DISASTERS
Family Meet Up in a Disaster...
A frantic parent outside a burning house screaming a child's name is drama you can avoid — with meet-up plans the whole family knows and has practiced. One meet-up location for your family may not be enough; safe locations can change depending on the type and scope of the emergency.
Don't be the potted fern...
During the 2003 Cedar Fire in San Diego, live news showed a woman walking apparently in a daze from her soon-to-be-lost house with a potted fern — and very little else in the car. She was likely in shock, grabbing at random. Don't be like that. Have a detailed plan of what to grab and where to go. - Grandpa TJ -
Meet-up plans by emergency type
House on Fire at Night
A nearby, practiced meet-up for when the house itself is the danger — shoes on, phone/wallet/keys, get out, meet at the planned spot.
Home Fire Escape PlanBlocked from Getting Home
When flooded streets, fire engines, police barricades, sinkholes or downed trees keep you from home — or force a local evacuation — you need a nearby alternate meet-up.
Blocked from Getting HomeFamily Rally Points
For a major disaster evacuation, Rally Points are waypoints (with Message Drops) on the way to your Bug-Out Location — not just a single neighborhood meet-up.
Family Rally PointsFamily Evacuation Plan
Cover what to grab and where to go when a forced evacuation is underway.
Family Evacuation PlanBuild a Bug-Out List
A time-ordered list so you don't miss key items in the rush. That way you can ensure that the most important items are included .
Build a Bug-Out ListGetting Everyone to Safety
How you move people and gear — hiking, carts, bikes, cars, and more.
Family Evac TransportVideo: Family Emergency Preparedness Tools
Excellent overview of preparedness tools and creating a written record if phones are unusable. Downloadable Family Emergency Playbook and Rapid Response Cards are in Grandpa TJ's General Store Family Preparedness section.
Watch on YouTubeVideo: Preparing kids (earthquake tips)
WhatsUpMoms covers preparing small children — including finding a family meetup location.
Watch on YouTubeVideo: Lessons from a real wildfire evac
WhatsUpMoms documents an actual California wildfire evacuation near L.A. — family and house OK, but lessons learned.
Watch on YouTubeNavigation
Need help with your situation?
Email Grandpa TJ for free unbiased advice, or join the Inner Circle when you need a real conversation with a real person.
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