Families should be prepared for all hazards that could affect their area.

Some of the things you should think about are: Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere -- at work, at school, or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe? Disaster may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services like water, gas, electricity, or telephone were cut off?

FOLLOW THESE BASIC STEPS TO DEVELOP A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN

Gather information about hazards. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn your community's warning signals and evacuation plans.

Meet with your family to create a plan. Discuss the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency at your residence and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your "family check-in contact" for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.

(1) Post emergency telephone numbers by phones

(2) Install safety features in your house, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers

(3) Inspect your home for potential hazards (such as items that can move, fall, break, or catch fire) and
correct them

(4) Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home

(5) Teach children how and when to call 911

(6) Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to carry containers, such as backpacks or duffel bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.

A disaster supplies kit should include: a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil; one change of clothing and footwear per person; one blanket or sleeping bag per person; a first aid kit, including prescription medicines; emergency tools, including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio (tuned to 162.4500 mhz ) and a portable radio; flashlight and plenty of extra batteries; an extra set of car keys; a credit card or cash; special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

Practice and maintain your plan. Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries two times each year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions. Replace stored water and food every 6 months.