Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie today encouraged all Floridians to make a family disaster plan encompassing the needs of the entire household, including pets. The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season began on June 1 and will end November 30, 2023.
“Involving each member of your family in the process of developing or updating your family disaster plan is crucial to making sure everyone’s needs are met during a disaster,” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “You may not always be together when a disaster strikes, so by planning in advance and as a unit, you can ensure the safety of your family.”
Family disaster plans should account for the individual needs of each member in a household, including all household pets and livestock. When making a family plan, simplify the process by going step by step:
Step 1: Discuss these four questions with your household, family, or friends to start your plan:
- How will we receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is our shelter plan?
- What is our evacuation route?
- What is our family/household communication plan?
Step 2: In addition to the supplies in your disaster supply kit, your plan should be tailored to the specific daily needs of your family. Part of the planning process should include discussing how you will continue daily tasks including communication with loved ones, care for children, businesses, and pets, or specific medical needs such as the operation of durable medical equipment.
Step 3: Write the emergency plan down and ensure everyone in your household has a copy. You can download a Make a Plan Form at Ready.gov.
Step 4: Practice your plan with your entire household, including young children. Children who are prepared often experience less anxiety and feel more confident during actual emergencies and disasters. In addition, going over scenarios for how the plan may change is a vital step in being properly prepared.
Visit floridadisaster.org/family-plan/ for more preparedness tips and resources. Make a plan and encourage others to have a plan today!
For weather updates and safety tips, follow the Division on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @FLSERT.
