Prepare

Job 1......have a plan. The following links help during this critical phase:

The National Hurricane Center offers this quote by director, Max Mayfield... "Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy." The NHC site provides numerous links and advice.

The American Red Cross has gathered a very comprehensive list of links and downloadable PDF files, including checklist.

Checklist keep you organized and focused.  SafetyCentral.com offers this one.

In keeping with their mission, The Open Directory Project, dmoz.org offers numerous links relative to prepardness.

The Humane Society offers a downloadable PDF file dealing with pets.

Weather Radios Provide Early Alerts. In May of 2006, KPLCTV interviewed local Homeland Security representative Dick Gremillion regarding emergency preparation. The interview was in response to a tornado incident unrelated to the Lake Area.  Mr. Gremillion's advice to secure a weather radio Mr. Gremillion's indicated the advantages of a weather radio.  Approximately $50.00, a weather radio with the alert feature is a "must have" regardless of where you live.

More links within the "prepare" category:

FEMA offers outstanding suggestions such as  "Are you ready?"

KPLC TV and KPLCTV.com have a history of providing information. Truly, "at your service" they      serve as an excellent media model.

We are often advised to turn off power when evacuating. These links assist in that regard:

Hometips.com offers this advice regarding power.

Proper planning includes having a destination and route. Evacuation maps for the full state are available at local libraries. They can also be downloaded from  the Louisiana Department of Homeland Security site.

A variety of sites, such as the following sell products relating to disaster preparedness

Among other products, The Preparedness Center sells first aid and survival kits, lighting supplies, radio, safety, travel, comfort and other products.

The EpiCenter is another vendor. They also offer a checklist in the form of a questionnaire. For example, have you gathered important phone numbers. More sites offering kits:      AreYouPrepared.com      LifeKit.com      BePrepared.com      72 Hour Kit offered by Equipped.com

Respond

Ideally, evacuate and do not return until local authorities provide an "all clear" signal.

The US Health and Human Services Department provides much to think about insofar as water safety and general health suggestions important during hurricanes.

If faced with loss of electrical power, be informed about generators and genertor safety. These links are a start.

HondaPowerEquipment.com offers a page specific to generators as does KohlerPowerSystems.com. The Red Cross advises generator safety.  GeneratorJoe.net is another source along with the following:      http://www.dom.com/about/safety/generator.jsp      http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/portgen.html      http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/gensaf.asp      http://www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/co/generator.shtm      http://www.pge.com/safety/gas_electric_safety_home/electric_safety/electric_generator_safety/      http://www.smps.us/home-generators.html

The US Health and Human Services Department provides much to think about insofar as water safety and general health suggestions important during hurricanes.

Recover

FEMA.gov offers helpful information from preparedness to recovery.  Their Recover and Rebuild section suggest what to do within the first 48 hours of a disaster as well as what to do if your property is damaged.