| Parenting plans typically cover the areas of | | | | - Do either of you live in a mandatory evacuation |
| time-sharing schedules, child support and expenses | | | | zone or area that is especially prone to a natural |
| and decision-making. An often overlooked area is | | | | disaster? |
| planning for natural disasters, severe storms and | | | | - Are either of you in a job that is considered a |
| the aftermath. It sounds like an oxymoron, but | | | | "first responder" in emergencies, like a firefighter |
| you can and should decide on a plan for your | | | | or medical provider? Even if not a first responder, |
| children in the event of a natural disaster or | | | | will either of you have employment responsibilities |
| severe weather such as a hurricane. | | | | as a result of the disaster? |
| Do not wait until severe weather strikes. | | | | - Do either of you have a home that has been |
| Especially if you live in an area prone to severe | | | | specially equipped for natural disasters? |
| weather, plan ahead for the safety of your | | | | - How will you contact each other after the |
| children and your peace of mind. There is a | | | | disaster? Remember that telephone lines and |
| certain frenzy that takes hold when a hurricane | | | | electricity can be out for days or weeks and cell |
| warning is posted or other natural disaster is | | | | phones depend on towers that can be knocked |
| headed toward us. Storm anxiety is not | | | | out. Think about someone out of the disaster |
| conducive to making a logical, well thought out | | | | zone whom you could designate to be the point |
| plan for your children's safety. Emotions run high. | | | | of contact. |
| The physical demands of preparing for a storm | | | | Do not wait until tornado or hurricane warnings |
| exhaust us and we get cranky. This will not be a | | | | are posted to make an emergency plan for your |
| good time to negotiate child safety issues. | | | | children. Especially if you live in a disaster-prone |
| Here are four important questions to consider | | | | area, for the sake of your children make disaster |
| when making a disaster preparation plan for your | | | | planning a part of your parenting plan. |
| children: | | | | |