This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

There are hundreds of articles, publications and videos that talk about the importance of preparing your family for a potential disaster. However, did you know that less than 5% of families have an evacuation strategy for their home? There are a wide variety of scenarios which might require you to leave home in a hurry. Here’s a quick guide to what you can do to plan an evacuation strategy for your family.

Planning for Different Scenarios

Deciding on an evacuation strategy for a house fire will be drastically different than planning an evacuation for a home invasion. It’s best to have at least a few strategies for each scenario. You should have an evacuation plan for the following situations:

• Flash Flood
• Mandatory (ordered) Evacuation
• Home Invasion
• House Fire
• Hurricane
• Tornado
• Earthquake

You can also plan your evacuation to prioritize for disasters that are a high risk in your area. For example, if you live on the East Coast, you might want to make your first plan for a hurricane evacuation. If you live in a high risk flood area, you’ll want to make your flood evacuation plan first.

Making Your Plan

Once you’ve outlined your evacuation scenarios, it’s time to make a definitive plan. Your goal should be to get your family out of your home in the easiest and safest way possible. To start, first mark all of the entrances and exits in your home. This should include alternative exits, such as windows, skylights and basement access areas. Though your priority will be to evacuate through one of your doors, this may not be possible in all scenarios.

To plan for a second-floor evacuation, make sure that there’s an easily accessible escape ladder in at least two of your upstairs rooms. Most escape ladders can be folded for easy storage. Make sure your escape ladder is long enough to allow your family members to reach the ground safely.

Evacuation Supplies

It’s best to have a “grab and go” evacuation kit that can be used in the event of an emergency situation. This kit should be multi-purpose, and have basic supplies for your family. Aside from other items, be sure to include:

• Food
• Water
• At least one change of clothing for each family member
• Flashlight
• Communication (i.e. Walkie Talkies) in case of separation
• Portable shelter or tent
• Basic medical supplies
• Water Purification System

Implementing Your Plan

Once you have your final plan, it’s time to begin educating your family. Work with all members of your family on the plan, especially small children. Evacuation doesn’t have to be scary – you can make your evacuation drills a fun activity for your kids. This will help them stay calm and focused in the event of a “real” evacuation.

You should give each family member a checklist to use when evacuating. This checklist can be posted on the back of a door, or in another easily visible area. Most children will have a much easier time with an evacuation if they’re given clear guidelines to follow. Make sure that at least one member of your family is in charge of bringing the “grab and go” kit in the event of an evacuation.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

You might have seen the news lately – the Midwestern United States is getting hammered by strong storms. Even if you don’t live in the Midwest, it’s still extremely important for you to know how to prepare your home (and family) for a severe storms. Weather conditions can be volatile, which means the severity of a storm could change at a moment’s notice. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a severe storm.

Prepare for a Power Outage
In many cases, a strong storm might cause the power to go out in your area. Since power outages may occur even with “weak” storms, this should always be your first priority. If your water supply runs on an electric pump, fill up the bathtub with water. This water can be used for flushing the toilet, washing dishes and other tasks. You should also store some drinking water in safe containers, especially if you don’t have any bottled water stored. If the power does go out, it’s usually best to tape your refrigerator and freezer shut, in order to make sure that they stay cool for as long as possible. You should also prepare candles, flashlights and a battery-powered weather radio.

Secure Your Home
Close any shutters, put away garden tools and make sure your yard is free of debris. Strong winds can cause debris to damage your home and property. You should also make sure that your windows are closed for the storm. Despite information suggesting otherwise, it’s usually best to keep your windows shut during a storm that also has strong winds and/or rain.

Be Prepared to Leave
If a severe storm turns nasty, you might be advised to evacuate your home. Have a “Go Bag” ready with everything your family might need in the event of an evacuation. Have at least a three day supply of food, water, warm clothing and toiletries in the bag. If you have children, you should also bring books, toys or familiar items to make the evacuation less stressful. You might be evacuating to a shelter, and may need to stay in the shelter until the storm passes.

Stay Updated On Weather Conditions
Many strong storms also have the ability to spawn dangerous tornadoes. You need to know as soon as a tornado has been sighted in your area if you want to keep your family safe. Keep watching your local news, since it will allow you to stay updated on the weather conditions and advisories in your area. If your power goes out, turn on your weather radio and continue to listen to any warnings and updates.

