Buy a NOAA Weather Radio and test it weekly. (The National Weather Service issues a test every Wednesday).

Discuss the types of disasters that could occur with the members of your household.

Locate a safe room or the safe areas in your home for each disaster.

Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet – one right outside your home and another somewhere else in your community (possibly at a child’s school).

Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members can call and tell that person where they are.

Make a plan now for what to do with your pets and livestock if you need to evacuate. Animals are not allowed inside emergency shelters because of health regulations.

Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.

Show each family member how and when to turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity) at the main switches.

Check your insurance coverage – flood and earthquake damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.

Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a disaster supply kit that should include:

• A three-day supply of food and water, a change of clothing, a blanket or sleeping bag for each person and a First Aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.

• Emergency tools: Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, work gloves and a fire extinguisher.

• Important family documents in a fire and waterproof container, an extra set of keys, credit card, and cash.

• Have a First-Aid kit purchased from a local supermarket.

Replace batteries, not only in your smoke detector but also in your NOAA weather radio in the Spring and Fall when Daylight Savings Time changes.

Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes through your local American Red Cross chapter.

More Information and Emergency preparedness kits can be purchased from the American Red Cross website: http://www.redcross.org.

FEMA Preparedness Plan http://www.fema.gov/rrr/emprep.shtm