As a first step of organizing yourself you should find out what could possibly happen in your area. In order to do so you can always contact your local chapter, however, in addition to it we would recommend you to do your own research using as many on-line resources as possible. Remember that even if the government is generally hold responsible for appropriate actions during natural and technological disasters the system is never perfect. So a personal initiative should certainly take place in order have a full picture regarding all aspects of appropriate behavior at home, work, school and other places of you everyday life. As soon as your have a full picture of possible disaster in your living and working zone you should also be aware of your community’s warning signals following the appropriate actions they call for. Please make sure to be attentive to elderly and disabled. Don't forget that pets may not be allowed during evacuation or in some evacuation places.

There are few things you should keep in mind discussing a possibility of a disaster with your family. By going through steps of evacuation plan try to choose at least two meeting locations. Firstly, if something happens it would be reasonable to meet up with your family at the specific place relatively close to your home. In case there is no way of getting to your neighborhood you would use a second location which can be any public place such as church, school or other municipal institution.

It is very useful to have a contact person your family can keep in touch with, since any communication can sometimes be difficult during and after disaster. It needs to be someone you know very well and can always depend on in times when members of your family got separated by disaster. Choosing your contact should not be based on your relationship as much as it should be considered through communicative and disposable advantages of a person playing such an important role.

If it comes to an evacuation itself first of all remember to stay calm. If time permits wear reliable clothes and sturdy shoes. If instructed shutoff your water, gas and electricity lines. Take your evacuation kit with you.