It’s important to create and practice an emergency plan so your family will know what to do in a crisis.
1. With your family and any other household members, discuss how to prepare and respond to the types of emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play. These can include earthquake, flood, hurricane, tornado, severe winter storm, etc. Of course, events such as a house fire can happen anywhere.
2. Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and talk about how you will work together as a team. Who will turn off the gas in case of a serious earthquake? If there is a house fire, how will you exit your home? Where will you meet outside? For other emergencies, how will you contact each other if you are separated? How will you contact family members in other areas to let them know you are safe?
3. Once you have your plan in place, discuss and practice as many elements of your plan as possible.
Source: American Red Cross