Family Implementation Plan – Communications
Families should learn the agency’s emergency communications protocol in the event of a critical incident. This information should be shared with all family members. Family members should monitor changes in contact information and adjust their emergency contact information with the officer’s agency as needed.
Financial concerns: Adult family members should familiarize themselves with household finances and how these may be affected by a critical incident. Family members should maintain a cash reserve to meet expenses for a limited-duration event. Important financial data and records should be kept in a secure lockbox that can be carried with the family in case of evacuation. Medical records and other important documents should be maintained in this lockbox as well.
Housing concerns: Family members should identify shelter-in-place and evacuation housing options. Family members should also identify preparedness needs for shelter-in-place scenarios and maintain sufficient emergency items. Evacuation sites, including agency housing options, should be discussed and known to all family members. More than one evacuation site should be identified and all family members should be familiar with these sites. For more information, go to In-Place Sheltering and Evacuation Items Checklist.
Family preparedness checklists: Family members should utilize the Family Preparedness Checklist, which was also provided during the officer’s preparedness training. Checklists will aid the family in identifying deficient areas of their family preparedness plans and addressing them. Planning for child and elder care should also be discussed.
