The next time disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act. Prepare now for a sudden emergency. Learn how to protect yourself and cope with disaster by planning ahead. This checklist will help you get started. Discuss these ideas with your family, then prepare an emergency plan. Post the plan where everyone will see it--on the refrigerator or bulletin board. For additional information about how to prepare for hazards in your community, contact your local emergency management or civil defense office and your American Red Cross chapter.

• Call Your Emergency Management Office or American Red Cross Chapter
• Find out which disasters could occur in your area.
• Ask how to prepare for each disaster.
• Ask how you would be warned of an emergency.
• Learn your community's evacuation routes.
• Ask about special assistance for elderly or disabled persons.
• Ask your workplace about emergency plans.
• Learn about emergency plans for your children's school or day care center.