Survival guides · Family & Communication

Choose Meeting Points

WHEN TO USE THISSo nobody drives into danger looking for anyone. Everyone goes to the same place.

1. Near home

   • For a fire, a gas leak — anything that gets you out of the house.
   • A landmark you can see from home: the mailbox, a tree, a neighbor's driveway, the hydrant on the corner.
   • Be exact: not "the park" — "the bench by the park's east gate."

2. In the neighborhood

   • For when the whole block is hit.
   • A sturdy, well-known building you can walk to — roads may be blocked.
   • A school, library, community center, place of worship.
   • And an exact spot there: "the front steps," "the flagpole."

3. Out of the area

   • For when the whole area evacuates.
   • Outside your city or county, somewhere everyone can reach on their own.
   • A relative's house, a landmark, a named rest stop.
   • It may take hours. It's the fallback.

4. Teach it

   • Everyone knows all three by heart — kids too.
   • Go to each one together.
   • Quiz: "Fire — where do we go?" Make it a game for little ones.
   • On the fridge, and on everyone's card.

Sources: FEMA / Ready.gov · American Red Cross Family Preparedness

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.