When everyone's somewhere else, the plan is the meeting place

A family communication plan earns its keep when everyone is moving in different directions. Start with one ICE contact (In Case of Emergency), one person outside your community who can act as the household hub, and the local numbers your family may need. Add medical or access needs, then put the same list in every phone and on paper copies. 1

Choose meeting places in layers: an indoor protection spot, a familiar place in the neighborhood, a place beyond the neighborhood, and a known out-of-town address. Write the address and route for each place, and include a workable option for pets or service animals. Ready.gov recommends discussing household needs, documenting the plan, and practicing it together. 2

Practice with a short text first, then keep calls brief and wait 10 seconds before trying again. Save battery power so the phone remains useful. Review the plan at least once a year and whenever a number, route, school, workplace, home, or household need changes. The official fillable plan gives you a compact place to keep the details together. 3