"Creating a Family Emergency Plan
Mother Nature is unpredictable, and this time of year often creates threatening weather.
Because we can’t foresee when the next flood, tornado or fire may occur, it’s a good idea
to have an emergency plan in place. Here are some tips for preparing for the unexpected.

Develop a family communication plan
Your family may not be together when a disaster occurs, so plan in advance how you’ll
contact one another in different situations. Designate a long-distance friend or relative for
each family member to contact in the event of an emergency, as it may be easier for that
person to communicate among separated family members. Be sure each person knows the
phone number of the emergency contact.

Plan and practice escape routes
In the event of a fire, immediate escape is essential. It takes only minutes for a house to
fill with smoke and become engulfed in flames. The U.S. Fire Administration
recommends planning two ways out of each room in yo ur home, and regularly practicing
escape plans. Make sure each family member knows the safest route out of the house, and
that young children are able to open windows and doors. Once out of the house, meet in a
designated location and wait for help to arrive.

Take inventory of your belongings
Create a list of valuable items in your home, such as electronics, appliances, furnishings
and collectibles. In the event of a disaster, remembering the contents of your home and
their value will be important in determining your total loss.
While it’s not possible to predict or prevent all natural disasters, being prepared can help
you weather the storm, and make filing a claim a much smoother process.

Source: Federal Citizen Information Center documents “Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit” and
“Preparing Makes
Sense. Get Ready Now.” www.pueblo.gsa.gov, visited March 11, 2008.
“Get Out Safely,” U.S. Fire Administration, www.usfa.dhs.gov, visited March 11, 2008.

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