Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.

Your family disaster plan

Where will your family be when a disaster, such as fire, tornado or hurricane strikes?  How will you find each other? 

Disasters can strike quickly and without warning. They can force you to evacuate your neighborhoods or confine you to your homes.  What would you do if basic services such as telephone, water and electricity were cut off?  Local official and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. You may have to get along without a phone, but prepare your grill for cooking up some delicious meals, have plenty of water on hand and plan a few games to help pass the time and to allay the fears of the younger family members.

Families can, and do, cope with catastrophes by being prepared well in advance and working together as a team.  Begin developing  your family’s disaster plan by designating meeting places. Meet in a designated area right outside your home, in case of fire, or meet away from the neighborhood in case you cannot return home.

Knowing what to do and practicing the plan is the best protection against undue hardships on your family.