Comms strategy by Scenario

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Step 4: Comms Strategy by Scenario

What You Need to Know

Different emergencies require different communication approaches. Planning for various scenarios helps you stay flexible and effective.

Scenario 1: Separated During the Day (School/Work)

The situation: Earthquake hits at 2pm. Kids are at school, parents are at work, house may not be accessible.

Your communication plan:

  • Everyone texts the family group: "I'm okay" or "I need help"

  • If you can't reach each other, call out-of-area contact

  • Meet at designated location (covered in Guide 3)

  • Schools will not release children to anyone not on pickup list—make sure your list is current

School-specific planning:

  • Know your children's school emergency procedures

  • Make sure the school has updated contact information

  • Know where children will be taken if school needs to evacuate

  • Identify who is authorized to pick up your children

  • Discuss the plan with your kids: "If there's an emergency during school, stay with your teacher. Mom or Dad will come get you as soon as we can, or Grandma if we can't get there."

Scenario 2: Evacuation from Home

The situation: Wildfire approaching, authorities order evacuation, family is together at home.

Your communication plan:

  • Text out-of-area contact: "Evacuating now, heading to [destination]"

  • Post social media status: "We're safe, evacuated to [general area]"

  • Check in when you reach safe location

  • Keep phone charged (car charger is essential)

  • Update status when you know where you'll be staying

Scenario 3: Evacuation When Separated

The situation: Flash flood warning while family is apart, need to evacuate from different locations.

Your communication plan:

  • Everyone texts: "Evacuating from [location] to [destination]"

  • Use predetermined evacuation destination (covered in Guide 3)

  • Call out-of-area contact to coordinate

  • Don't try to reunite during the emergency—get to safety first, connect later

  • Once safe, contact family to coordinate next steps

Scenario 4: No Communication Possible

The situation: Cell towers down, internet out, can't reach anyone.

Your backup plan:

  • Go to predetermined meeting location (covered in Guide 3)

  • Leave notes at home indicating where you've gone

  • Check back at home at predetermined times (like noon and 6pm daily)

  • Go to designated shelter if meeting locations aren't accessible

  • Register with Red Cross Safe and Well (https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html)

Special Situations

If you have children at different schools:

  • Prioritize picking up youngest first

  • Have a clear order and make sure older children know the plan

  • Ensure each school knows you may be delayed

If you have elderly parents or family members with special needs:

  • Include them in your communication plan

  • Have neighbors who can check on them

  • Keep extra contact numbers for their caregivers

If you travel frequently for work:

  • Make sure family knows how to handle emergencies in your absence

  • Have a backup adult who can help

  • Keep travel calendar updated and accessible

Family Emergency Communication Plan