Steps to prepare for Hurricane Season

May 26-- May 26--The best laid plans have the best chance of staying together in an emergency and with only a week left until the official start of hurricane season, now is the time to prepare, not when a storm is barreling toward us. Though it may seem a little silly to put together an extensive plan while the weather is clear, getting something together early and reviewing it often means you'll be ready when the time comes and level-headed rather than panicking. Here is a checklist of steps to take before disaster strikes:

* Prepare your disaster supply kit: Basic supplies can be found on the state's emergency website but the News Herald has also compiled a more comprehensive list based on our experiences during Hurricane Michael

* Compile lists: This may be the most time consuming, but it's very important: Have a list of everything in paper and electronic form. Document everyone in your family and their contact information for both their cell phone and any burner phone. List your cars and other vehicles and their license plate numbers. List pets. List medical conditions. List local emergency contact information. List your emergency contacts.

* Sign up for your local emergency alert system: Both the state and some counties have an emergency alert system, like Alert Bay, that will send out information before, during and after the storm through text, phone calls and email.

* Have an outside emergency contact: Whether it's a family member or family friend, have someone trustworthy outside the disaster zone who knows what is going on. Send them your lists. Let them know your plans, whether you intend to leave and where you're going, or whether you'll stay. If you're staying, see if they will put together a care package of supplies to send in a week once the postal service is back and running. And send them the local emergency contact information in case they cannot get ahold of you or your family needs help.

* Make copies: Have copies of all your important information and keep them somewhere waterproof. Birth certificates, prescriptions, insurance information, leases, titles to your home or your car, medical records etc. And make copies of your car and house keys!

* Know your evacuation zone: Check the county flood maps on their website and know what evacuation zone you are in so when the order goes out you can pick up and go instead of having to squint at a map.

* Know your local shelters: Know what schools or buildings are used as shelters, what order they open in, which ones accept pets and which ones can serve special needs populations.

* Have a plan to leave: Pick a destination to evacuate to and evacuate early if you feel you need to evacuate. Make sure everyone knows the destination if you get separated and tell your outside contact. Pick somewhere accessible through multiple routes in case there is traffic or roads are blocked and print out directions using each route to keep in your car.

* Have a plan to stay: Staying also requires a plan. Pick which room you're going to hunker down in and what supplies you will want to have with you. Figure out how you'll reinforce the room. Figure out your first steps when the storm winds down.

* Assign roles: Everyone in the family should play a part in preparation. This helps make sure everything gets done, but it also helps people stay calm in a crisis. This is especially helpful for children who may be scared -- give them a part to play so they feel like they are contributing and keeping everyone safe!

* Know your local landscape: If there's a particular river or pond or road you know always floods or any other local hiccups, make sure they are noted in your plan so you don't drive into a problem.

* Have a pet plan: Pets need a plan too! Know if you're going to kennel the animals or keep them with you. If you're going to kennel them, call the kennel and see if you can reserve space and make sure they will take animals during a disaster. If you're going to keep them with you, or travel with them, they need carriers, food, water, leashes and muzzles, as well as copies of their medical records.

* Review your plan: Every few months, go over the plan as a family to make sure everyone knows their role.

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