Emergency Planning - Introduction

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity, or telephones – were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.

Families can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Follow the steps listed here to create your family's disaster plan. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.

Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere – at work, at school or in the car.

How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe?