Get a free guide, "Are you Ready? An in Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness," by calling (800) 480-2520 or download it from http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/. Your organization may reprint the publication for large quantities.

Learn the hazards that may strike your community. That information is available from the American Red Cross or your local emergency management office. Learn how your community is prepared to respond to those specific emergencies. Visit http://www.redcross.org/where

Create an evacuation plan.

Find out your child's school's emergency plan.

Develop a Family Disaster Plan.

Assemble a home emergency kit.

Obtain property, life and health insurance if you don't have them. Review existing policies and amount of coverage to ensure it's adequate for the type of emergencies that may occur in your area.

Inventory your home possessions. Store important documents including insurance policies, property records, and other important papers in a safe place away from you like in a safety deposit box. Make copies of important documents (medical records, birth certificates, marriage licenses, adoption papers, etc) and place them in your disaster supplies kit.

Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in a crisis. It's advised to keep a small amount of cash or traveler's checks at home in a safe place so you can get to them quickly in case of evacuation.

Prepare a safe room in your home. The following link provides info on guidelines and instructions on building a safe room: http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/saferoom/index.shtm

Create a plan to deal with individuals with disabilities or special needs who may require extra care.

The FEMA site lists several instances of specific special needs (things from mobility issues, language barriers, intellectual disabilities, people without vehicles) and the additional things that may need to be done.

Find out what assistance is available in your community. Register with the office of emergency services or the local fire department.

Assemble an animal emergency supply kit and develop a pet care buddy system.

Keep in mind that's what's best for you is probably best for your animals. Do not leave your pet if you have to evacuate. If it's possible, take your pets with you.

Know though, that if you're going to a public shelter you may not be able to bring your animal. That's where the buddy system comes into play.

Contact a neighbor, friend or relative beforehand and find out if someone is able to care for or evacuate your pets if you can't. Try this Web site for information on how to assemble a pet preparedness kit: http://www.ready.gov/america/toolkit_pets/index.html