Emergency Calls

  • Updated on Oct 13, 2024
  • Published on Jun 19, 2024
  • 3 minute(s) read

Staying Informed and Connected in an Emergency Evacuation

In an emergency evacuation, staying informed and maintaining communication are crucial for ensuring safety and making informed decisions. Knowing how to access emergency alerts and make necessary calls can significantly enhance your ability to respond effectively.

This article provides essential tips on managing emergency calls and alerts during an evacuation.

1. Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

a. Local Government Alerts:

  • Emergency Management Agencies: Sign up for alerts from local emergency management agencies. These alerts can provide critical information about evacuation orders, shelter locations, and road conditions.

  • Community Alert Systems: Many communities have alert systems that send notifications via text message, email, or phone call. Check with your local government for options available in your area.

b. Weather Alerts:

  • NOAA Weather Radio: Keep a NOAA weather radio to receive continuous updates on severe weather conditions. These radios can operate on battery or hand-crank power if electricity is unavailable.

  • Weather Apps: Download weather apps on your smartphone that offer real-time alerts and updates. Enable notifications to receive timely warnings.

c. National Alerts:

  • Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Ensure your mobile phone is capable of receiving Wireless Emergency Alerts, which provide critical information during national emergencies.

2. Prepare Your Communication Devices

a. Mobile Phones:

  • Fully Charged: Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged. Keep portable chargers or power banks ready to maintain battery life.

  • Emergency Contacts: Program emergency contacts into your phone, including family members, friends, and local emergency services.

b. Backup Communication:

  • Landline Phones: If you have a landline, know how to use it during a power outage. Corded phones often work when cordless phones do not.

  • Two-Way Radios: Consider two-way radios for communication if mobile networks are down.

3. Making Emergency Calls

a. Calling 911:

  • When to Call: Call 911 for immediate threats to life or property. Provide clear and concise information about your location and the nature of the emergency.

  • Stay Calm: Stay calm and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Do not hang up until instructed to do so.

b. Non-Emergency Numbers:

  • Local Authorities: Save non-emergency numbers for local police, fire departments, and other emergency services in your phone for situations that do not require immediate response.

4. Communicating with Family and Friends

a. Emergency Communication Plan:

  • Designate Contacts: Designate an out-of-town contact person who can relay information between family members. Ensure everyone knows how to reach this person.

  • Check-In Points: Establish regular check-in points and times to update each other on your status and location.

b. Text Messages:

  • Text Instead of Call: Use text messages instead of voice calls to reduce network congestion and ensure messages get through.

c. Social Media:

  • Status Updates: Use social media platforms to update your status and location if phone lines are busy or unavailable.

5. Monitoring Alerts During Evacuation

a. Real-Time Updates:

  • Stay Tuned: Continuously monitor emergency alerts and updates through your phone, weather radio, or other devices.

  • Follow Instructions: Follow evacuation instructions from local authorities promptly. Evacuate immediately when an order is given to avoid getting caught in hazardous conditions.

b. Traffic and Road Conditions:

  • Navigation Apps: Use navigation apps with real-time traffic updates to find the safest and fastest evacuation routes.

  • Local News: Tune in to local news stations for information on road closures, traffic conditions, and safe routes.

6. Post-Evacuation Communication

a. Notify Authorities:

  • Safe Arrival: Notify local authorities and your designated contact person once you have safely reached your evacuation destination.

  • Follow Updates: Continue to monitor alerts for information on when it is safe to return home.

b. Reunification:

  • Family Reunification: Follow your family’s communication plan to ensure everyone knows each other’s status and location. Use designated meeting points if you are separated.

Wrap-Up

Effective communication and staying informed through emergency calls and alerts are vital during an emergency evacuation. By signing up for emergency alerts, preparing communication devices, knowing how to make emergency calls, maintaining contact with family and friends, monitoring real-time updates, and following post-evacuation communication protocols, you can significantly enhance your safety and resilience.

Being prepared and informed can make all the difference during an emergency evacuation.