A Health Campaign of Uniformed Services University, www.usuhs.edu, and theCenter for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Bethesda, Maryland, www.CSTSonline.org

Family Planning for Disasters:

How to Plan For and Protect Your Family’s HealthMajor events such as Typhoonthreats, that could require us toHaiyan which impacted the Philippines
evacuate our homes. This fact sheet
We need to plan for disasters thatand other regions make us thinkprovides information on three aspects
could require us to evacuate
about the impact of such disasters onof family preparedness planning forour homes.
our family and loved ones and how
disasters. The first pertains to theprepared we would be. Whether we live
special health needs of your family.
in areas that are vulnerable to certain
The second involves specific tips
natural disasters or not, we all need to plan for the kinds ofaround evacuation. The third provides steps for creating adisasters, including terrorism, bioterrorism, and pandemic
family communication plan.

Special Health Needs
Health Concerns to Consider in Disaster Planning for Your
Family■ Do you or any of your family members have medical

conditions that require medication, special medical
equipment, or diets?
■ What might you or members of your family need to doabout these health issues in an environment away fromhome?
■ Family members spend a significant portion of the dayaway from home. Have you communicated your family
members’ health issues to their supervisors, teachers, orday care professionals?
Steps Families Can Take to Prepare for Disasters around
Health Issues
During disasters, health medications and health supplies
may be temporarily disrupted.
■ At home, have an extra supply of medications available.
■ Away from home, provide instructions and training(if possible) to a primary caregiver who would be
responsible for your family member at the time of adisaster.
■ If that caregiver expresses reluctance or discomfort toadminister help, have them identify a person within thatenvironment who would be able to provide assistancewith such procedures as injections or other medicalrequirements.

■ Make sure adult children away from home, such ascollege students, are prepared. Make sure elderly
members of your family are also prepared.
Evacuation Planning
Having a prepared plan for evacuation can save valuabletime.
■ Have a ‘ready to go’ kit. Essential items include extra

water, food, batteries, first aid kit, a flashlight, wind up
radio, contact numbers, and medications.
■ Plan ahead for family pets by contacting area sheltersand have provisions stored for self-care if possible.
■ Determine a planned evacuation destination. This

includes knowing the location or numbers to call to getsuch information, having maps, and knowing alternate
routes.
■ Have at least a half tank of gas in your vehicles at alltimes. This can be a time saver and help families leave
immediately.
■ Turn off the gas and water to your home, if possible,

prior to evacuating. Remember to call the gas company
to turn back on the gas once your family returns.
Family Communication Plan
A good communication plan is essential in disasterplanning and evacuation. Knowing where your family is or
how to locate them are critical factors for reducing anxiety.
To create a disaster communication plan, families must:
Continued■ Establish a primary contact and number (preferablya relative or friend in another part of the region orout of state) who family members can call in case ofemergencies.

■ Leave a note at your residence to let others know where

you are and how you can be contacted.

■ Every member of the family should know this number.

Involve Your Entire Family in the Planning andPractice■ In the event that family members are separated, it is also

■ Select a time and conduct your own family emergency

important that daycare, work, school, and neighbors
know this number.
■ Prepare a list of phone numbers where each family

member can be reached during the day. Include a list ofrelatives, friends, and business associates that would or
should know your whereabouts in case of emergency.
■ During disasters, phone communications may bedisrupted. Provide an alternative means for making
calls, such as a special ‘emergency’ calling card or cellphone. Other vehicles of communication are importantsuch as the Internet, e-mail communication, and HAM
radio. The Red Cross is also a resource to help contact
loved ones.

drill. A good time might be around a family or national
holiday.
■ Make it fun. Consider asking young children to help

create the ‘ready to go’ kit, including favorite foods withlong shelf lives.
■ Instill in family the importance of disaster planning as away to alleviate anxiety, foster family cohesion, and be a
responsible citizen.
Helpful Web Links:■ http://www.ready.gov■ http://www.redcross.org/

What if my family doesn’t have an evacuation
plan at the time of a disaster?
If a family does not have an established plan, there
are some items to take if one has little time:■ Any bottled beverages■ Pre-packaged, non-perishable food items■ Flashlights■ Batteries■ Medications

Courage to Care is a health promotion campaign of Uniformed Services University
and its Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS). CSTS is the academicarm and a partnering Center of the Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE) for
Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Department of Psychiatry
Uniformed Services University
4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
www.CSTSonline.org