Stay Calm
Perhaps one of the most important pieces of advice for severe weather conditions is for you to stay calm. Though it’s always frightening to be caught in bad weather, if you’ve made the preparations listed above, you have a much higher chance of staying safe during severe storms. Also, if you have children, it’s important to reassure them that your family will be safe during the storm. Staying calm will also allow you to think clearly in the event of an emergency.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Every time there’s a significant natural disaster, many people express renewed interest in getting their family prepared. Some people purchase bottled water, dehydrated food and medical supplies. Other people focus on securing their home with better locks, a home security system and enhanced surveillance. With all of this interest in getting your family prepared, what have you considered? If you were the victim of a natural disaster, what do you think would be most valuable to you?

This is just one of the questions that’s interesting to think about, either from a humorous or a serious point of view. If given the option to grab a few possessions, what would you take with you? Some might say survival supplies, while others might be more interested in entertainment, the safety of their pets, or securing supplies to rebuild civilization.

Have you ever been curious as to what some other people find valuable? After a poll of several users on Facebook and Twitter, here are a few of the things that some people would bring with them to an underground bomb shelter.

• “I’d bring a week’s supply of food, heirloom seeds and a water purification device. And a gigantic box of Mars candy bars!” - Emily J. via Facebook
• “Assuming food, water, and soap are a given, a volume of Vergil, two decks of playing cards, and a box of #2 pencils.” - Steven K. (@elvestinkle) via Twitter
• “Notebooks, pencils, books, and a knife. Oh, and probably some food too.” - J.D.Robinson (@Sachula) via Twitter
• “Rad Away, Nuka Cola, Bottlecaps, Rad-X, and a PipBoy.” - @GeeksNGamers via Twitter
• “I’d take my laptop so I can write songs and look at a picture to remind me of someone I love.” - Jonathan L. via Facebook
• “My Pip-Boy” - Adam P. via Facebook
• “Peanut Butter.” - Patrick M. via Facebook
• “The downloadable version of the current wikipedia database on my jailbroken iphone. From there I can rebuild society in my image!” - Jimmy C. via Facebook
• “A generator. I’d bring the new portable game unit, use the other guy’s laptop to draw and eat Pat’s peanut butter to survive! Maybe someone could bring jelly and some crackers? I’m a scavenger.” - Bianca H. via Facebook
• “Food and my goram firefly/serenity DVD collection.” - Marcelo L. via Facebook
• “A box of Twikies.” - John R. via Facebook
• “I would have to bring my entire music collection. Music has always been my biggest inspiration, motivation, and has shaped me into the person I am today. Without music, I am nothing.” - Aaron W. via Facebook
• “I’d bring my family. As long as we’re together, we can overcome anything!” - Cassie M. via Facebook

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Many people are expressing concern about how to prepare for a severe earthquake, especially after the severe earthquakes in Japan and Haiti. If you live in an earthquake-prone zone, what can you do to prepare? What supplies should you keep on hand? This article will guide you through the steps that will help you prepare for a severe earthquake.

Securing Shelving
All of the shelves in your home should be secure in preparation for an earthquake. You should avoid free-floating shelves (shelves that simply sit on top of brackets), since these may fall during an earthquake. Heavier objects should be removed from the shelves, or placed on low shelves close to the floor. Reinforce your shelving by adding additional reinforcements or brackets.

Securing Your Water Heater
To help your family stay safe during an earthquake, you might want to spend some time securing your water heater. You can strap your water heater to studs in the wall, which will give it more stability. Also, you should try to bolt the heater itself to the floor.

Hanging Pictures
If you live in an area that’s prone to earthquakes, try to avoid hanging pictures, paintings or other wall ornaments near beds or chairs. These items can fall off the walls during an earthquake, which can result in serious injury.

Have a Family Meeting Place
Since many disasters can strike without warning, you should organize a meeting place for your family in the event that you’re all at different locations.

Designate “Safety” Zones
Every room of your home should have a few designated “safe zones” which can be used in the event of an earthquake. These safe zones should be in the following places:

• Underneath heavy furniture, which can provide some protection from earthquake debris.
• Against a wall that is within the interior of the house. Avoid bracing against exterior walls.
• In an open area (if you’re outdoors) such as the middle of your yard.
• In an interior room, such as a bathroom (preferably without a skylight).

