Communication can be difficult during emergencies. Electricity may be out, cell phone towers could go down, and local systems may be overwhelmed making it difficult to reach our family and loved ones. An important part of a family’s emergency communications plan is identifying key emergency contacts, in case children are not with family when a disaster strikes. These contacts can include a family member, a local fiend or relative, or an out-of-town contact.

Keep these contact cards in easily accessible location such as in children’s bags, lunch boxes, coats, or with their school or child care staff. This card template can be filled with children to help the whole family strengthen their disaster plan. Update this card whenever any pieces of contact information for the child or emergency contact changes. These cards can be used in a variety of settings including schools, child care centers, family child care homes, by foster families, and any other group care setting.