Find out what could happen to you and your family

1. • Contact your local emergency management office; be prepared to take notes.
   • Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.
   • Learn about your community's warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.
   • Ask about animal care after disaster. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations.
   • Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
   • Next, find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center and other places where your family spends time.
2. Create a Disaster Plan
   • Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster.
   • Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and other hazards to children.
   • Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
   • Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
   • Pick two places to meet.
   • Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact."
   • Discuss what to do in an evacuation.
   • Plan how to take care of your pets.
3. Make emergency preparations
   • Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
   • Teach children how and when to call 911 for emergency help.
   • Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
   • Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
   • Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it's kept.
   • Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
   • Conduct a home hazard hunt.
   • Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
   • Take a first aid and CPR class.
   • Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
   • Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
4. Practice and maintain your plan
   • Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do.
   • Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
   • Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six months.
   • Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
   • Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least twice a year.