RISMEDIA, March 12, 2010—Huge numbers of American families live in geographic areas prone to natural disaster. But any neighborhood can unexpectedly fall victim to fire or other danger and it is vital for families to plan in advance to be ready for any emergency.

To develop a proactive readiness plan in your home, call the family together for a meeting. Even the youngest children in the family should be involved and aware of the plan.

Together, draw up a list of rules covering the following situations. When you are finished, give each family a copy to post in their own rooms – and post one prominently on the refrigerator or on the family bulletin board:

-Determine or review the preferred escape routes from the house to be used in case you need to evacuate quickly.

-Show everyone the location of the electrical box, the gas valve, the water main valve and the fire extinguisher if you have one. Young children may not be able to operate them, but they can show another adult where they are.

-Show everyone where health records and other important documents are stored.

-Make a short list of items that should be taken with you if time allows, such as necessary family medications.

-Review the location of your pre-packed emergency kits containing water, food, etc. If you do not yet have such a kit, prepare one now. Instructions for what to include can easily be found online.

-Be sure everyone knows how and when to report an emergency by calling 911.

-Designate someone who will be authorized to pick up the children from school in the event you cannot do so. Be sure this person knows he/she is the designee.

-Determine a meeting place where the family will reunite if separated during an emergency.

-As an alternative, designate a contact person in town and someone out of town who each family member should call as soon as possible after an emergency in case the family is separated.

-Make decisions regarding the safety of your pets.