Eatontown, N.J. —  September is the time of year when those big yellow school buses start making their rounds, offering safe passage to school for millions of kids across the nation.

For parents, teachers and school administrators, keeping children safe and protected is a priority.

That’s why it’s important to let your children know that life may throw some surprises their way, but with a little planning and support, we can handle them.

The most important thing families can do to keep their balance when something upsets the family routine is to create a communications plan so that all members of the family know how to reconnect during a storm or other disaster.

Here are a few tips on reducing the worry and stress that naturally arises when you’re unable to get in touch with those you love:

• Complete a contact form for each member of your family that includes name, address, home phone numbers and work and cell numbers for family members. Include the name of a neighbor or relative who is willing to respond in an emergency.

• Agree on a meeting place in your neighborhood as well as out of town, where family members can gather should you be unable to go home.

• Identify a family member or friend who lives out-of-state who can act as a central contact for household members to notify that they are safe. It may be easier to make an out-of-town call than to get a local connection.

• Be sure that every member of your family knows the phone number of that contact person, has a cell phone or carries change or a prepaid phone card to be used in an emergency.

• Each member of the family can program an “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) number in their phone. If you or are a family member is injured, emergency personnel can use that number to contact your family or friends. Be sure to alert the person you choose that you are designating him or her as your emergency contact.

• Teach family members how to use text messaging (also known as SMS or Short Message Service) on their cell phones. Text communications can often get through when phone calls do not.

• Subscribe to alert services. Many communities relay emergency messages to residents via phone calls, e-mails and text alerts. Check with your local Office of Emergency Management to sign up for the service.

• Once you have created your family communication plan, practice your plan once or twice a year. That way, should an actual disaster happen, they’ll be comfortable with the routine and ready to act.

A little preparation can go a long way in helping your family stay safe and connected during an emergency. So when you see that yellow school bus, think of it as a reminder to plan and practice your family communications plan for emergencies.

For downloadable emergency contact cards and more information on developing a Family Communication Plan, view http://www.ready.gov/family-communications.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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