With a new school year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for families to review emergency preparedness. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) encourages families to discuss potential disaster risks and the steps to stay safe if the unexpected occurs.

Have a Plan

Create or review a family emergency plan. If a disaster happens, knowing who to call and where to meet is an important part of emergency planning for you and your family.

• Know who to contact: Pick one main contact locally and one contact out of town who may be easier to reach during a disaster. Make sure your kids know who it is and practice with them.
• Have an evacuation route and shelter plan: Decide on safe, familiar, accessible places where your family can go for protection or to reunite. Consider places in your house, in your neighborhood, or around town so you’re prepared for any situation.
  • If you have pets or service animals, consider and research animal-friendly locations
• Review phone use: Make sure everyone, including children, knows how and when to call 911 for help. If your kids have cell phones, review how to send a text message during an emergency.
• Practice makes perfect: Regularly practice your emergency plan. Document it and make sure everyone in your family has a copy. Hold regular family meetings to review and update the plan.

Build and Update Your Emergency Kit

Keep enough emergency supplies on hand to survive on your own for several days. Be sure to pack essential items, such as water, nonperishable food, first aid, flashlight, cell phone and chargers, battery-powered radio, extra batteries.

• Consider specific needs: Remember to pack supplies that are specific to your daily living needs, such as prescription medication, eyeglasses and contact solution, infant formula, pet food, important family documents, and more.

Know School Emergency Plans

Understand the emergency plans in place at your child’s school. Contact your child’s teacher or school administration to learn about their plans for emergencies such as fires, blizzards, earthquakes, and more. Be sure to ask how the school will communicate with parents and guardians during emergencies.

• Inform the school: Provide the school with up-to-date contact information, backup medication for your child, and inform them of any special needs your child may have during a crisis or drill.

Utilize FEMA Resources

FEMA offers multiple resources to help make disaster preparedness fun and informative for the whole family.

• Play interactive games to learn about disasters.
• Access the Prepare with Pedro activity book.
• Start building your family communications plan.
• Serve your community and help take care of your school and home through the Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Campus CERT programs.

By taking the time to plan and review, families can prepare their student to face an emergency with confidence. IOEM is dedicated to working together to build resilient communities as we head back to school!