In today's climate, it's more important than ever that all of us be prepared for possible emergencies.  Natural or other disasters can strike suddenly, at any time and anywhere.  But there are five actions everyone can take that can help make a difference.  Join other members of your community through the American Red Cross in taking these first steps.  You never know how many people your actions will affect, how many lives you might change.  When we come together we become part of something bigger than us all.  Find out what you can do today.

Planning ahead is the first step to a calmer and more assured disaster response.

A. Talk.  Discuss with your family the disasters that can happen where you live.  Establish responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team.  Designate alternates in case someone is absent.

B. Plan.  Choose two places to meet after a disaster:

Right outside your home, in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire.

Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate your neighborhood.

C. Learn.  Each adult in your household should learn how and when to turn off utilities such as electricity, water and gas.  Ask someone at the fire department to show you how to use the fire extinguisher you store in your home.

D. Check Supplies.  Review your disaster supplies and replace water and food every six months.  (More information on disaster supplies appears in the following section.)

E. Tell.  Let everyone in the household know where emergency contact information is kept.  Make copies for everyone to carry with them.  Be sure to include an out-of-town contact.  It may be easier to call out of the area if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.  Keep the information updated.

F. Practice.  Practice evacuating your home twice a year.  Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable or gridlocked.  Practice earthquake, tornado and fire drills at home, school and work.