Week 1: Create a Family Communications Plan

It took six months for the last child to be reunited with her family following Hurricane Katrina.

It may seem scary to talk to your children about emergencies, or maybe it just never seems like the right time. That’s normal. But thinking and talking through worst-case scenarios can help prevent them from becoming worst-case realities. Ultimately, children will feel safer knowing what to do and understanding that adults are equipped to protect them.

Create a Family Communication Plan

• Provide a copy to each of your family members
• Place one in your emergency kit
• Put important numbers in your cell phone(s)

Know your neighbors:

Getting to know your neighbors can be helpful in a crisis because, after a disaster occurs, the people in closest proximity to you – and the people who will be able to help you most immediately – are your neighbors.

Emergency alerts:

Purchase a NOAA radio and extra batteries to make sure you receive emergency alerts. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting weather service warnings as well as other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Also, tune to 1660 AM for information/updates about local emergencies.

City Plan - If you are a City of Sandy employee, please do the following in an emergency:

• Take care of loved ones first.  Report to work when and if you are able.  Attempt to call in to your supervisor to let them know you are okay, your status and get information.  Watch the city website, Facebook, Twitter and Flashalert.  We will also attempt to send out text messages and make phone calls.  If you live within a two mile radius you should be able to hear our broadcast on the AM radio station (see above). Consider signing up for the Sandy PD App.  We will also send out messages via Sportsman and the Utility Billing Software if we are able.
• Supervisor's please make sure you have up to date information on your employees. Get cell phone numbers and personal email addresses if possible.  
• If all communications options are down, we may attempt to send runners to the homes of key personnel.