From: "Myron A. Calhoun" <mcalhoun@sdf.org>
Date: October 11, 2015 8:50:49 PM CDT
To: MAARS ListServe <ks0man@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [MAARS] Emergency Preparedness is NOT just for HAMs...
Reply-To: ks0man@googlegroups.com

From The ARES E-Letter for September 16, 2015

==> MAKE AN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PLAN

This article, from http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan, explains what
an emergency communication plan is and WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE ONE FOR YOUR
FAMILY.  It also provides tips and templates on how to make a plan.

WHY MAKE A PLAN?

Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is
important to think about the following situations and plan just in
case. Consider the following questions when making a plan:

- How will my family/household get emergency alerts and warnings
    http://www.ready.gov/alerts

- How will my family/household get to safe locations for relevant
     emergencies?

* How will my family/household get in touch if cell phone, internet,
     or landline doesn't work?

- How will I let loved ones know I am safe?

- How will family/household get to a meeting place after the emergency?

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT A PLAN

Here are PDF templates that you can download, print, and fill out:

- For parents
   http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/34330

- For kids
   http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/34330

- For transit commuters
   http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/90370

- For your wallet
   http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/108887

- Steps to make a plan
   http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/108887

- Tips on emergency alerts and warnings
   http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/94715

Here are a few easy steps to start your emergency communication plan:

Understand how to receive emergency alerts and warnings. Make sure all
household members are able to get alerts about an emergency from local
officials. Check with your local emergency management agency to see
what is available in your area, and learn more about alerts by visiting:
http://www.ready.gov/alerts. Examples of media for alerts include:

 * phone (work, cell, office)
 * email
 * social media
 * medical facilities, doctors, service providers
 * school

Decide on safe, familiar places where your family can go for protection
or to reunite. Make sure these locations are accessible for household
members with disabilities or access and functional needs. If you have
pets or service animals, think about animal-friendly locations.

Examples of meeting places:

 * In your neighborhood: A mailbox at the end of the driveway, or a
   neighbor's house.

 * Outside of your neighborhood: library, community center, place of
   worship, or family friend's home.

 * Outside of your town or city: home of a relative or family friend.
   Make sure everyone knows the address of the meeting place and discuss
   ways you would get there.

Discuss family/household plans for disasters that may affect your
area and plan where to go. Plan together in advance so that everyone in
the household understands where to go during a different type of
disaster like a hurricane, tornado, or wildfire.

 * Collect information. Create a paper copy of the contact information
   for your family.

 * Identify information and pick an emergency meeting place.

 * Share information. Make sure everyone carries a copy in his or her
   backpack, purse, or wallet. You should also post a copy in a central
   location in your home, such as your refrigerator or family bulletin
   board.

 * Practice your plan. Have regular household meetings to review your
   emergency plans, communication plans and meeting place after a
   disaster, and then practice, just like you would a fire drill.