Emergency Communications Plan Checklist

As the start of hurricane season annually, it is suggested to host a family meeting with all members of the household to plan out communications and understand the hazards of a hurricane. Use this information to help guide the meeting.

To create c comprehensive plan for your family or business, visit Make a Plan. Ready.gov also offers a great resource for Family Emergency Communications Plan.

Understanding Hurricane Hazards

  • Discuss with children the dangers of fire, flooding, heavy winds, and severe weather that are possible as part of a hurricane.
  • Discuss how to respond to each scenario that could occur.
  • Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.

Preparing the Home

  • Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two (2) escape routes from each room.
  • Learn how to turn off the water, gas, electricity at main switches or valves.
  • Document who will assist with securing your home and how you will plan to assist any family members who may need assistance.
  • Make a plan for any pets.
  • Make a plan to secure/protect vehicles (cars, boats, recreational vehicles.)
  • Pre-register for for special needs assistance if you or a family member may need special medical assistance during an emergency.

Emergency Communications

  • Teach children the proper use of the 911 system; including how and when to call for police and fire emergencies.
  • Post emergency telephone numbers near phones.
  • Choose one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated by disaster. Make sure all household members save the contacts on their phones. Notify the designated contacts to inform them that they are the main point of contact for your family.

Planning for After the Storm

  • Pick two (2) meeting places that everyone is aware of should you become separated during a storm/disaster emergency:
  • Learn about emergency plans for your children's school or day care center.
  • Take basic first aid and CPR course.
  • Keep family records, insurance documents and other important papers in a water/fire-proof container.
  • Stock up on supplies for your family's Emergency Supply Kit throughout the hurricane season.