Family Disaster Plan

Knowing what to do prior to an emergency will help keep family members calm and prepared in case of emergency.

Every family member should know:

• The types of risks that could occur in our area
• 2 ways to escape from every room in your home
• Where the disaster supply kit is kept
• What each family member’s responsibilities are
• How family members will let each other know where they are going, should they have to evacuate

Plan to reunite

Plans to re-unite after a disaster involve picking:

• A place right outside the home in case of sudden emergency like a fire
• A place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home ( everyone should know the address and phone number )
• An out-of-state contact’s name and number ( in some cases, out of state communication is easier than  local  following an emergency)
• Communicate the plan with everyone involved, including your in area, in state and out of state family members

Shelter in Place

If you are advised to “shelter in place” this means you should remain inside your home or office and protect yourself while there.  This is a precautionary measure taken during a chemical or other emergency. 

Steps you should immediately take include:

• Gather all family members and pets and remain inside your home
• If you have to go outdoors to locate family, use a damp cloth over your nose and mouth to provide a minimal level of protection for breathing
• Close all windows in your home
• Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems
• Close fireplace dampers
• Go to the above ground room in your home with the fewest windows and doors
• Take your disaster supply kit with you
• Wet some towels and jam them into the space under doors
• Seal doors, windows, electrical outlets and exhaust fans or vents with duct tape
• Tape plastic or trash bags over windows
• If there is a danger of explosion, close shades or curtains and stay away from windows
•  Stay in this room - listen to the radio for updates indicating that an “all safe”  condition exists
•  If an evacuation is ordered, stay calm, listen carefully and  follow all instructions

If an IMMEDIATE evacuation is ordered quickly gather and take with you:

• Family disaster kit **(Contents also found in CERT Training Manual)
• A change of clothing for all family members
• Extra cash
• Medications, eye glasses, dentures, and assists like canes and walkers
• Personal items like toothbrushes and deodorant…
• Baby items that are essential like diapers, formula of baby food
• Essential pet supplies
• Books, puzzles, or other small items to occupy time

Around your home:

• Close and lock all windows
• Shut off vents and all appliances other than refrigerators and freezers
• Lock your home before you leave
• Check neighbors especially those with disabilities to insure they were notified and can evacuate
• Take only one car
• Close car windows and vents, and do not run the heater or air conditioner while driving
• Follow the exact route instructed – short cuts may get you into trouble
• Listen to TV and radio stations for information about where you may pick up your children
• Move quickly and calmly

**CERT is a national training initiative which provides citizens relevant hands on training in preparing for and responding to a disaster. For more information please see the CERT webpage on this site.