When a major disaster occurs, it is impossible for emergency services to respond to everyone's needs immediately. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least the first 72 hours, and possibly for an entire week. When making a family disaster plan, remember to include any special needs for children, seniors, people with disabilities, family members who don't speak English and pets.
Have at least one "traditional" phone with a cord connecting the base to the handset. Remember that portable phones need power to function.
Duplicate important documents and keep them somewhere other than your house, like a safety deposit box or with someone you trust. Important documents include drivers license, passport, social security card, wills, deeds, financial statements, insurance information and prescriptions.
Make a written and photographic record of all your valuables. This should also be kept off-site.
Prepare a disaster supply kit that could support the needs of your family for at least three days.
Everyday citizens can learn how to come to the aid of the community during a widespread emergency as a member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and through Personal Emergency Preparedness training (PEP). For more information, go to http://www.fremontCERT.org/ or to http://www.fremont.gov.