Preparedness is key, which is why it’s so important to have a plan. While disasters can be unpredictable, a plan can help ensure that you and your family stay safe when a disaster strikes. So, please take time to create a disaster plan by following the simple steps below.
Step 1: Begin Developing your Plan by Answering these Questions
- Which types of disasters are most likely to affect my area?
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my evacuation route?
- If I must evacuate, what is my shelter plan?
- What is my family’s communication plan?
- Is my emergency disaster kit ready to go?
- Remember to include face masks, hand sanitizer and other types of disinfectants due to COVID-19
Step 2: Consider your Family’s Specific Needs
Disaster plans can vary depending on your lifestyle and daily responsibilities. Take into account some of these unique factors when developing your disaster plan:
- Children
- Elderly family members
- Disabilities and functional needs
- Medical needs, such as prescriptions and equipment
- Dietary needs
- Pets or service animals
- Cultural and religious considerations
Step 3: Write Down your Disaster Emergency Plan
After answering the questions above and considering your family’s specific needs, you’re ready write down your disaster emergency plan.
Your emergency plan should include:
- Names and contact information for each household family member
- Include individual medical needs or information if applicable
- An out of town contact to act as a central point of communication to help your household reconnect if separated
- Insurance information
- Contact information for medical providers
- Emergency meeting place
- Determine a safe place where your family can go for protection or to reunite if separated.
- Any other important phone numbers, which may include:
- School or childcare facility
- Veterinarian
- Emergency services
he Mississippi Emergency Management Agency’s mobile app is also an excellent resource to help you create your emergency plan.
Step 4: Practice your Plan with your Family
At least once a year, you’ll want to review, update and practice your family’s disaster emergency plan so you’ll be ready whenever a disaster may strike.
Preparing for a disaster can be extremely stressful on a family, both financially and mentally. You are not alone, many suffer from storm anxiety. Storm anxiety is having obsessive thoughts about potential storms. It can cause distress when you know severe weather is forecasted and can cause extremem fear or dread during weather events. Having a plan in place can help inidividuals cope with storm anxiety.
