Families should be prepared for all hazards that affect their area and themselves. NOAA's National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross urge each family to develop a family disaster plan.

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? Disasters may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services - water, gas, electricity or telephones - were cut off?

Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan...

Do the following:
• Gather information about hazards. Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management office or civil defense office, and American Red Cross chapter. 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 right outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, 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.
• Implement your plan
  Perform the following:
  • Post emergency telephone numbers by phones;
  • Install safety features in your house, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers,
  • Inspect your home for potential hazards (such as items that can move, fall, break, or catch fire) and correct them;
  • 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;
  • Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number;
  • 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 duffle bags. Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
• 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 batteries at least once a year. Test and recharge your fire extinguishers according to manufacturer's instructions. Replace stored water and food every six months.

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 and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
• An extra set of car keys and cash.
• Special items for an infant, elderly, or disabled family member.