I. Gathering Information
Gather information about the natural hazards in your area. This is especially important if you have recently moved to a new area. Contact your local National Weather Service office to gather information about the types of weather conditions in your local region. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn your community's warning signals and evacuation plans.
II. Discuss the Idea of a Family Emergency
Meet with your family to create a safety plan. Ideally, all members of the family should have input. That way, each person can feel like a part of the process.
Pick two places to meet in the event of an emergency. The first should be a spot right outside your home for an emergency inside the home. The secoond location should be a place away from your neighborhood in case you can't return home. If you have very young children, give the location an easy to remember name.
Choose an out-of-state friend as your "family check-in contact" for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss the evacuation procedures with everyone. Next, learn how to actually put your disaster plan in place and practice it at least yearly...