Preparedness | Family drills

Emergency communications drills you can do with your family

A family communication plan only becomes useful after people practice it. The drills do not need to be dramatic. Short, calm practice sessions teach everyone where the notes are, who to contact, when to check in, and what to do if the first method fails.

Drill 1: The Ten-Minute Contact Card Check

Ask everyone to find the printed contact card without using a phone. Confirm names, phone numbers, addresses, medical notes, meeting places, and out-of-area contacts. Fix errors immediately.

Drill 2: Check-In Window Practice

Pick a normal day and use two check-in windows: one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Keep messages short: location, status, next plan, and any needs. The point is to practice rhythm, not create stress.

Drill 3: Phone-Down Walkthrough

Put phones in airplane mode for a few minutes and walk through the plan. Which meeting place comes first? Who is the out-of-area contact? Where are the flashlights, battery banks, paper maps, and radio kit?

Drill 4: Radio Listening Practice

If you are using ham radio, have licensed operators listen to local repeaters or nets and write down what they hear. If your family uses GMRS or FRS, practice within the rules for that service. Keep the focus on clear messages and known channels.

Drill 5: Go-Kit Open and Reset

Open the go-kit, check batteries, verify printed frequency lists, test lights, and make sure the charger cables still match the devices you own. A kit that never gets opened slowly becomes a box of surprises.