When disaster strikes: Making a family communication plan

SALT LAKE CITY — In an emergency, communication is one aspect which becomes very important when disaster strikes, but is forgotten most other times.

With the advance of technology in our modern world, communication has the ability of instant results. Satellite phones, cell phones and Ham Radios are invaluable in contacting members of the family all over the world.

It's best for families to have a plan set and reviewed every so often to keep fresh in their minds so when emergencies do occur, you can be ready. But it's easy to forget to make a plan with the busyness of family life.

The real purpose of emergency communication is to establish the safety for all family members and recover those who have not returned home. A family plan is essential to instill security and calmness among family members when an emergency arises.

GraywolfSurvival.com gives lots of ideas for making a communication plan. One suggestion is to use the acronym COMMUNICATE:

C –Create a family communication plan to keep in touch with all family members to get home.

O – Options are available: land line phones, cell phones, or email.

M – Make sure you know the emergency plan at your child’s school.

M – Make a decision of where you will meet just in case you cannot get home.

U – Understand that in some situations getting an answer back can take time. Be patient.

N – Needs for your pets should be considered. Keep a pet carrier for easy transport.

I – Inform yourself. Even if you are prepared for emergencies, keep informed by watching news broadcasts, read online news updates or listen to the radio.

C – Copies of your emergency plan should be kept in your emergency supply kit in case there is a need to leave in a hurry. Also a copy needs to be in a central location at home.

A – Ask your children if they understand the family emergency plan and see if they have any concerns or fears.

T – Take your children to the emergency meeting spot area so they can familiarize themselves and feel comfortable finding it on their own.

E – Emergencies take different forms. Think of possible emergencies which might arise in your area and discuss what action can be taken.

Along with this idea, remember to keep an emergency plan for daytime activity and night time activity. This might seem like too much planning, but in the end, parents will be glad they are prepared. You can find an emergency plan templateat Ready.gov.

Landlines: With the use of cell phones, a landline is usually disregarded but in all honesty a landline at home is very effective in communication especially when satellites and cell phone towers are damaged or electricity is down. If at all possible keep a landline at home for emergencies. Also remember cell phones are now equipped with emergency features and can be used even if the phone is unable to call out.

Walkie-talkies: A good set of walkie-talkies with multiple channel capability (and extra batteries) is a valuable tool and should be a part of your emergency kit. Not only will you have the availability of communicating with others in your range but if necessary, walkie-talkies are great when cell phones are down for a close range area.

Ham Radios/Amateur Radios: A good two-way radio to communicate with others is not required, but good to have available. Maintaining contact with the outside world is helpful in recovery and sharing of goods. Ham radios are expensive and also requires a license to operate.

With a plan for your family and some tools to help keep communication open, emergencies will be easier to handle and you shall not fear.

Valerie Steimle is the mother of nine children who lives happily on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. She is the author of five books, all about strengthening the family, including "Thoughts from the Heart." Email: valeriesteimle@yahoo.com

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