Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another. Think about how you will communicate in different situations.
Complete a contact card for each adult family member. Keep these cards handy in a wallet, purse or briefcase, etc. Additionally, complete contact cards for each child in your family. Put the cards in their backpacks or book bag and communication box (see below).
Choose a contact such as a friend or relative who lives out-of-town for household members to notify they are safe. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.
Teach family members how to use text messaging. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.
Designate two family meeting places (nearby and farther away). Hang the plan near your 72 hour kit and review annually.
Make a communication box that you can bury or hide in a designated spot in your yard to leave notes and messages. This may be helpful if you have to evacuate and you don’t have phone service. Include a pad and pencil and a list of emergency contact phone numbers.
Make a jump drive/flash drive containing scanned images of insurance policies and other important papers. You may also want to include photos or video of your home and valuables. It’s difficult to remember everything if you have to make an insurance claim.
Don't skip this tip: Power out? Unplug appliances and electronics and turn off air conditioners to prevent damage when the electricity surges back on. Leave one lamp on so you'll know when the power's back on.
For more information go to BeReadyUtah.gov or http://sandy.utah.gov/government/emergency-management/personal-disaster-preparedness-planner.html
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