Every household should have a disaster plan in case of emergency. Knowing exactly what you will do in case of an emergency will help keep you and your family safe and can be created in less than 30 minutes.

Just in case you and your family are separated when an emergency occurs, you should plan on how to contact each other and where to meet. Your disaster plan should consist of what to do in different situations.

You should keep a copy of your disaster plan in a location that is easy to remember. That way, you can find it easily during an emergency. It is also a good idea to keep a copy in your vehicle in case you encounter an emergency while you are in your vehicle.

HOME DISASTER PLAN

Household Emergency Exits

Create a layout of your home with all exits noted for each room. Mark the primary exit and the alternate exit (if available) from each room. If you live inside of an apartment building, your exit route should be via the stairs. It is dangerous to use elevators during an emergency because you may lose power and get stuck. It is also recommended that you identify an evacuation route in case you are told to evacuate your community.

Gathering Place(s)

Find a safe place or places in your neighborhood that your family could meet at if you are unable to get home during an emergency or it if you and your family have to evacuate.

Neighborhood Meeting Places

Evacuation route