| You have just gone through a natural disaster, | | | | not know someone reasonably close, call local |
| and do not know what to do. Would you know | | | | shelters and register there. Also plan on an |
| where to turn first? Although there are many | | | | emergency contact to call to inform of your |
| resources like The Red Cross, the Federal | | | | whereabouts. Friends and family members will |
| Emergency Management Agency, and local | | | | rest easier and know where you are in case they |
| churches and shelters offering recovery | | | | have to get a hold of you. |
| assistance, most people don't have much of an | | | | Don't neglect preparing yourself a disaster survival |
| idea how to contact these organizations. | | | | kit. This would contain important legal papers, |
| Now is the time to be prepared in advance in | | | | identification like social security cards and drivers' |
| case you are unlucky enough to be involved in a | | | | licenses. Add some money or an extra credit |
| hurricane, flood, or other disaster. Look up and | | | | card. You may need an extra change of clothes, |
| write down these phone numbers. Part of | | | | blankets and pillows and first aid supplies. Write |
| preparedness is deciding where you will go, what | | | | down emergency contact information, such as |
| you to take with you, and who to get in touch | | | | phone numbers of friends, family, and disaster |
| with for recovery aid. | | | | relief personnel, plus fire, rescue, and police phone |
| You should work out a plan to safeguard your | | | | numbers. This will hasten any evacuations. |
| home. One way is to join a neighborhood watch | | | | After the immediate danger is over, there are |
| group, and work with them to organize a | | | | numerous organizations you can contact. The Red |
| neighborhood emergency scheme. A group of like | | | | Cross administers emergency medical attention |
| minded people provides much-needed support. | | | | and can help you find food, clothing, shelter and |
| Another way would be to have a trusted | | | | other necessities. The government often presents |
| watchdog as a pet. Plan to get training for you | | | | short-term unemployment compensation to |
| and the dog on dealing with intruders before a | | | | victims of disasters. Contact the local |
| disaster strikes. If you do have loved pets, under | | | | unemployment office for information. Take |
| no circumstances should you leave them to guard | | | | advantage of all the information and resources |
| an evacuated property. This is selfish and cruel, | | | | you can get from these and similar organizations; |
| not to mention ineffective, since your dog will | | | | that is what they are they for. |
| most likely abandon the house to try and find | | | | Assuring yourself you have help available and |
| you. | | | | places to go, ahead of time can reduce your |
| Next, you should be aware of where you would | | | | anxiety level and allow you to take action faster |
| go if evacuation is called for, an out of town | | | | during a time of disaster, and multiply your |
| family member or friend for example. If you do | | | | chances of survival. |