We touched on a preparedness kit last month, and periodically remind you of items to have in or for your kit, so let’s talk about something else you can use if a disaster strikes, your family plan.

Since your family might not be together if a disaster strikes, start by discussing what types of storms and disasters can affect your area. Knowing how you’ll contact your family and reconnect if separated should all be part of any plan you build.

Download a free family emergency plan from ready.gov (PDF). This eight-page document presents a checklist of items to discuss and procure, and people to contact. You can fill out this emergency plan or use it as a guide to create your own.

Put an emergency plan together by discussing the following questions with your family, friends or household to begin your emergency planning.

1. How will you receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is your shelter plan?
3. What are your evacuation routes?
4. What is your family/household communication plan?
5. Do you need to update your emergency preparedness kit?
6. Do you have masks should they be required?

As you make plans, tailor them and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in your network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment.

Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance. Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

• Responsibilities for assisting others
• Locations frequented
• Dietary needs
• Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
• Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
• Languages spoken
• Cultural and religious considerations
• Households with school-aged children

Take the opportunity to practice your plan with your family or household.