Assign a Leader

• During a crisis, following a chain of command is useful. Everyone knows the role they will play; and as a team, family members, friends and/or work colleagues have a better chance of survival. A team leader should be selected based on his maturity and authority. The oldest person in a group would seem like the natural choice, but mental and physical abilities are the most important criteria to consider.
  
  

Follow a Plan

• Write up an emergency management plan and post it in a conspicuous place, such as a hallway or refrigerator. Fire exit signs are always clearly marked in commercial buildings. You need to have one for your own residence or school as well. An evacuation plan should be reviewed and revamped as necessary.
  
  

Assemble Resources

• Collect and store resources, including warm clothing, blankets, water, non-perishable food items, flash lights, rechargeable batteries and a portable radio, where you work or live. The resources should be stored in a basement or outdoor shed and not locked. Stock a first aid kit with bandages and basic medical supplies and keep that handy. Locate important documentation, such as wills, health care proxy information, insurance and other vital records and store them in a vault off-site or fire-proof box.
  
  

Get Help

• Personal losses may paralyze you, but there is help, including food, shelter and even pet care, if you know where to turn in a crisis. Make a list of the names and contact information for your insurance agent, local Federal Emergency Management Agency, hospital, bank and utility suppliers, such as gas, electric and water. Keep a copy of the list with a friend or relative.