How do security systems help during emergencies?

Monitored security systems provide: 24/7 fire and smoke monitoring with automatic fire department dispatch, freeze and flood sensors that alert to pipe bursts, panic buttons for immediate police dispatch, cellular communication that works during power outages, and two-way voice so operators can communicate during emergencies.

What should be in a 72-hour emergency kit?

One gallon of water per person per day (3 gallons each), non-perishable food (3 days), flashlight and batteries, first-aid kit, medications (7-day supply), phone charger and backup battery, copies of important documents, cash ($200 minimum), weather radio with batteries, and any infant/pet supplies needed.

How often should I practice emergency drills?

Fire drills: twice a year (once during the day, once at night). Tornado shelter practice: once a year before tornado season (March-May in Mississippi). Review and update your emergency plan annually. Test your alarm system monthly. Replace emergency kit supplies before expiration dates.

Family Safety

Emergency Preparedness for Families: Fire, Storm, and Intrusion Plans

Q: What should be in a family emergency plan?

5 essential elements: 1) Fire escape routes from every room with two exits each. 2) A designated outdoor meeting point (mailbox, neighbor's yard). 3) A communication plan with one out-of-town emergency contact everyone calls. 4) A tornado/storm shelter location in the home (interior room, lowest floor). 5) An emergency supply kit with 72 hours of water, food, flashlights, and medications.

Q: How do I create a fire escape plan?

Draw a floor plan of each level. Mark two exits from every room (door + window). Identify all smoke and heat detector locations. Designate a meeting point outside (at least 50 feet from the house). Practice the plan with all family members twice a year, including in the dark. Install escape ladders for second-floor bedrooms.

Q: What is a good tornado safe room?

The safest room is an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Bathrooms and closets in the center of the house are ideal. Get under sturdy furniture. If you have a basement, go there. FEMA-rated safe rooms and storm shelters provide the highest level of protection for Mississippi homes in tornado-prone areas.

Updated April 2026 | By Berkley Security Inc. | 8 min read

Quick Answer:

Every family needs 3 emergency plans: fire escape (two routes from every room, outdoor meeting point), storm/tornado shelter (interior room, lowest floor, no windows), and intrusion response (safe room, phone, panic button). Practice fire drills twice a year, one at night. A monitored security system automates fire, smoke, and intrusion response 24/7.

Mississippi families face a unique combination of emergency threats: tornadoes (peak season March-May), hurricanes (June-November), severe thunderstorms year-round, and the same fire and intrusion risks as anywhere else. Having a plan for each scenario saves lives.

Plan 1: Fire Escape

Fire Escape Checklist

Draw a floor plan of each level of your home
Mark two exits from every room (door + window)
Locate all smoke and heat detectors
Designate an outdoor meeting point at least 50 feet from the house
Install escape ladders for second-floor bedrooms
Teach children how to feel doors for heat before opening
Practice the plan twice a year including once in the dark
Post the plan on the refrigerator or in hallways

Plan 2: Tornado & Storm Shelter

Tornado Response Plan

Shelter location: Interior room, lowest floor, no windows (bathroom, closet, hallway)
Supplies in shelter: Weather radio, shoes, flashlight, water, blankets, helmet
Warning signs: Rotating clouds, greenish sky, large hail, roaring sound
WATCH vs WARNING: Watch = conditions possible. Warning = tornado confirmed, take shelter NOW
Practice annually: Before MS tornado season (March-May)
Mobile homes: Never shelter in place. Go to a nearby storm shelter or sturdy building

Plan 3: Intrusion Response

If Someone Breaks In While Home

Do not confront the intruder. Your safety is more important than property
Go to your safe room (bedroom with lock, phone, and flashlight)
Lock the door and barricade if possible
Call 911 or press your alarm panic button
If your alarm has two-way voice, speak with the monitoring center
Wait for police. Do not leave the safe room until officers confirm all-clear

72-Hour Emergency Supply Kit

Water & Food

✓ 1 gallon water per person per day (3 days)
✓ Non-perishable food (3 days)
✓ Manual can opener
✓ Paper plates, utensils

Safety & Medical

✓ First-aid kit
✓ Medications (7-day supply)
✓ Flashlights and batteries
✓ Weather radio with batteries

Communication

✓ Phone charger + backup battery
✓ Emergency contact list (printed)
✓ Out-of-town contact person
✓ Cash ($200 minimum)

Documents & Other

✓ Copies of IDs, insurance, deeds
✓ Blankets and extra clothing
✓ Shoes (sturdy, for broken glass)
✓ Infant/pet supplies if needed

Let Your Security System Do the Heavy Lifting

Monitored fire, smoke, flood, and intrusion detection with 24/7 dispatch. Your alarm protects when you cannot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should be in a family emergency plan?

Fire escape routes, outdoor meeting point, communication plan, tornado shelter location, and a 72-hour supply kit.

How do I create a fire escape plan?

Draw floor plans, mark two exits per room, designate outside meeting point, install escape ladders upstairs, and practice twice yearly.

How do security systems help?

24/7 fire/smoke monitoring with auto-dispatch, panic buttons, freeze/flood sensors, cellular backup for power outages, and two-way voice.

What is a good tornado safe room?

Interior room, lowest floor, no windows. Center bathrooms and closets are ideal. Basements are best. Never shelter in mobile homes.

What goes in a 72-hour kit?

3 gallons water per person, 3 days food, flashlight, first-aid, medications, phone charger, cash ($200), weather radio, printed contacts.

How often should we practice drills?

Fire drills: twice a year (day + night). Tornado shelter: once before season (March). Review plan annually. Test alarm monthly.

24/7 Protection for Your Family

Monitored fire, smoke, flood, and intrusion detection. Automatic dispatch when seconds count.

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