Consider developing a disaster plan with your household members to prepare
for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency.
Make photocopies if necessary.
Decide where your household will reunite after a disaster. Identify two
places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your
neighborhood, such as a library, community center or place of worship. Make
sure everyone knows the address and phone number of your second meeting place.
Know and practice all possible exit routes from your home and neighborhood.
Designate an out-of-state friend or relative that household members can call
if separated during a disaster. If New York City phone circuits are busy, this
out-of-state contact can be an important way of communicating between household
members. When local phone circuits are busy, long-distance calls may be easier
to make. Account for everybody’s needs, especially seniors, people with
disabilities and non-English speakers. Practice your plan with all household
members. Ensure that household members have a copy of your household
disaster plan to keep in their wallets and backpacks.