Though Nebraska is not typically in a region affected by hurricanes, many Nebraskans have friends and family that may live in threatened areas. The best way you can help keep your family and friends safe is to encourage them to create a hurricane preparedness plan. Encourage your family members to:

Get or assemble a disaster supplies kit:
Gather enough emergency supplies to meet your needs. A portable kit, stored in a sturdy, easy to carry, water resistant container should have enough supplies for three days. Whether you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, your kit should include:

1. A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day) and ready-to-eat non-perishable foods, such as tuna fish, peanut butter, crackers, canned fruit, juice boxes, etc.
2. A manual can opener
3. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
4. A first aid kit and reference guide
5. Prescription and non-prescription medication items
6. Copies of important documents, including birth certificates, insurance policies and social security cards
7. Cash. ATMs and credit cards won't work if the power is out.
8. Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
9. A change of clothes for everyone, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy footwear
10. One blanket or sleeping bag per person
11. Emergency tools, including tools to turn off utilities
12. An extra set of home and car keys
13. An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, extra batteries for hearing aids
14. Pet supplies

Prepare a Personal Disaster and Evacuation Plan
The American Red Cross urges each and every household to develop a household disaster plan.

• Meet with your family to create a plan. Discuss the information you have gathered and why it is important to prepare for a disaster.
• Identify two meeting places; One right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire, and one outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
• Be sure to make advanced preparations for your pets. Be aware that pets may not be allowed in shelters. Contact hotels, motels, family members and animal shelters to see if they would allow pets in a disaster situation. Keep a contact list of "pet friendly" locations. If you are asked to evacuate, take your pets with you.
• Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. During or after a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance, especially if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your emergency contact person's phone number and email address.
• Show and explain to each family member how and when to turn off the water and electricity at the main switches. Turn gas off only if instructed by local authorities. Remember, if the gas is shut-off, only a professional can turn it back on.
  Plan your evacuation route. Use local maps and identify alternate evacuation routes from home, work and/or school. Know where you are going and how you plan to get there before you leave home.

Tell your family to learn about the Red Cross Safe and Well web site, accessible at all times via www.redcross.org.

• The Safe and Well Web site is an Internet-based tool that allows those directly affected by a disaster to let their loved ones know of their well-being. People within a disaster affected area are able to select and post standard "safe and well" messages. Concerned family members who know the person's phone number (home, cell, or work) or a complete home address can search for the messages posted by those who self-register.

Be informed:

• Find out what types of disasters are likely to occur in your area and how to prepare for each.
• Find out how local authorities will contact you during a disaster. Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for details about community disaster education presentations that may be arranged or are available in your workplace, school or community organization.
• Get trained in CPR and first aid so you will know how to respond to emergencies in the event that help is delayed.
• If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. You may choose to evacuate sooner than alerted if you think you may need additional time.