Prepare an Emergency Kit
Every family should have an emergency kit for natural disasters. This kit should be able to sustain your family during days, or weeks during which utilities may not be available. It pays to be prepared! This kit can be used for many different types of natural disasters, such as severe snowstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes or flash floods.

• Food – Have at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food in your emergency kit.
• Water – You should have one gallon per person per day. For a family of four to have a 3 day supply, you would need 12 gallons of water.
• Light – Flashlights, candles and extra batteries are a must.
• Radio – A hand-powered crank radio will allow you to keep up with disaster updates even if the power goes out.
• Important Documents – Passports, birth certificates and other important documents should be in a waterproof, fire-proof container that can easily be carried in an evacuation.
• Clothing – Have at least two spare changes of clothes for each member of your family, preferably warm, high quality clothing.
• Warmth – Sleeping bags, wool blankets and hand warmers should be an essential part of your emergency kit.
• Entertainment – Books, card games and other activities are useful for keeping children (and adults) calm during a crisis.
• Communication – Two-way radios can be a useful way for your family to communicate over short distances, in the event that phone lines aren’t functioning.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

With the growing importance of nuclear energy, many people are now becoming concerned about the effects of radiation. After the earthquake and tsunami in Japan resulted in several nuclear power plants to become damaged, radiation was released into the surrounding area. Some of that radiation is now showing up in the United States, though initially the levels seem to be low. That being said, what can you do to protect yourself from radiation? What is radiation, and how does it affect you? Here’s a quick guide to help familiarize you with radiation.

What is Radiation?

Many people mistakenly believe that radiation is an energy wave, or a toxic cloud, or even an oozing liquid. Radiation is actually caused by energy released by atoms. When an atom becomes unstable, it can split into smaller atoms, which releases a lot of energy. This process is called “decay”, and may occur over a period of time. During this decay, an atom can emit a variety of subatomic particles, which may include gamma rays, neutrons, alpha particles and electrons. Some of these subatomic particles can actually travel through the skin and into the human body, which can cause damage. Some of these particles are heavy, and can only stay on the surface of the skin (unless ingested internally). These particles are what causes radiation, and the effects of radiation on the human body.

What are the Symptoms of Radiation Poisoning?

The symptoms of radiation poisoning depend entirely on the amount of exposure. In general, the more severe the exposure, the more aggravated the symptoms will be. Common symptoms of radiation poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, disorientation and bruising. For skin exposure, symptoms may range from discoloration to burn-like abrasions. These symptoms may appear very soon after exposure to radioactive particles, or they may take several months to appear.

How Dangerous is Radiation?

You might not realize it, but you’re exposed to small amounts of radiation every day. Most people around the world are exposed to around 3.1 millisieverts of radiation. However, in the United States, the average person is exposed to about 6.2 millisieverts of radiation, mostly because of our medical procedures (such as CT scans) that use radiation. According to information compiled by scientists, it’s estimated that around half of the population would die if they were all exposed to 3,500 to 5,000 millisieverts of radiation (for a period of time ranging from a few minutes to a few hours). This death rate is due to the fact that every person reacts differently when exposed to radiation.

As a comparison, we can look at the firefighters and plant workers that developed radiation sickness after the disaster at Chernobyl. Around 130 people developed radiation sickness, and it’s said that these people were exposed to anywhere from 800 to 16,000 millisieverts of radiation. According to a recent study, people that have been exposed to over 500 millisieverts of radiation are more prone to develop cancer and other health problems.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Want to learn more about how to help people that were affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan? Are you interested in learning how you can sign up as a volunteer in the Japan relief effort? Here’s a bit of information about some charities that are actively providing aid in Japan after the recent disaster.

ShelterBox
Shelterbox is a charity that sends shelter, warmth and other supplies to people who have been victimized by natural disasters. Japan has asked the world for shelterboxes, since they can provide life-saving resources for people who have been left homeless after the earthquake and tsunami. Click here to learn more about volunteering with ShelterBox. Click here to be taken to the donation page.

Save the Children
Save the Children has been working with Japan for over two decades, and deployed an emergency response team immediately following the recent disaster in Japan. According to the website, “Donations to the Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund will exclusively be used to help provide disaster relief and support for Japanese children. In addition to immediate relief, this fund will help support long-term recovery plans to restore education and child care in Japanese communities ravaged by the disasters.” Click here to be taken to the donation page.

