Make a Plan

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for emergencies. Begin by discussing the types of emergencies that are most likely to happen and what you should do for each situation.

Meeting Places

Pick 2 places to meet - 1 that is right outside of your home and 1 outside of your neighborhood. All family members must know the address and phone number of the outside location.

Emergency Contact

Ask someone out-of-state to be your family contact. After an emergency it is often easier to call long distance than local. If for some reason, your family members cannot meet at the agreed location, they should call the family contact with their location.

Insurance

It is also important to have insurance whether you are a homeowner or a renter. Be sure you understand what your policy covers, the deductibles and how to file a claim. Flood insurance is not typically covered under a typical policy. The Maryland Insurance Administration (PDF) and National Flood Insurance Program are excellent resources to get you started.

Ready to make your plan?

Use the resources below to get started.