Communication

Here's an excellent article on Communication in an Emergency.  I've thought about this a lot and I think that with the help of neighbors, we can all figure out how to get through the aftermath of a disaster but my biggest scare would be in wondering if my family is OK at work or school or wherever they were at the time. I hope you'll take time to read this article but here are a few pointers that she gives:

• Know the different types of emergencies and their appropriate responses.

• Learn about local emergency plans, warning systems, radio stations and other emergency messaging resources for your community. Find out what agencies will respond to an emergency.

• Keep a list of phone numbers for family (home, work, cell numbers), numbers for your children’s school, church leaders, doctors, hospital, fire, and police. The 911 circuit will be overloaded. You will need direct numbers to get through.

• Keep a list of essential info like social security numbers, a photo of each family member, and a family group photo with your plan documents.

• Use landline phones sparingly. In the hours immediately following a disaster event, phones will be essential to save lives. Make only brief and informative reports to your out-of-town contact, and ask them to make the calls to your extended family and friends to report your condition. They will need a list of your family contacts as well.

• Cell phone towers may lose power, and will be overwhelmed with cell traffic. Be prepared to text with family members, as text data will often go through when voice calls are failing.

• Consider amateur (ham) radio as part of your family emergency plan. Ham radio operators are likely to be helping first responders and relief organizations like the Red Cross. Get a ham radio license and learn to use VHF radios to communicate with others in your area.