Doctors Without Borders
This organization has been providing medical support for people who have been affected by the disaster in Japan. Aside from medical care, Doctors Without Borders has also been offering psychological help to those who need emotional support following the disaster.  Click here to be taken to the donation page for Doctors Without Borders.

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit Christian charity that provides housing for people in need. The charity has already begun a movement to assist those left homeless in Japan, and is asking for donations. The charity is also employing many volunteers to assist in natural disasters in the United States, as well as all over the world. Click here to apply to volunteer for one of the Habitat for Humanity programs. Be aware that some of the volunteer programs will require you to cover the living costs/transportation to and from your assigned volunteer location. Click here to be taken to the donation page.

The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has over 80 different centers in Japan, and has been actively helping the people of Japan since 1895. After the recent disaster in Japan, the Salvation Army has been involved in deploying teams that distribute basic necessities to people who have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Click here to learn about volunteer opportunities with the Salvation Army. Click here to make a donation to the relief efforts in Japan.

Mercy Corps
The mission statement of Mercy Corps is to “Alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities”. This charity also focuses on health services, natural disaster relief, sustainable economic development and emergency response services. Click here to learn more about how you can become a volunteer for Mercy Corps. Click here to be taken to the donation page for Mercy Corps efforts in Japan.

AmeriCares
AmeriCares is an organization that focuses on disaster relief and humanitarian medical aid. They provide help to people in the United States, as well as for those in need all over the world. Click here to learn more about how to apply to be a volunteer for AmeriCares. Click here to be taken to the donation page for the Japan relief efforts.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

In April of 2010, the drilling rig Deepwater Horizon sank, leaving behind a gushing oil well that has caused the largest oil spill in US history. Now, with hurricane season already underway, many experts are concerned that hurricane conditions could further spread the oil over much of the southeastern US states. With hurricane Alex (which is currently forecast to hit Mexico) already causing disruptions in the form of 12-foot waves, it’s important that you understand the classifications for different types of hurricanes, as well as what kind of effect they can have when the pass over areas of land and water.

When Does a Tropical Storm Become a Hurricane?

The term “Tropical Cyclone” may refer to a hurricane, tropical storm, tropical depression, cyclone or cyclonic storm. It’s a general term for a weather system with a low-pressure center, as well as several strong thunderstorms. A tropical storm is measured at having sustained winds between 39 mph and 73 mph. When the winds inside a tropical cyclone reach a sustained speed of 74 mph (not including gusts), it is classified as a hurricane.

What is a ‘Storm Surge’?

For hurricane classifications, you will commonly see a reference to “storm surge height”. A storm surge is when the water level in an affected area goes up by a designated number of feet over sea level. This is caused mostly by the high winds of the storm system pressing down on the surface of the water. A storm surge is also sometimes casually referred to as a “storm tide”.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is the most widely known method for classifying hurricanes. The classifications are as follows:

Category 1 Hurricane:
This category occurs after a hurricane has formed from an existing weather system. The wind speeds of a Category 1 hurricane are from 74 – 95 mph. The storm surge is usually measured as being from 4 – 5 feet. Most of the damage from a Category 1 hurricane are to mobile homes, vegetation and some windows. Minor flooding in coastal areas.

Category 2 Hurricane
A category 2 hurricane has wind speeds from 96 – 110 mph. The storm surge may reach heights of from 6 – 8 feet. Damage to residential roofing, windows and doors is common. Mobile homes and shrubbery are under considerable threat. Any boat in an unprotected mooring is also at risk for serious damage.

Category 3 Hurricane
When a hurricane reaches category 3, its wind speeds have been measured at 111 – 130 mph. The storm surge may reach heights of from 9 – 12 feet. Residential structures are under considerable risk, and mobile homes are often completely destroyed. Serious flooding puts all coastal residential properties at additional threat. Minor number of curtainwall failures.

Category 4 Hurricane
A Category 4 hurricane has wind speeds from 131 – 155 mph, as well as storm surges that reach from 13 to 18 feet. Widespread curtainwall failures, as well as complete destruction of some small structures. Extensive beach erosion, and widespread flooding are also common.

