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    Get Prepared

    Make A Plan

    Do you know what to do if disaster strikes? Let's plan it out together.

    A family plays Jenga together.

    Overview

    How will you protect yourself and your family if disaster strikes? What if your family is not together when the emergency happens? How will you contact each other and get back together? Let's explore different scenarios now so you can jump right into action when seconds count.

    The Basics

    Talk with your family about:

    • Your emergency contacts
    • Where you'll meet in the event of emergency
    • How you'll keep your pets safe

    Keep your plans simple so you can remember them during a high-stress situation.

    Family Plan Printout (PDF)

    Emergency Contacts

    Have two emergency contacts and make sure everyone knows who they are and how to contact them.

    One contact should live near you, and the second contact should live out of the general ares so they are not affected by the same disasters and emergencies that impact your home.

    Texting > Calling

    When disaster happens, it's always a good idea to leave phone lines open for emergency communications.

    Additionally, systems are oftentimes tied up, making it easier for texts instead of calls to go through.

    Plan to text with your loved ones and emergency contacts in the event of a disaster.

    SOCIAL-MEDIA FRIENDLY

    Family Emergency Plan

    Our family's emergency plan: Our local contact is Uncle Jim 123-456-7890. Our out-of-town contact is Grandma: 789-012-3456. Int he event of an emergency, we'll text instead of calling. Dad will go get Sparky. We'll meet on the porch if we can meet at home. If we can't meet at home, we'll meet at town park. If we can't meet in town, we'll meet at the high school in Neighboring Townsville.

    A social media graphic showing what, in general, to discuss with your family or housemates before an emergency happens.

    Get The Graphic

    If You Must Evacuate

    Consider the following:

    • Where can your family meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood?

    • Do you keep enough gas in your car to get you out quickly if you must evacuate? It's a good idea to always have at least half a tank of gas for this reason.

    • Do you have easy-to-grab emergency supplies that you can pack up and take with you in a hurry?

    • If you don't have a car or your car isn't available, how will you evacuate?

    • Don't leave your pets behind. Plan for pets and livestock. Keep in mind that many public shelters do not allow pets.

    Always heed warnings from emergency officials when it comes to staying put or evacuating. 
     

    A family of three plays on an iPad.

    Include Everyone In Your Plan

    It's critically important to consider everyone's needs in the event of an emergency or disaster. Consider older Pennsylvanians, children, people with disabilities, and the needs of animals.

    Plan for All Needs