Are You Prepared for a Disaster?

Sept. 15, 2005 -- -- People caught in chaos are rarely at their best. They are scared, confused and desperate for clear direction. If a disaster struck today, would you know what to do?

Experts say the best way to stay safe is to be prepared. In conversations with ABC News, they outlined three parts of preparedness.

The first part is to figure out how to get in touch with your loved ones in the event of an emergency.

"There's nothing more terrifying than the separation and lack of communication with the people that you care about," said Dr. Irwin Redlener, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University.

Follow these steps to research, discuss and implement a family emergency plan:

1. Identify the risks in your local area

2. Make a plan with the family

  • Agree on a location to meet, in case you are separated

  • Decide where you will go if evacuation is required

  • Identify evacuation routes

  • Select an out-of-state contact and phone -- local numbers often don't work in a disaster zone.

Don't assume you will be able to rely on cell phones during an emergency, said Eric Holdeman, director of the King County, Wash., Office of Emergency Management.

"They very quickly become overloaded and that's an issue for emergency responders also," he said.

A text device like a Blackberry messaging device may offer a more reliable option, he said.

The next part to preparedness is to create a stockpile so that you can survive on your own for at least seven days. Here are some recommendations from experts:

  • One gallon of water per person per day

  • Canned foods -- and don't forget the can opener!

  • Granola bars, protein bars

  • Dried fruit

  • Separate your stockpiles; keep some in the house and some in the car

  • Remember to rotate the supplies yearly