Category 5 Hurricane
For a Category 5 hurricane, wind speeds are at or over 155 mph. The storm surge can reach over 18 feet. Hurricane Wilma (a 2005 storm) was the most intense Category 5 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin, with top wind speeds of over 185 mph. A hurricane of this strength could destroy many residential structures and cause severe flooding, which would result in large-scale evacuations.

Satellite Footage of Hurricane Dean (2007)

Click here to view the embedded video.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

In 1996, a script co-authored by Michael Crichton finally made it to the big screen. The resulting movie, “Twister”, took the movie world by storm. At the time, the visual effects in this movie were groundbreaking, setting new standards in the movie industry. After being the second-highest grossing film of 1996, Twister went on to be the first movie to ever be released in the DVD format.

The movie followed a group of “storm-chasers”, who were attempting to gather data by releasing research devices directly into the funnel of a tornado. The tagline for the movie was “The Dark Side of Nature”, since the film displayed several scenes highlighting the destructive power of tornadoes.

From Jan 2010 to June 2010, over 640 tornadoes have already occurred in the United States. Thanks to education about tornado safety procedures and early warning systems, only 25 people have died during 2010 in tornado-related deaths. However, it’s still extremely important that you, and your family are educated about the proper tornado safety procedures. This guide will cover how to best prepare for a tornado in your home.

Unplug all Appliances.
To reduce your risk of electric shock, unplug all appliances in your home. Ideally, you should have a battery-powered radio that has a weather band to keep you updated on the situation in your area. Avoid using any electrical appliances in your home, including toaster ovens, televisions, and other devices. You should only use the telephone during an extreme emergency.

Avoid Mobile Homes.
If you live in a mobile home, you are at a higher risk of being affected by a tornado. If possible, evacuate your family from your home, and seek shelter in a building with a strong foundation. The wind speeds during a tornado can easily overturn or destroy mobile homes, which means that they are not a sufficient source of shelter.

Close Your Windows.
Some people believe that you should leave your windows open during a tornado to “equalize pressure”. This is a myth. Keep your windows tightly closed, and secure storm shutters if you have them. You can try taping your windows, though this is may have minimal effectiveness in the face of flying debris from a tornado.

Find a Safe Room.
If your home has a basement, relocate your family to this location. If not, find a central room in your house, preferably a room with no windows. Many people choose bathrooms, especially those with heavy ceramic bathtubs. If possible, anchor yourself under a heavy piece of furniture, such as a couch or desk. For additional protection, you can cover yourself with a heavy blanket or mattress. Stay in the center of the room at all times, until the tornado threat has passed.

Gather Emergency Supplies.
If possible, construct a family disaster kit before your area is threatened by a tornado. This kit should include food, water, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, blankets, medical supplies, and other useful items. If you have small children, you may also want to include comfort items, such as stuffed animals or their favorite books. Children are especially vulnerable during a disaster, and will benefit from small distractions during a tornado.

“Destroyed in Seconds” Tornado Footage from the Discovery Channel

Click here to view the embedded video.

Amazing video of Colerado Tornadoes (May 31, 2010 – watch for a tornado with a rainbow!)

Click here to view the embedded video.

National Geographic Tornado Destruction Footage

Click here to view the embedded video.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Every year, people around the United States begin preparing for hurricane season. This can involve constructing a family hurricane kit, reinforcing doors, installing storm windows, or other preparations. If you live in an area of the USA called the “Atlantic Basin”, you are already aware of some of the damage that can occur during hurricane season.

When Does the 2010 Hurricane Season Start?

The official dates of hurricane season are:

• June 1st to November 30th

However, these dates are not all-inclusive. It’s still possible for hurricanes to occur before or after hurricane season is officially in progress.

Predictions for the 2010 Hurricane Season

According to several news sources, there may be an above-average number of hurricanes in the Atlantic ocean during the 2010 hurricane season. Colorado State University released a report on April 7th, 2010 that predicted 15 “named storms”, with eight of these storms progressing to become full-fledged hurricanes in the Atlantic. Of these eight hurricane-strength storms, it’s predicted that four will will become severe enough to be categorized as “major hurricanes”. A major hurricane generally reaches Category 3 (111+ mph winds) or higher, according to the Saffir-Simpson hurricane strength scale.

During the 2010 hurricane season, weather experts expect there to be a 69% chance of a major hurricane making landfall along the United States coast. In addition to this, there is apparently a 58% chance that a hurricane will make its way into the Caribbean.

