Have you created a family emergency plan? One of the best ways to stay ahead of the weather is to create a family emergency plan and have it available at all times.

If your family does have an emergency plan in place, be sure to discuss and practice it at the start of various weather seasons so everyone knows exactly what is expected of them and what to do.

If you’ve not yet created a family emergency plan, here are some things to take into consideration when putting one together:

1. Emergency Alerts

Warnings and alerts are always broadcast over radio and TV, but thanks to today’s technology, it is easy to receive emergency alerts and warnings on your smartphone. If you have a weather app or Google on your smartphone, emergency alerts can literally be at your fingertips, which can provide you with valuable time in severe weather situations.

2. Storm Shelter Options

In areas where tornadoes are common, you’ll want to be in the lowest part of your home, preferably a basement if you have one. If that is not possible, locate an interior room on the lowest level that is away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls. Tornadoes aren’t the only weather circumstance that require shelter, and you can learn about more of the situations that call for them by visiting ready.gov.

3. Evacuation Routes

You should always have multiple evacuation routes mapped out, since things such as hurricanes, flooding and fires can force you from your home in a hurry. Also, be sure to take your pets into consideration and find out if there are places to stay with your pets along the way if you have furry family members evacuating with you.

4. Communication Methods

We all rely on cell phones to keep in touch with family, but that will not always be possible in some circumstances. Cell phone towers can be damaged in storms, phones could be lost or left behind, and where no power is available, recharging them will be impossible.

Have an emergency communication plan in place for your family and also designate a safe meeting place for your family in case you become separated.

If a storm does cause damage to your home or business, don’t hesitate to call your friends at SERVPRO® of Henderson/Boulder City at 702-564-8508 to get the cleanup and restoration process started.