Make a Plan

Things are changing! We’re seeing disasters happen more often and with more intensity, even in places that haven’t faced them before. Disasters sometimes happen back-to-back or even overlap. This gives people less time to recover. Planning ahead has become even more important.

Know where you’ll turn for reliable information. Being informed gives you information on what to do next. Knowing what to do can help you feel more in control of the situation.

Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your household.

1. What is my family/household communication plan?
2. Does our household have special considerations like children or medical needs?
3. Who is in our support network?
4. What do we need in our Go-Bag?

Whatever plan you create should be made as a household and practiced together. Not sure how to start your plan? Visit ready.gov for a fillable form.

If you want to learn more about disaster preparedness, consider taking the NY Citizen Preparedness Corps training.

Create a Communications Plan

Your household may not all be in the same place when an emergency happens. Make a plan on how you will get in touch with each other and stay in touch with your larger network.

1. Talk with loved ones about how you’ll reach each other if phones or power go out.
   • Do places like schools, daycares, veterinarians, nursing homes and other locations have landlines or emergency numbers you can contact?
2. Make sure people know what to do if they can’t reach each other.
   • Will they return home? Go to a pre-arranged meeting spot? Wait to be picked up?
3. Tell family members and trusted friends if you are staying or evacuating, and where you plan to go.
4. Choose someone from outside your local area that everyone can contact to let your family know you are safe. You may also want to use social media to share updates.

Special Considerations

Some people in your household may have special needs to take into account. These could be medical, developmental, age-related or something else. It’s important to be prepared for everyone’s situation.

Here are a few things to consider, but there may be specific circumstances for your household that aren’t listed. Take time to brainstorm what each person in your household needs and how to prepare for those needs.

If someone has a medical condition:

• Charge medical or communication devices regularly and if possible, have an alternative source of electric power on hand. If you use a power wheelchair, also keep a manual one.
• Register life-support equipment that requires electricity with your utility provider. They might offer priority restoration in the event of a disaster.
• Be prepared with any medications you’re taking:
  • Keep extra medication if possible (7-14 days).
  • Write down dosages and provider contact information.
  • Store medications in your go-bag.
  • Talk to your doctor about how to get access to medications if the pharmacy is closed.

If someone has mental health needs:

• Write down coping tools, routines, meals, triggers and early warning signs.
• Write a note for rescuers if you cannot communicate.
• Consider making a plan with your service providers.

If someone has a disability:

• Know the community supports for people with disabilities.
• Contact your county’s emergency management office to see if they have Access and Functional Needs registry.
• Visit the NYS State Office for People with Development Disabilities to get a development disability identification card.

If there are children in your household:

Children react to the stress of the adults around them. In scary situations, they may have big feelings, trouble sleeping, or act differently. When you stay calm, they are more likely to stay calm too.

• Let children know who will take care of them if plans change. This helps them feel safer.
• Learn more about what children need to feel safe.

If you have a pet:

• Where will your pet go? Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Make a plan for where you’ll take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen.
• Find a buddy. Make a plan with your neighbor, friend or relative to make sure someone can take care of your pet if you can’t.
• Consider a microchip. Keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include an emergency contact outside of your area.

Reach out to your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get more advice and information on how to care for your pet during an emergency.

Know Your Network

One of the most important things you can do to be prepared for a disaster is to meet your neighbors. During an emergency, connecting with your community can help you solve problems, share resources, and manage stress.

• Know who you can count on, when they are available, and how to get in touch with them
  • Make a list with the phone numbers of friends, family or other members of your support network including providers and case managers.
• Consider exchanging keys or sharing copies of important documents with your trusted network.
• Familiarize yourself with the emergency plans of the support services you use. This might include schools, long-term care facilities, daycares and health providers.