Gathering Up Loved Ones

Your family may not all be in one place when a disaster hits. So it’s important to be prepared and plan ahead.

How will you get to a safe place? How you will contact each other? How you will get back together? Will you know what to do in different situations?

The resources below can help you plan before a disaster, so you can learn how to find those you care about after, including your pets.

Finding Lost Family and Friends

Make a Plan
Does everyone in your family know what to do, where to go, and who to contact in an emergency? Make a family communication plan so everyone can be prepared. (Ready.gov)

Unaccompanied Minors Registry
The registry supports the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). It allows the public to report information for children separated from their parents or guardians because of a disaster. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)

The National Emergency Child Locator Center (NECLC)
A hotline activated only by state request. When activated, you can call to report or search for a child missing after a disaster: 1-866-908-9570 or 1-877-908-9570. (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)

Next of Kin Registry (NOKR)
This is a free emergency contact system to help if you or a loved one is missing, injured, or has died. You can register at any time. Only emergency agencies registered with NOKR can view your information, but they can use it to contact your family when you can’t. (NOKR)

Finding and Caring for Pets

Prepare Your Pets for Disasters
Use these guidelines to help you make a plan for your pets during a disaster. You may not be able to take them to a public shelter with you, so you need to plan ahead for their care. You can also learn what to do for large animals. (Ready.gov)

Pet Natural Disaster Checklist and Emergency Plan
Learn how to prepare for three types of disasters – immediate, short warning, and seasonal. There’s a checklist as well as other readiness information. You can also read Natural Disaster Preparedness for Families with Pets. (Best Friends Animal Society)

Lost Pet: How to Find a Lost Dog or Cat
If you’ve lost a pet, you need to start your search as soon as you can. Get list of steps you can take. You can also find information on other methods and online resources that may help you. You can even learn how to avoid pet scams. (Best Friends Animal Society)

Last Updated: 07/31/2023