Build the plan in seven passes
- 01
Choose one out-of-area contact who agrees to act as the household message relay.
- 02
Choose a meeting place near home, a second place outside the neighborhood, and an out-of-area destination.
- 03
Write essential phone numbers, addresses, school or care contacts, and local emergency-management sources on a pocket card.
- 04
Create a short status format: name, location, condition, next action, and next check-in time.
- 05
Set two daily check-in windows and a retry rule so everyone is not transmitting or traveling continuously.
- 06
Assign the primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency method for each likely situation.
- 07
Give every member a paper copy, store another in each vehicle and kit, and practice twice a year.
A household PACE plan that ordinary people can use
| Layer | Method | Use when | Pre-event action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Normal call or group text | Cellular service is operating | Create the group and pin the out-of-area contact |
| Alternate | Individual SMS to relay contact | Calls fail or the group becomes noisy | Agree on the five-part status format |
| Contingency | Meeting place and written note protocol | Messages do not deliver | Choose safe locations and a no-go time |
| Emergency | Practiced radio or satellite device | Local systems fail and equipment is appropriate | License, subscribe, test, and train before the event |
Message discipline that saves battery and confusion
Send facts, not a conversation
Use one short message with location, condition, action, and next update. Do not bury the decision in a long thread.
Acknowledge clearly
Reply with “received” and repeat the next meeting or check-in time. Silence must not be interpreted as agreement.
Protect sensitive details
Do not broadcast door codes, account numbers, full medical records, or evacuation routes on open radio channels.
Plan for accessibility
Include captioning, visual alerts, relay services, language needs, caregiver contacts, and backup power for assistive devices.
Family planning references
Rules, plans, subscriptions, and specifications change. Follow current official instructions and the exact model manual.
Communication-plan FAQ
Why use an out-of-area contact?
A person outside the affected area may be easier for separated household members to reach and can relay status when local connections are unreliable.
Should everyone call at the same scheduled time?
Use a check-in window rather than one exact minute. A window reduces simultaneous retries and lets people prioritize immediate safety.
How often should the plan be updated?
Review it at least twice a year and whenever phone numbers, schools, workplaces, caregivers, addresses, medical needs, or equipment change.