· Designate a friend or relative outside your town or area as your family contact in the event you are separated from family members during a flood, tornado, or in case a storm knocks out your electricity.

· In the case of a tropical storm or hurricane, designate someone outside the area affected by the tropical storm or hurricane as your family contact.

· Agree upon a place where the family members can meet if separated.

Evacuation Plans

· Get a good map and plan various evacuation routes, avoiding low-lying areas. This is especially valuable in the event of flooding from rivers, streams, tropical storms, or flash floods.

· Do several test runs of different routes.

· In the event of a flash flood, remember that you will not be able to evacuate. Instead, immediately seek higher ground.

· For times of extreme heat, identify locations where you can escape sweltering conditions for hours at a time: a mall, a movie theater, or the home of a friend or relative.

Your Family Pet Plan

· Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and up-to-date identification.

· Have a safe place to take your pets if possible; most disaster shelters cannot accept pets.

Family Disaster Supplies Kit

These contents can be assembled over a five month period on a weekly basis and perishable items should be changed or replaced every six months.

Essentials: Battery-operated radio/TV, Flashlights, extra Batteries. Candles are not recommended due to the fire dangers.

Water: 3 gallon/person, in plastic container and water for sanitation

Food: Minimum 3-day supply of non-perishable that require no refrigeration such as Dry Cereal, canned fruits, juices, soups, peanut butter, canned meats & vegetables and quick energy snacks.

First Aid Kit: One for each car and homeŠ. Scissors, thermometer, needle gloves moistened towelettes, gauze pads, petroleum jelly, band aids, sun screen, tweezers, soap, safety pins, etc

Clothing and Bedding: Sunglasses, hats, gloves, blankets, sleeping bags, change of clothes and footwear, rain gear, work boots thermal underwear.

For Baby: Formula, bottles, powdered milk, diapers medication

Pets: Food, records of vaccinations, leash, harness, or carrier, non tip-able food and water containers, tags with name and Phone Numbers in case of loss.

Important Family Documents: Important telephone numbers, Record of bank accounts Family records ( birth, marriage, death certificates) Inventory of valuable household goods, copy of well, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks, and bonds. Credit card numbers and companies, passports social security cards and immunization records

Family Medical Needs: Insulin, denture needs, contact lenses, prescription drugs, extra eye glasses. Heart and high blood pressure medication.

Non Prescription Drugs: Laxative, anti-diarrhea meds, aspirin or non aspirin pain reliever, antacid.

Tools and supplies: Whistle, crowbar, paper, pencil, medicine dropper, signal flare, assorted nails, wood screws, plastic storage containers, non electric can opener, utility knife, mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, duct and plumber tape aluminum foil, compass, plastic sheeting, matches in a waterproof container, pliers, hammer screwdriver, map of area.

Entertainments: Games and Books and Cards.