Your Family Today: Health

By Jodi Bryson for Your Family Today

Howling winds, surging floodwaters and wall-rattling tremors can be terrifying to kids -- and to adults too. But taking a few basic steps to prepare your family for the worst will make everyone feel calmer and safer. Here, a list of specific safety precautions you need to take in the event of a tornado, earthquake, hurricane or flash flood.

Tornado
Perhaps the only good thing you can say about a tornado is that you are usually given advance warning when it is coming your way.

Plan ahead Invest in a weather radio so you can listen to the local forecast even if your power goes out.

Act quickly When a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter in a basement or storm cellar. If you don't have access to one, kneel in a closet in the inside of the house. Face the wall and put your hands over your head.

Warning Don’t ever try to outrun a twister in your car. Your car is one of the most dangerous places to be during a tornado.

Earthquake
Unlike tornadoes, earthquakes come without warning, so you’ll have to practice the drill ahead of time.

Plan ahead The American Red Cross recommends choosing a safe place in every room -- under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you. Tell your kids where those places are and teach them how to "drop, cover and hold on."

Act quickly If you feel the ground start to tremble beneath you, crouch in this safe place and cover your face and head with your arms. Stay inside until the shaking stops.

Warning If you are outside when an earthquake strikes, move away from the sides of buildings, overhead wires, trees and other hazards.

Hurricane
When you live in a hurricane-prone area or are traveling to one, it's important to prepare a personal evacuation plan.

Plan ahead Identify several places you could go, like an out-of-town family member's house, a hotel or shelter. Keep a map handy, since you might have to take alternate routes if the roads are jammed or closed. And try to keep at least half a tank of gas in your car at all times in case you have to evacuate on short notice.

Act quickly When a hurricane warning is issued, evacuate immediately. Take important documents with you, such as drivers licenses, passports and birth certificates. Don't forget any prescription medications, baby necessities (like diapers) or medical supplies.

Warning Don’t stick around to see how bad it gets. If you do, evacuation routes may be backed up, making it impossible to get out.

Flood
You may get a warning that flash floods are coming, but you may only have seconds to react.

Plan ahead Review your insurance coverage to make sure you have adequate flood insurance. Many Americans are underinsured.

Act quickly When a flash flood warning is issued, evacuate immediately. Move to higher ground away from rivers or storm drains. If your car stalls in rising waters, abandon it and climb to higher ground.

Warning Never attempt to drive on a flooded street -- your car could be swept away in seconds.

All Disasters

Here, a few other general guidelines for disaster preparedness:

• Fasten furniture to avoid objects from shifting or blocking exit areas.

• Install automatic gas shut-off valves to prevent a fire following an earthquake or tornado.

• Assemble an emergency kit that includes food and water for three days for each person; shelter gear such as ponchos, thermal blankets, tents and tarps; lighting supplies such as flashlights, fluorescent lanterns, candles and windproof, waterproof matches; and first-aid supplies such as antiseptics, bandages, gauze pads and prescription medications.

• Buy a shut-off wrench if you haven’t installed auto-valves.

• Keep a two-story escape ladder.

• Have a weather radio or solar-operated AM/FM radio.

• Buy restroom wipes and a 55-gallon container to serve as a makeshift toilet.

• Buy water-purification tablets and a 5-gallon container in case you have to purify your own water.

• Run emergency drills at home.