Family Disaster Plan

If you live in an area vulnerable to hurricanes, your family should have a plan in case of emergency. Keep a written plan and share your plan with other friends or family. Here are some steps for creating your family's disaster plan:

• Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
• Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances, the safest areas may not be in your home, but within your community.
• Determine escape routes from your home, and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
• Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones, and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
• Check your insurance coverage – flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
• Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
• Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
• Take First Aid, CPR and disaster-preparedness classes.