Is your family prepared if severe weather, a fire, a lengthy power outage or an evacuation occurs? Would you know what to do in any type of emergency? To stay safe in a potentially dangerous situation, it is crucial to have a solid communication plan in place for you and your loved ones.

In honor of National Preparedness Month, use the following tips to create a plan for your household and make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency situation.

• Keep your phone, chargers, car charger adapters, radio and batteries in a safe, easily accessible place. Make sure batteries are charged and consider placing these items in a waterproof bag or container.
• Make sure your family and friends have your contact information, such as your cell phone number or the numbers of people you are with if you are traveling.
• Create a list of emergency phone numbers. Include the police department, fire department, insurance company and power company, as well as your friends and family. Keep a hard copy of this list and program it into your phone.
• Download weather-related and news apps to your smartphone. These can help you keep track of approaching storms, current conditions and evacuation notices.
• Agree on a meeting location with your family so each of person knows where to go in the event of an emergency.
• Be sure each family member has identification with them when they are not at home and program “in-case-of-emergency” numbers into your cell phones.
• Inform out-of-state family members, friends, colleagues, your child’s school and babysitter about your communication plan.
• Create a communication tool kit and include copies of vital information for each family member, such as copies of birth certificates, insurance information and driver’s licenses.
• Print copies of your family’s plan, make sure each family member has a copy and post an additional print-out on your refrigerator.
• Keep coins and a calling card on hand in the event that you are not able to use your cell phone or landline.

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