Putting together an established family emergency plan is one of the best ways to begin preparing your family for these weather situations.

If your family does have an emergency plan in place, be sure to practice and review it at the beginning of each season so it is fresh in everyone’s mind.

If you’ve not yet created a family emergency plan, here are some ideas to take into consideration when creating your plan:

1. Receiving emergency alerts

Thanks to today’s technologies, it is easy to receive emergency alerts and warnings on your smartphone that is equipped with Google or a weather app. These technologies enable you to quickly receive emergency alerts, which can provide you with valuable time in severe weather situations. But don’t forget warnings and alerts are also broadcast over radio and TV.

2. Evaluating storm shelter options

Establish a place to take shelter if you live in an area where tornadoes are common. lt’s best to choose a basement or, if there is no basement, an interior room on the lowest level that is away from windows and doors. There are other reasons a shelter should be designated, and by visiting ready.gov you can learn more about this.

3. Mapping out evacuation routes

You should always have several routes mapped out that can serve as an evacuation routes. Hurricanes, flooding and fires can force you from your home in a hurry, and it’s wise to have multiple routes should one route become impassable. Also find out if there are places to stay with your pets along the way if you have furry family members to evacuate with.

4. Communicating during a storm

Communication is key, so it’s only natural to rely on cell phones to keep in touch with your family, but there will be times when that will not be possible. Cell phone towers can damaged leaving you without a signal, there could be no power leaving you unable to charge your phone, or cell phones could be lost or left behind.

So, your family will need an emergency communication plan in place and a safe meeting place for your family so that you can all meet there if separated.

If a storm does cause damage to your home or business, don’t hesitate to call your friends at SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South to get the cleanup and restoration process started.