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  5. Make an Emergency Plan


Make an Emergency Plan

What would you do if faced with a power outage, fire, flood or another emergency? Would you and your family know how to react and protect themselves? How would you move forward after any significant damages to your home, car or other possessions? If you cannot easily answer these questions, it may be time to create an emergency plan. Additionally, make sure the whole family knows how to follow through on it in case it ever becomes necessary.

Illustration of Emergency Preparedness Plan.

  • Have a Family Meeting to Get Everyone on Board. Everyone in the household must understand your emergency plan. Hold a family meeting to discuss how you would respond to each possible emergency.
  • Create an Escape Plan. Draw a floor plan of your home. It can be as simple or complex as you wish, as long as you can identify all rooms and possible exits. Your goal is to identify all of the ways you could escape in case of a fire, a flood or another dangerous situation. What doors can you use? What windows are accessible?
  • Designate a Contact. If a power outage or significant catastrophe occurs, it may be easier to reach a contact located further away than one who lives down the block. Choose a friend or family member located in another town that you could contact by phone or text if needed. Make sure all family members memorize this phone number.
  • Choose Meeting Places. Pick two meeting places ━ one in the neighborhood and one further away, such as a nearby police station, hospital or fire department. This ensures that you and your family have a designated place to go if you have to evacuate your home.
  • Store Records Safely. Vital paperwork like birth certificates, property deeds, wedding licenses and pet records should be stored somewhere well-protected in case of an emergency. Either keep them in a safe deposit box in a bank or in a fire and waterproof safe in your own home. These could be crucial to helping you get back on your feet after a disaster.

There are many ways you can plan for an emergency. To help you prepare check with your local independent insurance agent to make sure you are covered.

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