September is National Preparedness Month. This month we will be sending out regular posts about things you can do in your home to be prepared if an emergency or disaster occurs.  

Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan

Creating your Family Emergency Communication Plan starts with one simple question: "What if..."

"What if something happens and I'm not with my family?",  "Will I be able to reach them?", "How will I know they are safe?", How can I let them know I'm safe?. During a disaster, you need to be in contact with your family. Communications networks such as cellular and the internet could become unusable or unreliable during a disaster. You might lose power. Planning in advance will help ensure that everyone is able to communicate and know how to reach needed help.

Planning starts with 3 easy steps:
1. Collect- Create a paper copy of the contact information for your family and others of importance, such as doctors and service providers,
2. Share- Make sure everyone carries a copy. If you complete your Family Emergency Communication Plan online at Ready.gov/make-a-plan you can download a wallet-sized card. Be sure to also keep a copy in an obvious place in your home.
3. Practice: Have regular meetings to review and practice your plan.