You can encourage families in your congregation to prevent, or lessen the effects of, disasters or accidents. Here are some things that families should do.

• Learn how to prepare for potential disasters in your area.
• Create and practice a family disaster plan.
• Write down emergency phone numbers and personal support network information, and put them where they are readily available.
• Know special needs of, and communicate with, family members and neighbors.
• Store adequate supplies, such as an emergency kit.
• Know how and where to shut off utilities.
• Create a home exit plan and evacuation box.
• Retrofit homes and plan new construction with disaster mitigation in mind.