ORLANDO, Fla. – As Floridians start to gear up for hurricane season, disaster relief agencies recommend individuals and families devise a preparedness plan in the event of a storm.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it’s important to make a plan as soon as possible to know how you can contact and reconnect with your loved ones if you are separated during a natural disaster, like a hurricane.
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Find a step-by-step list of how you and your loved ones can best prepare for a hurricane below.
Ask your family, friends or household members questions to start your emergency plan:
- How will I receive emergency updates, alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my family/household communication plan/method?
- Do I need to update my hurricane/emergency preparedness kit?
Consider the specific needs within your household
Your plan should include supplies specific to your daily living needs and responsibilities. These particular needs should be discussed within your household and people within your network should chat about how to assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment. Create your own personal network for areas where you need help and keep the following factors in mind when developing your plan:
- Different ages of members within your household.
- Responsibilities for helping others.
- Locations frequented.
- Dietary needs.
- Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment.
- Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment.
- Languages spoken.
- Cultural and religious considerations.
- Pets or service animals.
- Households with school-aged children.
Fill out a family/household emergency plan
Download and fill out FEMA’s family emergency plan or use it as a guide to create your own.
Family Emergency Communication Plan
Practice your emergency plan with your family/household
Before a hurricane hits, make sure you and your family rehearse the emergency plan so you know what to do when the natural disaster strikes.
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