Communications & Drills

Code Words

Simple, memorable words that trigger specific actions. No explanation needed.

Code words should be normal phrases that don't sound suspicious if overheard. Avoid "Code Red" style - too obvious.

Meeting Points

If separated, where does everyone go?

• Point A (Near): Neighbor's house, end of block, landmark. For short evacuations.
• Point B (Area): Park, store, school. For neighborhood-wide issues.
• Point C (Out of area): Friend's house in another town. For major evacuations.

Everyone should know all points by heart. Kids should be able to get there from school, store, friend's house.

Emergency Contacts

Post these where everyone can see:

• 911: Police, fire, medical
• Local police non-emergency: For suspicious activity
• Out-of-area contact: Family member or friend in another region. Coordinates if local lines are down.
• Neighbors: Trusted neighbors who can help or check on house
• Work/school contacts: How to reach family members during day

Print and post near every phone. Kids should have copy in backpack. Laminate for durability.

Primary: Cell Phones

• Pros: Everyone has one, calls and texts work
• Cons: Towers can overload or lose power
• Backup: Charged battery pack, car charger

In major emergencies, texts often go through when calls don't. Text uses less bandwidth.

Secondary: Landline

• Pros: Works when cell towers fail (if not VOIP), doesn't need charging
• Cons: Fewer people have them, lines can be cut
• Best use: Safe room phone for 911 calls

Backup: Two-Way Radios

• FRS/GMRS: Family Radio Service (no license) or GMRS (license required). 1-5 mile range typical.
• CB Radio: Longer range in good conditions. Truckers use channel 19.
• Ham radio: Longest range, requires license. Best for serious preparedness.

Family: Get a pair of FRS radios ($30-50). Keep charged. Practice using them. Channel and privacy code must match.

Out-of-Area Contact Protocol

1. Designate one person outside your region (100+ miles)
2. Everyone memorizes their number
3. If local communication fails, call out-of-area contact
4. They coordinate messages between family members
5. Check in at scheduled times (e.g., every 4 hours)

Lockdown Drill

Practice securing the house quickly.

1. Announce "Lockdown" (or code word)
2. Everyone stops what they're doing
3. All exterior doors locked
4. Windows checked and locked
5. Everyone to safe room
6. Safe room door locked
7. Time how long this takes

Goal: Under 60 seconds for entire family to be in safe room with door locked.

Evacuation Drill

Practice leaving the house quickly.

1. Announce "Leave now" (or code word)
2. Everyone to their exit route
3. Grab go-bag if time permits
4. Exit via planned route
5. Meet at Point A
6. Account for all family members

Practice different scenarios: Front door blocked, fire in kitchen, intruder in hallway.

Fire Drill

Required by law in some places. Essential life safety.

1. Smoke alarm sounds
2. Everyone drops and crawls if smoke present
3. Exit via nearest safe route
4. Feel doors before opening (hot = fire on other side)
5. Meet at designated point
6. Account for everyone
7. Call 911

Never go back inside for pets or valuables. Firefighters will rescue pets.

Break-In Drill

Practice response to intruder.

1. Sound of break-in (glass breaking, kick, alarm)
2. Call 911 immediately, put on speaker
3. Announce "Lockdown"
4. Gather family to safe room
5. Lock safe room door
6. If safe room not reachable, hide and be quiet
7. Announce "Police are coming" loudly
8. Do NOT investigate sounds

Recommended Frequency

After Each Drill

• Time how long it took
• What went wrong?
• What was confusing?
• Update plan based on learnings
• Praise participation, don't shame mistakes

Drills reveal problems. That's the point. Better to find out during practice than during emergency.

Children

• Practice until automatic, but don't traumatize
• Make it a game for young kids ("beat your time")
• Ensure they know their address and phone number
• Teach when to call 911 vs when not to
• Safe words if someone else picks them up

Elderly or Disabled

• Assign a family member to assist
• Plan for mobility limitations
• Medical equipment needs (oxygen, etc.)
• Medication in go-bag
• Backup communication method if hearing/vision impaired

Pets

• Include in evacuation plan
• Carriers ready for cats, small dogs
• Leashes for larger dogs
• Food, water, medications in go-bag
• Know which shelters accept pets

Drill: Phone Lines Down

1. Cell and landline not working
2. Use two-way radio to contact family
3. Drive to out-of-area contact's house
4. Or use ham radio if available

Drill: Kids Home Alone, Someone at Door

1. Don't open door
2. Look through peephole or window
3. If unknown person: don't respond, call parent
4. If threatening: call 911, hide
5. If fire: exit via planned route, go to neighbor