Disaster 102: Develop a family emergency plan

Families that have developed plans of what to do should an emergency strike are more likely to cope with disasters safely and less stressfully than those who don’t plan ahead, says Lee County Health Department Director Dana Hager.

"One of the simplest things you can do to be better prepared is to have a family emergency plan," Hager said. "And since families may not be together when an emergency strikes, it is a good idea to think about how you will contact each other; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations."

Hager and her staff are among the many professionals and volunteers who respond when tornadoes strike, dangerous disease outbreaks occur or other crises affecting the public’s health happen in Southwest Georgia.

"During Emergency Preparedness Month, we are joining our colleagues in emphasizing some of the things that people can do easily now that can save them stress and heartache later. Just because we don't know what kind of disaster may strike, or when it may strike, doesn't mean that we should't prepare. What it means is that we should be prepared for all sorts of hazards," she said. "It is a case of better safe than sorry."

Hager said a communication plan is a vital component for family preparedness. “Consider a plan where each family member calls or emails the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency. Be sure each family member knows the contact information,” she suggested. “It may be easier to make a long-distance call than to call across town, so an out-of-state contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.”

Family emergency plans should also take into consideration whether to stay put or get away, she said.

"Whether you are at home, work or elsewhere, there may be situations when it is simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside," Hager said. "In other situations, you may be told to evacuate. In either instance, plans you make beforehand can help keep you, your family members and your pets safe."

She also urged schools, daycare providers, businesses and neighborhoods to develop emergency plans. “We can provide you with examples and templates for such plans, or you can go to various resources, such as the American Red Cross or the Georgia Emergency Management Agency,” she said.
Resources online include: www.Ready.gov, www.pandemicFlu.gov and www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org