Before a natural disaster strikes, create your Emergency Plan.  It should include the following features:

• Call for the Basics:  Contact your State Emergency Management Office to find out:

• What kinds of natural disasters might happen in your area

• what type of warning system(s) are in place

• What your local evacuation route options are

• What special help would be available for the elderly or disabled

• Also, find out from your workplace, your partner's workplace, and your childrens' school or daycare, what their Emergency Plans are.

• Create your Plan:

• Meet with the family to brief them on what you found.  Collect their questions and be sure to incorporate the answers into your Plan.

• Be familiar with, and make sure all adults in the home are familiar with, switches to turn off water, gas, and electricity that supplies the house.

• Teach children how and when to call 911, police, and fire departments.

• Establish evacuation routes from your home and a meeting place a safe distance from your home.  Practice your evacuation at least twice a year.

• Post emergency telephone numbers near each phone.

• Keep family records and important documents in a safety deposit box at a bank.

• Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to contact if separated during a disaster.

• Be sure to include instructions to address elderly or disabled family members if they reside in your home.

• Have a Disaster Supplies Kit always at-the-ready (see Tip 112).

"In fair weather prepare for foul." ~ Thomas Fuller