Family Emergency Preparedness: Beyond Evacuations

Diplomatic life in high-risk posts means always being ready for the unexpected—natural disasters, political unrest, or sudden security threats. While embassy evacuations are one piece of the puzzle, proactive family preparedness can keep you safe and calm in any crisis. Here’s how to build go-bags, craft communication plans, and run drills to boost security, tailored for U.S. diplomat families.

1. Build Go-Bags That Work

Every family member needs a go-bag—grab-and-go essentials for 72 hours. Pack passports, visa copies, and medical records in waterproof pouches. Include cash (USD and local currency), a credit card, and a burner phone with key contacts. Add meds, a first-aid kit, protein bars, water purification tablets, and compact clothing. Kids? Toss in a comfort item like a stuffed animal. Store bags in an RSO-approved spot, like near your safe room. Check and refresh contents every six months.

2. Craft a Rock-Solid Communication Plan

Embassy channels are vital, but backups save lives. Memorize the embassy’s 24/7 emergency number and the RSO’s direct line. Create a family text chain on a secure app like Signal—test it monthly. Designate an out-of-country contact (like a relative in the U.S.) to relay messages if local networks fail. Teach teens to check in during a crisis without revealing sensitive details online. Share your plan with the Community Liaison Office (CLO) for alignment with post protocols.

3. Run Realistic Drills

Practice makes prepared. Run family drills twice a year for scenarios like earthquakes, protests, or power outages. Simulate heading to your safe room or compound rally point—time it to build urgency. For kids, make it a game: “Race to the safe spot!” Teach them to recognize alarms or RSO alerts. Include a scenario where phones are down—use walkie-talkies if allowed. Debrief to tweak your plan. Ask the RSO for post-specific drill tips.

4. Know Your Surroundings

Map your environment. Identify the nearest hospital, police station, and alternate routes to the embassy—avoid high-risk zones flagged by the RSO. In earthquake-prone posts, mark safe spots away from windows. For political unrest, know protest-prone areas to steer clear. Share kid-friendly versions of these maps with teens for awareness, not fear. Local knowledge cuts panic and speeds response.

5. Prep for Post-Specific Risks

Every posting has unique threats—floods in Dhaka, coups in Ankara. Study the State Department’s country alerts and local news (via embassy-approved sources). Stock extra supplies for common risks, like flashlights for blackouts or masks for volcanic ash. In high-risk posts, ask the CLO about community resources, like shared generators or water reserves. Tailor your go-bag and drills to the local reality.

6. Involve the Whole Family

Kids and spouses need roles. Assign teens to pack entertainment (books, cards) or check go-bag batteries. Younger kids can practice calling the out-of-country contact. Spouses can cross-check documents or lead drills. Involvement builds confidence and reduces chaos in a real crisis. Celebrate successful drills with a treat—it keeps morale high.

Why It Matters

In diplomatic life, preparedness is power. Go-bags, communication plans, and drills give your family control in unpredictable settings, from hurricanes to civil unrest. Beyond embassy evacuations, these steps ensure you’re ready to act fast, stay safe, and protect what matters most—each other.

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