate an out-of-town contact household members call if separated during an emergency.
- Each member of the family should know the number and should have various means of calling: cell phone; prepaid phone card; or plenty of coins. The phone system may be jammed but be patient.
- Have a predetermined place to reunite. Designate 2 places: one near your home and one outside your neighborhood. The call to your emergency contact will allow you to decide and communicate which location is best.
- Know your evacuation route and location of your Neighborhood Emergency Center!
- There may be members of your family such as older Americans, children, or people with disabilities. Ensure that your plan incorporates their needs and takes into account their ability to react during an emergency.
- Know the emergency plans of places your family frequents: work, school, day care, etc. Be sure to incorporate their procedures into your plan.
Even with the best government agency responses, there are some needs that require individualized planning with the assistance of family, friends, or health care providers. Emergencies present special challenges for older Americans and people with disabilities.
