• Meet with household members to discuss the dangers of possible disasters and how to respond.
• Discuss what to do about power outages and injuries.
• Create a floor plan of your home with escape routes.
• Learn how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at main switches.

• Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.
• Teach children how and when to call 911, and how to make long distance calls.
• Instruct family to turn on the radio for emergency information.
• Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated by disaster.
• Pick two meeting places:
1. A place near your home in case of a fire.
2. A place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.

• A supply of water (one gallon per person per day to be stored in sealed, unbreakable containers; identify the storage date and replace every six months);
• A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener;
• A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes;
• Blankets or sleeping bags;

• A first aid kit and prescription medications, plus important family medical information;
• An extra pair of glasses;
• A battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries;
• Credit cards and cash;
• An extra set of car keys;
• A list of family physicians; and
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

In a fire or other emergency, you may need to evacuate your house, apartment, or mobile home on a moment's notice. You should be ready to get out fast. Develop an escape plan by drawing a floor plan of your residence. Practice emergency evacuation drills with all household members at least two times each year.

In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a potential hazard.

• Fasten shelves securely, and place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds.
• Brace overhead light fixtures.
• Repair loose wires and cables.
• Secure water heater by strapping it to wall studs.
• Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations.
• Store chemicals and flammable products away from heat sources.
• Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans.
• Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.

• Listen to a battery-powered radio for the location of emergency shelters.
• Follow instructions of local officials.
• Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
• Lock your home.
• Use travel routes specified by local officials.

• Shut off water, gas, and electricity, if instructed to do so.
• Let others know when you left and where you are going.
• Make arrangements for pets. Animals are not allowed in public shelters.

• Plan two escape routes out of each room.
• Teach family members to stay low to the ground when escaping from a fire.
• Teach family members never to open doors that are hot. In a fire, feel the bottom of the door with the palm of your hand. If it is hot, do not open the door. Find another way out.
• Install and regularly test smoke detectors. Change batteries at least once a year.
• Keep a whistle in each bedroom to awaken household members in case of fire.
• Check electrical outlets. Do not overload outlets.
• Purchase a fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type).
• Have a collapsible ladder on each upper floor of your house.
• Consider installing home sprinklers.

Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross for additional information. Be sure to ask about special assistance for elderly or disabled persons. (Adapted from material published jointly by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.)