In order to prepare for a hurricane or other emergencies, you should develop a comprehensive Family Readiness Plan.

There are six basic steps to develop this plan:

Step 1: Create a Family Communication Plan. Call a family meeting and compile a list of contact information phone and cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses of all family members, including those not living under your roof. Share this list with your entire family and store a copy with your emergency supplies.

Step 2: Plan for personal and property protection. Make copies of important documents, especially health and immunization records, and store these in a safe place with other emergency supplies. Keep records of valuable property and decide who will be responsible for securing or bringing these items in the event of an evacuation.

Step 3: Make arrangements for the care or transportation of pets. Make sure you have the necessary equipment to transport them, as well as an extra food supply.

Step 4: Develop a checklist of necessary supplies from food and beverages to medicines and tools should the need arise to shelter in your home. Keep these supplies in a single container and in a safe location that can be readily accessed when needed. Also, make sure that you have tools that do not require electric power, such as a manual can opener.

Step 5: Form a family evacuation strategy by planning where your family would go in an evacuation and how they would get there, including what vehicle would be used.

Step 6: Engage your community by encouraging your friends and neighbors to create their own plans or organize or participate in community readiness activities.

Submitted by Rob Anderson.

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