FEMA provides planning assistance to all levels of planners, including family emergency management planning. These same points can be applied to the clinical laboratory. The web pages provide tools for families to plan for emergencies:
https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan. Accessed March 27, 2017.
The guidance includes the need to:
- Understand how to receive emergency alerts and warnings - Check with your local emergency management agency to see what is available in your area and learn more about alerts by visiting: www.ready.gov/alerts. Accessed March 27, 2017.
- Discuss family/household plans for disasters that may affect your area and plan where to go - Plan together in advance so that everyone in the household understands where to go during different types of disasters, like a hurricane, tornado, or wildfire.
- Collect information - Create a paper copy of the contact information for your family that includes:
- Phone numbers (work, cell, office)
- Email addresses
- Social media
- Medical facilities, doctors, service providers
- School information
- Identify information and pick an emergency meeting place - Things to consider include:
- Decide on a safe, familiar spot that provides protection to reunite (in your neighborhood, in your city, and outside your current location).
- Make sure these locations are accessible for household members with disabilities or access/functional needs.
- If you have pets or service animals, think about animal-friendly locations.
- Share information - Post a copy at home and make sure everyone carries a copy in his or her backpack, purse, or wallet.
- Practice your plan - Have regular household meetings to review your emergency plans, communication plans, and meeting place after a disaster. Then practice, just like you would a fire drill.
