Prepare an Emergency Plan for your safety 

 
Family Emergency Planning: 
Family emergency planning can be the key to surviving an emergency. It is important to discuss this with your family to prepare them for various emergencies. Familiarize yourself with emergency plans at places that are a part of your life, such as school, work, or day care. Recognize that in extreme situations, emergency resources may be limited. Be prepared to care for yourself, and your family, for at least three days (72 hours). 

Designate Locations To Meet: 
Designate two locations to meet in case it is impossible to return home or if you have to evacuate. Make sure your family knows the address and telephone numbers of both locations. The two locations: one near your home and another outside the neighborhood.

Designate an Out-Of-Area Contact Person: This person should be far enough away that it is unlikely he/she would be affected by the same emergency. All family members should call this person to report their locations if they cannot reach each other. Provide your contact person with important names and numbers (see below) so he/she can assist in keeping others posted on your situation.  Be sure to get a complete list of telephone numbers for your Out-Of-Area Contact Person too.  

Communications Card:
Create a Communications Card for each member of your household to keep with them at all times.  This card should include all of the various telephone numbers for each family member: home, work/school, cell, and any other family members that reside in your home.  It is also a good idea to include first responder direct telephone numbers in case 911 service is not available or busy.  You can get their direct numbers from the telephone directory listed under Government. Important: Do not call 911 to request these numbers.  

You should also include utility contact numbers, with account numbers, so you can arrange for services to be repaired, disconnected, etc. 

Lastly, be sure to send a copy of the Communications Card to your designated Out-Of-Area contact person.

Create an Emergency Supply Kit and a Go Bag: 
Make sure that all members of your household know where these supplies are.
Determine The Best Escape Routes From Your Home: Identify at least two separate escape routes and practice using them. 
Keep a flashlight (with fresh batteries) and a pair of outdoor shoes by each bed.  Check your flashlights once a month. 

Locate Your Gas Main and Other Utilities: 
Make sure the entire household knows where they are and how to operate them. Make sure your home is as safe and secure as possible.

Make Copies of All Important Documents: 
Keep them off-site in a secure location. Include these documents: passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, wills, deeds, driver’s licenses, financial documents, insurance information, and prescription refill numbers. Catalog and photograph valuables, and keep these with your second set of documents. While making your plan, consider the requirements of your children, seniors, persons with special needs, non-English speakers, and pets in your household.

You may want to print a copy of these instructions for future use.

For Additional Information:
Visit the Saint Louis County Emergency Preparedness website by clicking here.