A well thought-out plan for you and your family can go a long way toward reducing the damage from hurricanes. With hurricane season upon us, preparing your family disaster plan is the first step.

Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but places within your community.
Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
Teach responsible family members how to turn off the utilities in your home.
Check your insurance coverage — flood damage is not usually covered by homeowner's insurance.
Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and your Disaster Supply Kit.
Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every six months.
Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.