Pick any weather disaster — blizzard, tornado, torrential storm, earthquake — and emergency management experts agree that the first order of business is to create an emergency plan to keep you and your family prepared.

"A disaster by its very nature is an overwhelming event, and while government entities plan and prepare to respond, it's important that individual citizens see to their immediate needs," said Jeff Jordan, director of the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management.

If not, "they put a strain on emergency response assets, making it difficult for those resources to focus on the most serious cases."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross offer several tips so you won't be caught off guard when disaster strikes.

Create an emergency plan

Meet with household members to discuss an action plan. Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster, and draw a floor plan to mark escape routes from each room.

Willam Turner, director of the Butler County Emergency Management Agency, said parents need to share the emergency plan with their children and ensure that eveyrone in the home knows what to do and when to do it.

• Show family members how to turn off water, gas and electric service to the residence.
• Post emergency phone numbers near telephones and teach children how to call 911, police and fire/rescue services.
• Take a basic first aid and CPR class.
• Keep family records in a water- and fire-proof container.
• Keep an emergency supplies kit stocked with essential items, many of which you probably already have lying around.

When a widespread event — such as a power outage, storm damage or other civil emergency — happens, there is no way that local, state or federal officials can meet the needs of a large number of people in a short period of time, many emergency officials say.

"People need to plan and prepare ahead to survive on their own for at least 72 hours or more," Turner said.

"Don't depend on police and fire to help you, because they may not be able to reach you.

"Be prepared. Don't panic. The snow will melt," Turner said. "The lights will come back on. Just keep yourself safe and think ahead of the safe area in the home where you can go."

When do you seek shelter? Listen for the sirens, Jordan said. Follow news and weather reports, keep an eye outside and follow your gut, too.

"If you see something threatening, trust your senses," Jordan said.

On the Web: FEMA.gov and RedCross.org