The American Red Cross urges each and every household to develop a household disaster plan. gathered and why it is important to prepare for a disaster. you are asked to evacuate , take your pets with you. your emergency contact person 's phone number and email address. for the messages posted by those who self-register. a professional can turn it back on. going and how you plan to get there before you leave home . -- Find out how local authorities will contact you during a disaster. storm conditions and follow the advice of local authorities. available in your workplace , school or community organization. emergencies in the event that help is delayed. evacuate sooner than alerted if you think you may need additional time. furniture or move it to a higher floor to protect it from flooding . -- Fill your vehicle 's gas tank . -- Check your disaster supplies kit to make sure items have not expired .