Communication

Communication networks, such as mobile phones and computers, could be unreliable during a disaster and electricity could be disrupted. Planning in advance will help ensure that all members of your household –including children, people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, as well as outside caregivers –know how to reach each other and where to meet up in an emergency. Planning starts with three easy steps:

	COLLECT Create a paper copy of the contact information for your family and other important people/offices, such as medical facilities, doctors, schools, or service providers.
	SHARE Make sure everyone has access to the same contact list and carries it in their backpack, purse, or wallet. You should also post a list in a central location in your home, like a refrigerator or family board.
	PRACTICE Have regular household meetings to review and practice your plan.

During a disaster, local phone lines can get jammed. Having an out-of-area contact can help you communicate with your family in the disaster area. Designate an out-of-area contact and make sure everyone (including the contact) knows who to get a hold of after a disaster.

TEXT IS BEST! If you are using a mobile phone, text message may go through when a phone call will not. This is because text messages require far less bandwidth than a phone call. Text messages may also save and then send automatically as soon as capacity becomes available.

Learn more at: www.ready.gov/plan