Understanding the Concept of an Out-of-State Emergency Contact
At its core, an out-of-state emergency contact is a simple but powerful idea. In the event of a localized natural disaster, like a hurricane, earthquake, or wildfire, local communication infrastructure can be overwhelmed or damaged. This can make it difficult for family members in the same area to get in touch with each other. A long-distance call, however, is often more likely to go through because it uses different communication routes. By designating a single point of contact who lives outside the affected region, all family members can call or text that one person to report their status, location, and safety.
Why an Out-of-State Contact is a Smart Choice
Choosing a contact who lives far away provides several key benefits that a local contact might not be able to offer during an emergency. The primary advantage is reliability. If a disaster affects your entire city or state, a local contact is just as likely to be dealing with the same challenges—power outages, gridlock, and downed phone lines. An out-of-state contact, by contrast, is far less likely to be impacted by the same events. They can be a calm, reliable hub of information when those closest to you are struggling.
How to Choose Your Out-of-State Emergency Contact
Selecting the right person is crucial for the plan to be effective. This individual should be reliable, calm under pressure, and easy to reach. Here are some guidelines for making your choice:
- Choose a reliable individual: This person should be responsible and organized, capable of remembering instructions and details during a high-stress situation.
- Ensure they have stable communication: The person should have a reliable phone, internet access, and power source that is unlikely to be affected by the same disaster as your household.
- Inform and prepare them: Don't just pick someone—have a clear conversation with them. Explain their role and ensure they are willing to serve as the designated point of contact. This conversation should cover exactly what you expect of them.
- Consider their location: Ideally, the contact should live at least 100 miles away from your household to ensure they are beyond the reach of the local disaster.
What Information to Share with Your Contact
Your out-of-state contact needs to have all the necessary information to assist your family effectively. This includes more than just their phone number. A comprehensive information list is vital for success. The information to share should include:
- A list of all household members, including pets, and their names.
- Full contact information for each family member (cell, work, etc.).
- Important medical information for each person, such as allergies, chronic conditions, and medications.
- Designated meeting places for your family, both inside and outside your neighborhood.
- Copies of important documents or a secure way to access them, like through a cloud-based service.
- Instructions for who to contact about children or other dependents, such as a school or caregiver.
Creating and Practicing Your Emergency Plan
Once you have your contact and have shared the necessary information, the next step is to create and practice a family communication plan. This ensures everyone knows what to do and when. A good plan includes:
- Carrying contact information: Everyone in the family should carry a small, waterproof card with the out-of-state contact's information in their wallet, purse, or backpack.
- Using text messages: In an emergency, text messages often go through when voice calls fail. Instruct family members to use text to check in with the out-of-state contact first.
- Creating a check-in routine: Establish a specific check-in frequency for family members to report their status to the contact person, perhaps every few hours or once a day, depending on the situation.
- Practicing the plan: Conduct regular drills. A few times a year, simulate a communication blackout to ensure everyone knows the procedure and remembers the contact information. This is particularly important for children.
Comparison of Emergency Contacts
| Feature | Out-of-State Contact | Local Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | Generally more reliable during localized disasters due to distance. | Vulnerable to same communication issues as the rest of the household. |
| Primary Role | Central hub for family status updates and information relay. | Immediate helper and information source for day-to-day issues. |
| Accessibility | Usually accessible via long-distance lines or internet, even when local ones fail. | May be unreachable if local infrastructure is damaged or overwhelmed. |
| Vulnerability | Low vulnerability to the same event as the family. | High vulnerability to the same event as the family. |
| Communication Style | Suited for relaying messages and coordinating check-ins. | Good for immediate, face-to-face updates (if safe). |
Conclusion
Establishing what is an out of state emergency contact is an essential step in building a robust family safety plan. It addresses a critical vulnerability in communication during a crisis and provides a reliable pathway to reconnect with loved ones when it's needed most. While a local contact is also valuable for immediate, non-disaster emergencies, the out-of-state contact serves a unique and vital role during major widespread events. By choosing the right person, providing them with the necessary details, and practicing your plan regularly, you can significantly increase your family's chances of navigating any emergency with confidence and calm.
For more resources on emergency planning, consider visiting the American Red Cross website, which offers a wealth of information on preparing for various disasters.
