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Family Disaster Plan

Learn how to prepare your family in the case of a hurricane.

Family Disaster Plan

If you live in an area vulnerable to hurricanes, your family should have a plan in case of emergency. Keep a written plan and share your plan with other friends or family. Here are some steps for creating your family's disaster plan:

  • Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
  • Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances, the safest areas may not be in your home, but within your community.
  • Determine escape routes from your home, and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
  • Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
  • Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
  • Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones, and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
  • Check your insurance coverage – flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
  • Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
  • Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
  • Take First Aid, CPR and disaster-preparedness classes.

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