Create a Family Emergency Communication Plan

Where will your family or household be when disaster strikes? At home? School? Work? If you are not together when an emergency happens, will everyone know how to stay in contact — even if cell towers are down and phones don’t work? Do you have a meeting place and will everyone have a way to get there?

Once you answer these questions, you’re on your way to creating a communication plan for natural disasters. Start by mapping out contact methods and meeting places. Then share and practice your plan with your family or household and out-of-town contact.

After you make your plan, all you need to do is revisit and communicate your plan regularly so you’re ready when disaster strikes.

Build your plan

• Write it down. Create a document with the contact information for your family, close friends, designated out-of-town contact, employers, and other service providers like doctors, schools, etc.
• Plan to communicate. Plan how to communicate with family or friends when disaster strikes. Discuss calling, texting, emailing, or using social media. Texting tends to work more reliably than calling, especially when systems are in high demand.
• Choose a meeting place. Pick two places to meet your family or household members. Meet outside your home in case of a sudden emergency or at a friend’s or neighbor’s house in case you can’t return home. Ensure that these places are reachable for those with access and functional needs and that your pets are welcome. Share the address and phone number for each of your meet-up locations. Add the information to your phone’s contacts and list them in your plan.
• Identify emergency contact(s). Ask an out-of-town family member or friend to be your emergency contact. Ensure everyone in your household knows the contact’s name, location, phone number, email, and any social media contact options.
• Schedule a meeting. Set a meeting with your household to talk about the types of disasters and hazards you might face. Work together and share responsibilities as a team. Get your kids involved with fun activities.

Know your plan

Send links to your communication plan and make copies for all family or household members and emergency contacts. Post a copy in a prominent place in your home like a bulletin board.

Practice the plan

Regularly gather your family or household members to review and practice your plan. Discuss what information you would communicate during a disaster and send practice messages. Make sure all family members (including children) understand how and when to call 911.

Update your communication plan at least once a year or whenever information changes.

More Resources

FEMA. Create Your Family Emergency Communication Plan.

Ready. Make a Plan.