So you have prepared a Family Emergency Plan.  Your plan contains great information like emergency phone numbers, a checklist of supplies and where to meet as a family if you become separated in an emergency. (If you haven’t prepared a Family Emergency Plan, don’t put it off any longer.  Visit the Family Preparedness Section of this website for more information.)  Have you practiced your Family Emergency Plan?  As with any new task, practicing your plan is essential to ensuring success.

About every six months, you should get together as a family and practice your plan, as if it were a real emergency.  During your practice session, you should:

• Call your out-of-town family contact person to make sure the number has not changed.  It is also a good time to make sure your contact is still willing to act as the family emergency contact.

• Drive to the site you have selected for the family to meet if separated during an emergency.  Look for road construction in the area that may make you want to change the emergency meeting location. 

• Compare your emergency supplies checklist with the supplies you have on hand.  Make a note to purchase anything you might be missing.  Supplies of bottled water and stored food should be rotated so that the stock you have on hand is not more than six months old.  Recharge any batteries you might need or buy a new supply.

• Practice using your equipment.  Each family member should know how to operate a NOAA Weather Radio.  Responsible family members should know how to shut off water, gas and electricity at the main switches.  Learn how to use your fire extinguisher.  Sign the family up for First Aid and CPR or make sure to keep your certifications current.

• If you are planning to evacuate, actually load the car with the items you plan to take with you.  Make sure there’s still room for your family and pets.  Consolidate your supplies as needed.  This is also a great time to make sure you can find your important papers in a hurry.  It’s a good idea to slip those documents in a zip-lock bag.

The main reason to practice your plan is to help protect yourself and your family in the event of an emergency.  Through applying what you have learned from your practice, you are taking the necessary steps to be ready when an event occurs.   Using your plan in conjunction with information and instructions from your local government officials, will give you what you need to be prepared.