rallying point – a point or principle on which scattered or opposing groups can come together.
In the Army, one of the first concepts I learned was how to establish a Rallying Point on a patrol. This is a selected place during the patrol that if something goes wrong and people get separated, this is the location in which Soldiers should return.
Do you have a Rallying Point for your Family during a disaster?
One of the scariest aspects of a natural disaster is losing contact with your loved ones, especially if they are children. While we don’t want to dwell on the threat of disaster, it is important to take ten seconds to determine where you could meet your family if you get separated, and communicate this to your family.
The first place to meet up, and easiest, could be your home. By returning home, you will have supplies for several days and have some of your comforts (toys, books, snacks) even if your power is out. From there you could make the decision whether or not to evacuate.
The second place to meet up should be selected as a place to meet if you can not return to your home or are forced to evacuate. It could be your work, your church, or a favorite playground. You can’t always count on being able to return to your home or that your home will be the safest place to be. A contingency location is very important for rallying back with your family.
Throughout the plan, it is best that you have a good plan to stay in communication with your family. This will save time as you will be able to communicate your location to the other parties. It is important that you text during the early stages if the disaster. It has been shown, in previous disasters, that texting is a better means to communicating during a disaster as it does not clog the lines used for voice.
Prepare now for a disaster by selecting and communicating your family’s rallying point and by reviewing how to send and receive text messages.