A family emergency communication plan ensures household members can contact each other and coordinate during a disaster when normal communication channels may be disrupted. During emergencies, phone networks become congested, family members may be at different locations, and information can be unreliable.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Collect contact information for all household members — Record full names, cell phones, work/school numbers, and email addresses for every family member. Include medical conditions, allergies, medi...
- Designate an out-of-area emergency contact — Choose a trusted friend or relative who lives far enough away to be unaffected by a local disaster. All family members call this person if they cannot r...
- Establish meeting locations — Designate two meeting places: one right outside your home (mailbox, large tree) for sudden emergencies like a fire, and one outside your neighborhood (library, communi...
- Plan multiple communication methods — Prioritize text messages (use less bandwidth than voice calls and are more likely to get through). Also plan for social media check-ins, email, and landline ca...
- Create emergency contact cards — Print wallet-sized cards for each family member listing the out-of-area contact, meeting locations, medical information, and key phone numbers. Laminate them.
- Program phones — Store emergency contacts under "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in every family member's phone. Pre-program the out-of-area contact, local emergency management, and utility company num...
- Account for school and work plans — Know the emergency procedures and pick-up policies for your children's schools and daycare. Identify who is authorized to pick up children if you cannot.
- Plan for pets — Identify who will be responsible for pets during an evacuation. Note pet-friendly shelters and boarding facilities.
- Include neighbors and nearby contacts — Exchange contact information with trusted neighbors who can assist during emergencies.
- Practice the plan — Conduct a family communication drill at least twice a year. Practice sending texts, calling the out-of-area contact, and meeting at designated locations. Update the plan annuall...
Common Mistakes
- Relying solely on cell phones
- Not having a paper copy
- Choosing a local emergency contact
- Forgetting to update
- Not involving children
Pro Tips
- Download the Ready.gov family communication plan template and fill one out fo...
- Text "SAFE" to your out-of-area contact as a quick check-in during emergencies
- Set up a shared family group text or messaging app group for rapid communicat...
- Consider a family two-way radio (walkie-talkie) set for communication when ce...
- Teach children to call 911 and to state their name, address, and the nature o...