So far, the year 2005 has seen the fourth busiest hurricane season in recorded history. The devastation of Katrina and Rita has left nearly one million homeless and many more ingrained with a vivid image of the oft-vicious temperament of Mother Nature. With hurricane season still upon us until the end of November, and the devastation still fresh in our minds, it is important to remember there are measures that can be taken by both individuals and communities before the storm strikes to reduce vulnerability to hurricane hazards.

While some disasters occur suddenly and without warning, there are still ways to plan ahead and prepare. These steps can make a big difference should you need to cope with an unexpected natural disaster. Below are some suggestions from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Center for Disease Control for personal and family emergency preparedness for hurricane disasters.

Be informed and make a plan. A critical factor in surviving emergencies is being prepared. Your chances of survival will be heightened, and the level of impact a disaster has will be lessened, by knowing what to do before, during and after the storm.

Make a plan of action. Learn about your family’s various (community, workplace, school) emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters. Make sure family members know the routine if a hurricane strikes, and have emergency plans/numbers posted in prominent places. If you own a pet, remember to include plans for their safety in your family’s emergency plan.

Learn important emergency skills such as first-aid. In times of emergency, professional medical assistance may not be immediately available, so make sure family members have basic emergency skills. Besides first aid, it is crucial family members are familiar with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers and how to use them. Teach responsible family members how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches as well in times of emergency. Conduct evacuation drills and regularly practice these basic safety skills.

Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the hurricane strikes. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuate. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.

Keep important papers such as such as insurance policies, wills, licenses, stocks, etc. in a place you can easily access in case of evacuation: By simply keeping your important papers in one central location, you can make emergency situations that less frantic. Keep them in a water and fire-proof container.

Stockpile emergency food and supplies: Since an emergency can potentially leave you and your family members isolated, make sure you have on hand at least a five-day supply of food and water for each person. Water (about five gallons per person) should be stored in sealed, unbreakable containers. And because refrigeration and cooking facilities may not be available, food should be non-perishable. Other items to keep on hand include:

• Special foods or medicines required by family members. Keep family member prescriptions in a document, giving generic names and prescribed dosage and include the name and telephone number of your doctor. For those who rely on medical devices such as a pacemaker, the style, serial number, and other pertinent information should be carried with you at all times.

• Battery-powered radio and flashlight and extra batteries for each.

• A first aid kit and manual. Your local fire department, rescue squad, or local American Red Cross chapter can offer advice about items you should include in your kit.

• Fire-fighting equipment to suppress small fires, including an all-purpose, 5-lb. fire extinguisher (rated A-B-C).

• Fuel heating device. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and make sure there is adequate ventilation to avoid build-up of hazardous fumes.

• Sleeping bags or extra blankets.

• Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach.

• Disposable cleaning cloths, such as "baby wipes" for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available.

• Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.

• An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.

Be prepared to evacuate. Expect the need to evacuate and prepare for it. The National Weather Service will issue a hurricane watch when there is a threat to coastal areas of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. A hurricane warning indicates that a hurricane is expected in a specific coastal area in 24 hours or less. If the hurricane's path is unusual or erratic, the warnings may be issued only a few hours before the beginning of hurricane conditions.

When a hurricane watch is issued, you should:

• Fill your automobile's gas tank. If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.

• Fill your clean water containers.

• Review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing.

• Tune in the radio or television for weather updates.

• Secure any items outside which may damage property in a storm, such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, etc.

• Cover windows and doors with plywood or boards to reduce the risk of breakage and flying glass.

• Put livestock and family pets in a safe area. Due to food and sanitation requirements, emergency shelters cannot accept animals.

• Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing.

• Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.

If a hurricane warning is issued for your area or you are directed by authorities to evacuate the area:

• Take only essential items with you.

• If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water. Disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored.

• Make sure your automobile's emergency kit is ready.

• Follow the designated evacuation routes -- others may be blocked or inaccessible -- and expect heavy traffic.

• Listen to local radio or television stations for continuing advisories on ways to help recover from the emergency.
No emergency plans are complete without knowing what to do after the storm is over. Following these tips can keep you and your family safe while you recover from a hurricane:

• Remember, buildings that don’t look damaged on the exterior can be structurally unsound. Use extreme caution when entering buildings that may have been damaged by the disaster as they could collapse without warning.

• Check for leaking gas pipes in your home. Do this by smell only; don’t use matches or candles. If you smell gas immediately open windows and doors, turn off the main gas valve, leave the house and go to another location and notify the gas company and/or fire department. Don't re-enter the house until you are told it is safe to do so.

• If any of your electrical appliances are wet, first turn off the main power switch in your house, then unplug the wet appliances, dry them out, and check for visible damage. If there is none, you can reconnect the appliances and turn the power switch on. But do not do any of this while wet or while standing in water. If fuses blow when power is restored, turn off the main power switch again and then inspect for short circuits in your home wiring, appliances, and equipment. Call the utility company for help.

• Use only battery-powered lanterns or flashlights to examine your home for damage, as flammables may be inside.

• Check food and water supplies before using them. Foods that require refrigeration may be spoiled if electric power has been off for some time. Don't eat fresh food that has come in contact with flood water. Be sure to follow the broadcasted instructions concerning the use of food and water supplies.

• Avoid floodwater and mosquitoes. If you are caught in an area where floodwater is rising, wear a life jacket, or wear or keep at hand some other type of flotation device. Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts and using insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin.

• Report damaged water, sewage, and gas lines to the proper authorities.

• If you must use your car, drive carefully along streets and avoid debris. Avoid loose, dangling, or broken wires, and report them to the fire department or utility company.

• Don't visit the disaster area, as you may hamper rescue efforts.

• Notify your insurance agent or broker if your property was damaged.

You can find more information about preparing your family and your home for a hurricane by visiting the National Association of Home Builders Web site at www.nahb.org. You can also contact your local builders association at 770-716-7109.

[Jeff Waddle, who is Project Manager/Atlanta for David Weekley Homes, is president of the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia, which serves a membership of approximately 650 builders and associate members in Fayette, Coweta, Spalding, Meriwether, Heard, Pike, Upson, Lamar, Butts and Jasper counties.]