Emergencies can happen quickly, and having a family plan in place makes all the difference. Preparing ahead of time ensures everyone knows what to do, where to go, and how to stay connected during a crisis.

Start by understanding the hazards that could affect your home or workplace.

Check whether you are located in:

• • A Hernando County evacuation zone
  • A FEMA flood zone

Remember—these two zone types are not the same, and both matter when planning for emergencies.

Choose safe, reliable meeting points that your entire household can remember:

• • Near your home, for sudden events like a fire
  • Outside your neighborhood, for situations where returning home isn’t possible or your family becomes separated

Communication can be difficult during disasters. Designate someone outside the area to serve as your family’s point of contact.

Family members should report their status and location to this person. Consider sending them copies of important documents such as:

• • Identification
  • Insurance policies
  • Emergency phone numbers

Plan in advance where you would go if you had to leave your home.

Consider:

• • Which situations would trigger evacuation
  • How you would travel
  • Whether friends or family could host you
  • Offering your home as a safe place for others if you are outside the evacuation zone