Make an emergency contact plan
Why?
If you’re struck by a disaster, family and friends will be anxious to know how you are and whether or not you’ve evacuated. You or your neighbors may also need help. Together, make a plan in advance for how you will communicate with each other.
Make an emergency contact plan
Fill in Contact Information (in your Personal Emergency Plan)
Start by sitting down with your family to develop a family disaster plan. Then write down phone numbers for community resources, including utilities and emergency services, as well as other individuals you can call for assistance. Be sure to have both a local and distant emergency point of contact. Post these lists on your fridge and include a copy in each go bag.
Fill in the “Contact Information” in your Personal Emergency Plan [PDF].
American Red Cross: Family Disaster Plan [PDF]
Take a basic phone number quiz
How many phone numbers do you actually have memorized these days? If you lost your cell phone or your battery died and you had to call your kid or spouse or office from another phone, would you know the number?!
For fun (and safety!) give each other a quiz and see who can recite the most important phone numbers.
How to memorize phone numbers trick in video below.
Have OK/HELP signs
If you can’t leave your home after an emergency, first responders may not be immediately available. Here’s a great way to let your neighbors know how you are doing: Post a large OK or HELP sign on a mailbox, door, or window that’s visible from the street.
Get crafty and make your own signs. In big, bold block letters write "OK" in green and "HELP" in red. You can even have the kids color them in or cut them out of colored paper. You'll need a set for each household.
Then keep these signs with your emergency supplies.
Make a neighborhood contact list
In certain emergencies, first responders like fire fighters may not be able to get to you right away. People nearby may be your only available ally. Get to know your neighbors and the resources you all could offer each other in an emergency. Then create a list with contact information and resources for each household.
Using the census form on page 11 of this COPE booklet, document resident names and contact information. Include information about each family’s:
Special knowledge and skills
Mobility issues or other critical needs
Special equipment and supplies
City of Petaluma: Make a Plan [PDF]
Make a neighborhood check-in plan
Once you have a neighborhood contact list, discuss how you will check on each other in an emergency. Will you go to a central neighborhood meeting area and take roll call? Put “OK/HELP” signs in your windows? Send a group text or use a phone tree? Make a plan and ensure that all your neighbors know what to do.