Washington County Emergency Management stated the need for families to have a reunification and communication plan. The guidance explained that emergencies can occur when family members are apart, so plans should include a designated meeting place, steps for pet care, and arrangements for picking up children from school, according to the Washington County.
Families are advised to have an emergency plan that includes an alternate meeting place if the home cannot be used. The plan should cover pet evacuation, assign who will pick up children from school, and be shared with both family members and school staff. Everyone should know each other’s contact information, have backup communication methods such as WhatsApp or Messenger, and choose an out-of-town contact who may be easier to reach during a local emergency, as reported by the Washington County.
Families are encouraged to practice their emergency plans regularly. This includes teaching children to memorize phone numbers, identifying safe meeting places, and preparing pets for evacuation. Residents are advised to create a reunification and communication plan tailored to their household’s needs, as stated by the Washington County.
