How to Prepare Your Family for Disasters 
Disaster preparation may seem overwhelming, but don't worry – the experts have prepared excellent advice to get you started on protecting your family. It can also seem scary to think about potential disasters, however, experts have found that planning can actually help reduce anxiety. In addition, planning now can help reduce the impact of any disaster that might come.
The experts recommend that you keep a disaster kit with supplies for three days and that you develop a plan of action and practice it with your family.
The links below will help you put together your kit and make a disaster plan.
For information on how to organize contact information in your cell phone, read
ICE - In Case of Emergency
What is ICE?
ICE is a campaign that encourages people to enter emergency contact numbers in their cellular phone's memory under the heading 'ICE' (For more than one contact name use ICE1, ICE2, etc). This allows ambulance and emergency services to quickly find and contact next of kin in an emergency situation.
How does ICE work?
Type the acronym ICE followed by a contact name (for example ICE - mom or ICE - John) into the phone book of your cellular phone. Save their phone number and inform your contact that you have selected them as an ICE contact. Preferably this person would know you medical history. By using ICE your cell phone will help emergency services to quickly contact a friend or relative - which may be vital in a life or death situation.
The following links provide further information about ICE:
Washington Post
USA Today
If you or a member of your family have a disability, here are some more tips.
If you have children, this activity book from the Red Cross may be helpful.
For special advice on protecting your finances in the event of a disaster, read
Don't forget your pets! They have special needs. The link below will help you prepare a special kit and plan for the non-human members of your family.
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