Why use an out-of-town contact?

Local phone lines often jam or fail during a disaster, while long-distance calls still work. A single out-of-town contact lets everyone check in through one person.

What should a family communication plan include?

Contact information for every household member, an out-of-town contact, emergency meeting places, and important numbers like doctors and schools.

How often should we practice the plan?

Regularly, like a fire drill. Hold household meetings to review the plan and meeting places so everyone knows it by heart.

Aug 27, 2026

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Prepping your family and household (Part 1): The family communication plan

By The SHTF App Team

When disaster strikes, your family may be scattered across work, school, and home. The first question everyone asks is the same: are my people safe, and how do I reach them? A family communication plan answers that question before the emergency happens.

⚠️ The “We’ll just call each other” trap. During a disaster, local phone lines jam or fail entirely. The people who reconnect fastest are the ones who planned a single out-of-town contact and a set of meeting places ahead of time. When you build the plan now, you remove the panic from the moment.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be considered, professional or emergency-response advice. Always follow the instructions of local authorities.

The Readiness Audit

Does your family know how to find each other if phones fail?

🟢 Green: You have a written plan with an out-of-town contact, and every family member carries a wallet card copy.
🟡 Yellow: You have everyone’s numbers in your phone, but no written plan or meeting place.
🔴 Red: You have never discussed what your family would do if separated during an emergency.

If you are Yellow or Red, execute Phase 1 immediately.

Phase 1: Collect the Information

Goal: Gather every contact you will need.

Household members: Full names, mobile numbers, other numbers, email, and any important medical information for each person.
Schools and workplaces: Emergency and hotline numbers, plus the emergency plan and pick-up procedure for each school, daycare, and workplace.
Important numbers: Police, fire, poison control, doctors, pediatrician, dentist, pharmacy, and insurance policy numbers.

The Takeaway: A plan is only as good as the information in it. Collect it all in one place.

Phase 2: Set the Out-of-Town Contact

Goal: Create a single point of contact outside your area.

The Logic: Local calls may fail, but long-distance calls often still work. An out-of-town contact is not affected by your local disaster.
The Rule: Every family member calls, texts, or emails the same out-of-town contact to report their status and location.
The Backup: Make sure you have at least two ways to reach that person.

The Takeaway: One out-of-town contact turns a scattered family into a connected one.

Phase 3: Choose Meeting Places

Goal: Decide where everyone goes if you cannot communicate.

Indoor meeting place: A safe spot inside your home for sudden emergencies like a fire.
Neighborhood meeting place: A landmark just outside your home, in case you must evacuate quickly.
Out-of-neighborhood meeting place: A location farther away, in case you cannot return to your neighborhood.

The Takeaway: Meeting places give everyone a destination when phones are useless.

Goal: Make sure everyone knows and carries the plan.

Wallet cards: Give every family member a small card with the key contacts and meeting places.
Post a copy: Put a copy on the refrigerator or a family bulletin board.
Practice: Hold regular household meetings to review the plan, just like a fire drill.

The Takeaway: A plan nobody knows is not a plan. Share it and practice it.

The Essential Kit Checklist

Collect: Names, numbers, and medical info for every household member.
Schools: Record emergency numbers and pick-up plans for schools and workplaces.
Out-of-town contact: Choose one person and confirm two ways to reach them.
Meeting places: Pick indoor, neighborhood, and out-of-neighborhood locations.
Wallet cards: Print and distribute a card to every family member.
Practice: Schedule a household meeting to review the plan.

Scenario Planner (Contingencies)

“We all have smartphones, so we do not need a paper plan.” The trap: assuming phones will work. The fix: phones die, get lost, and lose signal. A paper wallet card and a memorized out-of-town number work when nothing else does.

“My kids are too young to understand.” The trap: leaving children out of the plan. The fix: even young children can memorize a meeting place and an out-of-town contact’s name. Teach them in simple terms and practice together.

Next: Read Part 2: The Commuter Emergency Plan to plan your route home when disaster strikes during the workday.