SAFE ROOM: Next, locate a safe room or safe area within your home. In some cases such as hurricane or tornado, it may be best to discuss where your nearest point for shelter outside the home would be.

PLAN FOR PETS: Make a plan for safety for your beloved family pets if evacuation is necessary. Have pet care items on hand for emergency situations. Include proper ID, immunization records and necessary
medications for each pet. An ample
supply of food and water for each is mandatory as are a carrier or cage for the animal along with a muzzle and leash. Even the most docile of pets can be unpredictable in behavior when taken outside of their usual surroundings.

INSURANCE: Check insurance coverage. In most cases your homeowner's policy will not cover damage caused by flooding.

EMERGENCY KIT: Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Sup-
ply Kit. This kit should include blankets and pillows, a First Aid kit, special
medicines and prescription drugs needed by family members, toiletries, hygiene items and moist wipes along with battery operated radios (regular and a NOAA radio), seasonal clothing items, sturdy shoes, rain gear, flashlights, extra batteries and special items that you would need to care for a baby or elderly family member. You should also stock at least one gallon of bottled water per family member per day for a period of 3 to 7 days. It is a good idea to also include an extra set of keys to your home and vehicles as well as important documents (insurance, medical records, banking information, Social Security cards, and duplicate certified picture ID) stored in a watertight container. Have a set of tools accessible as well.
Enough food in non-perishable packing or cans for 3 to 7 days should be on hand.
This pantry should also include foods for those with special dietary needs, infants
or the elderly. Include an ample supply of snack type foods (cookies, crackers,
chips and candy). This stockpile should also have in it a non-electric can opener,
cooking tools and fuel, and disposable plates and utensil.

MONEY: Be sure that there is also cash on hand. Banks or ATMs may not be open
or available for a period of time.

EDUCATION: Take a course in First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness. Usually
your area Red Cross or perhaps a local community college holds these classes
on a regularly scheduled basis.

HEED WARNINGS: The one and perhaps most important thing to remember when
making plans for an emergency situation is to heed the warnings of officials and
weather experts. If the notice to evacuate is given, do so. Do not place yourself or
your family in harms way. Fill up your vehicle with fuel before you leave. Don't plan to do it along the way. In most cases there will be several thousand others in the same situation as you find yourself and delays and backups are to be expected. Remember to drive safely and be patient. Keep in mind the most important thing you can know in the face of emergency. A life cannot be replaced,but material lthings can. Don't place you or your family in danger.

Be Safe. Be Smart. Be Prepared!