30 Ways in 30 Days to become better prepared for emergencies

* Fact: 60% of Americans say preparation for disasters is important but only 17% claim to be very prepared

Yesterday I wrote briefly about developing a Family Emergency Plan. Today we'll dig a little deeper into the development of that plan.

* Fact: only 39 percent of Americans said they have created a family emergency plan. Make yours now

If you have not yet downloaded the Family Emergency Plan Template; you can do so here: 

http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/Family_Emegency_Plan.pdf

The most critical element in responding effectively in the event of an emergency situation, is having the ability to communicate; potentially through multiple sources.

If you have a traditional landline (non-broadband or VOIP) phone at home, keep at least one non-cordless phone in your home because if it will work even if you lose power.

Also, in the event that you are evacuated and have call-forwarding on your home phone, forward your home phone number to your cell phone number.

Be sure to subscribe to text alert services from local or state governments to receive alerts in the event of a disaster.  Parents should make sure to sign up for their school district emergency alert system; including text alerts if they are available.

In addition, recognize that your family may not be together when a disaster strikes so it is important to plan in advance.

In the event of a major disaster or other emergency, it is important that each member of the family is accounted for to determine their safety and welfare.

Each member of the family should be familiar with the communications portion of the plan and be prepared to execute it as needed.

Remember that during a disaster or emergency local phone lines may not work or may become over capacitated. Research has shown that while it may be difficult to make local calls, it may be possible to place long distance calls. As a result it is recommended that an out-of-state contact be identified to receive calls and coordinate information.

IF YOU ARE SEPARATED FROM THE FAMILY FOR ANY REASON DURING AN EMERGENCY OR DISASTER AND CANNOT MAKE DIRECT CONTACT IMMEDIATELY, CALL THE OUT-OF-STATE CONTACT.

Immediately following a disaster, resist using your mobile device to watch streaming videos, download videos, or send multi-media video or photographs, all of which can add to network congestion. Limiting use of these services can help potentially life-saving emergency calls get through to 9-1-1.

Also, remember in an emergency conserve your cell phone battery by reducing the brightness of your screen, placing your phone in airplane mode, and closing apps you are not using that draw power, unless you need to use the phone. You may not have ready access to power in order to re-charge your cell phone.

* Fact: only 23% of Americans say they have a plan in place to communicate with family if there is no cell phone service.

For emergency communications to summon help, dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency communications however, use text messaging, e-mail, or social media instead of making voice calls on your cell phone to avoid tying up voice networks.  Data-based messaging such as texts and emails are less likely to experience network congestion.

Don't forget that you can also use social media to post your status to let family and friends know you are okay.  In addition to Facebook and Twitter, another emergency notification resource is the American Red Cross’s Safe and Well program (www.redcross.org/safeandwell), and you may want to include this information in your plan as well.

Make sure that your Family Emergency Plan includes important communication information and remember that you can send and receive emergency information through multiple sources.