Canal Street in New Orleans, after Hurricane Katrina.

What Causes an Above-Average Hurricane Season?

There are several factors which may contribute to a particularly active hurricane season. However, in reference to 2010, this year’s hurricane season will be affected by predicted surface temperatures in the Atlantic, which are estimated to be above normal. This creates oceanic conditions which are favorable for hurricane development.

How Can I Prepare for the 2010 Hurricane Season?

If you don’t live close to the Atlantic coast, you may not think that you’re at risk for direct contact a hurricane. However, hurricanes can cause strong weather systems, which may affect the area in which you live. No matter where you are, it’s still smart to make basic preparations for hurricane season. Here are some quick tips:

Stock Food and Water.
The American Red Cross recommends that you always have at least enough food and water in your home to feed your family for at least three days. During a hurricane, there may be power outages, roadblocks, flooding and other serious conditions. Stocking bottled water in a cool, dry area can help keep your family safe. Keeping extra canned goods, dehydrated meals, dry foods and other items with a long shelf life is highly recommended.

Plan for a Power Outage.
Even when hurricane season isn’t in session, it’s still important to have items on hand to deal with a power outage. During a hurricane, it’s possible that you may not have electricity for an extended period of time. Make sure that you have flashlights, candles, dry foods, bedding supplies, battery-powered devices and other items close at hand.

Reinforce Your Home.
To deal with the severe weather conditions that occur during a hurricane, many people like to reinforce the structural integrity of their home. This may include installing storm windows, foundation repair, reinforcing doorways, etc. The area of your home that is usually most vulnerable to hurricane damage is the windows, since they can be broken by flying debris.

Be Prepared to Evacuate.
Very few people are ever prepared to quickly evacuate their home in the event of an emergency. If you live in a high-risk area, keep a duffel bag packed with items that you may need in the event of an evacuation. This may include important documents, extra clothes for your family, books, food, water, flashlights, blankets and other items.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

When an emergency occurs, it’s natural to feel scared, disoriented and panicked. However, something many people don’t consider is how their children will deal with a disaster. The catastrophic earthquake in Haiti was an extremely tragic reminder of how important it is to be prepared, both for you and your loved ones. Even if you don’t live an area that is prone to natural disasters, it’s highly recommended that you take the time to make a disaster recovery plan with your children. If there is a disaster, you want to make sure that your loved ones will be safe. Here are some tips to help form a disaster recovery plan with your family.

Disaster Recovery Plan Tip 1: Be Realistic and Reassuring

There is always a fine line between failing to inform your children of a disaster for emotional protection, and causing your children to become unnecessarily afraid. If your children ask you why your family is making a disaster recovery plan, be honest. However, it’s not recommended that you cause your children to be afraid of a situation that hasn’t occurred yet. For example, a proper explanation would be similar to this:

“I want to do everything to keep our family safe in case something bad happens. That way, we can all be safe if there’s an emergency.”

Children, especially younger children, have some trouble understanding the concept of an emergency. Reinforce the fact that by making a disaster plan, you are taking steps to keep them safe.

Disaster Recovery Plan Tip 2: Go Over Emergency Situations

Depending on where you live, your area may be at risk for certain types of disasters. For example, if you live in the central United States, you may be in “Tornado Alley“, which puts you at increased risk for experiencing a tornado. If you live in a flood zone, it’s best if you go over how to prepare for a flood with your children. Again, it’s best if you are realistic, but not unnecessarily frightening when explaining the concept of a disaster to your children.

Disaster Recovery Plan Tip 3: Organize “Meeting Spots”

Due to school, work and other obligations, many families don’t spend all of their time together. Since there is a possibility that you will be in different places in the event of an emergency, designate a meeting spot. This should be a safe area that is central to all the places that your family travels on a regular basis. However, if your children are in school during a disaster (such as a hurricane or earthquake), it’s best if you tell them that they should stay put. During emergencies, schools are often the first buildings to receive attention from rescue crews.

Disaster Recovery Plan Tip 4: Have an Emergency Contact

In the event that your family gets separated with no communication, designate a person that is out-of-town to be your emergency contact. In the event of an emergency, if your loved ones can’t reunite, they should all call this emergency contact in order to inform them that they are safe. During an emergency, making a local call could be difficult, so be sure your contact is out of town. All of the members of your family should know the name, address and phone number of your emergency contact.

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