Contact your local Emergency Management Office (923-2702) or American Red Cross Chapter. 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 day care center and other places where your family spends time.

Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case. Pick two places to meet:

1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. Make sure to specify the exact meeting location.
2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone MUST know the address and phone number.

Ask an out-of-state friend or family member to be your "family contact". After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone MUST know your contact's phone number.

• Discuss what to do in an evacuation
• Plan how to take care of your pets.

• Post emergency numbers by phones (fire, police,ambulance, etc.)
• Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency numbers for emergency help.
• Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at them 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 Red Cross 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.

• Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do.
• Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
• Replace stored water every 3 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 once a year.

Make an emergency kit for at least 3 days of self-sufficiency. Store in a cool, dry place in or near your shelter area. Replace expired items as necessary and update your home emergency kit annually.

• Water - One gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food - at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food
• Manually operated can opener
• Radio - Battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight - Extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Blankets and pillows
• A basic tool kit (hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, wrench, etc)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation
• Cell phone with chargers and backup battery pack
• Essential Prescription Medication - At least a 3 day supply
• Non-prescription medication - pain relievers, antacids, etc
• Infant needs (if applicable) - diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, baby food, rash cream, etc.
• Pet Needs - food, water, sanitary supplies to dispose of waste
• Complete change of clothing for each person and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities

Make an emergency kit for at least 3 days of self-sufficiency. Store in a cool, dry place in or near your shelter area. Replace expired items as necessary and update your home emergency kit annually.

• Water - One gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food - at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food
• Manually operated can opener
• Radio - Battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight - Extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Blankets and pillows
• A basic tool kit (hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, wrench, etc)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation
• Cell phone with chargers and backup battery pack
• Essential Prescription Medication - At least a 3 day supply
• Non-prescription medication - pain relievers, antacids, etc
• Infant needs (if applicable) - diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, baby food, rash cream, etc.
• Pet Needs - food, water, sanitary supplies to dispose of waste
• Complete change of clothing for each person and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities

• Store items in the passenger compartment in case the trunk is jammed or frozen shut.
• Choose small packages of food that you can eat hot or cold.

• If possible, call 911 on your cell phone. Provide your location, condition of everyone in the vehicle and the problem you're experiencing.
• Follow instructions: you may be told to stay where you are until help arrives.
• Do not hang up until you know who you have spoken with and what will happen next.
• If you must leave the vehicle (for emergency purposes ONLY), write down your name, address, phone number and destination. Place the piece of paper inside the front windshield for someone to see.

• Prepare your vehicle: Make sure you keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Be easy to find: Tell someone where you are going and the route you will take.
• If stuck: Tie a florescent flag (from your kit) on your antenna or hang it out the window. At night, keep your dome light on. Rescue crews can see a small glow at a distance. To reduce battery drain, use emergency flashers only if you hear approaching vehicles. If you're with someone else, make sure at least one person is awake and keeping watch for help at all times.
• Stay in your vehicle: Walking in a storm can be very dangerous, even deadly. You might become lost or exhausted. Your vehicle is a good shelter.
• Avoid Overexertion: Shoveling snow or pushing your car takes a lot of effort in storm conditions. Don't risk a heart attack or injury. That work can also make you hot and sweaty. Wet clothing loses insulation value, making you susceptible to hypothermia.
• Fresh Air: It's better to be cold and awake than comfortably warm and sleepy. Snow can plug your vehicle's exhaust system and cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to enter your car. Only run the engine for 10 minutes an hour and make sure the exhaust pipe is free of snow. Keeping a window open a crack while running the engine is also a good idea.
• Don't expect to be comfortable: You want to survive until you're found.