• Create a family emergency plan to minimize the impact of a disaster.

• Teach your child how and when to call for help. Post local emergency phone numbers by all telephones.

• Designate two places for the family to meet and account for everyone, one immediately outside the home for sudden emergencies and one outside the neighborhood in case you cannot return home.

• Understand the various emergencies that have historically affected or potentially could affect your area: terrorism, earthquakes, power outages, hazardous materials, fires, floods/storms, extreme heat/drought, tornadoes and lightning.

• Family contact: establish an out-of-state family contact to coordinate information. (After an emergency, it is usually easier to call long-distance.) Everyone should know the contact’s phone number and e-mail address. For school-aged children, write the number in their binder or backpack.

• Keep a list of important information of household members readily available, including name, date of birth, social security number, medical information and work and school contact information.

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency plans of the places your family spends time, at schools and businesses.

• Learn about volunteering and training opportunities in the local community so that you can be a neighborhood asset in the next emergency.

What to do after a disaster

1. Check yourself for injuries. Put on protective clothing and shoes.

2. Give first aid to others with serious injuries.

3. Look for and extinguish small fires; eliminate fire hazards. Turn off gas if you smell gas or think it is leaking.

4. Listen to the radio for instructions.

5. Inspect your home for damage; leave if you suspect it is unsafe or are told to evacuate.

6. Call your out-of-state contact, then use the phone only in emergencies.