Natural disasters affect thousands of people every year, and with the increased risk of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and tornadoes these days, it’s a good idea to think about having an emergency plan in place. Consider preparing an emergency plan now before it’s needed.

Here are a few tips to help you work with your family, friends and homeowners association neighbors for the best options possible:

Have an open discussion with your family about the types of emergencies that could happen.

These include severe weather like tornadoes, natural disasters like earthquakes and fires and even civil unrest like rioting or acts of terrorism.

Designate a meeting place in the event you cannot return home.

It’s a good idea to choose both a neighborhood meeting place and a place to meet outside of your homeowners association neighborhood in case you can’t access the area surrounding your home. If you have pets, ensure the meeting places you choose will accept them if you have to evacuate your home for any length of time.

Pick an out-of-town friend or relative as an emergency contact.

When disaster strikes, it could be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town. Your out-of-town contact could help communicate and reunite separated family members or assist with an evacuation. Make sure every member of your family has the phone number for your out-of-town emergency contact person.

If you have children, communicate with their schools and daycare providers.

Make sure you know the emergency plan at your child’s school or daycare provider. Find out how they plan to communicate with families during a crisis, whether they’re prepared to “shelter in place” and where they plan to go if they must leave.

If you have teenagers that come home from school on their own

Be sure to communication with your homeowners association neighbors that you trust and that might be home when you are at work. Make sure that they can connect with your teenagers until you are home and consider exchanging phone numbers as well.

You never know when disaster may strike. Having a plan in place will give you peace of mind. Encourage your neighbors to do the same and help to promote safety in your homeowners association.

If your HOA board is looking for assistance in preparing an emergency plan for the Association as a whole, consider getting a Free HOA Analysis!