In an emergency, the first thought almost always goes to family. Where are they? Have they been affected? How will the family be reunited? Part of preparation is talking with all family members about the potential for a disaster and making several important decisions.

• Pick a location outside of your home, but still in the neighborhood, to meet.
• Pick a second location outside of your neighborhood to gather in case you can’t return home. Make sure everyone knows the address and phone number.
• Select an out-of-state relative or friend to be your family contact point. After a disaster it is sometimes easier to call long distance than across town. Family members should memorize this phone number and call there to say where they are.
• Make plans to take care of infants, elderly or other family members with disabilities or special needs.
• Talk about how you will take care of pets. How would you evacuate them? Do you have enough supplies to feed and water them for at least 72 hours?

Learn more and take steps now to prepare. Get ideas and tips online at ready.gov/plan.