Consider developing a disaster plan with your household members that outlines what to do, how to find each other and how to communicate in the event of an emergency.

• Decide where your household will reunite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet.  One right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center or place of worship.
• Make sure everyone knows the address and phone numbers of your second meeting place.
• Know and practice all possible exit routes from your home and neighborhood.
• Designate an out-of-state friend or relative that household members can call if separated during a disaster.  If local phone circuits are busy, this out of state contact can be an important way of communicating between household members.  When local phone circuits are busy, long distance calls may be easier to make.
• Account for everyone’s needs, especially seniors, people with disabilities and non-English speakers.
• Practice and plan with all household members.
• Ensure that household members have a copy of your Household Disaster Plan.
• Familiarize yourself with the emergency plans for your workplace, school, child’s school or daycare, and other relevant institutions.