One of the things that citizens can do, especially during Hurricane Preparedness Week, is to put together a Family Disaster Plan.  This task can seem overwhelming, but if broken down into action items, it can be much easier to assemble.  The following are some steps that can be completed to help put together a Family Disaster Plan.

• Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your family.  Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
• Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard.  In certain circumstances, the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
• Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.  These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
• Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by howeowners insurance.
• Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a disaster supply kit.
• Use a NOAA weather radio.  Remember to replace its battery every 6 months as you do with your smoke detectors.
• Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.

If you complete these steps, you are well on your way to gathering the necessary information to complete your comprehensive Family Disaster Plan.

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