Family Communication Plan

In the event that a disaster occurs when family members are apart, or should a disaster cause families to become separated, a plan is needed to ensure that all members are aware of how to re-unite or communicate their well-being with each other. This will help assure everyone that all family members are safe.

Families should have a common meeting area, both close to home and somewhere further away in town. Examples of meeting places can include a telephone pole in a neighbors yard, or maybe at your church.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact” person. After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance than locally.

Make sure all parties involved in the communication plan know the name, address and telephone number of the out-of-state contact person.

Information sheets (see below) can be filled out and given to each family member, or family member’s school, to help improve communication during an emergency.

FAMILY COMMUNICATION PLAN

Primary Emergency Contact Name:
Telephone:

Alternate Emergency Contact Name:
Telephone:

Out-of-State Contact Name:
Address:
Telephone:

Neighborhood Meeting Place:
Local Meeting Place:
Local Meeting Place Telephone:

Notes:

In addition it is beneficial to keep the following information readily available:

One convenient way to do this is to complete the “File of Life” and post it on your refrigerator. The File of Life Program is a local program provided by Sheriff Belloitti’s TRIAD program. The TRIAD has distributed more than 6,000 File of Life cards to senior citizens across Norfolk County.

The File of Life is an emergency medical card that a senior citizen fills out and places inside a red “File of Life” sleeve that is magnetized and sticks to the refrigerator door.

If emergency medical technicians must respond to a senior’s home, that senior’s medical history and conditions are conveniently available on the File of Life, allowing EMTs to quickly diagnose and treat the person in need. Local firefighters and EMTs have reported more than 20 “saves” all across the county thanks to the File of Life.

If you are in need of a File of Life, please contact the TRIAD Director at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, 781-751-3516.