Family Preparedness: Part II

We recently talked to the Department of Homeland Security, and heard some really useful things about how families can be prepared if something scary should happen. For the next few days, we’ll be sharing the important information that parents need to know.

After you’ve put together an emergency kit, the next step is to create a plan. In the event of an emergency, the most important thing is for family members to be able to contact each other and meet in a safe place. First, consider designating an out-of-town contact person that can communicate between separated family members (should something happen in your area, it may be easier to call long distance than across town, putting the contact person in a helpful center point for all of your family members). Then, make sure all family members have the out-of-town contact’s phone number, as well as a working cell phone or phone card with which to make calls. If your child is very young, you may want to practice with her the way to use a phone or phone card, plus make sure she knows how to use text messaging (texts may be more likely than calls to go through in an emergency, since phone lines could be tied up).

For more details about creating an emergency plan for your family, visit http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/fep/index.jsp.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

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