Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your family, then create and rehearse an emergency plan for either sheltering at home or evacuating, if that becomes necessary.

Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind. Front doors and garage doors are the most susceptible to wind. If wind enters a home, the roof can be torn off. Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances, the safest areas may not be your home, but somewhere else in your community.

Determine escape routes and a place to meet. The location should be no farther than 10 or 15 miles. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know when & how to call 911.

Even with tie-down straps, mobile homes can only withstand minimal hurricane winds. Plan to evacuate.

Check your insurance policy. Make sure you have enough coverage for your home and personal property.

Create a Disaster Plan

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for a disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.

Pick two places to meet: Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.

Outside your neighborhood, in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.

Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.

Discuss what to do in an evacuation.

Create your plan at www.floridadisaster.org/family

• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergencies.
• Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches.
• Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
• Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it's kept.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Conduct a home hazard hunt.
• Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
• Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
• Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
• Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do.
• Test your smoke detectors monthly.
• Conduct fire and emergency evacuation.
• Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six months.
• Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Test your smoke detectors monthly and charge the batteries at least once a year.

Remain indoors in a safe place - do not go outside.

If the eye passes over, it may seem like the storm is gone, but it is not.

If you lose power, listen to a battery-operated radio with local news and updates on the storm.

Remember, law enforcement and other emergency workers will not respond to calls for service after the winds exceed 45 mph. The danger to rescue personnel is too great.

Evacuation

• Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
• Listen to your battery-powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
• Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
• Lock your home.
• Use travel routes specified by local authorities. Don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
• Click Here for a Storm Surge and Flood Zone Map of Dixie County.
• Click Here for an Evacuation Route Map of Dixie County.

Utilities

• Shut off water, gas, and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so.
• Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main. Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach all responsible family members. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.
• Remember, turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.

Remember to

• Confine or secure your pets.
• Call your family contact -- do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
• Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.
• Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case the service is cut off.

If a Disaster Strikes

• Remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action.
• Check for injuries.
• Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
• Listen to your battery-powered radio for news and instructions.
• Evacuate, if advised to do so. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes

After the Storm

Be careful around your home. Watch out for downed power lines, debris, and other hazards caused by winds and flooding.

Be patient. It could take up to 24 hours for county distribution sites to open, or even longer after a catastrophic hurricane. Don't expect the government to deliver supplies - be stocked and ready to support yourself for at least 3 to 5 days.

If you are at a shelter or evacuated out of the area, you will not be allowed back in until authorities determine that conditions are safe enough for the public to return. To expedite getting back to your home, obtain a free disaster re-entry tag prior to evacuating.

Check for Damages

Use flashlights -- do not light matches or turn on electrical switches, if you suspect damage.

Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.

Shut off any other damaged utilities. (You will need a professional to turn gas back on.)

Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, and other flammable liquids immediately.