Create a Ready Boston Emergency Communications Plan (Plan en Espanol). Since your family may not be together when an emergency occurs, it is important to know that everyone is okay.
Keep in mind these key steps 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 plan into yours where needed.
Don't forget your pets!If your family needs to go to a shelter know that all Red Cross shelters and many others do not allow pets unless they are service animals. Talk to your veterinarian now to determine where the closest emergency animal shelter is located to ensure your pet is well taken care of. The Veterinarian Medical Association is a great resource where you can learn more.
Emergencies present special challenges for older Americans and people with disabilities. 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.