Some emergencies provide time to prepare, like a slower moving hurricane or ice storm. Other emergencies such as major earthquakes, tornadoes or tragedies such as 9/11 strike quickly with little or no warning. Every family needs to develop and practice an effective emergency communication plan. When a disaster strikes, there will be nothing more comforting than to be able to understand your family members are safe. Additionally, you don’t want to waste effort and possibly encounter dangerous situations which are unnecessary and easily avoided with the establishment of an effective communication plan.
First, every family member should carry in their wallet, purse and car and emergency communication card which should be laminated to maintain usefulness. Keeping the information in an electronic device is okay is a backup, but there are times where the device may fail. Keep the following key information:
Emergency phone numbers- for police, fire, poison control, the schools and workplaces, childcare facilities, key relatives and close friends for communication. Keep in mind that all emergency calls automatically go to 911.
Phone and contact numbers for each family member, you may think you have these numbers in your phone but if for some reason your phone is not functioning you want to be able to use other devices and you may not remember the numbers.
Establish out of area contacts with family or friends and include on your contact sheet for each family member. During very confusing periods local phone calls may be difficult to complete but you may be more successful at reaching a relative or friend across the country. Most importantly each family member is able to relate a message they are safe, or if interested identify exactly the situation. Further other instructions may be relayed. Be clear with your out-of-town contacts you will be relying on them, and be clear with your family whom they are to contact and in what order.
Establish pre-arranged rally points when a disaster strikes. For example, students need to identify a trusted family friend who lives near the school who will be able to help shelter if possible the children. Include the rally information on the information card.
Additionally, establish a meeting spot outside of your neighborhood in the event a tornado flattens your block to rally within walking distance if needed. Include the rally location details on the information card.
If you are responsible for pets work through in advance your emergency plan, where will the pet be taken if necessary and who will be responsible, always remembering family members are more important than a pet, regardless how well loved.
Purchase back up phone chargers to provide additional battery power during a crisis which has the potential to take out electrical power. Even if power is working you may be working your phone over time draining power.
Purchase and distribute to each family member Two-Way radios which may provide the crucial weight for communication if local phone lines are overwhelmed or not functioning. Place these in each automobile, home, backpacks and keep in your workplace. The few extra dollars needed to purchase additional units will help ensure you have the radio ready and functioning when needed.
No plan is very useful if not communicated clearly so take time to discuss with your family and children, on an age-appropriate basis. Practice your plans and do at least a monthly radio check and ensure that all radios remain fully charged all the time.
King David wrote, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Psalm 18:21) We don’t want to be overly dramatic but, an effective communication plan worked out in advance by a family may literally provide during a crisis the difference between life and death of a family member. Take the steps of becoming a ReadyChristian by becoming a member for only $12 a year, a $79.99 value, and is fully refundable for any reason.
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