Planning ahead of time is important in preparation and response to a disaster.

Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen.  Explain what to do in each case.

Learn about your community's warning systems. What should you do when they are activated?

Find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center and other places where your family spends time.

Pick two places to meet:

        1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.

        2. Outside your neighborhood in case of an Evacuation.

Ask an out of state friend or family member to be your family contact". After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.

Discuss what to do in an Evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.

Find the safest spot in your home for each of the types of disaster.

Teach children how and when to call 911.

Teach family members where the fire extinguisher is kept and show them how to use it.

Shoe each family member how and when to shut off the water, gas, and electricity at the main valves, meters or boxes.

Conduct a home hazard hunt.

Assemble and stock an Emergency Preparedness Kit.

Take a first aid and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) class.

Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills and update your plan annually.