Family emergency planning can be the key to surviving an emergency. That’s why it’s important to talk to your family to prepare them for various emergencies. Ensure the whole family is a part of the planning process so that the plan addresses everyone’s needs. Recognize that in extreme situations, City emergency resources may be limited. Be prepared to care for yourself and your family for at least three days.

• Designate a location to meet in case it is impossible to return home or if you have to evacuate. Choose two locations -- one near your home and one outside the neighborhood. Make sure your family knows the address and phone number of both locations. 
• Designate on an out-of-area contact person. This person should be far enough away that it is unlikely he or she would be affected by the same emergency. Family members should call this person to report their location if they cannot reach each other. Provide your contact person with important names and numbers so they can assist in keeping others posted on your situation. 
• Create an Emergency Supply Kit and a “Go Bag.” Make sure that all members of your household know where these supplies are.
• Keep a flashlight and a pair of shoes by each bed. 
• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Identify at least two separate escape routes and practice using them. 
• Locate your gas main and other utilities. Make sure the entire household knows where they are and how to operate them. 
• Familiarize yourself with emergency plans at places that are a part of your everyday life, such as school, work, church, daycare, etc. 
• Make sure your home is as safe and secure as possible. 
• While making your plan, consider the special needs of children, seniors, persons with disabilities, non-English speakers, and pets in your household. 
• Create a communications card for each member of your household to keep with them at all times. Download Family Communications Plan
• Make copies of all important documents and keep them off-site in a secure location. Documents to include: passports, birth certificates, social security cards, wills, deeds, driver's licenses, financial documents, insurance information, and prescriptions. 
• Catalog and photograph valuables. Keep these with your second set of documents.

For additional information:

• Red Cross – Greensboro Chapter
• Department of Homeland Security 

Children can be especially sensitive to the emotional stress of an emergency. Parents can help prepare children by including them in the planning process and answering their questions about safety. Make sure your children take part in your preparation process and ensure that you have included supplies that make them feel comfortable and safe.

Remember:

School or Day Care

• Know your child's school or day care emergency plan.
• Find out where children will be taken in the event of an evacuation during school hours.
• Keep your contact information up-to-date at your child's school.
• Authorize a friend or relative to pick up your children in an emergency and let the school know who that designated person is.
• Put your child's emergency plan card on file at his or her school.

Teach your children...

• Their basic contact information.
• How to dial your home telephone number and important cell phone numbers.
• How and when to call 911. Role-play 911 calls with them.
• What to do if a parent becomes ill and the child is alone.
• How to reach an "out-of-area" family contact.
• What natural gas smells like and what they should do if they smell it.
• Basic emergency response plans, such as your family evacuation plan and Stop, Drop, & Roll, and practice them together. 

Additions to the Emergency Kit and Go Bag

• Toys and games
• A recent family photograph
• Comfort foods and treats 

For additional information:

• FEMA for Kids
• National Fire Protection Association's Risk Watch Program
• FBI Kids Page
• The White House Kids Page
• American Red Cross Materials for Your School And Students
• NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory