Creating an Emergency Plan

Steps

The following steps will help you and your family prepare for emergency situations:

  • Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.
  • Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room.
  • Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
  • Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.
  • Keep family records in a water-proof and fire-proof container.
  • Meet with household members to discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes, and other emergencies. Explain how to respond to each.
  • Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated during a disaster. It is often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area. Teach your children your contacts' phone numbers.
  • Pick two emergency meeting places:
    • A place near your home in case of a fire
    • A place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster
  • Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.
  • Show family members how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches when necessary.
  • Take a basic first aid and CPR class.
  • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, and fire.

For More Information

For more information about emergency plans, please contact the Emergency Management Department at (262) 785-9580.