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Home Disaster Plan

Disaster strikes without warning. Throughout the US, individuals are affected every day by floods, fires, storms and other natural disasters. Flood water can rise without notice, fires occur frequently in drier months, and storms can damage houses at any time. Therefore, it is essential to know exactly what you will do in case a disaster happens so that you will be prepared for what will be ahead of you. Follow the steps listed below to give you - and your family - the know-how to get out of a disaster situation unscathed.

Know the Risk

Get the knowledge of what types of disasters you are prone to in your local area.

• Contact your local Red Cross representative
• Ask what types of disasters will most likely happen, ask for tips and take careful notes
• Learn about community warning signals
• If it's been raining heavily for an extended period of time, you are in risk of a flood

Create a Disaster Plan

Get together with family and neighbors to create a plan

• Make sure the entire family is aware of the dangers of natural disaster
• Know, and discuss, your highest risk disasters
• Discuss possible meeting places in case a disaster does happen
• Plan your steps for evacuation

Complete This Checklist:

• Be sure that your family knows emergency telephone numbers and make a list to keep by the telephone at all times.
• Make sure that your children know when, and how, to dial 9-1-1 or the local EMS.
• Teach family members when, and how, to shut off utilities (electricity, gas, etc.)
• Check and make sure that you and your family have adequate insurance coverage
• The fire extinguisher is a tool that the entire family should be trained how to use
• Install smoke detectors in household on each floor
• Always have emergency supplies stocked and be sure to assemble Home Disaster Kit
• Your whole family should take a CPR class and other life saving classes
• Learn the best ways to get out of your house in any emergency situation
• Find the safest places in your home for each disaster and be sure the entire family knows where they are

Practice and Maintain Plan

In order to be sure that your family is prepared, it is essential that you run practice drills in your home and in other situations. You can even quiz your family two or three times a year. Don't forget to keep all of your supply kits up-to-date and test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to code. Also be sure to test and change the batteries in your smoke detectors frequently because the only way to effectively prevent fire damage is a working smoke alarm.