Family emergency preparedness

Meeting points, and what makes a good one

3 of 12 lessons

A meeting point everybody names differently is not a meeting point. "The church" is four buildings; "the front steps of the church on Market Street" is one.

Near. Somewhere immediately outside the home that everybody can reach on foot in a minute, for the case where the building has to be left quickly. Not across a road.

Far. Somewhere outside the neighbourhood, reachable without a car, for the case where the area is closed. A relative's home, a named public building.

Test one thing. Can a child get there alone? Can an elderly relative? If the answer is no, it is the wrong point.

Agree how long to wait. "We wait until dark, then go to the far point" is a decision. Waiting indefinitely at a place nobody is coming to is the thing that happens without one.

UPA educational materials are intended for general preparedness and educational purposes. In an emergency, always follow current instructions from local authorities and emergency services. Country-specific procedures may differ.

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