Family Preparedness is a Hop, Skip, and a Jump away!

Family preparedness is a hop, skip, and a jump away!

Emergencies and disasters can happen with little warning. Whether it is severe weather, a power outage, a fire, or another unexpected event, having a plan in place can make a difference. For families with young children in school or child care, planning ahead can help reduce confusion and stress, while ensuring children are safely reunited with parents or caregivers during an emergency. To start, children should also know basic contact information, such as their name, parent’s or caregiver’s name, phone number, and other trusted adults they can turn to in an emergency.

During emergencies, phone lines may be overloaded, transportation routes may change, and normal pickup procedures may not be possible. A family communication plan gives everyone clear instructions about who to contact, where to meet, and how to share important information. 

The following tools can be used to keep your family safe and reunite as quickly as possible:

• Roth ID tag
  • An information tag that can be attached to a child’s car seat. In the event of an emergency, the tag pulls from the car seat and becomes an emergency identification wristband.
• Contact Card
  • A card that can be attached to or placed in a backpack or diaper bag. 
  • Includes information such as parent phone numbers, medical needs, or other emergency contacts.
• Communication Plan
  • A plan that helps families identify emergency meeting locations and emergency contact information for parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, schools, and more.

Free Preparedness Packets for Families

The Scott County Health Department is offering preparedness packets for families with children under the age of 13. These packets include a Roth ID tag, an emergency contact card, and a family communication plan with an activity that parents or caregivers can complete together with their child. 

• Pick up at Scott County Health Department, 600 W. 4th Street, Davenport
• Office open Monday-Friday between 8:00am-4:30pm.
• Available July-September 2026, while supplies last

Additionally, the Scott County Health Department recommends the resources below to plan for unexpected emergencies and disasters. 

Local resources:
Scott County Emergency Management Agency
QC Ready App
Alert Iowa

Other resources: 
Ready.gov 
American Red Cross