One of the first things I recommend when getting prepared is to create an "Emergency Contact List". I have created a spreadsheet which gives ideas for contact information. It also makes it easy to be printed and/or saved and emailed. Once you have completed your list you will:
- Pick a friend or relative who lives out of your area. This will be your main contact in case of an emergency. They will go through your list and contact family members to relay your message(s).
- In a disaster area, outgoing calls will be very difficult to make and get through. Because of this it will be easier to receive calls from outside the area which is why you want an "Outside Contact Person".
- You may only be able to get one phone call or text message through during the initial hours or days of the disaster. This person will contact others and update them on your status as you are able to get messages out.
- This person should have the names and numbers of people you want them to contact and give status updates to as they receive them from you.
- Create your "Emergency Contact List" Once you click on the link it will open in a new window. Click "File" and click the option "Download" to save it to your computer. Open it in Excel and edit as necessary.
Draft Text Messages
Text messages can often get through network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through. A text message uses a very small amount of bandwidth compared to a phone call. Also text messages are queued and sent out as bandwidth becomes available.
- Have several text messages set up to send quickly in an emergency. Create several drafts so all you have to do is scroll to the appropriate message and hit send. In an emergency situation when you are distressed, it will be very difficult to try to think of a message to type and contacts to notify, much less make your fingers steady enough to do this. Anyone who has been in even a very minor car accident can attest to this as after your hands are shaking and your heart is racing. Now think of how it will be in a major disaster when you could be faced with life and death decisions.
- Send to Husband and Outside Contact
- Example;
- 1. Me – Kids Ok @ Home
- 2. Me OK Going to Get Kids
- 3. Need Help @ Home Call Assistance
- Send to Police and/or Fire Dept.
- Example; Emergency Need Assistance (Fire/Medical) @ (address/location).
I'm sure you have this because you're SOOOO SUPER organized, but do you have Reunion Locations planned out? for example: 1. outside home, 2. church, 3. etc
ReplyDeleteWe actually have several reunion locations. I will cover this more in the section "Don't Desensitize". Basically I encourage others to use false fire alarms, small earthquakes etc to think how you would actually react if it was an emergency. This gives you many opportunities to practice you preparedness with your family. Thanks for commenting I hope you are finding a lot of useful stuff. I hope to post more in the near future.
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