Be Prepared - Plan Ahead.  Disaster can happen at any time.  Floods, Tornados, Snow, Ice, Wind, Lightening, Power Failures, etc.  Man-made disasters also happen such as chemical spills and terrorism.

• Develop an emergency plan.  Meet with your family and discuss the dangers of possible emergency events.  Make sure everyone knows what to do before, during, and after an emergency.  Plan for family members with special needs.  Don't forget about your pets!  PRACTICE YOUR PLAN!

• Build a survival kit.  You may need to survive on your own for a time after an emergency.  Take responsibility for you and your family.  Visit http://www.redcross.org or http://ready.gov to learn what you need.

Be Informed - Stay Alert.  Your local radio and TV Stations can provide up-to-date information during an emergency.

• Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio that has battery back-up.

• Sign up with NY-Alert at:  www.nyalert.gov or 1-888-697-6972.  By signing up with NY Alert, you can receive warnings and emergency information via the web, your cell phone, email and other technologies.  Signing up for NY Alert is free.

Be Ready.  Use the easy steps below to build an emergency plan.

• Create an emergency communications plan.
• Establish a meeting place.
• Build an emergency supplies kit.
• Learn about your community's emergency plans.
• Be familiar with your children's school emergency plan.
• Learn some basic first aid techniques.