Monitor the TV and radio (KOGO 600 AM or KLSD 1360 AM) for flood warnings. Know flood warning procedures. During heavy and prolonged rain events, check local radio and TV news for flood and tsunami warning alerts.

Set up a personal family disaster and evacuation plan with alternative meeting places, and review the plan with your family.

Teach your children safety rules for home and school. Teach them how and when to call “911”, police and fire.

Designate one out-of-state and one local family member or friend to contact if separated by a disaster (it is often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area).

Choose two meeting places: 1) one close to home in case of a fire, and 2) one outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return after a disaster.

Prepare your emergency evacuation kit. Store it in an easy to carry container such as back pack, and place it in a safe and easily accessible location. Include emergency numbers, medication, battery powered radio, flash light, waterproof clothes, blankets, food for people and pets, etc.

Know how to shut off the electricity at the electrical panel, gas service at the meter and water service at the shutoff valve. If this is not possible, turn off and disconnect all electrical appliances. Never turn your gas service back on after shutting it off. Only a certified gas company representative should turn the gas back on.

Evacuate from Flood Hazard Areas in times of impending flood or when advised to do so by local officials.

Make arrangements to stay with family members, friends, or out-of-town if you are evacuated.

If you have pets, make special arrangements for their care. Pets are not allowed in public shelters.

Prepare a list of all important contact information, personal property such as expensive and irreplaceable furniture, clothes, jewelry, photographs, etc. Tell all the family members about this list and what to do in time of emergency.

If flooding is likely move furniture and any other valuables to a location away from flooding or to higher floors.

Inventory, video and photograph your home and its content and put important papers in a safe, and water proof location. This is very important if you ever need to submit claims to Insurance Companies.

Keep insurance documents and valuables in a safe-deposit box or move them to upper floors.

Protect family photos and heirlooms. Sometimes damage to such items may never be restored to the original condition.