PLANNING FOR DISASTER:
“Be Aware, Be Prepared, Have a Plan!"

Be Aware:

• Know in advance your weather forecasts;
• Own an "All Hazard Weather Radio? with battery backup;
• Stay tuned to your local broadcasting stations;
• Discuss conditions with family member and know their location during times of known potentially threatening conditions.

Be Prepared:

• Discuss your plan with family members and neighbors;
• Review your plan periodically for necessary updates;
• Refresh you emergency kit(s);
• Drill: practice your plan with household members
• If you own a generator, read and familiarize yourself with the owner?s safety manual before ever attempting to use it.

Have a plan:

• Utilities: Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on);
• Shelter: Identify safe locations within your residence and long-term shelters within you community;
• Contacts: Written contact information should include; relatives, neighbors, utility companies, employers (employees) and local emergency contact telephone numbers. Advise a contact (even an out of state contact is advised) of your plan;
• Evacuate: Predetermine evacuation routes. Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . ., a friend or relative's home in another town, a motel, or local shelter;
• Children: Make backup plans for children in case you (or they) can?t get home in an emergency;
• Vehicles: Maintain a half tank of fuel in vehicles. Move vehicles from under trees during possible wind events. Keep an “Emergency Go Kit” in the vehicle;
• Medications: Prepare a list of all prescription drugs.

Make a Kit:

• First aid kit and essential medications; extra eyeglasses;
• Canned food and can opener;
• At least three gallons of water per person;
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags;
• Battery-powered (or crank) radio, flashlight, and extra batteries;
• Waterproof matches and candles;
• Local phone book;
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members;
• Extra set of car keys.