CONTACT NAMES (create a hard copy with this information):

• Power, light, gas or other utility companies
• Banks and other financial institutions
• Employer 
• Insurance agents 
• Alarm system
• Doctors
• Minister, Rabbi, or Priest
• Neighbors, friends
• Relatives
• Social Security Office

STORE COMPUTER BACKUPS IN A SAFE PLACE
If you keep much of your information in electronic format on your computer and a flood carries your computer away, you are up a creek without a paddle! Although these suggestions require some effort and time, imagine the effort and time you would have to expend if you don't do it and something happens to your computer. Here are some practical tips to help you recover from a disaster:

• Keep a backup of the software program and store it in a safe place -- a fireproof box, a safe deposit box, or another location. Update this backup as you download updates from the Internet. Keep ALL important information in "My Documents" and do a daily or weekly backup of this. I burn a CD with the contents of My Documents regularly, and I keep these CDs in a fireproof box. Zip drives can also be used. For most people, a floppy disc is too small to use anymore.
• Be sure that family, friends, and appropriate professionals (your attorney, financial planner, etc.) know where to find backups in case you are not able to direct them to important information.

FOOD:

• Have a five-day supply of food (including some non-perishable food) on hand for each member of your household, including pets. 
• Have one gallon of water per person per day for up to five days. Keep stored in a cool dark place. Stored water should be refreshed every six months.
• A full bathtub or hot tub can provide water for flushing toilets.
• In the event of a power outage, keep refrigerators and freezers shut, and open only when necessary.
• If power goes out, eat perishable foods first, then canned foods.
• Have an ample supply of propane or charcoal and lighter on hand for outdoor cooking in the event of a power outage. Never use open flames or charcoal grills indoors, as this may cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

SUPPLIES (for home and car):

• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• First-aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Transistor radio and batteries
• Paper plates, plastic utensils
• Manual can opener
• Gas in your car

HOME:
Check regularly to see if these items have reliable battery back-up and are in good working condition:

• Fire and security systems
• Programmable thermostats
• Answering machines/voice mail systems
• Other electronic equipment that contains battery backups

MEDICINE & HEALTH: 

• Have at least a five-day supply of prescription drugs on hand if you need them.
•  If you are on kidney dialysis or need regular medical care, have a plan in place for getting your needs fulfilled.

FINANCES:

• Keep paper records including your financial statements, insurance, stocks, investments, and Social Security records
• Have some cash on hand. Keep as much as you feel comfortable with. Be sensible about how much cash you keep at home.

EMERGENCIES:

• Listen to local radio stations for updates and instructions.
• Be prepared to relocate to a shelter for warmth and protection during a prolonged power outage or if local officials request or require that you leave your home.
• Don't call 911 unless you need emergency assistance.
• Use your time on the phone or on computer modems to a minimum. Leave the lines available for emergency calls.
• Learn how to turn off your household gas and water. Be sure to have the gas company turn the gas back on so pilot lights can be re-lighted at the same time.
• Examine smoke alarms now. If yours is hard-wired, does it have a battery back-up? If so, is the battery fresh.