It is important that you have the skills and knowledge to be ready for any emergency.

• Practice your emergency plan with your family at least twice a year so you can react quickly and confidently.
• Follow the instructions given by emergency officials.
• Prepare a list of important telephone numbers that you may need to call during an emergency situation.  Include emergency services, local utility providers, and out-of-town contacts.
• Familiarize yourself with the utilities in your home.  Locate the controls for the water, natural gas, and electricity lines that come into your home.  Learn how to safely turn them off if you are instructed to do so by authorities in the event of an emergency.  Do not turn of natural gas utilities unless absolutely necessary.  A qualified professional is required to restore this service and there may be a long delay following an emergency situation.
• Take a first aid course, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).  These life saving skills can be used to help others in an emergency situation.