Making a survival plan

THINGS TO DO NOW

• Establish a family emergency plan. Discuss how to prepare for and respond to a hurricane, what to bring if you are evacuated.

• Make an emergency kit that includes a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day), food that won't spoil, a manual can opener, flashlight, portable radio, a phone with a cord, plenty of extra batteries, prescription medicines, valuable documents, cash, bedding, first-aid kit, first-aid manual, change of clothing, an extra set of car keys, and special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.

• Make an inventory of possessions. Take pictures or video of each room; in case of damage, the images will help you identify what is lost. Make an additional copy to give to your insurance claims adjuster. Store photos or discs in a secure, dry place where you can retrieve them after the storm.

• Assess your storm preparations. Learn safe routes inland and know where you'll go if you evacuate.

• Make arrangements for pets. Registration for the two pet-friendly shelters in Miami-Dade and the one in Broward is required and space is limited.

• Obtain and store materials such as hurricane panels or, as a last resort, plywood, that are needed to secure your home.

• Consider your roof and the structure of your house and make necessary repairs.

• Remove coconuts and other yard debris.

• Check your fire extinguisher.

• Make arrangements to secure your boat on a trailer or move it to safe harbor.

• Review your windstorm, flood and homeowner's insurance policies.

IF A WATCH IS ISSUED

• Begin listening for storm updates or check National Hurricane Center updates online at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

• Fill the car's gas tank and keep it topped off. Make sure the battery is in good condition.

• Fill propane tanks for gas grills and camp stoves.

• Check your battery-powered equipment. A radio could be your only link with the outside world during and after a hurricane.

• Review your preparedness plan with your household.

• Pick two places for your family to meet: a spot outside your home in case of emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood, in case you can't return home.

• Establish an out-of-town phone number with family or friends to relay messages about your whereabouts after the storm.

• Refill pending prescriptions.

• Stock supplies of canned foods, soft drinks and water.

• Collect medical and property insurance papers, immunization records and medical records of anyone with special needs in a rugged, waterproof container. Include a few cherished mementos. If you evacuate to a shelter, take these items with you.

• If you are not in an evacuation zone, determine your ''safe room'' or a room that is away from windows and has walls close together.

• Put shutters, window and door protection in place if instructed by local officials.

• Do not trim branches or limbs from trees. These could become dangerous missiles if picked up by the wind.

• Locate the turnoff valves for electricity, water and gas.

• Inspect and secure mobile home tie-downs.

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