Make a Plan
As with any emergency situation, having a plan in place and executing it when needed is the key to safety and survival. Follow this 4-Step Checklist to help get you and your family through a hurricane.
Emergency Communications Plan Checklist
STEP 1: Discuss these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household.
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.
As you prepare your plan, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities with others in your network, and explore how you can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like operating durable medical equipment. Create your own personal network to address specific areas where you need assistance.
Keep these factors in mind when developing your plan:
- Different ages of members within your household
- Responsibilities for assisting others outside the household (e.g., elderly parents)
- Locations you and your household members frequent
- Dietary needs
- Medical needs, including prescriptions and equipment
- Disabilities or access and functional needs, including assistive devices and equipment
- Languages spoken by household members
- Cultural and religious considerations
- Pets or service animals
- Households with school-aged children
Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Communications Plan
Download and fill out a Family Emergency Communications Plan or use as a guide to create your own.
Step 4: Practice you plan with your family/household
- Family Emergency Communication Guide
- Family Communications Plan Fillable Card
- Emergency Plan for Families or (PDF)
- Emergency Plan for Commuters
- Emergency Plan for Kids
- Pet Owners
- Family Emergency Communication Planning Document
- Family Emergency Communication Plan Wallet Cards
- Know Your Alerts and Warnings
- Protect Critical Documents and Valuables
- Document and Insure Your Property
- Emergency Financial First Aid Kit
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Disaster Checklist
- Make a Plan (Video)