FAMILY COMMUNICATIONS
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another. Think about how you will communicate in different situations.
Complete a contact card for each family member. Have family members keep these cards handy in a wallet, purse, backpack, etc. You may want to send one to school with each child to keep on file. Pick a friend or relative who lives out-of-state for household members to notify they are safe.
The Family Emergency Communication Plan should be completed and posted so the contact information is readily accessible to all family members. A copy should also be included in your family disaster supplies kit.
Download the FEMA Family Emergency Communications Template.
Family Communications Tips:
Subscribe to alert services. Many communities now have systems that will send instant text alerts or e-mails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. Sign up by visiting your local Office of Emergency Management web site. Suffolk County uses the Code Red Emergency Notifications system: Click here to sign up to receive Emergency Notifications from the Suffolk County Suffolk Alert Emergency Notification System.Teach family members how to use text messaging (also known as SMS or Short Message Service). Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.
Safe and Well from the Red Cross
After a disaster, letting your family and friends know that you are safe and well can bring your loved ones great peace of mind. Safe and Well from the Red Cross is designed to help make that communication easier. Click here to learn more.