Communication Plan

How would you get in touch with your family in an emergency?

• Hang emergency numbers by all phones in your home.
• Teach all family members how and when to call 911 for emergency help.
• Decide which relative every family member should call or e-mail during an emergency.
• If your home phone is not working, try using a cell phone or go to a neighbor's or friend's house to make a call.

Get Away Plan

Where would you meet?

• Choose an easy-to-find spot near your home, then practice getting there.
• Choose another spot outside of your neighborhood in case you can't get home. Practice getting to these spots with your parents.
• Have a car? Keep at least a half tank of gas in it at all times.
• If you think the air may be contaminated, roll up or close your windows and vents. Turn off the air conditioning and heater Listen to the radio for instructions.

How would you keep in contact?

• Keep a copy of your family's contact numbers and meeting place(s) taped to the inside of your school binder or notebook, in your backpack, or your wallet/purse. (hyperlinked here to the Family Plan Cards)
• Phone lines may be busy or tied up in an emergency, but just keep trying.

Pet Plan

What do you do with your pets?

There are some things you can do to prepare for your pets during an emergency. If you see an animal that has been hurt or left alone and needs help during a disaster, tell your parent or another grown-up to call your local animal control officer or Humane Society.

What to pack in your pet disaster kit:

• Pet food and treats
• Can opener for canned food
• Drinking water in plastic bottles
• Pet medications and medical records
• Leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to move your pets safely
• A current photo of your pet in case they get lost
• The name and phone number of your veterinarian
• Pet toys

**All your pets should have an identification tag and collar**

School Plan

What would you do if you were at school?

Have your parents talk to your school about their emergency preparedness plans. Find out how the school will communicate with your parents during an emergency.

• Depending on the type of disaster, your school may have you stay in your classroom or go somewhere else.
• The most important things you can do is to stay calm and listen to the direction of your teachers or principal.
• Parents should have a back-up in place in case they cannot pick you up from school during or after an emergency.
• Parents should tell your neighbors when you are home alone so they can take care of you in the event of a major emergency.
• Discuss with your neighbors your plans to work together in case of emergency.

Source: http://www.ready.gov/kids/