September is National Preparedness Month

A natural disaster can occur at any time. During the sixth annual National Preparedness Month in 2009, you are reminded to prepare for a disaster before one occurs.

Whether your area is subject to tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes or snowstorms, many of the steps you can take are basic to all. (Of course, in extreme cases, you could be ordered to evacuate. Heed the order and go!)

At work: Keep a pack of personal supplies at your desk, including a pair of walking shoes.

Know the exit routes and locations of fire extinguishers and stairways. Carry a card listing important phone numbers, including an out-of-state contact.

At home: Prepare to be isolated and without power for at least three days.

Stock an extra cabinet with canned goods, dry foods, drinks, first-aid supplies and a manual can opener. When foods are on sale, buy some extra for your emergency supply.

Keep a kit in the cabinet stocked with hand tools and work gloves so you can turn off gas lines.

Water may be scarce. Keep two gallons per person on hand for drinking and washing. And have at least one change of clothing for each person in an accessible special place.

Keep a portable radio and extra batteries on hand and an extra battery for your cellphone in case you can't recharge.

Your car: Maintain your gas tank at about one-quarter full. You can't buy gas during a power outage unless the station has a backup generator.

Your money: Stash a little extra cash in your home and a roll of quarters. Otherwise, the only money you will have is what's in your pocket. Cash machines and credit cards don't work in a power outage.

Your contacts: Because family members could be at school or work when a disaster occurs, be sure each knows the telephone number of your emergency contact, someone in another state. They can call to learn each other's locations and how they can get back together.

For further information on preparedness, visit theepicenter.com.

Gabe Sanders and Susan Maxwell

Stuart Florida Real Estate

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