Prepare Kansas

Category: Challenge Activities

Family communication during and after a disaster

Texting by Allysa Hillaby from The Noun Project

Most of us probably spend the majority of our waking hours away from home, at least on Monday through Friday. That means that when a disaster strikes family members are likely to be scattered throughout the community at school, work, or other activities.

Making a plan now for how you will communicate with one another in different situations is important. In the Helpful Links section at the right is an example of a family communication plan for parents and children. Here is another example of a family communication plan.

Regardless of the format you use for your family communication plan, be sure everyone in your family knows the plan. FEMA provides additional family communication tips here.

Creating a financial Grab-and-Go kit — what to include?

Briefcase by Simple Icons from The Noun Project

Not sure what to include in your financial grab-and-go kit? These items are a good start.

• Identification and other key documents that may be needed to restore your financial records, including copies of your driver’s license, passports, social security cards

• Insurance cards, policies, or other proof of insurance coverage

• Household inventory

• Immunization records

• Bank account numbers, cash

• Copies (front and back) of ATM, debit, and credit cards

• Phone numbers and account information for all financial service and insurance providers

• Important telephone numbers (family members, doctors, veterinarians)

• Names and prescription numbers for medications

• Safe deposit box key

• Pocket notebook and pen or pencil

If the following items are not kept in a safe deposit box, these should also be kept in your grab-and-go box. It is a good idea to make copies of safe deposit box contents in case the originals are damaged by water.

• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

• Will, contracts, deeds, stocks, and bonds

• Titles to vehicles

Grab-and-Go — box, kit, backpack?

When it comes to creating your Grab-and-Go kit, a waterproof, fireproof container that can be taken with you at a moments notice is a good choice. Store it in a secure place in your home that you can easily access if you have only a few moments to evacuate.

What are you using for a grab-and-go kit? Share your ideas for container in the comments!

Greensburg, KS | Photo by Greg Henshall - May 15, 2007