The document outlines essential preparation tips for families to effectively communicate during and after natural disasters. Key recommendations include carrying contact cards for an out-of-state relative, utilizing ham radio operators for message delivery, and ensuring access to battery-powered devices such as radios. Emphasis is placed on the importance of communication plans to enhance family safety and confidence during emergencies.

2. • Even though we cannot predict or prevent earthquakes, floods,
tornadoes, or other natural cataclysmic events, we can prepare
our families to cope and survive as optimally as possible.

3. • In this lesson you will Learn what communication
options are available during and after a disaster will
bring confidence that you can better protect you and
your loved ones .

4. 1. Everyone should carry with them a card with the
out-of-state contact's name, address, and day and
evening phone numbers. Let your children's teachers
know who the out-of-state contact is for your
family. That way, if your children are at school and
you cannot pick them up, school representatives will
know whom to relay a message concerning where
your children will be taken.

5. 2. Each family member should carry a phone
card or enough change for several phone calls.

6. 3. One woman whose family lives in California has designated her
sister who is a stay-at-home mom in Michigan as the out-of-state
contact. Family members carry laminated cards in their wallets with the
following information:
(1) emergency meeting place with the address (outside the home)
(2) alternate meeting place and address (outside the neighbourhood)
(3) name and day and evening phone numbers of out-of-state contact

7. 4. It may be helpful to find out in advance if you have a ham
radio operator in your area. They are very helpful and can deliver
messages from both private and community sources during and
after a disaster. If a pay telephone isn't readily available, and your
out-of-state contact is several states away, you can communicate
via this type of relay system. Your local ham can contact another
ham that will contact another ham, and so on, until they find one
within your out-of-state contact's area. The ham operator closest
to your contact can then phone the contact and deliver any
messages.

8. 5. A battery-powered or hand crank radio is helpful in
monitoring the status of the disaster. Be sure to keep a
fresh supply of batteries on hand. Check expiration
dates on the batteries and rotate them regularly. Do not
keep batteries inside the radio because they expire more
quickly and may leak.

9. 6. When charged, most cell phones are able to call 9-1-1
even when they are not active. It is wise to have a cell
phone (even not activated) when traveling or for
emergency use

10. • Remember that preparation brings confidence.
When planning for an emergency, don’t forget
that communication with your family
• The tips provided in this lesson will assist you
in creating a plan to contact loved ones during
unexpected events. members will be especially
important.