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Plan Ahead
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You may already have a disaster plan. If not, here’s a list to get you started.
- Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
- Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
- Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
- Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
- Keep a portable radio close. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months.
- Know your escape routes—it’s good to have a primary and an alternate route planned ahead of time.
- Create a family contact card—family cell phone numbers, nearest out-of-state relatives, and other emergency contacts. Make a copy for everyone in your family.
- Know how to safely shut off the utilities—have the information handy so you’re not searching for it later.
- Review your insurance—get copies and review your property and life insurance policies. If you need extra coverage, get it now.
- Store your vital records—keep documents such as insurance policies, deeds and property records in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box. Make copies for your disaster kit.
- Save money—consider creating a separate emergency savings account you can access at any time.
- Plan for your pet’s needs—gather pet supplies such as food, pet carrier and leash. Store these items with your disaster kit. Ensure your pet has proper ID and up-to-date vet records.
- Safety skills—learn first aid, CPR and how to use a fire extinguisher.
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